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SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. 



By JAMES H. SMITH. 



ASSISTED BY HUME H. CALE. 



Published by D. MASON & CO., 




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SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



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SYRACUSE, N. Y. : 
T R U A I R , SMITH & BRUCE, 
PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 
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Contents. 



CHAPTER I.— Aborigines — Pre-Historic Period — face 
The Iroquois Confederacy — Its (Origin and 
Organization — Tribal Relations — Secret 
of Its Power — Its Superiority and Suprem- 
acy — Its Degeneracy !i 

CHAPTER II.— Indian Habits and Usages— Indian 
Dwellings— Indian Towns — Social Usages 
— Dress and Habits — Law of Marriages — 
Experimental Marriages — Family Disci- 
pline — Amusements— Dances and Feasts 
— The War Dance— Stated Annual Festi- 
vals — Medical Feasts — Dreams — "Wizards 
and Witches — Burials — Wampum — Hos- 
pitality 20 

CHAPTER III.— Early Discoveries— European Com- 
petition in the Western Continent — Settle- 
ments and Conflicting Claims of the 
Dutch, French and English — The English 
Supercede the Dutch in New Netherlands 
— Iroquois and Early Colonists — Cham 
plain's Invasions of 1609 and 1615— Loca- 
tion of the Fort attacked by Cham plain in 
1615 — Iroquois make Peace with French 
— Iroquois Conquests aud Supremacy 32 

CHAPTER IV.— FreDch and English Rivalry— Ex- 
pedition of M. de Courcelles against the 
Mohawks — M. de Tracy's Expedition 
against the Mohawks — Peace of Breda — 
French and Iroquois at warin Ki6!i— Peace 
of 1673 — M. de la Barre's Expedition 
against the Seuecas — M. de Denonville's 
Expedition against the Senecas — French 
and English War of 1(589 — Attack on Mon- 
treal and Quebec — Frontenac Invades the 
Onondaga Country — Treaty of Ryswick — 
Treaty of Utrecht— Tuscaroras admitted 
to Iroquois Confederacy — French and 
English War of 1 744-1748— Treaty of Aix- 
la-Chappelle — War Renewed in 17.">."> — 
Treaty of Paris — Pontiac's Conspiracy — 
War of the Revolution — Present Status of 
Iroquois 39 

CHAPTER V.— The Senecas— Their Origin and Sym- 
bols — Antiquity and Extent of their Coun- 
try — Their Status among the Iroquois — 
Their Early Town Sites— Greenhalgh's 
Journal — The Seuecas Visited by LaMotte, 
Hennepin and LaSalle — Mission of Sieur 
de Joncaire — Jesuit Missions — Jogue's 
Mission to the Mohawks -Le Moine's 
Mission at Onondaga — Chaumonot Estab- 
lishes the Missions of St. Joseph among 
the Cayugas ami of St. Michael 
among the Seuecas- -Missions of Fathers 
Fremin, Raffeix aud Gamier — Seneca 
Mission Resumed by Fathers Gamier aud 



CHAPTER V.- Continued.) page 

VaUlant— Fathers Bruyas and Fenelon — 

Episcopal Missions — New England Mis- 
sions — Rev. Sam'l Kh'kland — Missionary 
Societies of Massachusetts and New York. 59 

CHAPTER VI.— Titles to the Soil— Extinguishment 
of Indian Titles— Line of Property— Con- 
flicting Claims of New York and Massa- 
chusetts — Preemption Line — New Y'ork 
aud Massachusetts Surrender Claims 
to Territory to Federal Government — 
Treaty and Cession of 1784— Phelps aud 
Gorham's Purchase- Treaty and Cession 
of 17S8— Pultney Estate— Holland Land 
Company — Holland Purchase — Connect i- 
cut Tract — Transit Line— Morris Reserve 
— Forty thousandacre Tract — Moms Hon- 
orary Creditor's Tract — Robert Moms' 
Litter to President Washington — Treaty 
and Cession of Big Tree in 1797 — Red 
Jacket's Insincerity — Difficulties Experi- 
enced in Determining the Extent and 
Boundaries of Reservations — Mary Jemi- 
son's Farm — Lessee Company — Effort 
made to Dismember the State — Reserva- 
tions made in 1797 — Treaty aud Cession 
of 1826 7n 

CHAPTER VII— Early Civil Divisions— Formation 
of Livingston Couuty— Original Towns 
in Livingston County — Subsequent Ter- 
ritorial Changes — Topography — Bounda- 
ries, Area and Geographical Situation — 
Improved Land in 1820 and 1875 — Char- 
acter of Surface — Genesee River — Falls 
at Portage — The Genesee made a Public 
Highway — Charlevoix's Description of 
the Genesee in 1712 — Indian Name of 
the Genesee — Its Principal Tributaries — 
Canaseraga Creek — Cashaqua Creek — 
Couesus aud Hemlock Lakes — Climate of 
Liviugston Couuty — Soil — Staple Produc- 
tions— Chief Industry— Comparative Anal- 
ysis of the Census of 1875— Livingston 
County Compared with other Counties in 
the State— Towns in Livingston Couuty 
Compared 77 

CHAPTER VIII.— Geology— Succession of Under- 
lying Rocks iu the County — Water-lime 
of the Onondaga Salt Group — Onondaga 
Limestone— Coraiferous Limestone— Mar- 

cellus Shales- -Hamilton Group— Geue- 
see Slate — Portage Group -- Cashaqua 
Shale —Gardeau Shale aud Flagstones — 
Portage Sandstones— Diagonal Lamina- 
tion Rippie Marks — Casts of Shrinkage 
Cracks — Concretions or Septaria— Casts 



COM'] NTS. 



CHAPTER VIII. (Conttoi 

Of Flowing Mini. Etc. Indications of 

i loal Snlphurett< ,l ii\ drogeo Bprii 
Avon Springs Brii 3] Alluvial 
1 1. posits Marl Chara Mastodon Re- 
mains 83 

ill IPTER l\ i a ' & Itlements and Measures 
Leading Thereto Military Tract— Mill- 
iard Tract Census of 1790 First Set- 
tlements in Livingston County Commun- 
ication opened with the Si ttlements in 
Pennsylvania- Arks Charles William- 
son becomes Agent of the Pultnej Estate 
- Progress of Settlements under his En- 
ergetic Exertions The Village of Wil- 
liamsbnrgh Fonnded Settlements Ke- 
tarded by War with the Western Indians 
aad unfriendly Attitude of thi British in 
Canada " Simcoe War" Remarkable 
Progress of Settlements Scotch Colony 
at Caledonia Robert Monro's Descrip- 
tion of the Genesee Country in 1804 Set- 
tlements Interrupted by War of 1812— 
Population at Different Periods— Homes 
and Privations of the Early Settlers 91 

CHAPTER X. Interna] Improvements - Indian 
Trails: Routes Indicated by Blazed Trees 
Improvements in Natural Water Chan- 
nels Western Inland Loci Navigation 
Company old Genesee Road Cayuga 
Bridge Seneca Turnpike Company — 
First Mail between Whitestown and the 
Genesee — Williamsburgh Rood First 
Vessel and Steamboat on Lake Erie- The 
i i i 'anal Earl] Speculations Regard- 
ing It First Survey Thereof Inst Hoard 
of Canal Commissioners first Contract 
on Erie Canal Construction Commi a 
— The Completion ( ielel irated — Erie Caual 
i.:i. i ment Navigation of thi < tenesee 
First Canal Boat and Steamboat thereon 
Genesee Valley Canal — Preliminary 
Measures Construction Luthorized — Its 
Completion Dansville and Rochester 
Railroad Geneseo and Pittsford Rail- 
road Attica and Hornellsville Railroad— 
Portage Bridge— Portage Riot Buffalo 
and Cohocton Valley Railroad Rochester 
and Genesee Valley Railroad- Genesee 
Valley Railroad— Avon, Geneseo and Mt. 
Morns Kailroad Dansville and (ienesee 
Valley Kailroad ( 'oinpany -Erie and Gen- 
esee Valley Railroad Silver Lake Kail- 
road i lanandaiguaand Niagara Falls Rail- 
Rochester, Nundaand Pennsylvania 
Railroad Rochi Bter and ( rem aei \ alley 

Canal Kailroad 106 

ell \ri i.i; \i Soi I Medical Society of 
tin' County of Livingston — Its Organiza- 
tion and First Officers Succession of 
Presidents of the Society Names of 
Members from its Organization— Origin 
of Homeopathy -Its Introduction into 
Livingston County Homeopathic Med- 
ical Society of Livingston County Its 
Constituent Me n i he rs Succession of Pres- 
idents of the Society — Additional Mem- 
he rs The Livingston County Agricultu- 
ral Society First Officers Premiums 
Awarded Classification of Members iu 
ls.Vi Prominent Stock Kaisers and Hor- 
ticulturists iii County Succession of Pres- 
idents of the Agricultural Society Liv- 
ingston County Slock Association Liv- 
ingston County Historical Society Liv- 
ingston County Pioneer Association 110 



CHAPTER XTL- The Press of Livingston County— fags 

Origin of the press The American Press 
— Its Mar\el,,us Growth Early Journal- 
ism in Livingston County The First 
Newspaper in Livingston County The 
Dnion and Constitution The Livingston 
Republican The Dansville Express — 
rhe Laws of Life and Journal of Health— - 
The Xunda News The Dansville Adver- 
I in Mi. Morris Enterpi iee Thi 
Livingston County Herald -The Union 
Citizen — The Caledouia Advertise, The 
Springwater Enterprise — Obsolete Pa- 
lais 121 

CHAPTER Mil. I arly Courts County Seat Des- 
ignated First County Officers County 
Buildings First Court in Livingston 
County County Poor-House — Insane 
Asylum Livingston County Civil List 
Delegates to state Constitutional Conven- 
tions—State Senators .Members of As- 
s< ml dy First and County Judges — Surro- 
gates — District Attorneys — Sheriffs — 
County Clerks County Treasurers — 
County Superintendents of the Common 
Schools School Commissioners — Presi- 
dential Electors — Representatives in Con- 
gress 127 

CHAPTER MV. War of the Rebellion— Its Dnder- 
lyingCanse Secession of South Carolina, 
Followed by Other States First Measures 
to Repr< ss Rebellion — Ready Response of 
the North —Additional Troops Called for — 
Prompt and Generous Response of Liv- 
ton County — Thirteenth Regiment — 
Twenty-Seventh Kcgirnent — Thirty-Third 
Regiment — Regimental Camp at Geneseo 

I lie Hundred and Fourth Regiment, or 
Wadsworth Guards— Calls of July 2, 1862, 
and August I, |m;:' — Military Districts 
Formed — The One Hundred and Thirtieth 
Regiment, or First Ni w York Dragoons — 
One Hundred and Thirty-Sixth Regiment 
— The Draft — Quotas Under Various Calls 

Subsequent Calls — County Bounty — 
Enormous Local Bounties- State Bounty 
- Local Bounties Abrogated Contribu- 
tions to the Support of the Indigent Fam- 
ilies of Volunteers — Quotas Under Last 
Three Calls 134 

CHAPTER XV.— History of the Town of North 

Dansville 155 

CHAPTER XVI— History of the Town of Ossian. ... 209 

CHAPTER XVII— History of the Town of Spring- 
water 216 

CHAPTER aWni.— History of the Town of Sparta. 224 
CHAPTER XIX. - History of the Town of West 

Sparta 285 

CHAPTER XX. History of the Town of Nunda... . 242 

CHAPTER XXI History of tin- Town of Portage. L'i;l> 
til VPTF.K XXII. — History of the Town of Mount 

Morris 283 

CHAPTER Will. History of the Town of Conesus 823 

CH W'TF.K XXIV.- History of the Town of Leices- 
ter 

ill W'TKK XXV. History of the Town of Grove- 
land 348 

CHAPTER XXVI. —History of the Town of Livonia 361 
CHAPTER XXVII. -History of the Town of Gen- 
eseo 381 

CHAPTER XXVm.- History of the Town of York. 110 
CHAPTER XXIX. History of the Town of Avon... 426 



X 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXX.— History of the Town of Cale- 
donia 447 

CHAPTER XXXI.— History of the Town of Lima... 409 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Alverson James Lawrence, LL. D. , Lima, portrait, 

(steel) facing 487 

Atherton Oliver, Leicester, portraits self and wife, 

facing 343 

Ayrault Allen, Geneseo, portrait facing 395 

Allen, Samuel P., Geneseo, portrait facing 388 

Barker S. S., Nunda, portraits self and wife. ..facing 200 
Barney George W., Mt. Morris, portraits self and 

wife facing 310 

Beardsley Jared, Portage, view of residence, .facing 270 
Beebe James E., Leicester, portraits self and wife 

facing 338 

Beecher John S., Livonia, portrait 381 

Bennett Charles D., Portage, portrait facing 278 

Bennett George Hosmer, Lima, portrait facing 48'J 

Bennett Joel C, Portage, portrait 277 

Bennett Mrs. Walter, Portage, portrait 279 

Bennett J. Yates, Portage, portrait 280 

Bigelow Epaphroditus, Geneseo, portrait 407 

Bingham Bros., Mt. Morris, bank block facing 303 

Bissell Daniel H., M. D. , Geneseo, portrait... .facing 405 

Blake Jesse, Livonia, portrait 380 

Blakeslee Senator, York, portrait between 424-42". 

Brooks Gen Micah, Mt. Morris, portrait facing 310 

Brown Merritt H., Dansville, portrait 201 

Butler Frederick \V., Geneseo, portrait 400 

Cameron Angus, Caledonia, portrait 40.". 

Cameron John, Caledonia, portraits self and wife, 

facing 4.-.1 

Cameron Duncan A., Caledonia, portrait 4G."> 

Chamberlain Oscar L., West Sparta, portrait 239 

Coe Nathaniel, Portage, portrait facing 278 

Coe George F., Conesus, portrait facing 333 

Colt Hon. Charles, Geneseo, portrait 409 

Craig William, York, portrait facing 420 

Crossett John, Geneseo, portrait, (steel) facing 404 

Court House Frontispiece 

Donnau David, York, portrait between 424-42.". 

Dickinson E. O., Nunda, residence between 242-243 

Driesbach Elias, Sparta, residence between 226-227 

Driesbach Henry, Sr., Sparta, portraits self and wife. 

facing 220 

Driesbach Henry, Jr., Sparta, portrait, (steel) 

between 234-235 

Driesbach Elias, Sparta, portrait, (steel), between 234—235 

Ebenriter Mary Biekel, Groveland, portrait facing 356 

Faulkner Dr. .las., Dansville, portrait, (steel). .facing 197 

Field Leonard B., Dansville, portrait 240 

Flory John, Sparta, portrait facing 233 

Foote Chester, Mt. Morris, portrait facing 278 

Fowler N. Harmon, Livonia, portrait 378 

Francis Franklin B. , Lima, portrait 489 

Fraser William, York, portrait facing 410 

Galbraith John, Sparta, portraits self and wife 

facing 228 

Geiger Elias H., Ossiau, portraits self and wife, 

(steel) between 214-215 

Geiger E. H., Ossian, view of residence, between 210-211 

Gibbs Hon. Leinau, Livonia, portrait 379 

Gilbert Charles S., Avon, portraits self and wife, 

between 442-443 

Gilbert Charles S, Avon, view of residence, 

and mills between 442-44.". 

Gilbert Joel. Conesus, portrait 337 

Gray Dr. Arnold, Springwater, portrait 224 

Gray Thomas, Geneseo, portraits self and wife, facing 383 
Gilman John, Groveland, portraits self and wife, 

facing 354 

Grant Giles P., Caledonia, portrait, (steel) facing 404 

Hartman Wm., Dansville, portraits self and wife, 

facing 188 

Hamilton William, Caledonia, portrait, (steel), facing 402 



PAGE 

Hamilton William, Caledonia, view of residence. 

warehouse and elevator facing 4.".0 

Hampton Isaac, Ossian, portraits self and wife, 

facing 212 

Hanby John, Geneseo, portraits self and wife, facing 385 
Haynes Jonathan Hunter, Geneseo, portrait... facing 

Haynes John, Geneseo, portrait facing 384 

Hedges Job C., Dansville, portrait facing 190 

Hendershott Charles, Groveland, portraits self and 

wife facing 3 

Hyde Cory don, Ossian, view of residence facing 21 t 

Hyland George, Dansville, portrait facing 190 

Hyde Corydon, Ossian, portraits self and wife, facing 214 
Jackman Mosts, Livonia, portraits self and wife, 

facing 373 

Jacques Russel R., Livonia, portrait 360 

Jackson Dr. J. O, Dansville, portrait, (steel)... facing 192 
Johns Geo. H., Sparta, portraits self and wife. ..facing 229 
Johnson Leicester, Avon, portraits self and wife, 

between 440-447 

Johnson Seymour, Avon, portrait facing 447 

Kiehle Benj. Sparta, portraits self and wife facing 231 

Kysor Mrs. Julia A., West Sparta, residence ...facing 240 
Kysor Benjamin F. , West Sparta, portraits self and 

wife facing 2 to 

McClintock Joseph, Geneseo, portrait to.". 

McLean Archibald H. , Caledonia, portrait, (steel) 

facing 40.". 

McLean Hector, Caledonia, portrait, (steel) facing 468 

McPnerson Daniel, Caledonia, portrait 407 

McPherson Donald, Avon, portrait, (steel) facing 440 

Mann Wm. K., Groveland, portrait, (steel) facing 359 

Martin A. H., Lima, view of residence facing 472 

Martin A. D.. Lima, view of residence facing 472 

Mai tin Alexander, Lima, portrait, (steel) facing 480 

Mills Myron H., Mt. Morris, portrait, (steel). ..facing 318 
Norton William H. , Springwater, view of residence, 

facing 216 

Norton John B., Springwater, portrait 223 

"Our Home Hygienic Institute," Dansville, view of 

between 176-177 

Page Herman D., Nunda, portrait facing 244 

Page Albert, Nunda, portrait facing 244 

Paine Earl J., Nunda, portrait facing 260 

Parker David Curtis, Lima, portrait facing 170 

Passage Daniel, Nunda, view of Water Cure. ..facing 262 

Pease Henry, Livonia, portrait 378 

Perine James P., West Sparta, portrait facing 241 

Perrin Andrew N., Conesus, portrait facing 336 

Peirin Mrs. R. M., Conesus, view of residence. .facing 324 

Pierson Frederick Bnshnell, Avon, portrait facing 44;". 

Pray Isaac, Groveland. portraits self and wife, facing 360 
Pierson F. B.. Avon, view of residence. ..between 42-- 129 

Pray Isaac, Groveland, view of residence faci 

Proctor Luciau B. , Dansville, portrait 205 

Phillips Jonathan, Mt. Morns, portrait facing 278 

Piffard David, York, portrait, (steel) facing 419 

Ri ynale Wm. H., M. D., Dansville. portrait facing 194 

Riley Richard Alsop, Geneseo, portrait facing 386 

Root Capt. George W., York, portrait facing 423 

Royce John Sears, Leicester, portrait, (steel). ..facing 3 1 7 

Sanders C. K., Nunda, view of residence facing 240 

Sackett Col. Orange, York, portrait, (steel)... .facing 421 

Shutt John, Sparta, portraits self and wife facing 230 

Sleeper Col. Reuben, Mt. Morris, portrait 322 

Smith John, Mt. Morris, portrait facing 288. 

Smith Col. George. Livonia, portrait facing 362 

Smith Willard H., Caledonia, portrait, (steel).. .facing 4.'.:'. 

Smith Joseph \\\, Dansville, portrait facing I'.M 

Smith Jesse. Sparta, portrait 233 

Society of Christian Believers, Sonyea, view of the 

home between 358 359 

Stevens Archelaus, Dansville, portrait 202 

Stewart Niel, York, portrait, (steel) facing 122 

Townsend John H., Nunda, portrait faci 

Vary William, Lima, portrait, (steel) faring '88 

YauDoreu Wm., AVest Sparta, portraits self and wife, 

facing 241 



CONTENTS. 



Weidman John, Springwater, portraits self and wife, 

facing 

u Samuel, York, portrait facing 

FerdinandDeW , Geneseo, portrait, facing 

Walker David, Caledonia, portrait 

Weidman John, Bpringwater, residence facing 

Harlow W., M. D., Caledonia, portrait, 

f : 1 1 • i 1 1 g 

v, -. Erastns, Livonia, portraits self and wife ..facing 

Matthew, Avon, portrait facing 

White Win . M., Ossian, portrait, steel facing 

John, Groveland. portrait 

Reuben, Dansville, portrait facing 

Whitmore Wm., Leicester, portraits Belf and wife, 

steel between 348 

Whale; Charles E., Avon, portraits self and wife, 

between 136 

Whale} Charles E., Avon, view of "Sanitarium," 

' between 186 

Wilhelm George, Conesus, portrait facing 

msCoL George, Portage, portrait 

\\ irnil Buell D., Livonia, portrait 

Zerfass G orge, Dansville, portraits self and wife 



22 1 
4 24 
4ol 
469 
224 

166 
370 

180 
209 
361 
L93 

849 

437 

137 
335 
281 
379 
204 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Allen Samuel r . Geneseo ' ! 

Atln rtou ( (liver, Leicester ■ facing 

,.,, James Lawrence, 1.1- D., lama 

■ aeseo facing 

Barki r Beth B . Nunda 

Barney George W., Mt. Morris facing 

t. Joel ('., Portage 

;i Charles D., l'ortage 

Bennett Mrs. Walter, l'ortage 

Bennett J. JTateB, Portage 

i ■ ■ 1. . L ii ester... facing 

rJohn S., Livonia 

I '■ r, Lima 

I i i.i pi u-o, lit i is. Geneseo 

Bis8ell Daniel II., M. D., Geneseo 

fesse, Livonia 

Bias -I < Senator, York 

Brooks < o n. Micah, Mt. MoiTis facing 

: Merritt Holmes, Dansville 

.11 AD., Hansville 

Bunnell Major Mark J., Dansville 

| rick W., Geneseo 

,ii John, Caledonia facing 

on Angus, Caledonia 

Cameron Duncan A., Caledonia 

i |, ,,,,1 . ■■!., in Oscar L., West Sparta 

i oe Hon. Nathaniel, Portage 

Coe George F., Conesus 

Colt Hon. Charles, (leueseo 

Crossetl John, < leneseo 

William, York 

,n Believers, Society of, tin, Miami 

In. kiuson E. 0., Nunda 

: David, York 

Driesbach Henry, Sr., Sparta facing 

,ach Elias, Sparta 

ich Henry. Jr., Sparta 

riter Mary liickel. Groveland facing 

Faiilku. r Dr. James, Dansville 

Field Leonard 15.. West Sparta 

i is Franklin B . Lima 

I Lorj John, Sparta facing 

ter, Mt Morris 

, S. Harmon, Livonia 

Franer William, York 

' II . * is-iau 

i [ i Leman, Livonia 

ith John, Sparta facing 

■ Irs s , Uon between 142 

i Joel, Conesus 

n Phillip, Groveland facing 

Grilmnn John, Groveland facing 



388 

343 

486 

395 

260 

310 

277 

278 

279 

281 1 

338 

381 

188 

407 

in;, 

380 

42S 

316 

201 

203 

203 

Kir, 

4..1 

468 

(65 

239 

278 

883 

108 

mi 

126 

358 

261 

424 

226 

234 

234 

356 

197 

240 

189 

288 

321 

.".77 

123 

2 1 5 

879 

228 

143 

837 

35 I 

354 



PAGE 

i. rant Giles P., Caledonia 464 

Gray Dr. Arnold. Bpringwater 222. 

'. ■ ■. Mannas. Geneseo facing 383 

Hampton Hon. Isaao, < tasian facing 212 

Hamilton William, Caledonia 462 

Hanby John, Geneseo facing .'is:. 

Hay lies Jonathan Hunter, Geneseo facta 

rshotl Charles, Groveland facing :;."..". 

Hartman William. Dansville facing 188 

' Col. Job Clark. Dansville facing 190 

Haynes John, < leneseo facin 

Hyland George, Dansville 196 

Hyde Corydon, < Issian 214 

Jackson Dr. James ('.. Dansville li'2 

Jack man Mi isr s, Livonia facing .;72, 

Jacques Russel R., Livonia 380 

Jemison Mary. Mt. Morris 285 

Johns George II . Sparta facing 229 

Johnson Leicester. Avon 447 

I apt. Horatio, (ieueseo 409 

Kiehle Benjamin, Sparta facing 231 

Kvsor Benjamin P., West Sparta l'41 

Logan Edward, Groveland 860 

Mann W. K.. Groveland 359 

McLean Col. Archibald H . Caledonia 4H4 

McLean Hector. Caledonia 4C7 

McClintock Abraham, Geneseo 405 

Martin Alexander. Lima 180 

Mills Myrou II.. Mt. Morris 818 

Mcl'herson Daniel, Caledonia 4ti" 

Mel'herson Donald, Avon 44H 

Norton John 11.. Bpringwater 228 

B rman D. Xuuda facing I'll 

Paine Earl J , Nunda 261 

Page Albert, Nunda facing 244 

Parker David Curtis, Lima facing 47o 

Henry. Livonia 378 

Periue James P., West Sparta 241 

Perrin Andrew X., Conesus 386 

Pierson Frederick Bushnell, Avon I4."> 

Phillips Jonathan. Mt. Morris 821 

Pitlard David. York 421 

Pray Isaac, Groveland 360 

Proctor Lucian Brock, Dansville 205 

BeynaleWm. 1L, M. D., Dansville- 194 

Riley Richard Alsop, (leneseo facing 386 

RootCapl Georgi w . York 42.". 

Royoe John Sears. Leicester :U7 

Sackett Col. Orange, York 421 

Shutt John, Sparta facing 280 

Sleeper Col. Reuben, Mt Morris 822 

Smith Joseph W., Dansville 195 

Smith Jesse, Sputa 233 

Smith John, Mt. Morris ... facing 288 

Smith Col. George, Livonia facing 862 

Smith Willard Huntington. Caledonia 465 

; Archelaus, Dansville 202 

Stewart Niel, York- 422 

Townsend John II.. Nunda 261 

VanDoren William. West Sparta 241 

Vary William, Lima 488 

Ward Lev. Ferdinand DeW., Geneseo facing 4ui 

Water Cure and Mineral Springs, Nunda 262 

Warren Samuel, York 124 

hi John, Spring water 224 

Walker David, Caledonia 4i;s 

West Erastns, Livonia facing :!7o 

W. lis Harlow Willard. M. D.. Caledonia 466 

White John. Groveland 361 

Whitmore William, Leicester 848 

White Hon. William M.. Ossian 214 

Whiteiiiali Reuben, Dansville 193 

Williams Col. George, l'ortage 2SO 

Wilhelm George, Conesus 336 

Woo, hutv Buell D . Livonia :(78 

Wiard Matthew, Avon facing ISO 

Whale] Charles E., Avon between 436 137 

Zerfass George, Dansville 204 



Introduction 



IN THE preparation of the history of the county treated of in this volume the authors have endeavored 
to confine themselves to a concise and truthful statement of facts, leaving deductions and moralisms, 
except where such were necessary to a proper elucidation of the subject, to the individual reader; and 
in gleaning these facts they have laid under contribution every available source of information in the 
effort to arrive at correct data. This, however, has not always been possible, for much is given that rests 
for its authority entirely upon verbal statements, which, even among the best informed, are subject to the 
lapses of memory. When conflicting statements have been observed, as was to be expected there would 
be in so broad a field of inquiry, an honest effort has been made to reconcile them and make them con- 
form to the probable fact ; for while each individual expects the record of a fact to conform to his 
remembrance, it is notorious that all do not retain precisely the same recollection of it. To this end 
also, records have been consulted where such existed and were accessible, both to supplement and 
establish a verbal fact, and as an original source of information. These, however, were often fragment- 
ary, sometimes entirely wanting, and while their incompleteness was perplexing, their frequent indefmite- 
ness was even more so, so that it was often necessary to supplement them by verbal information. 

The materials for such a work were widely scattered. They laid mainly in the imperfect town, 
county, church, school, society and private records, and in the vague and faded memories of individuals. 
Much time, labor, diligent research and patient inquiry have been required to gather these materials and 
collate them into systematic order. Every town has been visited, and its records and well-informed 
citizens have been consulted. In addition to these, the files of local and other papers have been 
scrutinized, and the works of numerous authors laid under contribution ; but as the latter have generally 
been referred to in the text, especially when quoted, we do not deem it necessary to enumerate them 
here. A few local gleaners, of acknowledged ability, in this field of historic inquiry, had rescued from 
oblivion much that has served to embellish the annals of Livingston. The fruit of their labors was 
kindly placed at our disposal. 

Much more might have been given, enough to swell the volume to twice its present size, by the 
multiplication of details which some would regard with interest and others as unimportant ; much indeed 
was prepared and still more gathered, but it was found necessary to eliminate it to bring it within the 
scope of this work. In discarding matter we have aimed to retain that which seemed most important — 
most worthy of preservation. 

An earlier preparation of the work would have lessened the labor and produced more satisfactory 
results ; would have given access to the personal experience and relations of the very first settlers, with 
whom have died facts and incidents which are now beyond recall. But few of the first generation of 
those who settled and subdued this wilderness are now left with us, and fewer still of that sacred remnant 



8 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



retain their faculties sufficiently to relate coherently and positively the interesting incidents of that early 
period ; but we still have their ••oft told tales " from the lips of their immediate descendants, and have 
thus been able to collect and chronicle, with a close approach to accuracy, the facts of early history. It 
must, therefore, be obvious that the time for the publication of this work had fully come, and that a 
longer delay would only have added to the obscurity of the facts and the difficulty of their acquisition. 

Happily the very full and scholarly "Relations" of the faithful Jesuits and other French mission- 
aries give us a minute and definite account of the manners and customs of the American Indians, the 
supposed aboriginal occupants of this country, with whom they mingled as early as the forepart of the 
last half of the seventeenth century, though they are chiefly concerned with the relation of their efforts 
to Christianize them, and to engraft upon their rude natures some of the arts and usages of civilization 
in their time. Numerous evidences of this intercourse have been disclosed by means of the plow and 
other agencies in this county, which for a considerable period was the home of several cantons of the 
most numerous and powerful of the tribes of the Si\ Nations, the Senecas. These consist of gaudy 
trinkets and other articles of use and adornment, which possessed an intensely magnified value in the 
eyes of the untutored savage, and were the means by which these zealous missionaries sought to 
ingratiate themselves with the natives and prepare the way for the successful accomplishment of their 
ulterior object. The mural remains, now mostly obliterated by the agency of the plow, and other 
economic and sacred relics which were familiar objects to the first white settlers in the Valley of the 
Genesee, bore abundant testimony to the fact that Livingston county was long the seat of a numerous 
Indian population. 

Though this county is not as rich in historical incidents fraught with tragic interest as the counties 
which bordered on the confines of civilization during the French and Indian wars, the sanguinary 
struggle of the Revolution, and the more recent but memorable war with the mother country, which 
etched in lines of blood the history of their eventful scenes, it witnessed one of the most pathetic and 
memorable incidents of the Revolutionary struggle, and the culmination of an event which was fraught 
with the most important results affecting the development of Central and Western New York. Its soil 
is hallowed by blood shed to establish those principles which, eighty-two years later, its sons so nobly 
fought to perpetuate. It has, too, a pacific history to which many will recur with interest — yea, with 
reverence. 

The authors take this opportunity to tender their grateful acknowledgments .to the many who, in 
various ways, have so kindly aided them in this laborious work, and to testify to the uniform courtesy 
which was extended to them, and the cordiality with which their labors were seconded by the hosts from 
whom it became their duty to solicit information. 



HISTORY 



OF 



Livingston County. 



CHAPTER I. 

Aborigines — Pre-Historic Period — The Iro- 
quois Confederacy — Its Origin and Organi- 
zation — Tribal Relations — Secret of Its 
Power — Its Superiority and Supremacy — Its 
Degeneracy. 

AT7HAT we usually term the beginning of 
VV history," says Humboldt's Cosmos, "is only 
the period when the later generations awoke to self- 
consciousness." The historic period for the region 
of country the history of which it is the purpose of 
this volume to give, may be said to date from the ad- 
vent of the Jesuit missionaries into Canada, as their 
Relations give us the first as well as the most exact 
and comprehensive account we have of the people 
who then inhabited it, and who are classed under 
the generic term Indians — a name which obtains 
from the fact that when this continent was discov- 
ered by Columbus and others who succeeded him 
in search of a western passage to the East Indies, 
it was supposed to be the eastern shore of the con- 
tinent of India.* Their history prior to their inti- 
mate association with civilized people is shrouded 
in obscurity and is transmitted to us in the form 
of vague and fragmentary legends. The Indians 
were a barbaric race and have left no written his- 
tory, except that we occasionally discover traces of 
their rude paintings, and still ruder engravings. 
But these are pronounced merely the totems of the 

* Indians ut" North America, I, 5. 



Indians by Catlin, who says, " I have been unable 
to find anything like a system of hieroglyphic writing 

amongst them."* This absence of a connected 
written history is, however, compensated in a meas- 
ure by the less enduring relics, consisting of the 
implements of husbandry, the chase and war, 
which the plow and other means of excavation 
have numerously disclosed. Their fortified villages 
and places of burial are rich also in suggestive 
incidents. 

Who were the aborigines of this country is a sub- 
ject of much learned inquiry. It is pretty gen- 
erally believed that the races who occupied it on the 
advent of the Europeans, were preceded by one 
more numerous and highly cultured, though the 
evidence that such is the fact, is meager and un- 
satisfactory. DeWitt Clinton points to the numer- 
ous mural remains which existed through the north- 
ern, central and western parts of this State, and to 
the more remarkable ones bordering the Ohio and 
Mississippi Rivers and their branches as evi- 
dence of the fact ;f while more recent authors, 
reasoning from more exact data, ascribe the origin 
of the former works to a much more recent date, 
and to a different race of people than the latter.J 
The evidences referring to a pre-historic period 
within this State are rare ; though the celebrated 

• Catlin's North American Indians, II, 246. 

t Collections of the New I 'ork Historical Society for 1814, 89. 

t SaysE. A. Squier, M. A., "• • » none of the ancient works 
of this State, [New York,] of which traces remain displaying any con- 
siderable degree of regularity, can lay claim to high antiquity. All of 
them may be referred, with certainty, to the period succeeding the com- 
mencement of European intercourse." Antiquities of New York and 

tin- II at. 9. 



10 



HISTORY OF UYINC.STOX Col VI V. 



Pompey stone* and the argent relict of the 
Genesee Valley may be cited as instances of this 
character, while neither can be said to furnish ne- 
cessarily conclusive evidence. 

That the nations of the Eastern hemisphere had 
knowledge of the existence of the American con- 
tinent long before its discovery by Columbus, their 
ture gives abundant evidence; and that its 
i u iginal inhabitants were descended from eastern 
iples is generally conceded, though the theory 
i American antiquity ante-dates that of Asia, is 
without its advocates. 

[umboldt, from his observations of the remains 
the civilizations of Mexico and Central America, 
5 convinced that communication had existed 
ween the Eastern and Western continents, evi- 
,, e of which he found in the religious symbols, 
architecture, the hieroglyphics, and the social 
k.i ns made manifest by these ruins, and the 
ln : Brasseur de Bourbourg shows that the sym- 
bols of phallic worship, once so prevalent, and still, 
some extent, practiced in the East, were de- 
ibed by the Spanish writers at the time of the 
iquest. " These," says Baldwin, " with the ser- 
lt devices, the sun worship, and the remarkable 
iwledge of astronomy that existed in connection 
li them, show a system of religion," of which, 
h the social institutions it consecrated, " Asia," 
says the Abbe, "appears to have been the cradle." 
" The traditions of these countries," says the same 
author, " are still more explicit. Their uniform tes- 
timony is, that the ancient American civilization 
came originally from the East across the ocean." 
The native histories examined by the Abbe, de- 
scribe three classes of ancient inhabitants, first, the 
Chichimecs, " who," says Baldwin, " seem to have 
been the uncivilized aborigines of the country ;" 
second, the Colhuas, "who were the first civilizers, 
and by whom the Chichimecs were taught to culti- 
vate the earth, cook their food, and adopt the 

•This is a small boulder about thin long and twelveinches 

wide, bearing amosi remarkable inscription and figures, which, if genuine, 
and correc ! furnishes what is supposed i" be tbe earliest 

evidence of the presence of European in North America, Itdate 
tu a peri. id earlier than the discovery of New England, New York or 
Virginia, a hundred years earlier than the founding of Plymouth colony, 
and within twenty-three years "i the discovery of the newcontinet 
Cabot. It has been reasonably conjectured by the author of ' 
Onondaga, to be a sepulchral monument, erected possibly by a partj of 
Spaniards, who, stimulated by the love of adventure, allured I 
of gold, or driven by some rude blast of misfortune, may have visited that 
region and lost one of their number by death. 

t"On the flats of the * lenesee River, there was found on the lands of 
Mr Timothy Judd, a bit of silver, about the length of a man's i 
hammered to a point at .me end, while at the other it was smooth . mil 

square* on which wa engraved ii kral tires ' the year of our Lord 

6oo.' " Ms. Address OH the Antiquity of the World, by Dr. M. H. 
Mills, ol Mi Morri 



usages of civilized life ;" and third, the Nahuas or 
Toltecs, " who came much later as peaceable im- 
migrants, but after a time united with the uncivil- 
ized Chichimecs, caused a civil war, and secured 
power." The Colhuas originated the oldest and 
finest monuments of the ancient civilization. De- 
sire Charnay, referring to the ruins of Mitla. " points 
out," says Baldwin, "that the most ancient archi- 
tecture, painting, mosaics, and artistic designs are 
in the highest style, and show 'marvelous work- 
manship,' while the later editions are in much lower 
style, and seem to be the work of a people less ad- 
vanced in culture and skill than the original found- 
ers of the city." The finest and most remarkable 
monuments of these countries seem to be the re- 
mains of that great and ancient kingdom of Xibalba. 
"It is said repeatedly that 'the Colhuas came from 
beyond the sea, and directly from the East ;' " and 
the Abbe" states that " there was a constant tradi- 
tion among the people who dwelt on the Pacific 
Ocean, that the people from distant nations beyond 
the Pacific formerly came to trade at the ports of 
Coatulco and Pechugui, which belonged to the 
kingdom of Tehuantepec' " The traditions of 
Peru toltl of a people who came to that country 
by sea, and landed on the Pacific coast ; referring 
doubtless to the Malays, a great and ancient mari- 
time empire, the dialects of whose language are 
scattered across the Pacific Ocean as far as Easter 
Island.* 

Many ingenious theories are advanced to ac- 
count for the origin of this ancient civilization. ( )ne, 
of which Adair ami Boudinot are noted advocates, 
ascribes it to the " Lost Tribes of Israel ;" this 
Catlin is inclined to sanction, f while Bancroft! seri- 
ously refutes it, Foster? discards it, Bradford II 
likewise refutes it, and Baldwin | regards it an ab- 
surdity; another, the " Malay theory," whii h Bald- 
win regards as " much less improbable, though not 
satisfactory;"** a third, the "Phoenician theory," 
which Baldwin discredits, while he admits that "the 
known enterprise of the Phoenicians," (who have 
been thought to be identical with the Colhuas,) 
and their "ancient knowledge of America, so vari- 
ously expressed, strongly encourage the hypothesis 
that the people called Phtenicians came to this 
continent, established colonies in the region where 

• Pre Historic iVatiotts, by John D. Baldwin, \ M., {92-395. 
t ( atlin's North American Indians, II, 131-1J5. 

% History o/the United States. 

5 /•>•<• Historic Races 0/ the United States, by J W.I osier, I.I. D. 

Jll-Jli. 

* American Antiquities. 14 . 

rent A merica, 166. 

•'//>/./, 167 171 



PRE-HISTORIC RACES. 



ruined cities are found, and filled it with civilized 
people,"* and a fourth, the "Atlantic theory," ad- 
vanced among others by Brasseur de Bourbourg, 
who has studied more thoroughly than any other 
man living, the monuments, writings and traditions 
of this civilization, which he avers is the first of man- 
kind — a theory which attributes it to the Atlantides, 
who occupied the " lost island of Atlantis," referred 
to by Plutarch, Solon, Plato andTheopompus, and 
supposes it originated on a portion of this conti- 
nent now submerged by the Atlantic Ocean, into 
which it extended in a long, irregular peninsula, 
was visited by a cataclysm which engulfed it, ex- 
cept some elevated portions, including the Canary, 
Maderia and Azores islands, and destroyed its in- 
habitants, except such as escaped in ships, or fled 
to the tops of high mountains, whence they made 
their way to Central America, f 

The origin of the barbarous Indians of North 
America is buried in even greater obscurity than 
that of the probable aborigines of this continent. 
Our information regarding them is wholly conject- 
ural. Efforts have been made to connect them 
with the Mound Builders as their progenitors, and 
there are able advocates of the theory which sup- 
poses the unity of the races; but, says Foster, J 
a broad chasm is to be spanned before we can 
link the two, who, he says, " were essentially dif- 
ferent in their form of government, their habits and 
their daily pursuits." The former, "since known 
to the white man, has spurned the restraints of a 
sedentary life, which attach to agriculture, and 
whose requirements, in his view, are ignoble. He 
was never known to erect structures which should 

* A nc ie nt A merica,\,\- 1 "4 

t Ancient America-, 174-184; also Baldwins Pre-Historic Nations-, 
396-400. The latter quote? from Diodorus Siculus, book V. , Chap 11, 
the following " important passage concerning America," which, it says, 
" is not mythical, and seems to be given as a historical fact rather than a 
tradition ; 'Over against Africa lies a great island in the vast ocean, many 
days' sail from Libya westward. The soil is very fruitful. It is diversi- 
fied with mountains and pleasant vales, and the towns are adorned with 
stately buildings.' After describing the gardens, orchards and fountains, 
he tells how this pleasant country was discovered. The Phoenicians, he 
says, having built Gades, sailed along the Atlantic coast of Africa. A 
Phoenician ship, voyaging along this coast, was, 'on a sudden, driven by 
a furious storm far into the main ocean ; and after they had lain under 
this tempest many days, they at length arrived at this inland.' " For 
further information upon this interesting subiect, the reader is referred to 
Pre-Historic Races of the United States ; Abbe Brasseur de Bour- 
bourg's translation of the Teo Amoxtli, which is the Toltecan mytho- 
logical history of the cataclysm of the Antilles ; The lifted and subsided 
Rocks 0/ A merica, by George Catlin ; Biography and History of the 
Indians of :\'orlh America ; American Antiquities and Researches 
into the Origin and History of the Red Race, by Alexander \V. Brad- 
ford, and others, which might be cited but which we have not the space 
to quote at length. 

Ancient America, 205, which quotes Bourhourg's Quatre Letires 
Source de V Historic J:i M 

\ Pre-Historic Races of the United States, 147. 



survive the lapse of a generation." " The Mound- 
builders," he adds, "cultivated the soil in a meth- 
odical manner, far different from the mode pre- 
sented by the present Indians," and cites as evi- 
dence " the vestiges of ancient garden-beds " left 
by them. Many other radical points of difference are 
cited by him. Baldwin says, referring to the sav- 
age tribes, or wild Indians, their barbarism was 
" original; " there was nothing to indicate that they 
or their ancestors, near or remote, had ever been 
civilized. " even to the extent of becoming capable 
of settled life or organized industry."* He adds, 
"the constant traditions of these Indians, support- 
ed by concurring circumstantial evidence, appears 
to warrant the belief that they came to this part of 
the continent originally from the west or north- 
west, at a period too late to connect them in this 
way with the Mound-builders." After referring 
to the skill of the Mound-builders in the ceramic 
and other arts, he asks, " who can imagine the 
Iroquois or the Algonquins, [the two great families 
who two hundred years ago occupied the VaHey of 
the Mississippi and the regions east of it] working 
the copper mines with such intelligence and skill, 
and such a combination of systematic and persist- 
ent industry ! They had no tradition of such a 
condition of life, no trace of it. It is absurd to 
suppose a relationship, or a connection of any 
kind, between the original barbarism of these In- 
dians and the civilization of the Mound-builders. 
The two peoples were entirely distinct and 
separate from each other. If they really belonged 
to the same race, which is extremely doubtful, 
we must go back through unnumbered ages to 
find their common origin and the date of their 
separation. "f 

The Iroquois, with whom the subject of this work 
is more intimately connected, are supposed by 
Lewis H. Morgan, who has discussed "Indian 
Migrations" in a series of interesting papers in the 
North American Review, to have "separated very 
early from the same original stem which produced 
the great Dakota family ; " and from their relative 
position in the East as compared with the Algon- 
quins, who were spread most widely over the coun- 
try when it was first visited by Europeans. Mr. 
Baldwin assumes that they preceded the latter 
there.! 

Livingston county is a part of the broad domain 

• A ncient A merica, 59. 
\lbia\ ,-9—61. 
% Jtid, 60. 



12 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



of the Iroquois* Confederacy, which, in general 
terras, extended from the Hudson to the Genesee, 
and from the north to the south boundaries of the 
State. This confederacy was composed of the 
following nations, named in the order of their loca- 
tion from east to west: the Mohawks, (Ganea 
gaonos,^) on the river which bears their name ; the 
Oneidas, (Onayotekaonos,} Onondagas, (Onunda- 
gaonos,) and Cayugas, ( Gwengioehonos,) adjacent 
t<i the lakes which bear their name ; and the Sen- 
i , .is. \Nundawaonosl) between Seneca Lake and 
Genesee River. Its origin is buried in the obscur- 
ity of vague tradition and was unknown to civilized 
nations in t/.So.J The traditions of the [roquois 
ascribe it, as well as the origin of the individual 
nations, to a supernatural source. They, like the 
Athenians, sprung from the earth itself. "In re- 
mote ages they had been confined under a moun- 
tain near the falls of Osh-wah-kee,?' or Oswego 
River, whence they were released by Tharouhyja- 
gon, the Holder of the Heavens.";, Schoolcraft in- 
clines to the opinion that the confederacy is to be 
referred to a comparatively recent date, early in the 
fifteenth century; Mr. Webster, the Indian inter- 
preter, a good authority, about two generations be- 
fore the white people came to trade with the In- 
dians : Pyrlaus, a missionary among the Mohawks, 
"one age, or the length of a man's life, before the 
white people came into the country ; " while Clark, 
the author of (.'lark's Onondaga, "from the per- 
manency of their institutions, the peculiar Struc- 
ture ol then government, the intricacy of their civil 
affairs, the stability of their religious beliefs and 
the uniformity of their pagan ceremonies, differing 
from other Indian nations in important particu- 
lars," thinks it must have had a longer duration. 
They declare themselves to be the most ancient 
and greatest people in America. 1 

- i , the French name foi the I nations of In 

, iding mostly within this State. By the Dutch tl 
1 ■ m iqua I nomiii ited themseh " ( 1 - 

United People — Clark's Onondaga. Their true name is " Hoi 
nee." oi " Long n m i t ] iL - five nationswere 

line through Central New York, and liki 
theii loi ParkmatCs Jesuits. Ruttenber says they bore 

the title of i *Aquinosbione,' oi " Konosbione," having tl 
ing. They also 

ill the Indians 
together. 1 'Co ; on [roquois was 

given ill''"' by the 1 rem h, becau ished theii 

with the word biro, which means " I say,* 1 "r " 1 have said," 
and com in exclamation express- 

pronunciation is long or short. Char- 

If.'Otx. Gamean's History of Catl 

i I'he Iroquois termination in ono Parnman's Jesuits. 

IHKIIS. 

i 

Wlndian Tribes of Hudi Ruttenber. 

• i ( Hist, iv., iz*. 



Long ago, says the Iroquois tradition, Taounya- 
watha, the deity who presides over the forests and 
streams, came down from his abode in the clouds 
to make free the former to all. to remove the ob- 
structions from the latter, and to bestow good ;;i!ts 
upon the people. In the locality oft (swegO he dis- 
closed to two hunters of the Onondaga nation whom 
he there met, the object of his mission, and pre- 
vailed on them to accompany him up the river and 
over the lesser lakes, while he made ample provi- 
sion for the sustenance of men, and taught them 
how to cultivate the soil and live happy, united and 
prosperous. Having accomplished this beneficent 
mission he divested himself of his divine character 
and took up his abode among men, assuming their 
habits and character. He chose for his habitation 
a beautiful spot on the shore of Teonto (Cross) 
Lake,* where he built a cabin and took a wife of the 
Onondagas, by whom he had an only and beau- 
tiful daughter, whom he tenderly loved. His 
excellence of character, great sagacity, and wise- 
counsels won for him a profound regard, and 
by universal consent he was named Hiawatha, 
signifying very wise man. His advice upon mat- 
ters both grave and trivial was eagerly sought, 
and he was regarded as possessing transcendent 
powers of mind and consummate wisdom. Under his 
direction the ( mondagas early gaineda pre-eminent 
distinction as the wisest counselors, the most elo- 
quent orators and expert hunters, and the bravest 
warriors. 

While Hiawatha was thus living quietly among 
the "people of the hills." the tribes were attacked 
by a ferocious and powerful enemy from the north 
of the great lakes, who invaded their country, laid 
waste their villages, and slaughtered indiscriminate- 
ly men. women and children. While a bold resist- 
ance could not intensify the ferocity of the enemy, 
neither did supine submission ensure palliation ; 
utter destruction seemed inevitable. In their ex- 
tremity they looked to Hiawatha, who. after 
thoughtful contemplation, advised a grand council 
of all the tribes that could be gathered, "for." said 
he "Diir safety is not alone in the club and dart. 
but in wise counsels."! 

This council is supposed to have been held on 
the east bank of Onondaga (OAnentaha) Lake, on 
the high ground where the village of Liverpool now 



• Ruttenber.— According to Clark the nana- of the lake is Tcunngkloo, 
the dia from a difference in trib 

1 Ruttenber.— Clark puts this language into the mouth: 

"out safety is in good counsel and 5] and Clay 

ton . the fi Become a united people and you will conqi 

. lies." 



HIAWATHA'S ADDRESS. 



13 



stands.* There was a vast assembly of chiefs, war- 
riors, men, women and children, and although the 
council fire had been burning for three days they 
still awaited the presence of Hiawatha. Messen- 
gers were dispatched and found him troubled with 
melancholy forebodings of ill-fortune. He had re- 
solved not to attend the council by reason of this 
distress of mind, but he yielded to their importuni- 
ties and set out with his daughter to join the wait- 
ing throng. The white canoe in which the vener- 
able Hiawatha made his journeys by water, and 
which was regarded by his people with almost as 
much veneration as himself, glided silently down 
the deep waters of the Seneca, through the narrow 
outlet and into the placid Onondaga, and as it ap- 
peared to view, the assembled multitude welcomed 
their chief with a glad shout. As he ascended the 
steep bank and approached with measured tread 
the council ground, a loud sound was heard like 
a rushing mighty wind. Instantly all eyes were 
turned upward and beheld a mass of cloudy dark- 
ness rapidly descending into their midst, and in- 
creasing in size and velocity as it approached. All 
sought safety in flight save Hiawatha and his love- 
ly daughter, who calmly awaited the impending ca- 
lamity, the former having uncovered his silvered 
head. With a mighty swoop a huge bird, with long 
distended wings, descended and crushed the cher- 
ished girl to the earth, destroying in her remains 
the very semblance of a human being, and perish- 
ing itself in the collision. 

The dismayed warriors cautiously returned to 
view the dismal scene. The bird was covered with 
beautiful plumage of snowy white, and each warrior 
plucked therefrom a plume to adorn his crown. 
From this incident the Iroquois braves forever af- 
ter made use of the plumes of the white heron, as 
their most appropriate martial decoration. 

Hiawatha was disconsolate. He prostrated him- 
self with his face upon the ground and gave himself up 
to the most poignant grief for three days and nights, 
refusing to be consoled. His grief was shared by 
the whole assembly, who sincerely mourned his 
great and sudden bereavement. 

At length he regained his composure and took 
his seat in the council, whose deliberations were 
participated in by the ablest counselors of the as- 
sembled nations. At the conclusion of the debate, 
Hiawatha, desiring that nothing should be done 
hastily and inconsiderately, proposed that the coun- 
cil be postponed one day, so that they might weigh 

* In The Song of Hia-.v,t!h.i. Lotl ;feliow locates it on the south shore 
of Lake Superior, between the Pictured Rocks and the Grand Sable. 



well the words which had been spoken, when he 
promised to communicate his plan for considera- 
tion, assuring them of his confidence in its success. 
The following day the council again assembled and 
amid breathless silence the sage counselor thus ad- 
dressed them : — 

" Friends ami Brothers : — You are members of 
many tribes and nations. You have come here, 
many of you, a great distance from your homes. 
We have convened for one common purpose, to 
promote one common interest, and that is to pro- 
vide for our mutual safety, and how it shall best be 
accomplished. To oppose these hordes of north- 
ern foes by tribes, singly and alone, would prove 
our certain destruction ; we can make no progress 
in that way ; we must unite ourselves into one com- 
mon band of brothers. Our warriors united, would 
surely repel these rude invaders and drive them 
from our borders. This must be done and we 
shall be safe. 

"You, the Mohawks, sitting under the shadow of 
the 'great tree,' whose roots sink deep into the 
earth, and whose branches spread over a vast coun- 
try, shall be the first nation, because you are war- 
like and mighty. 

"And you, Oneidas, a people who recline your 
bodies against the 'everlasting stone' that cannot 
be moved, shall be the second nation, because you 
give wise counsel. 

"And you, Onondagas, who have your habita- 
tion at the 'great mountain,' and are overshadowed 
by its crags, shall be the third nation, because you 
are greatly gifted in speech and mighty in war. 

"And you, Cayugas, a people whose habitation 
is the ' dark forest,' and whose home is everywhere, 
shall be the fourth nation, because of your superior 
cunning in hunting. 

"And you, Senecas, a people who live in the 
'open country' and possess much wisdom, shall be 
the fifth nation, because you understand better the 
art of raising corn and beans and making cabins. 

" You, five great and powerful nations, must 
unite and have but one common interest, and no 
foe shall be able to disturb or subdue you. 

"And you, Manhattans, Nyacks, Metoacks and 
others, who are as the 'feeble bushes' ; and you, 
Narragansetts, Mohegans, Wampanoags and your 
neighbors, who are a ' fishing people,' may place 
yourselves under our protection. Be with us and 
we will defend you. You of the South and you of 
the West may do the same, and we will protect 
you. We earnestly desire your alliance and friend- 
ship. 

"Brothers, if we unite in this bond the Great 
Spirit will smile upon us, and we shall be free, 
prosperous and happy. But if we remain as we 
are we shall be subject to his frown ; we shall be 
enslaved, ruined, perhaps annihilated forever. We 
shall perish and our names be blotted out from 
among the nations of men. 

" Brothers, these are the words of Hiawatha. 
Let them sink deep into your hearts. I have said 
it." 



1 I 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The council was adjourned one day to afford 
time to consider this weighty proposition, which 
made a dee]) impression on its hearers. It may 
seem strange, in the light of a century of our own 
federate existence, that time should have been 
required to reach a conclusion so obvious ; but it 
was a marked characteristic of the [roquois to act 
only after mature deliberation on questions ol gravi 
importance, and in this lies much of that great 
power they exerted both in council and in war. 
Assembling the next day, the wisdom of the 
proposition was unanimously conceded, and then 
was formed that celebrated league of the five Indian 
nations which no external power has effectually brok- 
en. Whatever may have been the circumstances con- 
nected with its origin, which is invested in the hy- 
perbole and metaphor with which the Indian lan- 
guage abounds, its great effectiveness is a matter of 
history, and stamps the mind which conceived it a 
genius of a high order. Pending this action, Hia- 
watha, admonished by the death of his daughter 
that his mission on earth was accomplished, pre- 
pared to take his final departure. As the assem- 
bly was about to separate, he arose in a dignified 
manner and said : — 

"Friends ami Brothers: — I have now fulfilled 
my mission upon earth. I have done everything 
which can be done at present for the good of this 
great people. Age, infirmity and distress set heavy 
upon me, During my sojourn with you I have re- 
moved all obstructions from the streams. Canoes 
can now pass safely everywhere. I have given you 
good fishing waters and good hunting grounds. I 
have taught you the manner of cultivating corn and 
beans and learned you the art of making cabins. 
Many other blessings I have liberally bestowed 
upon you. 

"Lastly, I have now assisted you to form an 
everlasting league and covenant of strength and 
friendship for your future safety and protection. 
If you preserve it, without the admission of other 
people, you will always be free, numerous and 
mighty. If other nations are admitted to your 
councils they will sow jealousies among you, anil you 
will become enslaved, few and feeble. Remember 
these words, they are the last you will hear from the 
lips of Hiawatha. Listen, my friends, the Great 
Master of Breath calls me to go. I have patiently 
waited his summons. I am read)'; farewell." 

As his voice ceased, sweet sounds from the air 
burst on the ears of the multitude ; and while 
their attention was engrossed in the celestial melo- 
dy, Hiawatha was seen, seated in his white canoe, 
rising in mid-air with every choral chant, till the 
clouds shut out the sight, a'ld the melody, gradu- 
ally becoming fainter, ceased. 

The political and social organizations ol the Iro- 



quois though simple in their structure were effect- 
ive in their operation. They were calculated to 
violate as little as might be the high regard this 
people had for individual liberty, which they re- 
quired should be the largest, consistent with the 
general welfare. The method by which they secured 
efficiency without imposing undue restraint was as 
unique as it was simple and happy. No light tic- 
could hold to the harmonious development of a 
common interest so fierce and barbarous a people 
as these. The problem was eminently worthy of 
the genius which solved it ; for while it held them 
inflexibly, yet unrestrainedly, to all matters relating 
to their federate existence, it secured the utmost 
elasticity and freedom in their tribal and national 
relations. The entire control of all civil matters 
effecting the common interest was vested in a na- 
tional council of about fifty sachems, though in 
some instances as many as eighty, chosen at first 
from the wisest men in their several nations, and 
afterwards hereditary in their families. All met as 
equals, but a peculiar dignity was ever attached to 
the Atotarho, or war chief, of the Onondagas.* All 
the nations were represented, and each had one 
vote in the council. This general council was held 
by common consent in the principal village of the 
Onondagas, the central nation. Thither, if the 
matter under consideration was of a deep and gen- 
eral interest, not the sachems alone, but the greater 
part of the population, gathered; and while the 
sachems deliberated in the council house, the chiefs 
and old men, the warriors, and often the women, 
were holding their respective councils apart, and 
their opinions, laid by their deputies before the 
council of sachems, were not without influence on 
its decisions. All questions of tribal, national and 
federal polity were discussed and decided in coun- 
cils. They had no written constitution, and no 
attempt was made to coerce a nation or individual. 
The authority of these sachems was measured by 
the estimate the people put upon their wisdom and 
integrity, and the execution of their plans rested 
upon the voluntary acquiescence of those whom 
they represented. But the Iroquois were actuated 
by a high regard for personal and national honor, 
which ever sufficed to impress them with a deep 
sense of duty. The impression has prevailed among 
authors that women were excluded from these 
councils ; this, however, is erroneous, though they 
did not commonly attend. | 

*Parkman's Jtsuits* 

t Schorov.ulv, or the Half-Kine, an Oneida, said al a meeting at Fort 
fohnson, May to, 1756. attended by lour Oneida and Seneca chiefs and 

two Sine, a women! — "his no new tiling to take uonirn into "in 

councils, particularly among the Senecas." Col. Hist. VII., 103 also 
X., :so. 



CIVIL POLITY OF THE IROQUOIS. 



*5 



A marked feature of the Iroquois civil polity was 
that which made the concurrence of all the nations 
necessary before any measure could be adopted. 
To secure this unanimity the most persuasive pow- 
ers of reason and eloquence were constantly em- 
ployed. Their speakers studied euphony in the 
selection and arrangement of their words, and their 
discourses were made highly impressive, if not al- 
ways eloquent and convincing, by the use of grace- 
ful attitudes and gestures. In this severe school 
were trained those orators, whose efforts have chal- 
lenged favorable comparison with the best in civil- 
ized nations, and reflected not less renown on the 
federation than its bravest warriors. 

"There was a class of men among the Iroquois 
always put forward on public occasions to speak 
the mind of the nation or defend its interests. 
Nearly all of them were of the number of the sub- 
ordinate chiefs. Nature and training had fitted 
them for public speaking, and they were deeply- 
versed in the history and traditions of the league. 
They were in fact professed orators, high in honor 
and influence among the people. To a huge stock 
of conventional metaphors, the use of which re- 
quired nothing but practice, they often added an 
astute intellect, an astonishing memory, and an el- 
oquence which deserved the name. 

"In one particular, the training of these savage 
politicians was never surpassed. They had no art 
of writing to record events, or preserve the stipula- 
tion of treaties. Memory, therefore, was tasked to 
the utmost, and developed to an extraordinary de- 
gree. They had various devices for aiding it, such 
as bundles of sticks, and that system of signs, em- 
blems and rude pictures, which they shared with 
other tribes. Their famous wampum belts were so 
many mnemonic signs, each standing for some act, 
speech, treaty, or clause of a treaty. These repre- 
sented the public archives, and were divided among 
various custodians, each charged with the memory 
and interpretation of those assigned to him. The 
meaning of the belts was from time to time expound- 
ed in the councils. In conference with them noth- 
ing more astonished the French, Dutch and Eng- 
lish officials than the precision with which, before 
replying to their addresses, the Indian orators re- 
peated them point by point." 

All business between other nations and the Iro- 
quois was brought to the council fire at Ononda- 
ga,* and the conclusion there reached carried with 
it all the weight of a kingly edict. The delibera- 
tions of the sachems were conducted with the ut- 
most decorum and a rigid adherence to their no- 
tions of parliamentary usage which challenged the 
admiration of civilized nations. No speaker inter- 
rupted another. Each gave his opinion in turn, 
but not until he had stated in full the subject of 



•This council fire was finally extinguished January 
reason therefor has never been satisfactorily explained. 



1777, but the 



discussion, to prove that he understood it, and had 
repeated the arguments pro and con of previous 
speakers. Thus their debates were exceedingly 
prolix, but resulted in a thorough sifting of the 
matter in hand. Their sachems received no com- 
pensation for their services. Honor and esteem 
were their chief rewards; shame and being despised, 
their punishment. Their principal men, both sa- 
chems and chiefs, were generally poorer than the 
common people; for they affected to give away 
and distribute all the presents or plunder they got 
by treaty or in war.* They held their office by 
reason of merit and the esteem in which they were 
held by the people, and forfeited this distinction 
when that esteem was lost. Thus while the sys- 
tem held out ample incentives to valorous achieve- 
ment, there was nothing to tempt the covetous and 
sordid. A respect for native superiority, and a wil- 
lingness to yield to it were always conspicuous. In 
his own nation each sachem was a civil magistrate 
and decided the differences between his people in 
public audiences of his tribe. In military matters 
he had no control ; these were confided to the 
chiefs of tribes. If he engaged in war he held on- 
ly the rank of a common warrior. 

Each of the Iroquois nations was divided into 
nine clans or tribes, each having a specific device 
or totem, denoting original consanguinity. These 
totems were universally respected, and were often 
tatooed on the person of the Indian and were rude- 
ly painted on the gable end of his cabin, some in 
black, others in red. They entitled the wandering 
savage to the hospitality of the wigwam which bore 
the emblem corresponding with his own. These 
devices consisted of animals, birds, &c. They had 
various uses, but the most important was that which 
denoted tribal relation. Says E. B. O'Callaghan, 
M. D., the learned editor of the Colonial and Doc- 
umentary History f of New York : — 

" The Iroquois Nation consists of nine tribes, 
which form two divisions, one of four tribes and the 
other of five. 

•'They call the first division Guey-Nioiiteshes- 
%ue, which means the four tribes ; and the second 
division they call Ouiche-Niotiteshesgue, which 
means the five tribes. 

" The first is that of the Tortoise, which < alls it- 
self Atimathin. It is the first because they pretend 
when the Master of Life made the earth, that he 
placed it on a tortoise ; and when there are earth- 
quakes, it is the tortoise that stirs. 

"The second tribe is that of the Wolf, and calls 
itself Enanthayonni, or CahenMsenhonon, and 

•Colden's Five India 

\ Col. Hist. IX., 47; Doc. Hist. I., 3- [Paris I666-) 



i6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



brother of the Tortoise tribe. When there is ques- 
tion of war they deliberate together ; and if the af- 
fair is of great moment, they communicate it to the 
other tribes to deliberate together thereupon ; so 
ol ill the other tribes. They assemble in the hut 
of a war chief when the question is of war. ami in 
the hut of a council -chiet when it is for ordinary 
matters of state. 

" The third tribe is that of the Bear, which they 
call Atinionguin. 

"The fourth tribe is that of the Beaver, and 
brother to that of the Bear. These four tribes com- 
] ii >se the first division. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

" The fifth tribe is that of the Deer, which they 
call Canendeshe. 

" The sixth is that of the Potatoe, which they call 
Schoneschioronon. 

- The seventh is that of the Great Plover, which 
they call Otinanchahe. 

'•The eighth is that of the Little Plover, which 
they call Asco, or Nicohes. 

" The ninth is that of the Kilion, [Eagle,*] 
which they call Ganonchahonrotwn. [It] derives 
its origin from a cabin that was in the interior 
(dans les terres) and composed of several tires ami 
establishments. In the middle of the cabin was a 
partition which divided fit] in two. 

'• Weary of knowing no one, and consequently 
unable to marry, they all married among them- 
selves ; which is the reason that their name signi- 
fies two cabins united together." 

Parkman, in speaking of the ninth tribe, which 
he denominates the Potatoe, says, if it existed it 
was very inconspicuous and of little importance. 
Other authors name only eight tribes. Ruttenber 
designates nine. 

Previous to the formation of the Iroquois Con- 
federacy, each of the five nations composing it was 
divided into the tribes. When their union was 
effected, each tribe transferred one-fifth of its 
numbers to every other nation, thus giving each 
nation nine tribes. Their tribal names weir as 
follows: Tortoise, or Turtle, Wolf, Bear, Beaver, 
Deer, Potatoe, Snipe, Heron and Hawk.f 

These tribes formed two divisions, the second 
subordinate to the fust, which was composed of 
the four first named. The members of each divi- 
sion were regarded as brothers to those in that 
division to which they belonged, while they were 
only cousins to those in the other divisions. Each 
tribe constituted a family, and while all its mem- 
bers were accounted brothers and sisters, the) were 

• Signifies a hawk in some of the Iroquois dialects. — Vol. Hist. IX., 

-> 

rhese are the more modem names as given bj Morgan, ihougli lie 
an d oil ! I ! nipe ami Heron 

with the Great ami Little Plover, and the Hawk, with the Eagle, ol the 

1 in. h documents. 



also brothers and sisters of the members of all the 
other tribes bearing the same device. The indis- 
soluble bonds thus formed by the ties of consan- 
guinity were still further strengthened by the mar- 
riage relation. Originally marriage was interdicted 
between members of the same division, but in time 
the restriction was limited to those of the same 
tribe. It was held to be an abomination for two 
members of the same tribe to intermarry ; hence 
every individual family must contain members from 
at least two tribes. The child belonged to the 
clan of the mother, not the father, from whom it 
could not inherit anything. All rank, title and 
posessions passed through the female. The son 
of a chief could never be a chief by hereditary title, 
though he might become one through personal 
merit ; but a grandson, great-grandson or nephew 
might succeed him. 

The rule, though binding, was very elastic, and 
capable of stretching to the farthest limits of the 
tribe — each tribe being allowed to select its chief 
from among its own members. Almost invariably 
the chief was succeeded by a near relative, always 
on the female side; but if these were manifestly 
unlit, his successor was chosen at a council of the 
tribe from remoter kindred, in which case he was 
nominated by the matron of the late chief's house- 
hold.* In any event the choice was never adverse 
to the popular inclination.! The new chiet was 
inducted into office by a formal council of the 
sachems of the league ; and on assuming its duties 
he dropped his own name and substituted that 
which, since the formation of the league, had be- 
longed to his especial chieftainship.} The chief 
was required to be a skillful hunter, if not the best 
in his tribe, and liberal with his game. He must 
also be a good physician, and able to advise and 
assist the sick in every circumstance. It was his 
duty to take care of orphans, to harbor strangers, 
and to keep order in the town. But lie. like the 
sachem, had no power of compulsion ; anil like 
him, also, must keep up his reputation by a pru- 
dent, courteous and winning behavior.? 

The tribes were by no means equal in numbers, 
influence and honor, says Parkman. So marked 
were the distinctions among them that Colden and 
other early writers recognized only the three most 
prominent, — those of the Turtle, Bear and Wolf. 
They were eminently social in their habits; and 
without any law other than that of common usage, 
or means of enforcing justice, these rude, uncul- 



* l.alitau. 
t Parkman. 



t Ibid. 



WAR BETWEEN THE ADIRONDACKS AND IROQUOIS. 



i7 



tured barbarians lived together in communities ag- 
gregating thousands, with a harmony civilization 
might envy. 

There was another council, says the same 
author, between which and that of the subordi- 
nate chiefs the line of demarkation seems not to 
have been very definite. In its character it was 
essentially popular, but popular in the best sense, 
and one which can find its application only in a 
small community. Any man took part in it whose 
age and experience qualified him to do so. It was 
merely the gathered wisdom of the nation. The 
Jesuit Lafitau, familiar with the Iroquois at the 
height of their prosperity, compares it with the 
Roman Senate, and defines it as the central and 
controlling power, so far, at least, as the separate 
nations were concerned. He thus describes it : — 

"It is a greasy assemblage, sitting stir leur derriere, 
crouched like apes, their knees as high as their 
ears, or lying, some on their bellies, some on their 
backs, each with a pipe in his mouth, discussing 
affairs of state with as much coolness and gravity 
as the Spanish Junta, or the Grand Council of 
Venice." 

The young warriors also had their councils; so 
too had the women; and the opinions and wishes 
of each were represented by means of deputies in 
this council of old men, as well as the grand con- 
federate council of the sachems. The government 
of this unique republic resided wholly in councils ; 
and by these all questions were settled, all regu- 
lations established — social, political, military and 
religious. The war-path, the chase, the council- 
fire, — in these was the life of the Iroquois ; and it 
is difficult to say to which he was most devoted. 

In this blending of individual, tribal, national 
and federal interests lies the secret of the immense 
power wielded by the Iroquois, — a power which 
successfully resisted for a century and a half the 
hostile efforts of the French ; which made them 
for nearly a century (from 1664 to 1763,) an im- 
movable wedge between the contending French 
and English colonies in ^America, alike feared 
and courted by both ; and enabled them to ex- 
terminate or effectually subdue neighboring tribes 
with whom they had long waged war with varying 
success. 

The Iroquois were not always the same fierce, 
rapacious and blood-thirsty people which they are 
now familiarly known to have been, but were once 
engrossed in the peaceful pursuits of the husband- 
man. Colden graphically relates the circumstances 
which lead them in a measure to forsake that occu- 
pation, and involved them in a war with the Adiron- 



dacks, in which they were engaged when the French 
first settled Canada. We quote : — 

"The Adirondacks formerly lived three hundred 
miles above Trots Rivieres, where now the Utawa- 
u'as are situated ; at that time they employed 
themselves wholly in hunting, and the Five Nations 
made planting of corn their business. By this 
means they became useful to each other, by ex- 
changing corn for venison. The Adirondacks, 
however, valued themselves as delighting in a more 
manly employment, and despised the Five Nations 
in following business which they thought only fit 
for women. But it once happened that the game 
failed the Adirondacks, which made them desire 
some of the young men of the Five Nations to 
assist them in hunting. These young men soon 
became much more expert in hunting, and able to 
endure fatigue, than the Adirondacks expected or 
desired; in short they became jealous of them, 
and, one night, murdered all the young men they 
had with them. The Five Nations complained to 
the chiefs of the Adirondacks of the inhumanit) 
of this action; but they contented themselves with 
blaming the murderers, and ordered them to make 
some small presents to the relatives of the mur- 
dered persons, without being apprehensive of the 
resentment of the Five Nations ; for they looked 
upon them as men not capable of taking any great 
revenge. 

" This, however, provoked the Five Nations to 
that degree, that they soon resolved by some means 
to be revenged ; and the Adirondacks, being in- 
formed of these designs, thought to prevent them 
by reducing them with force to their obedience. 

" The Five Nations then lived where Mont Real 
now stands ; they defended themselves at first but 
faintly against the vigorous attacks of the Adiron- 
dacks, and were forced to leave their own country 
and fly to the banks of the lakes, where they now 
live. As they were hitherto losers by the war, it 
obliged them to apply themselves to the exercise 
of arms, in which they became daily more and 
more expert. Their Sachems, in order to raise 
their people's spirits, turned them against the 
Satan as, a less war-like nation, who then lived on 
the banks of the lakes ; for they found it was diffi- 
cult to remove the dread their people had of the 
valor of the Adirondacks. The Eive Nations soon 
subdued the Satanas, and drove them out of their 
country; and their people's courage being thus 
elevated, they, from this time, not only defended 
themselves bravely against the whole force of the 
Adirondacks, but even carried the war into the 
heart of the Adirondacks' country, and, at last, 
forced them to leave it, and to fly into that part of 
the country where Quebec is now built."* 

While the Iroquois were waging war with the 
Adirondacks, the French, who early signalized their 
enmity for the former, had, by the establishment 
of their fur trade, drawn most of the neighboring 
nations to Quebec, and supplied them with fire- 

* History of the Five Indian Xiitions. 



i8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



arms. These nations joined in the war against the 
Iroquois. The Adirondacks now resolved on the 
utter destruction of the Five Nations; but their 

young warriors, from their superiority in numbers 
and arms, became rash and insolent and restive 
under the disciplinary restraints of their chiefs. 
The Iroquois, who were thrown on the defensive by 
the rash impetuousness of their enemies, soon dis- 
covered the advantages they gained by this want of 
discipline, and became themselves more submis- 
sive to their chiefs and diligent in executing any 
enterprise. They opposed strategy, for which they 
were so conspicuously distinguished,* to the supe- 
riority in numbers and arms of the enemy, who 
were adroitly drawn into ambuscades and thereby 
suffered great losses. This warfare was continued 
until it culminated in the disastrous defeat and dis- 
persion of the Adirondacks and their allies, the 
Quatoghies, or Hurons, in a terrible battle foughl 
within sight of the French settlements at Quebec. 
They pursued these enemies to their place of refuge 
with a relentless persistency which only relaxed 
with their dispersion and almost utter extermina- 
tion. 

With the same terrible, deadly vehemence they 
pursued other enemies, prominent among whom 
were the Neutrals and Fries to the west and the 
Andastes to the south of them, their vengeance 
never satiated until they were wiped out of exis- 
tence as nations. Thus they eventually became 
the dictators" of the continent, their sway extending 
over a territory estimated to be twelve hundred 
miles long by eight hundred broad, embracing a 
large part of New England, and reaching thence to 
the Mississippi ; while the French occupants of 
Canada, and the Cherokees and Catawbas in the far 
south were humbled by their power. But they 
held in actual possession only the limited territory 
previously described. 

From the conquered nations they exacted tribute 
and drew conscripts for their armies. From the 
extent of their conquests, the number of their sub- 
ject nations, and the tribute and military aid ren- 
dered them by the latter, they have been called the 
"Romans of this Western World."f When we re- 
flect that of their own warriors they could bring 
into the held barely 2,000 braves, and with this 
number subjugated nations numerically more than 
twice as large, and spread terror and consternation 
among the French settlements in Canada, threat- 

• 1 he 1 ive Nations .ireso much delighted with stratagems in war, tli.it 
... n| 11 tunity in their forces ever makes them neglect them. — ( . 

t />/,,.. , 470-476; £oldet?sFi\ 

tiom /, 4, 5 ', Collection* of the New York Historical Society, 1S14, 44. 



ening their utter extinction, the magnitude of their 
achievements may be faintly comprehended. They 
are thus emphasized by Street: — 
"By the far Mississippi the lllini shrank, 
When the trail of the Tortoise was seen at the 

bank. 
On the hills of New England the Pequot turned 

pale, 
When the howl <>i the WolJ swelled at night on 

the gale, 
And the Cherokee shook in his green smiling 

bowers, 
When the foot of the /utir stamped his carpet of 

flowers." 
Their great successes, however, are scarcely ref- 
erable to the perfection of their military organiza- 
tion, which, though unquestionably better than that 
of their neighbors, was wretchedly poor. Occa- 
sionally, though rarely, they acted in concert as a 
great confederacy ; but usually their wars were car- 
ried on by detached parties, small in numbers, or 
at best by individual nations, by whom their great 
conquests were mostly made. 

They were in a chronic state of warfare, and were 
easily diverted from other pursuits whenever an 
opportunity offered to avenge their enemies. The 
inveterate wars waged by them against their kins- 
men, as for instance the Hurons, Fries and Andastes, 
all mighty and valorous nations, is one of the un- 
explained passages in their history. Any of their 
warriors who was desirous of avenging a personal 
insult, rebuking a tribal or national affront, or am- 
bitious to distinguish himself by some deed of valor, 
might take the war-path with such following as he 
could get. He first communicated his design to 
two others of his most intimate friends and if they 
approved of it, an invitation was extended in their 
name to the warriors of the village to attend a feast 
of dogs' flesh, which was always used on such oc- 
casions.* His purpose was publicly proclaimed by 
the singing of war-songs, dancing the war-dance, 
and sticking his hatchet in the war-post. Any who 
chose joined him. After a night spent in alimen- 
tary debauchery they set out, dressed in their finest 
apparel, with faces hideously bedaubed with paint, 
to make them objects of terror to their enemies, 
usually with a little parched corn meal and maple 
sugar as their sole provision. ( )ften these viands 
were varied by the addition of a little smoked 
venison; and when the supply became scant, as it 
often did, the tightening of the waist-belt was made 
to supplement an insufficient meal. They were al- 
ways followed on such occasions by the women,who 
took with them their old clothes and brought back the 

• Colt/en's Five Indian Nations ; Col. Hut. IX., 360. 



MILITARY STATUS OF THE IROQUOIS. 



r 9 



finery in which they marched from the castle. They 
always recorded these exploits by the aid of their 
mnemonic symbols, rudely sketched on the smooth 
side of a piece of bark, peeled for that purpose 
from a tree — usually an oak, as being most durable. 
These expeditions usually provoked retaliation, and 
the vengeance of the injured party was wreaked on 
any of the offending nation with whom they came 
in contact. Thus the history of Indian warfare is 
largely the history of the daring exploits of indi- 
viduals and small bands of warriors, who harrassed 
their enemies and kept them in perpetual fear of 
danger. This mode of warfare proved peculiarly 
distressing to the early settlements of the American 
colonies. 

Authors differ as to the military status of the 
Iroquois, and it would be difficult, perhaps, with 
our limited exact knowledge of the various Indian 
tribes with whom they came in contact, to award 
them their just meed. It would be manifiestly un- 
just to compare them with civilized nations, though 
in some respects this would not reflect disparag- 
ingly upon them. They had a discipline suited to' 
the dark and tangled forests where they fought. 
Here they were a terrible foe; but in an open 
country, against a trained European force, they 
were, despite their ferocious valor, less formidable. 
Their true superiority was a moral one. They were 
in one of those transports of pride, self-confidence 
and rage for ascendancy, which, in a savage peo- 
ple, marks an era of conquest.* They were proud, 
vindictive, arrogant, sagacious and subtle, and 
esteemed themselves by nature superior to the 
rest of mankind. They styled themselves Ongue- 
honwe, signifying "men surpassing all others."! 
Great care was taken to inculcate this opinion 
in their children, and to impress it upon other 
nations. 

The superiority of the Iroquois, as compared 
with others of their race in the whole western hemi- 
sphere, and even with the civilized races of Mexico 
and Peru, with a few doubtful exceptions, is clearly 
proved by the size of their brain. The average 
internal capacity of five Iroquois crania, as com- 
pared by Morton, was eighty-eight cubic inches, 
which is within two inches of the Caucasian mean, 
and four of the Teutonic.}: The difference in vol- 
ume is chiefly confined to the occipital and basal 
portions — the region of the animal propensities — 
and on this is predicated their ferocious, brutal and 



• Parkman's Jesuits. 

t Coldens Five Indian Nations. 

\ Crania Americana, 195. 



uncivilizable character.* In this remarkable family 
occur the fullest developments of Indian character, 
and the most conspicuous examples of Indian in- 
telligence. If not here, then nowhere are to be 
found those higher traits popularly ascribed to the 
race.f They unified and systematized the elements 
which, among other nations, were digressive and 
chaotic. The average internal capacity of the cra- 
nia of the North American Indians generally is 
eighty-four cubic inches ; greater than the mean of 
twenty-four crania of Mound builders, as examined 
by Prof. Jeffreys Wyman, Curator of Peabody Mu- 
seum of American Archreology.J 

The advent of the European nations to the 
American continent was the precursor alike of the 
downfall of the Iroquois Confederacy and the ulti- 
mate extinction of the American Indian. This 
was due, not so much to the organic defects of the 
confederacy itself, as to causes inherent in the struc- 
ture and mental incapacity of its authors. Stimu- 
lated at first by the attrition of rugged Saxon 
thought, they were destined ere long to be con- 
sumed by it. Though radically intractable, this 
race possessed in certain external respects a plastic 
mind; but while they felt and were, in a measure, 
influenced by this contact with a superior intellect, 
they lacked the ability to adapt themselves to the 
conditions essential to its evolvement. It intensi- 
fied their savage nature, rather than eradicated it; 
for, unhappily for them, they were brought more in 
contact with its vices than its virtues. It cannot 
be denied, however, that the efforts of early mis- 
sionaries had a softening tendency; and what 
might have been the result of their labors under 
more favorable conditions can only be conjectured. 
But the missionaries themselves gave ample evi- 
dence of the great difficulty attending their conver- 
sion, and it should not be overlooked that the in- 
stances which gave unmistakable evidence of gen- 
uine conversion were extremely rare. The large 
liberty allowed by their national compact was an 
element of great danger with a barbarous people, 
ffiven, as they were, to the gratification of many of 
the worst impulses of their nature ; for it held little 
or no restraint over them. The worst phases of 
our civilization — a polished barbarism rather — were 
engrafted on their natures, and served as a stimu- 
lus to appetites and passions already abnormally 
developed. 



* Admeasurements ef I rania of the Prim ipal Groups 0/ Indians in 
the United States. -J. S. Phillips, 
t Farianan s Jesuits. 
\ Fourth Annual Report, 1871. 



20 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Advanced as the Iroquois were beyond other 
American tribes, there is no indication whatever 
of a tendency to overpass the confines of a wild 
hunter and warrior life. They were inveterately 
attached to it, impracticable conservatists of bar- 
barism, and in ferocity and cruelty they matched 
the worst of their race. That they were sagacious 
is past denying ; but it expended itself in a blind 
frenzy which impelled them to destroy those whom 
they might have made their allies in a common 
cause. Their prescience, apparently, could not 
comprehend the destiny of a people capable of 
emerging from barbarism into civilization. Their 
dec line may be said to have begun when their con- 
quests ended. They soon became a hopeless de- 
pendency, without the means, if they had the de- 
sign, which they probably did not, to stop the en- 
croachment of the whites upon their domain. As 
early as 1753. their dissolution was foreshadowed, 
though it did not take place till about a quarter of 
a century later.* 



CHAPTER II. 

Indian Habits and Usages — Indian Dwellings 
—Indian Towns — Social Usages — Dress 
and Habits — Law of Marriages — Experi- 
mental Marriages — Family Discipline — 
Amusements — Dances and Feasts — The 
War Dance — Religion and Superstition — 
Stated Annual Festivals — Medical Feasts 
— Dreams — Wizards and Witches— Burials 
— Wampum — Hospitality. 

WE purpose giving in this chapter some of the 
more prominent features of Indian domestic 
and social life, which furnish the best index to his 
true character. The Indian, viewed as a distinct 
branch of the human family, has some peculiar 
traits and institutions which ma) 1 be advantageous- 
ly studied. They furnish the key to those start- 
ling impulses which have so long made him an 
object of wonder to civilized communities, and re- 
veal him as the legitimate product of the condi- 
tions attending his birth, his forest education, and 
the wants, temptations and dangers which surround 
him. They show him also to be as patient and 
politic as he is ferocious. 

"America, when it became known to Europeans, 

t See an account of a conference between Col William Johnson and 

the Six Nations .11 Onondaga, Sepl \ r75?.— Doc. Hist. II., 'ijj. 



was, as it had long been, a scene of wide-spread 
revolution. North and South, tribe was giving 
place to tribe, language to language ; for the 
Indian, hopelessly unchanged in respect to indi- 
vidual and social development, was, as n - 
tribal relations and social haunts, mutable as the 
wind. In Canada and the northern section of the 
United States, the elements of change were 
especially active. The Indian population, which, 
in 1535, Cartier found at Montreal and Quebec, 
had disappeared at the opening of the next 
century, and another race had succeeded, in 
language and customs widely different ; while in 
the region now forming the State of New York, a 
power was rising to a ferocious vitality, which, but 
for the presence of Europeans, would probably 
have subjected, absorbed or exterminated every 
other Indian community east of the Mississippi 
and north of the Ohio." * 

Hence we shall see that Indian habitations were 
not characterized by that durability and perma- 
nency which is manifest in stable communities. 
This mutability was governed primarily by success 
or non-success in war, or the fear of ambitious 
neighbors, for not unfrequently whole nations, or 
fragments of nations, submitted to expatriation to 
save themselves from extermination ; and, second- 
arily, by the mode of Indian life. They subsisted 
generally by hunting and fishing. Their agriculture 
was usually of the most primitive character ; and 
when, in the course of years, the fertility of their 
small clearings became exhausted, not being con- 
versant with the art of refertilization, they removed 
to and cultivated new fields. The scarcity of 
game and fuel also necessitated their removal to 
localities where it was more abundant. 

Usually, however, they had large central villages, 
which exhibited in a more marked measure the ele- 
ments of permanency. Thus the Iroquois, though 
living at different times in various localities in this 
State, retained their central habitations in or near 
the localities where the whites first found them. Of 
the Iroquois, who subsisted mainly by the chase, 
the Senecas, who occupied the most fertile portion 
of the State, brought agriculture to the highest de- 
gree of perfection, and had the best houses. When 
Genera] Sullivan passed through their country with 
his army in 1779, thousands of acres had been 
cleared, old orchards of apples, pears, peaches and 
other fruits existed, and evidences of long cultiva- 
tion abounded. Corn, which was a staple produc- 
tion, grew to marvelous perfection, ears twenty-two 
inches in length being found by Sullivan's soldiers, 
who. it is said, took to New England from the (ien- 
esee Valley the first sweet corn ever seen there. 

• Parkman*s Jesuits, 



DWELLINGS, TOWNS AND FORTIFICATIONS OF THE [ROQUOIS. 



Their dwellings differed in shape and size, and, 
though rude, were generally built with considerable 
labor and care. They were generally about thirty 
feet square and of the same height. The sides 
were formed of hickory saplings set in two parallel 
rows and bent inward, thus forming an arch. Trans- 
verse poles were bound to the uprights anil over 
the arch. The whole was covered with bark, over- 
lapping like shingles, and held in place by smaller 
poles fastened to the frame with cords of linden 
bark. An open space about a foot wide extended 
the whole length of the ridge and served the double 
purpose of window and chimney. At each end was 
an enclosed space for the storage of supplies of In- 
dian corn, dried flesh, fish, &c., which were kept in 
bark vessels. Along each side were wide scaffolds, 
some four feet from the floor, which, when covered 
with skins, formed the summer sleeping places, 
while beneath was stored their firewood gathered 
and kept dry for use. In some cases these plat- 
forms were in sections of twelve to fourteen feet, 
with spaces for storage between them. Five or six 
feet above was another platform, often occupied by 
children. Overhead poles were suspended for var- 
ious uses, to make and dry their fish and flesh, and 
hold their weapons, skins, clothing, corn, &c. In 
cold weather the inmates slept on the floor, huddled 
about the fires, which ranged through the center of 
the house. In their large structures the sides usu- 
ally consisted of rows of upright posts, and the roof 
still arched, was formed of separate poles. The 
door consisted of a sheet of bark hung on wooden 
hinges, or suspended by cords from above. Gen- 
erally they were lined with a thick coating of soot 
by the large fires maintained for warmth and for 
cooking. So pungent was the smoke that it pro- 
duced inflammation of the eyes, attended in old age 
with frequent blindness. Their wolfish dogs were 
as regular occupants as the unbridled and unruly 
children. The Iroquois preserved this mode of 
building in all essential particulars till a recent 
period, and it was common and peculiar to all 
tribes of their lineage. 

The Indian towns were generally but an irreg- 
ular and confused aggregation of Indian houses, 
from five to fifty in number, clustered together with 
little regard to order, and covering from one to ten 
acres. As the Indian dug no wells, they were lo- 
cated adjacent to copious springs or to considerable 
streams. They were often fortified, and a situation 
favorable to defense was always chosen — the shore 
of a lake, the crown of a difficult hill, or a high 
point of land in the fork of confluent streams. 



These defenses were not often constructed with any 
mathematical regularity, but made to conform to 
the nature of the ground. Frequently a precipice 
or river sufficed for a partial defense, and the line 
or embankment occurred only on one or two 
sides. 

An embankment was constructed of the earth 
thrown up from a deep ditch encircling the town, 
and supported palisades of twenty to thirty feet in 
height, planted in one to four concentric rows, 
those of each row inclining towards those of the 
others till they intersected. These palisades were 
cut by the alternate process of burning and hack- 
ing the burnt part with stone hatchets * from trees 
felled in the same manner, and were often inter- 
laced with flexible branches, to prevent their de- 
struction by fire, a common effort of the enemy. 
They were lined to the height of a man with heavy 
sheets of bark ; and on the top, where they crossed, 
was a gallery of timbers for the defenders, together 
with wooden gutters, by which streams of water 
could be poured on fires kindled by the enemy. 
Magazines of stones, and rude ladders for mount- 
ing the ramparts, completed the provisions for de- 
fense. The forts of the Iroquois were stronger 
and more elaborate than those of other nations, 
and large districts in New York are marked with 
the remains of their ditches and embankments, 
many instances of which occur in Livingston 
county. After the advent of Europeans and the 
introduction of suitable implements for making 
excavations, the palisades were set in the ground 
to a sufficient depth to render the use of embank- 
ments unnecessary ; t and their later defensive 
structures evince other modifications in form, sug- 
gested, probably, by the example or instructions of 
their white neighbors. 

Unsatisfactory efforts have been made to estab- 
lish a connection between the ancient works in this 
vicinity and those ascribed to the Mound-builders, 
and refer them to the same origin. " The resem- 
blance which they bear to the defensive structures 
of other rude nations, in various parts of the world, 
are the results of natural causes, and cannot betaken 
to indicate either a close or remote connection or 
dependence.";; But the differences between the 
two in size, general conformation and mode of 
structure are too important to be overlooked and 
scarcely admit of the thought of a like origin. The 

*The Indian had no metallic ax capable of felling a tree prior to t49 : 
— Schoolcraft. 

t A notable instance of this kind came under the observation of the 
writer in the town of Locke, in Cayuga county. 

§ Antiquities of New York ami the li'cst, 141. 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



former are much smaller and more numerous in a 
given extent of territory than the latter, which also 
conform in their structure to geometrical principles, 
while the former are conspicuous for their depart- 
ure from this rule.* The former also have the 
ditch outside the embankment, while in the latter 
it is invariably inside\ — a distinction too important 
and general to be merely accidental. Two of these 
remains which have come under our observation 
do not show by the relics found in them evidence 
of intercourse between their occupants and Euro- 
peans, showing that few had been abandoned prior 
to the advent of the white man — a fact which is at 
variance with the known mutability of the Indian ; 
furthermore, the forest growths covering these sites 
when the first settlers came into the country, and 
usually cited as an evidence of antiquity, with a 
few possible exceptions, did not indicate an anti- 
Columbian, if an anti-Jesuit, period. Squiersays: 
" I am driven to a conclusion little anticipated 
when 1 started upon my exploration of the monu- 
ments of the State, that the earth-works of Western 
New York were erected by the Iroquois or their 
western neighbors, and do not possess any anti- 
quity going very far back of the discovery.''^ Inci- 
dental resemblances in the character of the relics 
disclosed by them in isolated cases do not warrant 
the broad deductions sometimes made for them ; 
fur, if the connection is real, these resemblances 
should be of a general, not a special nature. 

Large quantities of timber were consumed in 
building these fortifications, and hence clearings of 
considerable extent were made and opened to their 
rude cultivation. In that work the squaws were 
employed, assisted by the children and superannua- 
ted warriors; not as a compulsory labor, but 
assumed by them as a just equivalent for the oner- 
ous and continuous labor of the other sex, in pro- 
viding meats and skins for clothing, by the chase, 
and in defending their villages against their enemies 
and in keeping intruders off their territory.;? The 
implement used for tilling the soil was a bone or 
wooden hoe, (pemidgeag akwout ;) and the chief 
crops, corn (mondamin,) beans, pumpkins, tobacco, 
sunflowers and hemp. There was no individual 
ownership of land, but each family had for the 
time exclusive right to as much as they saw fit to 
cultivate. The clearing process was a laborious 
one, and consisted in hacking off branches, piling 
them together with brushwood around the foot 

tiquities of Nevi York and the West, v 
t Pre-HistorU Races of the United States of A i/ieru .1 , 1-4 
t A titiouities of New York.aitdtht West, 140. 
§ Schoolcraft. 



of the standing trunks, and setting fire to the 
whole. 

With the Iroquois the staple article of food 
was corn, "cooked without salt in a variety of dif- 
ferent forms, each," says Parkman, "more odious 
than the last." This, cooked with beans of vari- 
ous colors, was highly esteemed by them, but was 
more of a dainty than daily dish. Their bread, 
which was of indifferent quality, kneaded in a bark 
tray with unwashed hands, but an article of daily 
consumption, was made of corn ; from which they 
also made a porridge, called by some Sapsis, by 
others Duundare, (boiled bread.*) Wild game 
was a common article of food, but venison (used 
specifically) was a luxury found only at feasts; 
dog's flesh was held in high esteem, and in some 
of the towns captive bears were fattened for festive 
occasions. Their food comprised many other arti- 
cles, some of which are far from being delectable 
to a refined taste. 

These stationary tribes were far less improvident 
than the roving Algonquins, and laid up stores of 
provision against a season of want. Their main 
stock of corn was buried in caches, or deep holes 
dug in the earth. In respect to the arts of life, also, 
they were in advance of the wandering hunters of 
the North. The women made a species of earthen 
pot for cooking, but these were supplanted by the 
copper kettle of the French traders. They wove 
rush mats with no little skill. They spun twine 
from the hemp by the primitive process of rolling 
it on their thighs ; and of this twine they made nets. 
They extracted oil from fish and from the seeds of 
the sunflower, the latter, apparently, only for the 
purposes of the toilet. They pounded their maize 
in huge mortars of wood, hollowed by alternate 
burnings and scrapings. "f To the woman belonged 
the drudgery of the household, as well as the field, 
though it may be questioned if the task was as on- 
erous as it is generally supposed to have been. J 
Among the Iroquois there were favorable features 
in her condition. She had often a considerable 
influence in the decisions of the councils. It was 
her prerogative during war to propose a cessation 
of hostilities, and this cou'.d be done without com- 
promising the warriors and chiefs. For this purpose 
a male functionary, who was a good speaker, was 
designated to perform an office which was deemed 
unsuitable to the female; and when this resolution 
was taken by the matrons of the nation or tribe, 
the message was delivered to this officer, who was 

'Col. Hist., /.. i8f, 
\ ParkmasCs Jesuits. 

JSce School, raft's .Votes. 



INDIAN MODES OF DRESS. 



23 



bound to enforce it with all the powers of eloquence 
he possessed.* It was in this role that the talented, 
but anomalous Red Jacket, acquired so great a 
celebrity as an orator. To the men, in addition to 
the duties already enumerated, belonged that of 
making the implements of war and the chase, pipes, 
which were often skillfully and elaborately wrought, 
and canoes, which were of two kinds — "some of 
entire trees, excavated by fire, axes and adzes,"t 
and others made of bark. The canoes of the Hu- 
rons and other northern tribes were made of birch 
bark; while those of the Iroquois, in the absence 
of birch, were made of elm, which was greatly in- 
ferior, both in lightness and strength. 

The dress of both men and women consisted of 
skins of various kinds, dressed in the well-known 
Indian manner, and worn in the shape of kilts, or 
doublets thrown over the shoulders, the men often 
wearing it only over the left shoulder, so as to leave 
their right arm free. Formerly these coverings 
were made of turkey feathers, woven together with 
a thread of wild hemp ; j but latterly both these and 
the skins were superseded by a piece of duffels,% 
which they received in trade with the whites. The 
rich wore a piece of blue, red or black cloth about 
" two yards" long, fastened around the waist, the 
lower seam of which, in some cases, was decorated 
with ribbons, wampum or corals. The poor cov- 
ered themselves with a bear-skin, and even the rich 
did the same in cold weather, or in its stead, a 
pelisse of beaver or other fur, with the hair turned 
inward. They made stockings and shoes of deer- 
skins and elk-hides, which, says Loskiel, were " tan- 
ned with the brains of the deer," which made them 
very soft; and some even wore shoes made of corn 
husks, of which, also, they made sacks. The dress 
which peculiarly distinguished the women, was a 
petticoat, made of a piece of cloth about two yards 
long, fastened tight about the hips, and hanging 
down a little below the knees. This they wore day 
and night. A longer one would have impeded 
them in walking through the woods and working in 
the fields. Their holiday dress was either blue or 
red and sometimes black, hung all around, fre- 
quently from top to bottom, with red, blue and 
yellow ribbons. " Most women of rank," says Los- 
kiel, "wear a fine white linen shift with a red col- 
lar, reaching from their necks nearly to the knees. 
Others wear shifts of printed linen or cotton of va- 
rious colors, decorated at the breast with a great 

•Benton's Herkimer County and 'the Upper MoJiaivk VaHey-t "\ 

t Colonial History of -Ycui 1 orfc. 

X Loskiel ami Colonial History 0/ Hew ) ~ork. 

§ A kind of coarse cloth resembling frieze. 



number of silver buckles, which are also worn by 
some as ornaments upon the petticoats." The men 
also frequently appeared in a white shirt with a red 
collar, worn over the rest of the clothes. The dress 
" of the women, according to the Jesuits," says 
Parkman, in speaking of the Hurons, " was more 
modest than that of our most pious ladies of France ! 
The young girls on festal occasions must be except- 
ed from this commendation, as they wore merely a 
kilt from the waist to the knee, besides the wam- 
pum decorations of the breast and arms. Their 
long black hair, gathered behind the neck, was 
decorated with disks of native copper, or gay pen- 
dants made in France, and now occasionally un- 
earthed in numbers from their graves. The men. 
in summer, were nearly naked, those of a kindred 
tribe wholly so, with the sole exception of their 
moccasins." 

All Indians were very much addicted to personal 
ornamentation, the women more so than the men. 
In these decorations consisted their wealth, and 
they were a means also of marking their rank 
among themselves.* The men paid particular at- 
tention to the dress and adornment of their wives, 
and thought it scandalous to appear better clothed 
than they, f Their robes of fur were often richly 
decorated on the inside with painted figures and de- 
vices, and elaborately embroidered, and were of 
great value. Much time and labor was bestowed 
in decorating their faces and bodies with paint and 
other devices. The latter was frequently covered 
entirely with black, in case of mourning, and was 
most singularly tatooed with representations of ser- 
pents, birds and other creatures. The entire body 
was thus sometimes covered, and though the oper- 
ation was severe and painful, at times resulting in 
death, not a murmur escaped the sufferer. From 
these decorations they sometimes acquired appel- 
lations by which their pride was exceedingly grati- 
fied ; thus an Iroquois chief, whose breast was cov- 
ered with black scarifications was called the Black 
Prince.J The face each day received a fresh ap- 
plication of paint, and this was an object of special 
care if they were going to a dance. Vermillion 
was their favorite color, and with it they frequent- 
ly painted the entire head. At other times half the 
face and head were painted red and the other half 
black. Near the river Muskingum was found a 
yellow ochre, which, when burnt, made a beautiful 
red color. This the Huron warriors chiefly used 
for paint, and did not think a journey of a hundred 

* Kip's Jesuits. 
t I oskiel. 

X Loskiel. 



24 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON O >UNTY. 



miles too great a price to pay for it. Some pre- 
ferred blue, "because," says Loskiel, "it is the 
color of the sky. when calm and serene, and being 
considered an emblem of peace, it is frequently in- 
troduced as such in their public orations." White 
c lay, soot and the red juii e ol < ertain berries, were 
rig the agents employed in these fantastic 
decorations. Some wore a large pearl, or piece of 
silver, gold or wampum, suspended from a hole 

bored in the cartilage ofthenose. 1' mm their ears. 

which had previously been distended and length- 
ened as much as possible, depended pearls, rings, 
sparkling stones, feathers, flowers, corals, or silver 
crosses. A broad collar made of violet wampum 
was deemed a most precious ornament, and the 
rich even decorated their breasts with it. " It is 
always necessary," says Father Sebastian Rasles, 
" to add a small piece of porcelain, which hangs at 
the end of the collar."* 

The hair was worn in various and grotesque fash- 
ions, and decorated with silver and other trinkets 
of considerable weight. The women suffered it to 
grow without restraint, and thus it frequently 
reached below the hips. Nothing was thought more 
ignominious in women than to have it cut off, and 
this was only now and then resorted to as an act 
of punishment. They anointed it with bear's grease 
to make it shine. "The Delaware women," 1 
Loskiel, "never plait their hair, but fold and tie it 
round with a piece of cloth. Some, tie it behind, 
then roll it up, and wrap a ribband or the skin ofa 
serpent around it. But the Iroquois, 

Shawanose and Huron women wear a queue, down 
to their hips, tied round with a piece of cloth, and 
hung with red ribband." The men did not allow 
their hair to grow long, and some even pulled so 
much of it out by the roots, that a little only re- 
mained round the crown of the head, forming a 
round crest of about two inches in diameter. This 
was divided into two parts, plaited, tied with rib- 
bon, and allowed to hang on either sick 1 of the 
head. The crown was frequently ornamented with 
a plume of feathers, placed either upright Or aslant ; 
and the hair, at feasts, with silver rings, corals, wam- 
pum, and even silver buckles. With some the hair 
was braided tight on one side and allowed to hang 
loose on the other; while with others it bristled in 
a ridge across the crown like the back ofa hyena. 

European writers, among them Voltaire, long 
contended that, par nature/, the North American 
Indians had no beards ; and \V. J. Snelling, who 
resided for some years among the Western Indians. 

•A"//'5 Jesuits. 



sa\s. it is not an error that the Indians have no 
beard. Brant, the celebrated Mohawk chief, ad- 
dressed the following letter to a Mr. Mc t'ausland. 
who. desiring to know the truth of the matter, pro- 
led the inquiry* thereon : — 

•■ Niagara, 19 April, 1783. 
tie men of the Si\ Nations have all beards by 
nature ; a> have likewise all other Indian nations of 
North America, which I have seen. Some Indians 
allow a part of the beard upon the chin and upper 
lip 10 grow, and a tew of the Mohawks shave with 
razors, in the same manner as Europeans; but the 
generality pluck out the hairs of the beard by the 
roots, as soon as they begin to appear jf and as 
ontinue this practice all their lives, they ap- 
pear to have no beard, or, at most, only a few strag- 
gling hairs, which they have neglected to pluck out. 
I am, however, ol opinion, that if the Indians were 
to shave, they would never have beards altogether 
so thick as the Europeans : and there are some to 
be met with who have actually very little beard. 
|os. Brant Tii \\ endanega." 

It was common for the Indians to rub their 
In idirs with the fat of bears or other animals, 
which was sometimes colored, to make their limbs 
supple, and to guard against the sting of mosqui- 
toes and other insects. 

The Iroquois studied dress and ornamentation 
more than any other Indian nation, and were 
allowed to dictate the fashion to the rest. 

The Iroquois married early in life, the men 
sometimes in their eighteenth, and the women in 
then fourteenth year. Both marriage and divorce 
were effected with equal facility, and were attended 
with very little ceremony. The marriage ceremony 
consisted in the aeeeptanc e of a gift from a suitor 
by the intended wife, and the return on her part 
of a dish of boiled maize and an armful of fuel. 
Divorces ensued at the pleasure of the parties for 
the most trivial causes, and without disgrace to 
either, unless it had been caused by some scandal- 
ous offense. The man signified his wish to marry 
by a present of blankets, cloth, linen, and perhaps 
a Ww belts of wampum, to the nearest relatives of 
the object of his desire. If they happened to be 
pleased with the present and suitor, they proposed 
the matter to the girl, who generally decided agree- 
ably to the wishes of the parents or relatives. If 
the proposal was declined the present was returned 
l>\ way ofa friendly negative. The woman or 
girl indicated this desire by sitting, with her face 
covered with a veil. If she attracted a suitor, 
negotiations were opened with parents or friends, 

rapky and History of the I ml tarn <»/ North Am. rica -Booh 

■>z. 
t Sec Hollan a ■■.. Hist.o) V*w > «>k, I.. isi. 



SOCIAL CUSTOMS OF THE IROQUOIS. 



25 



presents given and the bride taken. Says Father 
Cholonce, missionary of the Society of Jesus, in 
1 7 15, referring to the Iroquois: " Although these 
heathen extend their dissoluteness and licentious- 
ness to the greatest excess, there is vet no nation 
which in public guards so scrupulously the outward 
decorum, which is the attendant of perfect 
molesty. A young man would be forever dis- 
honored if he should stop to converse publicly 
with a young female. Whenever marriage is in 
agitation the business is to be settled by the 
parents, and the parties most interested are not 
even permitted to meet." * 

Taciturn, morose and cruel as the Indians were 
usually in their hunting and war-like expeditions, 
in their own cabins and communities they were 
very social, patient and forbearing ; in their festal 
seasons, when all were at leisure, they engaged in 
a round of continual feasting, gambling, smoking 
and dancing. In gambling they spent much of 
their leisure, and staked all they controlled on the 
chances of the game, — their food, ornaments, 
canoes, clothing, wives, and even the skins from 
their backs.! The game of bowl, in which two 
entire villages sometimes contended, had a pecu- 
liar fascination, and cases are related where some 
of the contestants lost their leggins and moccasins, 
and complacently returned home barefooted 
through the snow. Some of the Iroquois believed 
that they would play this game in the spirit land. \ 
Various devices were employed, — eight plum 
stones, pieces of wood, or small pebbles, (tioyaux) 
painted red or black on one side, and yellow or 
white on the other. These were put into a wooden 
bowl, which, being struck heavily upon the ground, 
caused them to bound upward, and the betting 
was upon the colored faces which were uppermost 
when they fell. So long as one threw seven or 
eight of the same color he gained and continued 
playing. j Ball (/a crosse,) was also a favorite 
game and engaged twenty or more contestants on 
each side. Entire villages were often pitted against 
each other. Two poles were set up and the game 
commenced in the center; one part}-, with bat. 
which is described "as a sort of little racket," pro- 
pelling the ball, (which was made of " very heavy 
wood, somewhat larger than the balls used at 
tennis,") from one side and the other from the op- 
posite, and whichever reached the goal won. 

* Early Jesuit Missions, — Kip, p. 86. 

t Biography of 'the Indians of North America -Book [1., Chap. 

II., 3'- 

J Parkmaifi Jesuits. 

%.Col. Hist. IX., ssx. [Paris Documents 1 Carvcr'i Travels, 
London Etl. Jot: Phila. Ed., 1796, ij-. 



When playing they were entirely naked, except a 
" breech cloth," and moccasins on their feet ; and 
their bodies were completely painted with all sorts 
of colors. They played "very deep (gros /at.) 
and often ; " and the bets sometimes amounted to 
"more than eight hundred livres."* These games 
occasionally provoked bitter feuds, resulting in 
deadly combat, and tradition ascribes the war be- 
tween the Neutral nation and the Iroquois to the 
defeat of the former in a series of games of ball.f 

Dancing was a common amusement and a sol- 
emn duty with all Indians, and not a night passed 
during these periods of leisure without a dance in 
one family or another to which the youth of both 
sexes resorted with eagerness. The common dance 
was held in a large house or in an open'field around 
a fire. A circle was formed and a leader chosen. 
The women danced with great decorum, even 
gravity, never speakingaword to the men, muchless 
joking with them, as that would injure their character. 
They neither jumped nor skipped, but moved one 
foot lightly backward and forward, till by gradual 
advances they reached a certain spot, when they 
retired in the same manner. They kept their 
bodies straight and their arms hung down close to 
their sides. The men shouted, leaped and stamped 
with great violence, their extreme agility and light- 
ness of foot being shown to great advantage. The 
sole music consisted of a single drum, made by 
stretching a thin deer skin over an old barrel or 
kettle, or the lower end of a hollow tree, and beat 
with one stick. Its sound was disagreeable, and 
served only to mark the time, which they kept with 
exactness, even when dancing in great numbers. 
The intervals between the rounds were enlivened 
with singing by the drummer. The dances com- 
monly lasted till midnight. The dance was a com- 
mon way of welcoming and entertaining strangers. 
Baron Lahonton says it was the custom of the 
Iroquois to dance "lorsque les etrangers passent 
dans leur pais, ou que leurs ennemis envoient des 
ambassadeurs pourfaire des propositions de peix."\ 

Another kind of dance was attended only by 
men. Each rose in his turn and danced with great 
agility and boldness, extolling the great deeds of 
himself or forefathers in a song, to which the whole 
company beat time, by a rough, monotonous note, 
sung with great vehemence at the commencement 
of each bar. 

'Col Hist. IX . S87 

t Biography and Hist Indians B 

II., Chap. 11., Ji. — Doty's History :■. ;; Othel 
authors ascribe to this cause the war between the Eries ami Iroq 

% Memoirs de L' Amerique, II. no. 



26 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



< tther dances were held upon particular occa- 
sions, the chief of which was the dance of peace, 
called also the calumet, or pipe-dance, because the 
calumet, or pipe of peace, was handed about during 
the dance. The dancers joined hands and leaped 
in a ring for some time. Suddenly the leader let 
go the hand of one of his partners, keeping hold of 
the other. He then sprang forward, turned round 
several times, so that he was encircled by the rest 
of the company. They disengaged themselves as 
suddenly, keeping hold of each other's hands during 
all the evolutions and changes of the dance, which, 
as they explained it, represented the chain of friend- 
ship. A song, composed especially for this solem- 
nity, was sung by all.* 

The War Dance, held either before or after a 
campaign, was dreadful to behold. No one took 
part in it but the warriors themselves. They af- 
fected with such marvelous fidelity the fierce pas- 
sions which actuated them in their bloody deeds of 
valor, as to give to the shuddering spectator an 
exact pantomime representation of the scenes in 
which they had actually engaged — representations 
as horrible as life-like. It delineated the prepara- 
tions for the war, and all the common incidents at- 
tending it — -their arming, departure, arrival in the 
enemy's country, the encampment, the attack, the 
struggle, the victory, and lastly the torture of the 
captives. 

Prodigality was as much a characteristic of their 
feasts as their dances and other amusements, with 
which they were often associated, and like them are 
supposed to have had their origin in religion. f 
They were often participated in by whole villages, 
sometimes even by neighboring villages, and in this 
way a vain or ambitious host applied all his sub- 
stance to one entertainment. Brcbeuf relates an 
instance of this kind which occurred in the winter 
of 1635, at the village of Cantarrea. where thirty 
kettles were over the fires, anil twenty deer and 
four bears were served up.j The invitation was 
simple and consisted in the concise summons, 
"Come and eat." To refuse was a grave offense. 
Each guest took his dish and spoon and as he 
entered, greeted his host with the ejaculation, //,' ' 
He then ranged himself with the rest, squatted on 
the earthen tloor or on the platform along the sides 
of the house, around the steaming kettles. A long 
prelude of lugubrious singing preceded the feast. 
The host, who took no share in the feast, then pro- 
claimed in a loud voice the contents of each kettle 

t I.oskiel. 
* Charlevoix. 

\ I'arkman's Jesuits. 



and at each announcement the company responded 

in unison, Hoi The attendant squaws then filled 
the bowls of the guests, who interspersed their .•'east- 
ing with talking, laughing, jesting, singing and 
smoking, at times protracting the entertainment 
throughout the day. 

When the feast partook of a medical character 
it was indispensable that each guest should eat all 
that was served to him, however enormous the 
quantity, even if he should die. Should he fail, the 
host would be outraged, the community shocked, 
and the spirits roused to vengeance. Disaster would 
befall the nation ; death, perhaps, the individual. 
A vicarious alternative was provided, however, and 
when one found himself unable to conform to the 
ridiculous practice, he engaged, when he could, 
another of the company to eat what remained of 
his portion, generally rewarding his benefactor with 
a present. This was the only way of getting out 
of the dilemma. "In some cases the imagined 
efficacy of the feast was proportioned to the rapid- 
ity with which the viands were dispatched. Prizes 
of tobacco were offered to the most rapid feeder ; 
and the spectacle then became truly pon ine. 
"These feasts were much dreaded, but were never 
known to be declined. 

The War Feast of the Iroquois, as observed by- 
Father Dablon on the occasion of the contemplated 
war with the Eries, in January. 1656, and which, 
he says, "serves to stimulate their courage for the 
approaching conflict, " is thus described by him : — 

"First of all the war-kettle, as they call it, is 
hung over the fire as early as the preceding 
autumn, in order that each of the allies going to 
war may have the opportunity to throw in some 
precious morsel, to be kept cooking through the 
winter, by which act they are solemnly pledged to 
take part in the proposed enterprise. The kettle 
having been kept steadily boiling up to the month 
of February, a large number of warriors, Senecas 
as well as Cayugas, gathered to celebrate the war 
feast, which continued for several nights in succes- 
sion. They sang their war songs, danced and went 
through all possible contortions of body and ex- 
pressions of countenance, protesting the while that 
never should they retire from the combat, but fi"ht 
to the death, whatever tortures they might suffer, 
before they would yield an inch of ground. At the 
same time that they make this boast of their courage, 
they hurl at one another fire brands and hot ashes, 
strike each other heavy blows, and burn one an- 
other to show they do not fear the very worst the 
enemy can do. Indeed, one must remain firm 
and suffer himself to be bruised or burned by his 
nearest friends without flinching ; otherwise he is 
regarded as a miserable coward.*" 

•Relation, 1656, Chap. X. 



RELIGIOUS RELIEFS OF THE IROQUOIS. 



27 



The Indians had rude, though positive religious 
ideas, which were associated with — almost entirely 
embodied in — superstition, that natural concom- 
itant of ignorance. As observed by the early Jesu- 
its, before being contaminated by those of civilized 
nations, they were in strict accordance, as with 
other nations, civilized or barbarous, with their 
mental and moral development, and hence differed 
in different nations. They evinced, in perfect an- 
alogy with the Indians themselves, a greater fear of 
evil than of reverence for good; and hence their 
devotions consisted more in propitiating evil spirits 
than invoking the interposition of the good. In- 
deed, and here we realize the beauty of their sim- 
plicity, it was deemed superfluous to importune the 
source of goodness. The belief in immortality was 
almost universal, but. though rarely, there were 
those who denied it.* Even animals were en- 
dowed with it, and were deified and worshiped. t 
This veneration for the animal kingdom is reflected 
in the common practice of selecting from it the 
names by which the tribes were designated. Thev 
were tolerant towards others, and allowed as large 
a liberty upon the subject of religion among them- 
selves as in their social and civil arrangements. 
To use the trite expression of a Creek chief who 
accompanied an American to England in 1791, on 
being asked as to his religious belief, he replied 
that, upon a subject upon which there was no pos- 
sibility of people's agreeing, he thought " it was 
best that every one should paddle his own canoe 
his own way ! " t 

The Indians' Ood, whom the Iroquois called 
Hdwenniis, (meaning he rules, he is master^) was 
endowed with attributes akin to their own, but 
primitively not with that of moral goodness. The 
Indian language had no word expressive of our 
abstract idea of deity. The Iroquois had another 
God, with equal claims to supremacy. Him they 
called Areskoui, and his most prominent attribute 
was that of a god of war. He was often invoked 
and the flesh of animals and captive enemies was 
burned in his honor. They had also a third deity, 
called Terenyowagon, or Teharonhiwagon, whose 
place and character is not well defined. In some 
traditions he appears as the son of Jouskeha, the 
ruler of the world, and endowed with great influ- 
ence, for he it was who spoke to men in dreams. 



* Father Gnivier once said that a Peoria Indian once told him that 
there was no future life. — Parkmari 's Jesuits. 

f It is the settled belief among the northern Algonquins that animals 
will fare better in another world, in the precise ratio that their lives and 
enjoyments have been curtailed in this X\te.— Schoolcraft's Notes. 

XBiography and History oj the Indians oj North itnerica Book 
I., Chap. III., 20-21. 



Some writers identify him with Hiawatha, to 
whom the Iroquois ascribe their confederation ; 
while Van der Donck assumes that he is God, and 
Areskoui, the Devil. Besides these they had 
numerous objects, both animate and inanimate, 
which were endowed with supernatural powers and 
supplicated. These the Iroquois called Okies; 
the Algonquins and other tribes, Manitous. There 
were local manitous of streams, rocks, mountains, 
cataracts and forests, which, when they revealed 
themselves to mortal sight, bore the semblance of 
beasts, reptiles or birds, in unusual or distorted 
shapes, their conception betraying for the most 
part, a striking poverty of imagination. There 
were manitous without local habitations, some 
good, some evil, countless in number and indefinite 
in attributes. They filled the world and controlled 
the destinies of Indians, who were held to be 
under a spiritual rule distinct from that which gov- 
erns the white man. These were, for the most 
part, in the shape of animals. Sometimes they 
took the form of stones, and, though less frequent- 
ly, assumed human proportions. Each Indian had 
his guardian manitou, to whom he looked for 
counsel, guidance and protection. 

The points of the compass and the winds were 
also personified as manitous. There was a Sum- 
mer-Maker and Winter-Maker, and the latter 
was kept at bay by throwing fire-brands into the 
air. The hunter sought to propitiate the game he 
desired to kill, and was often known to address a 
wounded bear in a long apologetic harangue. 
This is also true of the fish, which, says Parkman, 
" were addressed every evening from the fishing- 
camp by one of the party chosen for that function, 
who exhorted them to take courage and be caught, 
assuring them that the utmost respect should be 
shown to their bones. The harangue, which took 
place after the evening meal, was made in solemn 
form ; and while it lasted, the whole party, except 
the speaker, were required to lie on their backs, 
silent and motionless, around the fire." The fish 
nets were no less objects of solicitude, and to in- 
duce them to do their work effectually, were mar- 
ried every year to two young girls, with a ceremony 
far more formal than that observed in human wed- 
lock. As it was indispensable that the brides 
should be virgins, mere children were chosen.* 

Though believing in the immortality of the soul, 
the Indian did not always accompany it with a be- 
lief in a state of future reward and punishment ; 
and when such belief did exist, the reward and 



* Parkman's Jesuits. 



28 



HISTORY OF I.IVINOSTON COUNTY. 



punishment were sensuous rather than moral. 
Some, though but few, believed in the transmigra- 
tion of the soul. They had religious teachers 
whose code of morals, says Loskiel, was as severe 
as their own non-observance of it was universal. 
To the poor they recommended vomiting, among 
other things, as the most expeditious mode of puri- 
fication from their sins. -'Some," says Loskiel, 
"who believed in these absurdities, vomited so 
often that their lives were endangered by it." He 
pertinently adds, " few indeed persevered in attend- 
ing to so severe a regimen." Others, he says, re- 
commended stripes as the most effectual means to 
that end, " and advised their hearers to surfer 
themselves to be beaten with twelve different 
sticks, from the soles of their feet to their necks, 
that their sins might pass from them through their 
throats." " Even these," he says, " had their wil- 
ling scholars, though it was apparent that the 
people became no better, but rather worse by these 
wretched doctrines." 

The Iroquois had five stated annual festivals, 
each conducted in a manner appropriate to the 
special event commemorated.* 

The first was held in the spring, after the close 
of the sugar-making season, in gratitude for the 
abundance of sap and quantity of sugar they had 
been permitted to make. The aged chiefs ad- 
monished the young men to rectitude and virtue as 
the way to merit a continuance of these favors. It 
was usually closed with dancing, singing and games. 

The second was held immediately after com- 
plaining; when thanks were rendered for a favor- 
able seed time, instructions given for the care and 
cultivation of the crops, and the great spirit in- 
voked to give it a healthy growth. 

The third, called the green-corn feast, was held 
when the corn was ready for use, and thanks were 
rendered for this valuable gift, which was prepared 
ami consumed in great quantity and in a variety 
of ways. Songs and dances entered largely into 
the ceremonies of the occasion, which were closed 
by the famous succotash dance. The pipe of 
peace was usually smoked on these festal days by 
the head men of the nation. 

The fourth was held after the close of the corn 
harvest, for which thanks were given, and was fol- 
lowed by the usual festivities. 

To the preceding festivals, which latterly occu- 
pied but one day each, three days each were form- 
erly allotted. 

* According to Morgan there were six, the third being the strawberry 
festival.— League of the Iroquois. 



The fifth, the last, and crowning festival of the 
year, the one to which the greatest importance was 
attached, was held late in January, or early in 
February, immediately after the return of the 
hunters from the chase, with their wealth of game 
and skins, and was celebrated with great pomp and 
ceremony. When every preparation had been 
made by the managers chosen for that purpose, 
runners were sent to every cabin in the nation, to 
give notice of the fact. The fire was extinguished 
in every cabin, each of which was then visited and 
purified by persons designated for that purpose, 
who scattered the ashes, swept the hearth, and re- 
kindled the fire. This occupied the first day. On 
the second, the managers, fantastically dressed, 
visited each house and received the gifts of the 
people, which consisted of various articles useful 
for food, incense or sacrifice. This was continued 
several days, according to the time allotted for the 
continuance of the festival, during which time the 
people assembled at the council-house were en- 
gaged in various sports. All must give something, 
or be saluted with a " rub " by the solicitors, 
which left a mark of disgrace not easily effaced, 
and be excluded from the sacrificial absolution. 

Preparations were made on the day preceding 
the last for the great sacrifice, which was to take 
place on the succeeding one. The offerings which 
had been collected were presented separately by 
the giver to the master of ceremonies, who, with 
the utmost gravity, uttered ashortejaculatory pray- 
er, to which those present made a hearty response. 
These gifts as they were returned were hung around 
the council room. The sins of the people, which 
were supposed to have been concentrated in the 
managers, were transferred by them to two individ- 
uals clad in white, who, in turn, transferred them to 
two white dogs, which had been previously fantas- 
tically painted with red figures, decorated with 
small belts of wampum, ribbons and feathers, and 
killed by strangulation. These were then taken to 
the council-house and laid upon a platform, the 
whole proceedings being characterized by the most 
devout solemnity. They were subsequently carried 
with formal ceremony to the fire, which had been 
kindled outside the house, and around which the 
multitude gathered. Each in turn was thrown 
upon the fire, the act being preceded by prayer 
and song. Baskets of herbs and tobacco were 
thrown upon the lire at intervals and the whole 
consumed.* 



* Clark's Owmdaga, in which may be found a more minute descrip- 
tion. 



THE IROQUOIS FAITH IN DREAMS. 



29 



An Indian community swarmed with sorcerers, 
medicine-men and diviners, whose functions were 
often united in one person. The former, by charms, 
magic songs and feasts, and the beating of drums, 
professed power over spirits and those occult influ- 
ences inherent in animals and inanimate things. 
The Indian mind, so prone to mysticisms, was 
largely influenced by these deceivers. The doctors 
knew how to cure wounds, and treated simple dis- 
eases successfully, but were not skilled in the prac- 
tice of medicines. The general health was due 
more to their habits than a knowledge of remedies. 
One method of treatment was the sweating bath, 
which was literally an earthen oven, around which 
heated stones were placed to raise the temperature. 
Into this the patient crawled, and after remaining 
under perspiration a certain length of time, was 
taken out and immersed suddenly in cold water, a 
process well calculated to " kill or cure." The oil 
obtained from beavers was used by them in many 
forms and for various purposes. It was a remedy 
to which the Dutch attached much value. But they 
relied far more on magic than natural remedies. 
Diseases, they believed, resulted from supernatural 
causes, and hence supernatural and extremely ludi- 
crous curative agencies were resorted to. They 
beat, shook, pinched and bit their patients, and 
sought to expel the evil spirits by deafening noises 
and various incantations. These, together with 
dances, feasts, dreams, an unearthly din in the cabin 
of the invalid, kept up for hours, and sufficient to 
make the well sick, strewing ashes about the hut, 
and rolling one of their number in skins, were the 
principal remedies. 

The diviners, or prophets, had various means of 
reading the secrets of futurity, and wielded an im- 
mense influence with the people, who, apparently, 
were incapable of abstract thought. For the spirit- 
ual and purely esthetical they cared nothing ; but 
directed their study chiefly to physical phenomena, 
with which they were so intimately associated, 
always referring their causes to a supernatural agen- 
cy. Hence their mind was a fruitful field for the 
mystic arts of divination. 

The sorcerers, medicine-men and diviners did not 
usually exercise the functions of priests, says Park- 
man. Each man sacrificed for himself to the pow- 
ers he wished to propitiate. The most common 
offering was tobacco, thrown into fire or water ; 
scraps of meat were sometimes burned to the 
manikins ; and on a few rare occasions of public 
solemnity, a white dog, the mystic animal of many 
tribes, was tied to the end of an upright pole, as a 



sacrifice to some superior spirit or to the sun, with 
which the superior spirits were constantly con- 
founded by the primitive Indian. 

Among the Iroquois, and, indeed, all the sta- 
tionary tribes, there was an incredible number of 
mystic ceremonies, extravagant, puerile, and often 
disgusting, designed for the cure of the sick or for 
the general weal of the community. Most of their 
observances seem originally to have been dictated 
by dreams, and transmitted as a sacred heritage 
from generation to generation. They consisted in 
an endless variety of dances, masqueradings, and 
nondescript orgies ; and a scrupulous adherence to 
all the traditional forms was held to be of the first 
moment, as the slightest failure in this respect might 
entail serious calamities. 

Dreams were the great Indian oracles, and were 
implicitly obeyed. They believed them to be direct 
emanations from the Great Spirit, and as such were 
immutable laws to them. From this source arose 
many of their evils and miseries. In them were 
revealed their destiny and duty ; war and peace, 
health and sickness, rain and drouth, were all re- 
vealed by a class of professional dreamers and 
dream interpreters. Sir William Johnson, before 
he was knighted, profited by his knowledge of this 
peculiarity of the Indian character. He was ac- 
costed at one time by Ring Hendrick, the cele- 
brated Mohawk chieftain, to whom Sir William was 
greatly attached. Ring Hendrick said he had 
dreamed, and on being invited by Sir William to 
state the nature of his dream, added, " I dream you 
give me one suit of clothes." Sir William replied, 
" Well, I suppose you must have it." But now it 
was the latter's turn. He not long after met Hen- 
drick and with a bland smile told him that he had 
dreamed. " Did you," said Hendrick, " what 
you dream ?" " I dreamed," said Sir William, 
"You gave me such a tract of land," the outlines 
of which he described. Ring Hendrick paused, 
and with a significant shake of his finger, said. " 1 
suppose you must have it," but, he added, " You 
must not dream again."* This incident has also 
been credited to the illustrious Oneida chief Skanan- 
doah, through whose friendly and powerful interven- 
tion the arms of the Oneidas were bared in the 
interest of the colonists during the Revolutionary 
war. 

Honnonouaroria, The Dream Feast of the fra- 
quois, was one of their most noted festivals, and 
while it lasted was one scene of frenzy. It is thus 
described by Father Claude Dablon, who with 

* Benton's Herkimer County and tut, 2J. 



3° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Father Joseph Chaumonot, witnessed its observ- 
ance in 1656. the year of their embassy to Onon- 
daga to open the way for the missions in the several 
Iroquois cantons; premising that on such occa- 
sions license was given to any one who had 
dreamed of anything involving his welfare, to de- 
mand of others that they should tell him his dream 
and satisfy his desire as thus indicated: — 

•• It began with the 2 2(1 of February and lasted 
three days. Immediately upon the proclamation 
of the feast by the old men of the village, to whom 
this duty is entrusted, the whole population, men, 
women and children, rush from their cabins through 
the streets in the wildest confusion, but by no 
means after the fashion of an European masquer- 
ade. The larger part are nearly naked and seem 
almost insensible to the cold, which is almost in- 
tolerable to the warmly clad. Certain ones carry 
with them a plentiful supply of water, and it may 
be something more hurtful, to throw upon those 
who come in their way. Others s;ize lire-brands, 
live coals with ashes, which they thug about without 
regard to consequences. Others still occupy them- 
selves in smashing pots, plates and the small house- 
hold utensils they happen to encounter. A number 
are armed with swords, spears, knives, hatchets. 
clubs, which they make as though they would hurl 
at the first comer; and this is kept up until some 
one is able to interpret and execute the dream. 

" It sometimes occurs, however, that the skill of 
each and all fails him in divining their meaning, 
since instead of proposing the matter plainly, they 
rather conceal in enigma, chanting a jumble of 
ambiguous words or gesticulate in silence as in 
pantomime. Consequently they do not always 
find an CEdipus to solve the riddle. At the same 
time they obstinately persist in their demand that 
the dream shall be made known, and if the diviner 
is too slow, or shows an unwillingness to risk an 
interpretation, or makes the least mistake, they 
threaten to destroy and burn."* 

Wizards and witches were the great bane of the 
Iroquois, and objects of utter detestation. Murder 
might be condoned, but witchcraft was punishable 
with death in all cases. Any one might kill a 
witch on sight with impunity. They believe that 
witches could transform themselves at will into any 
one of the wild animals or birds, or even assume 
the shape of logs, trees, rocks, etc.. and in forms 
invisible, visit public assemblies or private houses, 
and inflict all manner of evils. The delusion was 
at one time so prevalent and their destruction so 
great as to seriously lessen the population. 

The Indians never destroyed rattlesnakes be- 
cause they believed them to be the offspring of the 
devil, who, they thought, would revenge the act by 
preventing their success in hunting. 

1 i liap. I\.. -'■ -')■ Early Chapters of Cayuga 

History. 



Indian burials were attended with solemn cere- 
monies, and differed somewhat in the method of 
conducting them. The most ancient mode of 
burial among the Iroquois was first to place the 
corpse upon a scaffold, some eight feet high, and 
allow it to remain there till the flesh fell off, 
when the bones were interred.* How long this 
method prevailed is not known, but latterly, and 
from their first association with the whites, a more 
commendable one prevailed. The corpse was clad 
usually in the best attire of the deceased. The 
grave, usually about three feet deep, was lined with 
bark, into which the body was laid. There were 
deposited in the bark coffin a kettle of provisions, 
deer skin and the sinews of the deer, (to sew 
patches on the moccasins, which, it was believed, 
would wear out in the long journey to the spirit 
land.) bows and arrows, a tomahawk, knife and 
sometimes, if he was a distinguished person, a gun. 
These were deemed indispensable to a prosper- 
ous and happy journey to the Indian's land of 
shades. The final covering was then placed over 
the whole, and the grave filled with earth. This 
done, the Indian women kneeled down by the 
grave and wept. The men were silent for a time, 
but eventually set up a doleful cry, chanted the 
death dirge, and all silently retired to their homes. 
It was formerly customary for the friends to visit 
the grave before sunrise and after sunset for twelve- 
successive days, but this practice has been aban- 
doned. 

The practice of putting into the grave certain 
articles designed to promote the journey of the 
deceased to the great hunting grounds was com- 
mon to all Indian nations, and often very costly 
ornaments and trinkets belonging to the deceased 
were buried with them. The face and hair of the 
corpse were sometimes painted red to obscure the 
pallor of death and give it an animated appearance, 
and the obsequies were celebrated with all the 
pomp of savage splendor. With the Natchez it 
was customary for the mourning friend to name 
the degree of relationship he sustained toward the 
deceased, and the nearest relatives continued this 
ceremony for three months. 

Colden says the custom was to make a large 
round hole, in which the body was placed in a sit- 
ting posture. It was then covered with timber 
to support the earth, which was heaped up in a 
round hill.t Bradford cites several authorities with 
regard to the position of the corpse, among them 

* l. a Fart. A meriean Antiquities, Bradford, 195. 
t Gulden's Five Indian Xations. 



INDIAN MODE OF BURIAL — WAMPUM. 



3i 



Charlevoix, who says : " The dead body, dressed 
in the finest robe, with the face painted, the arms 
and all that belonged to the deceased by his side, 
is exposed at the door of the cabin, in the posture 
it is to be laid in the tomb; and this posture is the 
same, in many places, as that of the child before 
its birth."* 

" At intervals of ten or twelve years," says Park- 
man, "the Hurons, the Neutrals, and other kin- 
dred tribes, were accustomed to collect the bones 
of their dead, and deposit them, with great cere- 
mony, in a common place of burial. The whole 
nation was sometimes assembled at this solemnity; 
and hundreds of corpses, brought from their tempo- 
rary resting places, were inhumed in one capacious 
pit. From this hour the immortality of the soul 
began. They took wing, as some affirmed, in the 
shape of pigeons ; while the greater number de- 
clared that they journeyed on foot, and in their own 
likeness, to the land of shades, bearing with them 
the ghosts of the wampum belts, beaver skins, bows, 
arrows, pipes, kettles, beads, and rings buried with 
them in the common grave. But as the spirits of 
the old and of the children are too feeble for the 
march, they are forced to stay behind, lingering 
near their earthly villages, where the living often 
hear the shutting of their invisible cabin-doors, 
and the weak bodies of the disembodied children 
driving birds from the corn-fields." 

Cleared areas were chosen for this sepulcher. 
The ceremonies attending the event lasted for days 
and were very imposing. The subsequent discov- 
ery of these immense deposits of bones have elici- 
ted much inquiry on the part of those not familiar 
with the facts. Father Bre'beuf saw and fully ex- 
plained one of these burials in 1636. 

Wampum, or Zewant, served the Indians as a cur- 
rency, as an ornament and as the public archives 
of the nation. It was, therefore, an important 
factor in all their civil, social, political and religious 
affairs. It was of two kinds, purple or black, 
and white, both being used as a measure of value, 
the black being estimated at twice the value of 
the white. The purple wampum was made from 
the interior portions of the common conch, (venus 
merceneria,) and the white from the pillar of the 
periwinkle. Each kind was fashioned into round 
or oval beads, about a quarter of an inch long, 
which were perforated and strung on a fibre of 
deer's sinew, but latterly on linen thread, after that 
was discovered. The article was highly prized as 
an ornament, and as such constituted an object of 
traffic between the sea-coast and interior tribes. It 
was worn in various ways, upon the clothing, and 
in the form of necklaces, bracelets, collars and 
belts ; and when these strings were united it formed 

* American Antiquities, 195-196. 



the broad wampum belts, by which solemn public 
transactions were confirmed. As a substitute for 
gold and silver coin, its price was fixed by law, 
though its value was subject to variations, accord- 
ing to time and place. Three purple beads, or six 
white ones, were equal to a stiver with the Dutch, 
or a penny with the English, each equal to two 
cents United States currency. The price of a 
string six feet long, denominated a fathom of wam- 
pum, ruled at five shillings in New England, and 
was known to reach as high as four guilders in 
New Netherland. 

Previous to the advent of the Europeans, wam- 
pum was made largely of small pieces of wood of 
equal size, stained black or white. Its manufac- 
ture from shells was very difficult, and although 
much time was spent in finishing it, it presented 
a very clumsy appearance, owing to the want of 
proper tools. The Dutch introduced the lathe in 
its manufacture, polished and perforated it with 
exactness, and by supplying an article far superior 
to that previously in use, soon had the monopoly 
of the trade, which they found very advantageous. 
The principal place of manufacture was Hacken- 
sack, N. J., and the principal deposit of sea shells, 
Long Island. Imitations in glass and porcelain 
soon became abundant. 

The most important uses to which wampum was 
applied, however, was in confirming compacts and 
treaties between nations, both Indian and Euro- 
pean, for which purpose it took the place of feathers, 
which had been previously employed. Every speech 
and principal part of a speech was made valid by a 
string or belt of wampum, the value of which was 
determined by the gravity of the subject under con- 
sideration. The color of the wampum was of no 
less importance than its other qualities, as it had 
an immediate reference to the things which it was 
meant to confirm ; thus a black belt implied a 
warning against evil, or an earnest reproof, and if it 
was marked with red and had the added figure of a 
hatchet of white wampum in the center, it signified 
war. Black or purple always signified something 
grave, if not of doubtful import; while white was 
the symbol of peace. It was necessary that the 
answer given to a speech be confirmed by strings 
and belts of the same size and number as those 
received. The Indian women dexterously wove 
these strings of wampum into belts, and skillfully 
wrought into them elaborate and significant devices, 
suggestive of the subject of the compact or speech, 
and designed as aids to memory. These strings 
and belts of wampum became the national records, 



32 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and one or more old men were charged with their 
safe keeping and interpretation. At certain sea- 
sons the Indians met to study their meaning, and 
as it was customary to admit to these assemblies 
the young men of the nation who were related to 
the chiefs, a knowledge of these documents was 
thus transmitted to posterity. The figures on 
wampum belts were for the most part, simply 
mnemonic, so also were those carved on wooden 
tablets, or painted on bark and skin, to preserve in 
memory the songs of war, hunting or magic. The 
Unions had, however, in common with other tribes, 
a system of rude pictures and arbitrary signs, by 
which they could convey to each other, with tolera- 
ble precision, information touching the ordinary 
subjects of Indian interest.* 

The Indian standards of value were the hand or 
fathom of wampum and the denotas or bags which 
they themselves made, for measuring and preserv- 
ing corn.f 

Hospitality among the Indians was proverbial, 
not only among their own race, but was extended 
also with the greatest freedom toward strangers. 
They regarded it as a sacred duty, from which no 
one was exempt. 



CHAPTER III. 

Maria Discoveries— European Competition in 
the Western Continent — Settlements and 
Conflicting Claims of the Dutch, French 
and English — The English Supersede the 
1)i TCH in New Netherlands — Iroouois and 
Early Colonists — Champlain's Invasions of 
1609 and 1615— Location of the Fori it- 
tacked l\ Champlain in 1615 — Iroquois 
make Peace WITH THE French — Iroquois 
Conquests and Supremacy. 



BEFORE proceeding to the consideration of 
the events immediately preceding the set- 
tlement of this portion of our country, it will be 
well to glance cursorily at the more salient of 
the earlier events which prepared the way for it. 

• Parkman's Jesuits ; Indian Tribes of 'Hudson 's River, Ruttenber, 
26; A merican Antiquities, Bradford, 180, njo; Charlevoix's Voyage, 
I ' 180 — H.,174; Smith's History 0/ New York, I. t 74; History 
of the United Brethren among ttie Indian* in North 
America, 1 oskiel, 28: Biography and History of the Indians of 
North America, Book [II., Chap. \ll, 145; and Colonial History oj 

J ork. 
t Ruttenber, Col. Hist., I., 281. 



In the light of modern research and archaeolog- 
ical discovery it is difficult to speak with definite- 
ness upon thediscovery of America. It was known 
to ancient Arabian geographers ;* Chinese records 
give a circumstantial account of its discovery as 
early as the fifth century of our era, by the Chi- 
nese, who called it Fee-Sang, and described it as 
being distant 20,000 // (7,000 miles or more,t)from 
Ta-Han;\ and "there is an abundance of legends 
iiul traditions concerning the passage of the Irish 
into America, and their habitual communication with 
that continent many centuries before the time of 
Columbus."? The Basques, who were adventurous 
fishermen, and extensively engaged in the whale 
fishery, were accustomed to visit the north-east 
coast of America long before the time of Colum- 
bus, and probably " from time immemorial. "jj 

It was not, however, known to modern Europe 
until 861, when it was discovered by Nadodd, a 
Norse rover; and colonization was not begun until 
875, in which year Ingolf, a Norwegian, established a 
colony in Iceland, where, owing to civil difficulties 
in Norway, he was soon joined by many of the most 
intelligent, wealthy and honorable of his country- 
men. This Icelandic colony, during the two suc- 
ceeding centuries, developed an intellectual culture, 
which made them eminent in Norse communities, 
far surpassing their countrymen in Norway; and to 
them we are indebted for the existing records of 
Scandinavian mythology. In 983,' they discovered 
and colonized Greenland ; and about the year 1000, 
in the course of many voyages, had explored the 
coast of North America as far south as the present 
State of Massachusetts. 

From the Appendix to Ancient America, we epito- 
mize an account of these discoveries. Thorvald. a 
nobleman, and his son Eirek, surnamed the Red, 
being obliged to Hee from Jadir, in Norway, in con- 



* (General Hussein Pasha, an Arab gentleman, in a work on America, 
entitled In Xesir-KI-Tayir, quotes from Djeldeki and other Wl 
show this. Historical Magazine, New Series, Vol. VI., No. III. £.20. 

\ ll'a-kan-san-tai-dzinye, the great Japanese I ncyclopsedia. 

t Abbede Bourbourg's Introduction to the Popol-i'nlt — Baldwin*}. 
Pre Historic Nations, 401 ; and Historical '■ Mew Series, Vol. 

VL, No. III., 121 (quoting the Gentleman s Magazine,) which says: — J. 
rlaulay, the Chinese interpreter in San Francisco, wrote an ess.iv on 
1 In- subject, drawn from Chinese historians and geographers, from which 
ili. following statements are gathered: — 

u Fourteen hundred years ago even. America had been disi overed by 
the Chinese and described by them. They stated that land, to be about 
twenty thousand miles distant from China. About five hundred years 
alter the birth of Christ, Buddhist Priests repaired there, and brought back 
the news that they had brought back Buddhist idols and religious writings. 
in the country, already. Their descriptions in many respects, resemble 
those of the Spaniards, a thousand years after. They called the country 
■ / usany,' aftei .1 nee which grew there, whose leavi resemble those of 

the Bamboo, whose bark the natives made I iothes anil papei "in .if, ami 

wiin 1 n int they ate." 
§ Baldwin's Pre Historic Nations, 401. 
II Ibid. 
11 /.ell. Baldwin fixes the date at 98Z. 



EARLY NORWEGIAN AND WELSH DISCOVERIES. 



33 



sequence of a homicide committed by them, went 
to Iceland, where Thorvald soon after died. Eirek, 
becoming involved in another feud resulting in 
homicide in Iceland, fled that country with a colony 
in search of the land, which Gunniborn had seen 
when driven by a storm into the Western Ocean. 
Sailing west from the west coast of Iceland, he at 
length discovered land, which he called Midjokul. 
He coasted along the shore in a southerly direction 
in search of a more suitable place for settlement, 
and spent the winter on a part of the coast he called 
"Eirek's Island," where his colony remained two 
years. On returning to Iceland he called the dis- 
covered country Greenland, saying to his confiden- 
tial friends, "A name so inviting will induce men to 
emigrate thither." He returned to Greenland with 
"twenty-five ships," filled with emigrants andstores, 
"fifteen winters," says the chronicle, (an Account 
of Eriek the Red and Greenland,} " before the 
Christian religion was introduced into Iceland." i. e. 
in 985. Biami, son of Heriulf, a chief man among 
these colonists, was absent in Norway when his 
father left Iceland. On returning he resolved to 
join the colony, and with others set sail, making 
"one of the most remarkable and fearful voyages 
on record." After three days' fair sailing he was 
driven for many days by a north-easterly wind, and 
on sailing west one day after the abatement of the 
storm, he discovered land which he concluded was 
not Greenland, as it " was not mountainous " — sup- 
posed to be Nantucket or Cape Cod. The ship 
was put about, and after sailing two days in a north- 
easterly direction, he discovered land " which was 
low and level" — supposed to be Cape Sable, Nova 
Scotia. He sailed three days more in the same 
direction and came to land, "mountainous and 
covered with ice" — supposed to be Newfoundland 
— around which he sailed. After sailing north four 
days he reached the southern coast of Greenland, 
near the new settlement. This was in 985, 507 
years before the first voyage of Columbus. Four- 
teen years later, Leif, a son of Eirek, fitted out an 
expedition, comprising a ship, manned with thirty- 
five men, to go in search of the land seen by Biarni. 
The first land seen by Leif after sailing from Green- 
land, was the island around which Biarni sailed, 
which he called Helluland, " the land of broad 
stones." Sailing south he came to a low and level 
country covered with wood. This he named Mark- 
land — the land of woods. Still sailing toward the 
south, after two days he touched an island (Nan- 
tucket?) " which lay opposite the north-east part 
of the main land." He then " sailed through a bay 



between this island and a cape running north-east, 
and going westward, sailed past the Cape." At 
length he " passed up a river into a bay," proba- 
bly Mount Hope Bay— where he landed and spent 
the winter. This was about mid-autumn, and 
finding wild grapes, he called the country Vin- 
land. In the spring he loaded his vessel with tim- 
ber and returned to Greenland. The next year 
Leif's brother Thorvald went to Vinland with one 
ship and thirty men, and passed the winter. The 
next summer he explored the coast westward and 
southward, and seems to have gone as far south 
as the Carolinas. The next summer he coasted 
around Cape Cod, toward Boston Harbor. Here 
the chronicle first speaks of the natives, whom he 
calls " Skradlings," with whom they provoked a 
severe engagement, in which Thorvald was mor- 
tally wounded. His companions, after passing the 
third winter in Vinland, returned to Greenland. 
Thorfinn came to Greenland in 1006. He made 
a voyage to Vinland, taking with him three ships, 
one hundred and sixty men, live stock and all 
things necessary to the establishment of a colony, 
and passing up Buzzard's Bay, disembarked, and 
prepared to pass the winter, which proved a severe 
one and threatened famine to the little colony. 
The next spring he explored the coast farther west 
and south, and passed the second winter in Vin- 
land. He called the bay Hop ; the Indians called 
it Haup ; we call it Hope. During the next sea- 
son, in which he explored Massachusetts Bay, he 
saw many natives and had much intercourse with 
them, which finally led to hostilities, in which the 
latter were signally defeated. After spending a 
third winter in Vinland he returned to Greenland. 
A part of the colony remained, and a lucrative 
traffic was maintained between Vinland and 
Greenland, where the timber which abounded at 
the former place found a ready market. 

Old Welsh annals preserved in the abbeys of 
Conway and Strat Flur, and used by Humphrey 
Llwyd in his translation and continuation of Cara- 
doc's History of Wales, relate the particulars of 
Welsh emigration to America under Prince Madoc, 
Madog or Madawc, in 1 1 70.* About the year 1 168 
or 1 169, Owen Gwynedd, ruling prince of North 
Wales, died, and among his sons there was a contest 
for the succession, which, becoming fierce and 



♦This emigration, which Squier [Antiquities of New York and the 
West. IJ7.) regards as "apochryphal, " but I ofwhichauthors 

generally give credence, "is mentioned in the preserved works of several 
Welsh bards who lived before the time of Columbus ;" and ''by Hakluyt, 
who had his account of it from writings oi the bard Gutten Owen." An- 
cient America, Appendix, i&Si •*& 



34 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



angry, produced a civil war. His son Madoc, who 
had " command of the fleet," took no part in this 
strife; but, in consequence thereof, he resolved to 
leave Wales. Accordingly, in the year 1170, he left 
with a few ships, going south of Ireland, and steer- 
ing westward, to explore the western lands and se- 
lect a place for a settlement, which he established 
in "a pleasant and fertile region," which Baldwin 
supposes to have been in the Carolinas,* and Cat- 
lin, " on the coast of Florida or about the mouth of 
the Mississippi. "t " Leaving one hundred and twen- 
ty persons, he returned to Wales, prepared ten 
ships, prevailed on a large company, some of whom 
were Irish, to join him, and sailed again to America. 
Nothing more was ever heard in Wales of the prince 
or his settlement. 

The locality and destiny of this Welsh settlement 
is a matter of conjecture, but, says Baldwin, it is 
supposed that, being " unsupported by new arrivals 
from Europe, and cut off from communication with 
that side of the ocean," it " became weak, and, af- 
ter being much reduced, was destroyed or absorbed 
by some powerful tribe of Indians." In our colonial 
times, and later, he adds, " there was no lack of re- 
ports that relics of Madoc's Welshmen, and even 
their language, had been discovered among the In- 
dians ; but generally they were entitled to no credit. 
The only report of this kind, he says, having any 
show of claim to respectful consideration, is that of 
Rev. Morgan Jones, a Welsh clergyman, made 
March 10, 1685, and published in the Gentlemen's 
Magazine in 1740, giving an account of his adven- 
tures among the Tuscaroras, by whom he was cap- 
tured in 1660. It states that he was promised im- 
munity from harm by an Indian who appeared to 
be a war captain, and conversed with him in the 
Welsh language; and that they (" the Doegs") en- 
tertained him "civilly and cordially" for four months, 
during which time he had opportunity to converse 
with them familiarly and preached to them three 
times a week in the Welsh language. In conclu- 
sion Baldwin says in regard to this report : " With- 
out meaning to doubt his veracity, one feels skepti- 
cal, and desires a more intelligent and complete ac- 
count of these 'travels.' "J Says Foster, in refer- 
ring to this matter, "he [the Rev. Mr. Jones,] may 
have been a very worthy man ; but we are disposed 
to question the truthfulness of a statement at this 
day, when the author deems it necessary to fortify 

" Ancient America, Appendix, 286. 

t Catlin's North American Indians, II., 259. 

XAncient America. Appendix, 285 — 2S7. Baldwin's Pre-Histori, 
Nations, page 403, says: "It will he recollected that, in the earl) coli a) 
times, the Tuscaroras were sometime called 'White Indians.'" 



it by a self-sought oath." Elsewhere, referring to 
the Northmen and Welshmen under Madoc, he 
says: "these peoples have left behind no memo- 
rials."* 

Catlin enters into an elaborate and plausible 
argument to show that Madoc's Welsh colony were 
the progenitors of the Mandans, who occupied and 
have left so many interesting memorials in the 
Missouri valley. He shows a remarkable analogy 
between the two languages — an analogy, appar- 
ently, too close to be accidental. He supposes 
that, having landed on the southern coast of the 
United States, they, or a part of them, made their 
way through the interior, to a position on the Ohio, 
where they cultivated fields and established a flour- 
ishing colony in one of the finest countries on 
earth, but were at length driven from thence by 
overpowering hordes, and were besieged, until it 
was necessary to erect the fortifications referred to 
for defense, where they held out against a confed- 
eracy of tribes, till their ammunition and provisions 
were exhausted, and eventually all perished, except 
such as may have formed an alliance by marriage 
with the Indians; that the half-breed offspring of 
the latter, despised, as he says, " all half-breeds of 
enemies are," gathered themselves into a band, 
severed themselves from their parent tribe, and in- 
creased in numbers and strength as they "ad- 
vanced up the Missouri river to the place where 
they have been known for many years past by the 
name of Mandans, a conception or abbreviation, 
perhaps, of " Madawgwys" the name applied by 
the Welsh to the followers of Madawc."f An 
earlier writer under the caption of " Welsh or 
White Indians," furnishes voluminous if not 
authentic, testimony confirmatory of Catlin's sup- 
positions; and cites, also, in a somewhat modified 
form, a case which, evidently, corresponds with 
that of Rev. Mr. Jones, before referred to. He 
does not, however, attach much importance to the 
several narratives, for he says, in conclusion : " I p 
on the whole we think it may be pretty safely said 
that the existence of a race of Welsh about the re- 
gions of the Missouri does not rest on so good 
authority as that which has been adduced to estab- 
lish the existence of the sea-serpent. "J 

Notwithstanding these discoveries of the Norse- 
men and Welsh, real, as they unquestionably were, 
America was not known to Southern Europe until 
the latter part of the fifteenth century, when it was 

*Prt Histori Races of the United States, 403. 
t Catlin's North American Indians, II., 259 — 265. 
i Biography and History 0/ the Indians of North America, Boole I, 
chapter III., 16—39. 



FIRST SPANISH, FRENCH AND ENGLISH DISCOVERIES. 



35 



accidentally discovered while in quest of a westerly 
route to India and China. In 1492, Columbus, a 
Genoese, set out on a voyage of discovery under 
the patronage of the Spanish Government, and in 
that and the two succeeding years made his tropi- 
cal discoveries. In 1497, John Cabot, a Venetian, 
in company with his son Sebastian, set out on a 
voyage of discovery under letters patent from 
Henry VII. of England. Sailing westward he dis- 
covered Newfoundland, and on the 24th of June 
of that year, struck the sterile coast of Labrador, 
taking possession of the same in the name of the 
King of England. The following year his son 
Sebastian, while in quest of a north-west passage to 
China, was compelled to turn from the frozen re- 
gions of the north, and sailing south he explored 
the coast from Newfoundland to Florida, of 
which he took possession for the English crown. 
In 1500, the coast of Labrador and the entrance 
to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, were explored by two 
Portuguese brothers named Cortereal. In 1508, 
the St. Lawrence was discovered by Aubert, and 
four years later, in 15 12, Ponce de Leon discovered 
Florida. Magellan, a Portuguese, passed through 
the straits which bear his name in 15 19, and was 
the first to circumnavigate the globe. In 1534, 
the St. Lawrence was explored by Jacques Cartier 
(Quartier) as far as Montreal. In 1539, Florida 
was explored by Ferdinand de Soto. Upper Cali- 
fornia was discovered in 1578, by an English navi- 
gator named Drake. These data will be of service 
in aiding to a proper understanding of the relative 
importance of the events which subsequently trans- 
pired. 

Thus we see that within a decade from the time 
that Columbus discovered America the different 
maritime powers of Europe were engaged in active 
competition for the prizes of the New World. 
Spain, actuated by the greed of gold and lust of 
conquest, conquered Mexico in 152 1, seized upon 
the rich treasures of the Montezumas, and in 1540, 
carried her conquest into Peru. Stimulated by these 
successes, she took possession of Florida and that 
portion of the Northern continent bordering on 
the Gulf of Mexico, and in 1565, seventy-three 
years after Columbus' discovery, and fifty-three 
years after that of Ponce de Leon, planted the first 
Spanish colony in North America, at St. Augustine, 
Florida. 

While the Spaniards were pushing their territo- 
rial acquisition in the South, the French, attracted 
by the rich prize of the Newfoundland fisheries, 
had gained a foot-hold in the northern part of the 



continent. As early as the beginning of the six- 
teenth century the French, Basques, Bretons and 
Normans fished for cod along the entire coasts of 
the Gulf of St. Lawrence and those in the vicinity, 
and traded for peltries. In 1518, Baron Livy set- 
tled there. In 1524, King Francis I. of France, 
sent thither Jean Verrazani, a distinguished Flor- 
entine mariner, on a voyage of exploration. He 
sailed along the coast twenty-one hundred miles in 
frail vessels, and returned safely to report his suc- 
cess to his sovereign. At about 41° north latitude 
he entered a bay — supposed to be the entrance to 
New York harbor — and remained there fifteen 
days. His crew are supposed to be the first Euro- 
peans who trod the soil of New York. Ten years 
later the same king sent thither Jacques Cartier, a 
pilot of St. Malo, who made two voyages, and 
ascended the St. Lawrence as far as Montreal, pre- 
viously called Hochelaga. As he sailed up the 
broad expanse of waters on St. Lawrence day, 
(August 10, 1534,) he applied to the river the 
name of the illustrious saint whose virtues that day 
commemorates. In 1540, Cartier was sent back 
with Jean Francis de Robarval, a gentleman of 
Picardy, whom King Francis I. appointed his Lieu- 
tenant-General over the new countries of Canada, 
Hochelaga and Saguenay. In 1543, Robarval 
came the second time from France, in company 
with the pilot Jean Alphonse of Saintogue, and 
they took possession of Great Breton. At this 
time the settlement of Quebec was commenced. 
In 1598 King Henry IV. of France conferred on 
the Marquis de la Roche, a Breton, the govern- 
ment of the territories of Canada and the adjacent 
countries; and in 1603, he conferred his commis- 
sion of Lieutenant-Colonel in the territories of New 
France, Acadia, (Nova Scotia,) Canada and other 
parts on Sieurde Mons, a gentleman of Saintogue, 
who, in 1608, built a fort at Quebec, the govern- 
ment whereof he let to Sieur Champlain, the first 
discoverer of the Iroquois. 

The year previous, 1607, the English colonists 
made the first permanent settlement at Jamestown, 
Virginia, under the immediate supervision of that 
Englishman of heroic spirit and indomitable energy, 
Capt. John Smith. In 1620, the English planted 
a second colony on this western continent at Ply- 
mouth Rock, which was destined to exert an im- 
portant influence in the affairs of this country. 
These two colonies were the successful rivals of all 
others of every nationality in that competition for 
empire, which has made their descendants the mas- 
ters of North America. 



36 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Henry Hudson, an intrepid English navigator, 
having failed in two attempts todiscover a western 
passage to the East Indies in the interest of a com- 
pany of London merchants, sailed from Amsterdam 
on the 4th of April. 1609. in the employ of the 
Dutch East India Company, of Holland, formed 
the year previous for traffic and colonization. He 
arrived on the American coast near Portland, Maine, 
whence he proceeded south along the shore to the 
entrance of Chesapeake Hay. From thence he pro- 
ceeded northward, discovered and entered Delaware 
Bay, and on the 3rd ol September moored his vessel, 
the J/a/J Moon, a mere yacht, at Sandy Hook. 
Proceeding up the bay, he sent his boats to the Jer- 
sey shore and received on board the natives who 
came in great numbers to traffic, and by whom he 
was in turn entertained. ( >n the 1 2th he entered 
the river which bears his name, and ascended it to 
a point a little above the city of Hudson, having 
been frequently visited on the way by the Indians, 
who came to traffic, bringing maize, tobacco and 
other indigenous products. Deeming it unsafe to 
proceed further with his ship, he sent a boat with a 
part of his crew to explore the river higher up. They 
went, it is supposed, a little above Albany. On the 
23d he commenced to descend the river; and a lit- 
tle below the Highlands became embroiled with the 
natives, to whom he had imparted a knowledge of 
the baneful effects of intoxicating liquors, shooting 
in the encounters ten or twelve of their number and 
losing one of his own men. He returned to Europe 
and imparted the information he had gained which 
soon led to the establishment of a colony by the 
Dutch, by the name of New Netherlands. The fol- 
lowing year Hudson voyaged in search of a north- 
west passage to India and discovered and entered 
the bay which bears his name ; but continuing his 
search too long he was compelled to spend the 
winter in a northern latitude. In the spring a part 
of his crew mutinied, and placing him, his son and 
seven others in a boat, left them to perish. 

( in the foregoing discoveries three European na- 
tions based claims to a part of the territory embraced 
in the State of New York : England, by reason of 
the discovery of Cabot and his son Sebastian, claim- 
ing a territory eleven degrees in width and extend- 
ing westward indefinitely ; France, by reason of the 
discoveries of Verrazani, claiming a portion of the 
Atlantic coast; and Holland, by reason of the dis- 
covery of Hudson, claiming the country from Cape 
Cod to the southern shore of Delaware Bay. 

The Dutch became the actual possessors of the 
country. In 16 10, they sent out a vessel to engage 



in the fur trade on the banks of the river discovered 
by Hudson. In 1612, Hendrick Christiansen and 
Adrian Block fitted out two other vessels for the 
same purpose, and were soon followed by others. 
The fur trade proving successful, Christiansen was 
appointed to superintend it and Manhattan Island 
made the chief depot. In 16 14. he erected a 
small fort and a few rude buildings on the southern 
extremity of the Island, which he called New Am- 
sterdam. October 1 1 th of the same year the States 
General granted a charter to the merchants en- 
gaged in the traffic, conferring on them the exclusive 
right to trade for three years in the territory embraced 
between New France and Virginia, and giving the 
name of New Netherlands to the whole region. 

In the meantime explorations were being made 
in the surrounding country. Adrian Block had 
passed up the East River, Long Island Sound and 
Connecticut river, and into the bays and along the 
islands eastward to Cape Cod. Cornelissen Jacob- 
son May had explored the southern coast of Long 
Island and southward to Delaware Bay ; while Hen- 
drick Christiansen had ascended the Hudson to 
Castle Island, a few miles below Albany, where he 
established a trading post and, in 16 15, built a small 
fort, which, being damaged by the flood, was re- 
moved a little below to the Normans-Kill. Here, 
in 1623, a treaty of peace was formed between the 
Five Nations and the representatives of the New 
Netherlands. 

The Dutch establishment at New Amsterdam 
increased, and their fur trade became so profitable 
that at the expiration of their charter, the States 
General refused to renew it, giving instead a tem- 
porary license for its continuance. It had become 
sufficiently attractive to tempt the avarice of Eng- 
lish capitalists. In 1620, James I. granted all the 
territory between the 40th and 48th degrees of 
north latitude, extending from ocean to ocean, to 
Ferdinando Georges and his commercial associates, 
and in their interest Capt. Dermer appeared at 
Manhattan and laid claim to all the territory occu- 
pied by the Dutch. This claim was strengthened 
by instructions to the English ambassador at the 
Dutch capital to remonstrate against Dutch intru- 
sion. Notwithstanding this remonstrance, however, 
in 162 1, the States General granted to the Dutch 
West India Company, an armed mercantile asso- 
ciation formed that year, a charter, which gave 
them exclusive jurisdiction for a period of twenty 
years over the province of New Netherlands, with 
power to appoint governors, subject to the ap- 
proval of the State, to colonize the territory and 



CHAMPLAIN'S INVASION. 



37 



administer justice. By virtue of this charter the 
company took possession of New Amsterdam in 
1622-3. The executive management was entrusted 
to a board of directors, distributed through five 
separate chambers in Holland. The charge of the 
province was devolved on the Amsterdam cham- 
ber, which, in 1623, sent out a vessel underthe direc- 
tion of Capt. Cornelissen Jacobson and Andriaen 
Jorissen Tien point, with thirty families for coloni- 
zation. A portion of these settled on the Connec- 
ticut river, and others on the Hudson, at Albany, 
where, in 1624, they built Fort Orange, and the 
same year Fort Nassau on the Delaware river, 
near Gloucester. The colonies thus commenced 
were soon after augmented by other accessions. In 
May, 1626, Peter Minuit arrived in New Nether- 
lands as Director-General or Governor of the Prov- 
ince, and in that year purchased Manhattan Island 
for trinkets valued at sixty guilders. For fifteen 
years the colonists lived on amicable terms with the 
Indians, carrying on a brisk and profitable trade 
in furs ; but the harshness and cruelty of William 
Kieft, who was commissioned Director-General in 
September, 1637, soon provoked the just resent- 
ment of the Indians, involving the colonists in a 
war with the latter, which continued, with slight in- 
terruptions, during the remainder of the Dutch 
occupancy, and jeopardized the very existence of 
the colony. 

On the 1 2th of March, 1664, Charles II., of 
England, conveyed by patent to his brother James, 
Duke of York, all the country from the River St. 
Croix to the Kennebec, in Maine, also Nantucket, 
Martha's Vineyard, and Long Island, together with 
all the land from the west side of the Connecticut 
river to the east side of Delaware Bay. The 
Duke sent an English squadron, under Admiral 
Richard Nicolls, to secure the gift, and on the 8th 
of September following, Gov. Stuyvesant capitu- 
lated, and the territory till then held by the Dutch, 
passed into the hands of the English, who changed 
the name of New Amsterdam to New York. The 
victory was an easy one, for restricted in their rights 
and liberties, and desirous of enjoying the privileges 
accorded to the neighboring English colonists, the 
Dutch settlers refused to contest the supremacy, and 
Stuyvesant, unsupported, was obliged, though re- 
luctantly, to resign. 

When the French first assumed a military domi- 
nence in Canada, they found the Iroquois at war 
with the Adirondacks, who lived in the vicinity of 
Quebec. The French allied themselves with the 
Canadian and Western Indians, and maintained 



friendly relations with them during the period of 
their supremacy in Canada. They espoused the 
cause of the Adirondacks against the Iroquois, 
with whom they were at sword's-points during much 
of that period, and long after the Adirondacks had 
been exterminated by their inveterate enemies. 
Champlain, having raised the drooping spirits of the 
Adirondacks, by an exhibition of the wonderful 
effect produced by the French guns, armed them 
and joined them in an expedition against the Iro- 
quois in 1609, and thus commenced that horrible 
series of barbarities, which continued for more than 
a century and a half, and from which the European 
colonists both in Canada and New York, suffered 
beyond description. 

Champlain and his Indian allies met a party of 
two hundred Mohawks on the lake which bears his 
name, (and then first discovered by him. ) Both 
parties landed ; but the Mohawks, dismayed at the 
murderous effect of the strange weapons, retreated 
to their fastnesses in the wilderness, leaving the 
French to return to Canada, without, however, 
having accomplished the object of their mission, 
which was to force the Iroquois to easy terms of 
peace. 

This was the first meeting of the Iroquois with 
the whites, and the circumstances certainly were not 
such as to give a very favorable opinion of them, nor 
soften the savage nature so largely predominant in 
them.* 

Emboldened by this success, Champlain, with a 
few Frenchmen, and four hundred Huron allies, 
renewed the attack on the Iroquois in 1615, this 
time directing his efforts against the stronghold of 
the Onondagas. He arrived before the fort on the 
afternoon of the 10th of October. At the first fire the 
Indians fled into their fort, which inclosed their 
village, and which Champlain describes as consist- 
ing of "quadruple palisades of large timber, thirty 
feet high, interlocked the one with the other, 
with an interval of not more than one foot, with 
galleries in the form of parapets, defended with 
double pieces of timber, proof against our arque- 
buses, and on one side they had a pond with a 
never-failing supply of water, from which proceeded 
a number of gutters which they had laid along the 
intermediate space, throwing the water without, 
and rendering it effectual inside for the purpose of 
extinguishing fire." The next day Champlain con- 

• It is a most singular coincidence that while Champlain was acquaint- 
ing the Iroquois with that deadly enemy gunpowder, the very same week 
and year Henry Hudson was cautiously feeling his way. as he supposed, 
into the Northern ocean, through the channel ofthe river which bears his 
name, and regailing them with an equally deadly enemy— rwm. Lifeand 
Times of Red Jacket, 191. 



3« 



HISTORY OK LIVINGSTON COIN I \. 



structed a movable tower of sufficient height to 
overlook the palisades, and moved it near the fort, 
placing thereon marksmen to fire over the palisades, 
while they themselves were protected from the 
stones and arrows of the enemy by boards forming 
a species of parapet. Attempts were made to burn 
the palisades, but as his forces consisted mostly of 
undisciplined Hurons who could not be controlled, 
they suffered severely from the arrows shot from 
the fort, without accomplishing their object. After 
a three hours' engagement, during which Cham- 
plain was twice severely wounded with arrows, like- 
wise many of his allies, who were sadly demoralized 
by the efficient resistance made by the enemy, they 
withdrew to a fort erected for defensive purposes, 
to await an expected re-enforcement of five hun 
dred Indians, who, however, did not come. They 
remained encamped until the 16th, during which 
time several skirmishes occurred ; but being unable 
to induce his allies to renew the attack which their 
rash impetuosity had made so ineffectual, Cham- 
plain, in pain and mortification, retreated to 
Canada, being carried upon the back of an Indian. 
The precise location of this fort has long been 
in controversy.* Champlain's narrative of this ex- 
pedition is accompanied by a diagram of the fort, 
which is in the form of a hexagon, situated on a 
slight elevation, in the angle of a stream, which is 
at once the inlet and outlet of a pond, which, with 
the stream, bounded three sides of the fort. The 
stream flowed into and out of the pond at points 
but a few rods apart. The situation is a peculiar 
one, and it is scarcely probable that another one 
could be found which so exactly corresponds with 
Champlain's description, as the site designated by 
('■en. Clark, who locates it in the town of Fenner, 
in Madison County. While writers differ as to the 
exact location of the fort, nearly all agree that Cham- 
plain's last encampment before he attacked the fort 
was at or near the mouth of Chittenango Creek, 
for none other of the interior lakes in the State 
meet the requirements of his description as to the 

* E. B. O'Callaghan, M. D., the able editor of The Documentary His- 
tory ami Colonial History o/tlu State of New York, assigns to it the 
neighborhood of Canandaigua Lake ; while others locate it on the shon 
of Onondaga Lake. Geo. John S- Clark, of Auburn, a most excellent 
authority on Indian antiquity, made a recent and most critical examina- 
tion of a Locality which discloses physical and other features so precisely 

I diDgwith Champlain's description, as tomaki irresistible the 

conclusion that the site is on the farm of Rufus H. Nichols, about three 
miles cast of Perryvillfc, near the Mile Strip four corners, which was, .11 
that time the home of the Onondagas. Oen. Clark says : '* That the 
east branch of the Limestone is the dividing line absolutely between the 
historic and prehistoric town sites oi the Onondagas ; and that Cham 
plain's narrative 1 ontains internal evidence, in stati menl ol fact, unques- 
tionably, that the fort was within a few miles at least, and south of Oneida 
Lake." 



presence of islands. Of the western lakes, Cayuga 
is the only one thus graced, and that has but a soli- 
tary one. Oneida iS the only lake upon which he 
could have encamped that has islands. 

The locality indicated by General Clark as the 
probable site of the fort has long been regarded an 
important one in connection with the Indian anti- 
quities of the State, and has yielded many rare and 
interesting relics which are now in the Government 
collections in the Smithsonian Institute. A large 
part of the area which bears evidence of having 
been inclosed within the well-defined outlines of 
the fortification, has been cultivated for years, 
but a part is covered by venerable forest trees of 
great size. The plow has disclosed man) bits of 
crockery and broken stone implements, which have 
enriched many private cabinets; but, singularly, 
none of those articles so clearly referable to the 
Jesuit missions, and generally found in great 
abundance elsewhere, reward the searcher for anti- 
quarian relics here. This fact is a strong confirm- 
ation of Gen. Clark's deductions, as it clearly 
proves the existence of the fortifications anterior to 
the advent of the Jesuits.* In the undisturbed 
ground may be plainly seen marks left by the de- 
cay of the deeply-set palisades, and indentations, 
apparently, where corn was cached. From the high 
points adjacent, the eye commands a wide range 
of country of unusual beauty, and an alarm-fire on 
these commanding heights would be seen from 
near Lake Ontario to the western peaks of the 
Adirondacks. A small pond, whose ancient water- 
mark was much higher than at present, is fed by a 
stream which enters and leaves it on the south, 
and a low, broad knoll lies between these streams. 

The coincidences are striking ones: but the ele- 
ments of correspondence are so peculiar as to 
make it scarcely possible that they are merely coin- 
cidences, t 

These unprovoked attacks of Champlain on the 
Iroquois provoked hostilities which ended only with 
the extirpation of the French domination in North 
America. Great must have been the chagrin of 
the proud ami boastful French Oeneral to be com- 
pelled to retreat thus ignominiously before a "sav- 
age" horde, whom he confidently expected toover- 



• The first Jesuit mission in Canada was established in 1625. I! 
learned, devout and faithful disciples of Loyola, the hero of Pampeluna, 
adopted as their own the rugged task ol christianizing New France, sup- 
planting the 1 ranciscans, [Pent Recollects,} who were commissioned by 

royal decree, in 161;, missionaries in Canada, and who celebrated Mass 
in Quebec that year. 

t We have been aided in thesi investigations by a contribution from the. 
pen "i Mr. I.. W. I.edyard, of Cazenovia, to the ( 'azent via Kepubli .in 
..I March -■ , 1879. 



FRENCH AND ENGLISH RIVALRY. 



39 



awe into submission. But he was destined to still 
greater humiliation. 

The Iroquois, alarmed but not dismayed, now 
artfully sued for peace. The French gladly listened 
to these overtures from an enemy from whom, in 
their weak state, they had so much to apprehend, 
and consented to a truce, imposing as the only 
condition that they might be allowed to send mis- 
sionaries among them, hoping by this means to 
win them over to French allegiance. But the Iro- 
quois held the Jesuit priests thus sent to them as 
hostages, to compel the neutrality of the French, 
while they prepared to wage a deadly war against 
the Adirondacks* and Hurons, (Quatoghies.j) the 
hitter of whom they defeated in a dreadful battle 
fought within two leagues of Quebec. This defeat, 
within sight of the French settlements, and the 
terrible loss indicted on the Hurons, filled with 
terror the Indian allies of the French, who were 
then numerous, having been attracted to the local- 
ity of Quebec by reason of the profitable trade car- 
ried on with the French, who supplied them with 
many useful conveniences. Many of them fled, 
some to the northward, others to the south-west, 
beyond the reach, as they hoped and supposed, of 
their terrible enemies, but only to enjoy a tempo- 
rary respite, for they were sought out by the vin- 
dictive Iroquois and murdered in detail. 

The Adirondacks, however, remained, and on 
them the Iroquois planned another raid. They 
had been supplied with fire-arms by the Dutch 
traders of Albany, and in 1646 they sent word to 
the Governor of Canada, (whom the Iroquois 
called Onontio,) that they intended to pay him a 
friendly visit during the winter. They set out with 
a thousand warriors and readied the village of the 
Adirondacks at a time when the warriors of that 
nation were engaged in their annual hunt. They 
captured the women and children and a party of 
ten set out in search of the absent warriors. They 
fell in with Piskaret, a renowned Adirondack chief, 
who was returning alone. They knew his prowess 
from previous encounters with him and feared to 
openly attack him. They therefore approached 
him in the attitude of friends, Piskaret being igno- 
rant of the rupture of the treaty of peace con- 
cluded in 1645. After learning from him that 
the Adirondack warriors were divided into two 
bodies, and their whereabouts, one of the party 
treacherously ran him through with a sword, and 
returned with his head to their army. They then 

•This is the French name for the Algonquins, Col. Hist. V., 7>;'. In 
Iroquois the name signifies "tree eaters," Col, Hist. IV., 891;. 
tAlso called Wyandots. 



divided their own forces, surprised and fell upon 
the unsuspecting Adirondacks, whom they almost 
exterminated. Thus a once powerful people, whom 
Golden regarded as "the most warlike and polite" 
of all the Indian nations of North America, were 
almost wiped out of existence by an enemy they 
had once despised. 



CHAPTER IV. 

French and English Rivalry — Expedition of 
m. de courcelles against the mohawks — m. 
de Tracy's Expedition against the Mohawks- 
Peace of Breda — French and Iroijuois again 
at war in 1669 — Peace of 1673 — M. de la 
Barre's Expedition against the Senecas — 
M. de Denonvii.le's Expedition against the 
Senecas — French and English War of 1689 — ■ 
Attack on Montreal and Quebec — Fronte- 
nac Invades the Onondaga Country — Treaty 
of Ryswick — -Treaty of Utrecht — Tuscaro- 
ras Admitted to Iroquois Confederacy — 
French and English War of 1744 — 1748 — 
Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle — War Renewed 
IN 1755 — Treaty of Paris — Pontiac's Con- 
spiracy — War of the Revolution — Present 
Status of Iroquois. 



1 



A HE peaceful relations which existed between the 
Dutch colonists and the Iroquois were perpetu- 
ated by the English on their accession to the Dutch 
possessions in 1664, by a treaty held at Fort Al- 
bany, Sept. 24, 1664 ; and, with immaterial excep- 
tions, the Iroquois remained the firm allies or friends 
of the English till the domination of the latter was 
broken by the triumph of the colonists in the war 
of the Revolution. But from the time the English 
supplanted the Dutch, the jealousy and strife which 
characterized the English and French intercourse 
in Europe were extended to this portion of the 
Western Continent. A sharp rivalry was main- 
tained in the acquisition of territory, and in the 
effort to gain an acknowledged supremacy over the 
Iroquois, of whose country M. de Lauson, the Gov- 
ernor of New France, took formal possession in 
1656, and Thomas Dongan, then Governor of New 
York, in 1684, by placing the arms of the Duke of 
York in each of the castles of the Five Nations, 
with their consent.* The French displayed the 
most enterprise in the extension of her dominions ; 

* Col- Hist., III., !'>j; /.,-?. 76. 



4 o 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



while the English were most successful in gaining 
the allegiance of the Iroquois, though their dilatory 
movements in wars with the French often provoked 
sharp criticisms from their savage and impetuous 
allies.* The French sent out parties in various di- 
rections, to the west, north-west and south-west, to 
explore new sections of country and take possession, 
which they did by erecting the king's arms and 
drawing up proce'S-verbeaux to serve as titles. They 
thus gained a useful knowledge of the country and 
its savage occupants, and enlarged the scope of 
their fur trade, which, together with the zeal of pro- 
pagandism, were the vital forces operating in the 
colonization of New France. 

But the prosperity of the French colony was not 
commensurate with the zeal of the Jesuits or the 
enterprise of the fur traders, as compared with that 
of the English colonies. The reason is quite ob- 
vious. Those who composed the English colonies 
came with the intention of making this their home, 
and though immigration had virtually ceased, the 
natural increase had been great. The strong de- 
sire to escape persecution had given an impulse to 
Puritan colonization ; while, on the other hand, 
none but good Catholics, the favored class of 
France, were tolerated in Canada. These had no 
motive for exchanging the comforts of home and 
the smiles of fortune for a starving wilderness and 
the scalping-knives of the Iroquois. The Hugue- 
nots would have emigrated in swarms ; but they 
were rigidly forbidden. ( )f the feeble population 
of the French colon}', the best part were bound to 
perpetual chastity ; while the fur-traders, and those 
in their service, rarely brought their wives to the 
wilderness. The fur-trader, moreover, is always 
the worst of the colonists ; since the increase of 
population, by diminishing the number of the fur- 
bearing animals, is adverse to his interest. But be- 
hind all this, there was in the religious ideal of the 
rival colonies an influence which alone would have 
gone far to produce the contrast in material 
growth. f The Puritan looked for a substantial re- 
ward in this life ; while the Jesuits, lightly esteem- 
ing life themselves, and looking wholly for reward 
in a future life, endeavored to inculcate the same 
idea in those with whom they came in contact. 
The interests of the French king were of far less 
moment to them than those of their Heavenly 
King. Nor was the French king ignorant or un- 
mindful of this baneful tendency. His instructions 
to Count de Frontenac when the latter was ap- 

* \\w York Colonial ///*' 
t ParkmtuCs Jesititi. 



pointed Governor and Eieutenant-General of Can- 
ada, not only evince this fact, but that he had akeen 
perception of the great disparity in their estimate 
of the Jesuits between Frontenac and his predeces- 
sor M. de 1 >enonville. 

While the Iroquois were engaged in exterminat- 
ing their kindred nations they kept up a desultory 
warfare with the French, broken by brief intervals 
of peace, when their interests or necessities de- 
manded a cessation of hostilities. 

In 1650. they had brought the French colonists 
to such extremity, that the latter endeavored to 
gain the powerful support of New England. Massa- 
chusetts had expressed a desire for the establish- 
ment of a reciprocal trade between her own and 
the French colonists, and it was thought this con- 
cession might be made the condition of securing 
her military aid in subduing the Mohawks. It was 
urged that as the Abenaquis, an Algonquin people, 
living on the Kennebec, in the present State of 
Maine, were under the jurisdiction of the Plymouth 
colony, and had suffered from Mohawk inroads, it 
became the duty of that colony to protect them. 
Gabriel Druilletes, a Jesuit missionary, was deputed 
to make these representations to the Massachusetts 
Government, and proceeded to Boston for that pur- 
pose. Druillettes met with a cordial reception, but 
received no encouragement with regard to the ob- 
ject of his mission, as it was scarcely to be expected 
that the Puritans would see it for their interest to 
provoke a dangerous enemy in a people who had 
never molested them. 

The French Government now resolved to put an 
end to the ruinous incursions of the Iroquois. In 
June, 1665, M. de Tracy was appointed Viceroy of 
the French possessions in America, and brought 
with him to Quebec four regiments of infantry. 
March 23, 1665, Daniel de Runy, Knight, Lord de 
Courcelles, was appointed Governor of Canada, 
and in September of that year arrived with the regi- 
ment of Carignau Salieres, composed of a thousand 
men, " with all the arms and ammunition necessary 
to wage war against the Iroquois, and oblige them 
to sue for peace," together with several families, 
and everything necessary for the establishment of 
a colony. January 9, 1666. M. de Courcelles, with 
500 men, set out on a most hazardous expedition 
to the country of the Mohawks. The journey was 
undertaken on snow-shoes. After a perilous march 
of thirty five days, during which many of his men 
were frozen, he arrived within twenty leagues of 
their villages, when he learned from prisoners taken 
that the greater part of the Mohawks and Oneidas 



M. DE TRACY'S EXPEDITION AGAINST THE MOHAWKS. 



4i 



had gone to a distance to make war with the " Wam- 
pum Makers." Deeming it "useless to push further 
forward an expedition which had all the effect in- 
tended by the terror it spread among all the tribes," 
he retraced his steps, having '■ killed several sav- 
ages who from time to time made their appearance 
along the skirts of the forest for the purpose of 
skirmishing," and lost a few of his own men, who 
were killed by the enemy.* 

This expedition, so bootless in material results, 
had the effect to induce the Iroquois to sue for 
peace. May 22, 1666, the Senecas sent ambassa- 
dors to Quebec, who represented " that they had 
always been under the King's protection since the 
French had discovered their country," and de- 
manded for themselves and the Onontac nation, 
" that they be continued to be received in the num- 
ber of his Majesty's faithful subjects," requesting 
that some Frenchmen be sent to settle with them, 
and "blackgowns" to preach the gospel to them 
and make them understand the God of the French, 
promising not only to prepare cabins, but to work 
at the construction of forts for them. This having 
been granted, the treaty was concluded May 26, 
1666. July 7, 1666, the Oneidas sent ten ambassa- 
dors to Quebec on a like mission for themselves 
and the Mohawks, and ratified the preceding treaty 
July 12, i666.| 

Pending these negotiations- the Mohawks com- 
mitted an outrage on a portion of the garrison of 
Fort St. Anne, and M. de Tracy concluded that to 
ensure the success of the treaty it was necessary to 
render the Mohawks more tractable by force of 
arms. Accordingly, in September, 1666, at the 
head of 600 troops and 700 Indians, he made an 
incursion into the country of the Mohawks, who, 
with their usual sagacity, being unable to cope with 
so powerful an army, fled to the forests on their ap- 
proach, and left them to exhaust themselves in a 
contest with privation and hardships in the wilder- 
ness. After destroying their villages, corn and 
other products, M. de Tracy returned. 

Following this expedition, Oct. 13, 1666, the Iro- 
quois ambassadors of the Onondaga, Cayuga, Sen- 
eca and Oneida nations repaired to Quebec to re- 
quest a confirmation of the continuance of his 
majesty's protection, which was granted by divers 
articles on several conditions, among others, that 
the Hurons and Algonquins inhabiting the north 
side of the River St. Lawrence, up from the Es- 
quimaux and Bertamites into the great lake of the 



• Relation ibh$— 66. Doc. Hist. New York. 
1 .Yew York Colonial History. 



Hurons, and north of Lake Ontario, should not be 
disquieted by the four Iroquois nations on any pre- 
text whatsoever, his Majesty having taken them un- 
der his protection ; and that on the contrary, the 
said Iroquois should assist them in all their necessi- 
ties, whether in peace or war ; that agreeably to 
their urgent prayers, there should be granted to them 
two " blackgowns." one smith and a surgeon ; that 
the King, at their request allow some French fami- 
lies to settle in their country ; that two of the prin- 
cipal Iroquois families should be sent from each 
of these four nations to Montreal, Three Rivers and 
Quebec ; that all hostilities should cease till the re- 
turn of the ambassadors with the ratification of the 
present treaty ; that the Mohawks, ( Guagenigro- 
ncins,) having been informed of the establishment 
of the French on the River Richelieu, without send- 
ing ambassadors to demand peace, should be ex- 
cluded from the preceding treaty, his majesty re- 
serving unto himself the right to include them there- 
in, should he deem it fitting so to do, whenever 
they sent to sue for peace and his protection. The 
Mohawks acquiesced in the conditions of the treaty, 
but under circumstances which induced a belief in 
the lack of fidelity. 

The following year (July 31, 1667,) was con- 
cluded the Peace of Breda, between Holland, Eng- 
land and France. By it Acadia (Nova Scotia) was 
left to the French, and its boundary fixed, and the 
New Netherlands to the English. In 1668, a treaty 
of peace was signed between France and Spain, 
whereby Louis XIV. surrendered his claims to the 
Spanish Netherland, but was left in possession of 
much he had already conquered. A general peace 
now ensued ; but it was of short duration, for in 
1669, the French and Iroquois were again at war. 
The harvests of New France could not be gathered 
in safety, and much suffering and the greatest con- 
sternation prevailed among the French colonists. 
Many prepared to return to France. Louis de 
Brande, Count de Frontenac, was appointed Gov- 
ernor and Lieutenant-General of Canada, April 6, 
1672, and under his efficient management confi- 
dence was restored and a treaty of peace again rati- 
fied in 1673. 

In 1 6S4, another rupture occurred between the 
French and Iroquois, the latter of whom (the Sen- 
ecas) in that year pillaged seven hundred canoes 
belonging to Frenchmen, arrested the latter to the 
number of fourteen and detained them nine days, 
and attacked Fort St. Louis, which was successful- 
ly defended.* M. de la Barre, who was then Gov- 

• Memoir of M. dela Run, Paris Do. II . Dae. Hist. /., ioy. 



4? 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



ernor of New France, that year lead an expedition 
against the Senecas to punish them for this out- 
rage. But before he reached the Seneca's country 
a rumor reached him that, in case of an attack, 
Col. Dongan, Governor of New York, had prom- 
ised the Senecas "a re-en forcernent of four hundred 
horse and four hundred foot." This so alarmed 
him that he decamped the next day. Sickness had 
made such inroads in his army "that it was with 
difficulty " he found a sufficient number " of per- 
sons in health t<> remove the sick to the canoes."* 
An expedition of such magnificent proportions, 
vet so barren of good results, brought censure upon 
M. de la Barre, and led to his supersedure the fol- 
lowing year by the Marquisde Denonville, who was 
instructed to observe a strict neutrality. 

Denonville thoroughly examined the situation, 
and, having reached a conclusion, he wrote his 
royal master that the reputation of the French 
among the Indians, whether friends or enemies, 
was absolutely destroyed by the ill-starred expe- 
dition of la Barre, and that nothing but a success- 
ful war could avert a general rebellion, the ruin of 
the fur trade, and the extirpation of the French. 
He adds, in speaking of the enemies of the French 
colonists, " the Iroquois are the most powerful by 
reason of the facility they possess of procuring arms 
from the English, and in consequence of the num- 
ber of prisoners (esclaves) they daily make among 
their neighbors, whose children they carry off at an 
early age and adopt. This is their only means of 
increase, for in consequence of their drunken de- 
baucheries which impel them into frightful disor- 
ders, the few children their wives bear could not 
assuredly sustain them alone. * * Their 

large purchases of arms and ammunition from the 
English, at a low rate, have given them hitherto all 
the advantages they possess over other tribes, who, 
in consequence of being disarmed, have been de- 
stroyed by the Iroquois. * Even the 
English in Virginia, have suffered and still daily 
suffer from them, but the gain of the merchants of 
( (range and Manatte is paramount to every public 
interest, for were they not to sell the Iroquois pow- 
der, that Nation could be more easily conquered 
than any other. It consists of five principal tribes, 
[villages) each of which has other small dependen- 
i us. The lust calls itself Mohawk (.)///,) and can 
muster 200 men fit for service. The 
mm oml is Oneida,) Oneyoust,) who can 
muster 250 men. The third is Onontague : , * 
it can muster 500 men. The fourth is Cayuga, 

• M, nwiy 0/ M <ti la Barre, Paris Doc. J/ist , /., 109. 



(Goyoguoaiti) which can furnish 200 

men; and the Senecas [Sonontouans) are the fifth. 
The last consists it is said of 1,200 fighting men, 
and are five leagues south of the lake. The Senecas, 
beni- the strongest, are the most insolent. Their 
subjugation need never lie expected except we be 
in a position to surprise them."* 

Louis responded with additional re-enforcements, 
and not only approved the war, but advised that 
Iroquois prisoners be sent to him for service as gal- 
ley-slaves. Denonville therefore determined to 
divert the Iroquois from their inroads among the 
river Indians by giving them employment at home; 
and especially to overawe and punish the Senecas. 
Accordingly, in the summer of 1687, he invaded 
them with about two thousand French and Indians. 
Having arrived at Irondequoit Bay, he constructed 
a palisade for the protection of his bateaux and 
canoes, which was finished on the morning of July 
1 2th. The re-enforcements ordered from Niagara 
arrived simultaneously with his own forces at the 
mouth of the bay. The Senecas appealed to ( Gov- 
ernor Dongan for aid, but he gave them only a 
quasi support. 

We quote from Denonville's report of this ex- 
pedition so much as is of especial interest to this 
locality : — 

" 1 2th. After having detached 400 men to garri- 
son the redoubt which we had already put in con- 
dition of defense for the protection of our provi- 
sions, bateaux and canoes, we set out at 3 o'clock 
with all our Indian allies, who were loaded like our- 
selves with [3 <lavs' provisions, and took the path 
leading by land across the woods to Gannagaro. 
We made only three leagues this day, among lofty 
trees sufficiently open to allow us to march in three 
columns. 

" 13th. We left on the next morning, with the 
design of approaching the village as near as we 
could, to deprive the enemy of the opportunity of 
rallying and seizing on two very dangerous defiles 
at two nvers which it was necessary for us to pass, 
and where we should undoubtedly meet them. We 
passed these two defiles, however, unmolested, no 
one appearing but a W\\ scouts. * * There 

still remained a third, at the entrance of said vil- 
lage. It was my intention to reach that defile in 
order to halt there for the night and to rest our 
troops, who were much fatigued in consequence of 
the extraordinary and sultry heat of the weather : 
but our scouts having notified us that they had seen 
a trail of a considerable party, which had been 
in that neighborhood, in order that we may call our 
troops together, M. de Callieres, who was at the 
head of the three companies 1 ommanded byTonty, 
de la D'urantage and du Lhu, and of all our Indians, 

• Memoir 0/ M. de Denonville onthe Stale of Canada, Nov. ii, i^s*. 
Col. Hist. IX., 181, »8i 



DENONVILLE'S INVASION OF THE COUNTRY OF THE SENECAS. 



43 



fell about three o'clock in the afternoon, * * * 
into an ambuscade of Senecas, posted in the 
vicinity of that defile. They were better received 
than they anticipated, and thrown into such con- 
sternation, that the most of them flung away their 
guns and blankets, to escape under cover of the 
woods. The action was not long but the firing was 
heavy on both sides. 

***** 

" The severe fatigue of the march which our 
troops * * had undergone, left us in no 

condition to pursue the routed enemy, as we had a 
wood full of thickets and briars and a densely cov- 
ered brook in front, and had made no prisoners 
who could tell us positively the number of those 
that attacked us. Moreover, we had not sufficient 
knowledge of the paths, to be certain which to take, 
to get out of the woods into the plain. 

" The enemy, to our knowledge, left twenty-seven 
dead on the field, who had been killed on the spot, 
besides a much larger number of wounded, judging 
from the bloody trails we saw. We learned from 
one of the dying that they had more than eight 
hundred men under arms, either in the action or in 
the village, and that they were daily expecting a 
re-enforcement of Iroquois. 

"Our troops being very much fatigued, we 
halted the remainder of the day at the same place, 
where we found sufficient water for the night. We 
maintained a strict watch, waiting for daylight that 
we might enter the plain which is a full league in 
extent before reaching the village. The Rev. 
Father Enialrau, missionary among the Outawas 
savages whom he had brought to us, was wounded 
in this action. It cost us also the death of five 
Canadians, one soldier, and five Indian allies, 
besides six militia and five soldiers wounded. 

"14th. — A heavy rain that lasted till noon next 
day, compelled us to remain until that time at the 
place where the action occurred. We set out 
thence in battle array, expecting to find the enemy 
entrenched in the new village which is above the 
old. We entered the plain however, without see- 
ing anything but the vestiges of the fugitives. We 
found the old village burnt by the enemy, who had 
also deserted the entrenchment of the new which 
was about three-quarters of a league distant from 
the old. We encamped on the height of that 
plain, and did nothing that day but protect our- 
selves from the severe rain which continued until 
night. 

"15th. — The Indians brought us two old men, 
whom the enemy had left in the woods on their 
retreat, and two or three women came to surren- 
der themselves, who informed us that for the space 
of four days, all the old men, the women, and 
children, had been fleeing in great haste, being able 

to carry with them only the best of their effects. 
* * * Q ne f t ] ie Q [ ( j men W | 1Q [ lac ] Deen of 

note in the village, * * * told us the ambush 
consisted of two hundred and twenty men stationed 
on the hill-side to attack our rear, and of five hun- 
dred and thirty to attack our front. In 
addition to the above, there were also three hun- 



dred men in their fort, favorably situated on a 
height, into which they all were pretending to retire, 

having carried thither a quantity of Indian corn. 

* * * 

"After we had obtained from this old man all 
the information he could impart, he was placed in 
the hands of Rev. Father Bruyas, who finding he 
had some traces of the christian religion, * * * 
set about preparing him for the baptism, before 
turning him over to the Indians who had taken 
him prisoner. He was baptized, and a little while 
after they contented themselves at our solicitation, 
with knocking him on the head with a hatchet in- 
stead of burning him according to their custom. 

"Our first achievement, this day, was to set fire 
to the fort of which we have spoken. It was eight 
hundred paces in circumference, well enough 
flanked for savages, with a retrenchment advanced 
lor the purpose of communicating with a spring 
which is halfway down the hill, it being the only 
place where they could obtain water. The remain- 
der of the day was employed in destroying Indian 
corn, beans and other produce. 

"16th July. — We continued the devastation. 
Our scouts brought us from time to time the spoils 
of the fugitives found scattered in the woods. 

" In the afternoon of the same day, we moved 
our camp towards those places where corn was to 
be destroyed. A party of our Indians about whom 
we had been anxious, arrived in the evening with 
considerable booty, which they had captured in the 
great village of Totiakton, four leagues distant. 
They found that village also abandoned by the 
enemy, who on retreating had set it on fire, but 
only three or four cabins were consumed. 

"17th. — We were also occupied in destroying 
the grain of the small village of St. Michael or 
Gannogarae,* distant a short league from the large 
village. 

"18th. — Continued, after having moved our 
camp in order to approach some fields which were 
concealed and scattered in the depths of the for- 
est. 

" 19th. — Moved our camp in the morning from 
near the village of St. James or Gannagaro, after 
having destroyed a vast quantity of fine large corn, 
beans and other vegetables of which there re- 
mained not a single field, and after having burned 
so large a quantity of old corn that the amount 
dared not be mentioned, and encamped before 
Totiakton, surnamed the Great Village or the Vil- 
lage of the Conception, distant four leagues from 
the former. We found there a still greater num- 
ber of planted fields, and wherewithal to occupy 
ourselves for many days. * * * 

" 20th. — We occupied ourselves with cutting 
down the new corn and burning the old. 

"21st. — Went to the small village of Gannoun- 
ata,f distant two leagues from the larger, where all 
the old and new corn was destroyed the same day, 

*Gailitogartu or Giindaugnra, 1 was situated sooth of GartHOgarv, near 
the site of Hast Bloomfield. 

\Ganmnmata or Gannoudata, named <m Clark's miii -is Gandachira- 
gon, the site of the mission of St. John, was heated near East Avon, 



44 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



though the quantity was as large as in the other 
villages. It was in this village that we found the 
arms of England which Sieur Dongan, Governor 
of New York, had caused to be placed there con- 
trary to all right and reason, in the year 1684, 
having antedated the arms as of the year 1683, 
although it is beyond question that we first discov- 
ered and took possession of that country, and for 
twenty consecutive years have had Fathers Fremin, 
Gamier. iVc, as stationary missionaries in all these 
villages. 

"The quantity of grain which we found in store 

in this place, and destroyed by fire is incredible. * 

* # * 

"22d. — We left the above named village to re- 
turn to Totiakton, to continue there the devasta- 
tion already commenced. Notwithstanding the 
bad weather and incessant rain, the entire day was 
employed in diligent preparation for our departure, 
which was the more urgent as sickness was increas- 
ing among the soldiers, the militia and the Indians, 
and provisions and refreshments were rapidly 
diminishing. Besides the impatience of the sav- 
ages to return with a great number of the sick and 
wounded, gave us no hope of retaining them 
against their will, some having already left on the 
preceding day without permission. 

" 23d. — We sent a large detachment of almost 
the entire army * * * to complete the destruc- 
tion of all the corn still standing in the distant 
woods. 

"About 7 o'clock in the morning, seven Illinois, 
coming alone from their country to war against the 
Iroquois, arrived at the camp, as naked as worms, 
bow in hand, to the great joy of those whom Sieur 
de Tonty had brought to us. 

"About noon of the same day, we finished the 
destruction of the Indian corn. We had the curi- 
osity to estimate the whole quantity, green as well 
as ripe, which we had destroyed in the four Seneca 
villages, and found that it would amount to 350,- 
000 minots* of green, and 50,000 of old com — 
[1,200,000 bushelsj. We can infer from this the 
multitude of people in these four villages and the 
great suffering they will experience from this de- 
vastation. 

"Having nothing more to effect in that country, 
and seeing no enemy, we left our camp in the af- 
ternoon of the same day to rejoin our bateaux. We 
advanced only two leagues. * * * 

" 24th July. We reached our bateaux after 
marching six leagues. We halted there on the 
next day, the 25th, in order to make arrangements 
for leaving on the 26th, after we had destroyed the 
redoubt we had built." 

Denonville then repaired to Niagara, and con- 
structed a fort in the angle of the lake, on the 
Seneca side of the river. He left a hundred men 
under the command of Sieur de Troyes to garrison 
it, provisioned it for eight months, and returned 
with his army. This fort was so closely besieged 

•A minot is equal to three bushels. 



by the Iroquois that nearly all the garrison perished 
by hunger. 

The Iroquois were alarmed at this bold incur- 
sion into the country of the strongest nation of 
their league, and applied to Governor Dongan of 
New York, for protection. A council was held in 
the City Hall at Albany, August 5, 1687, at which 
the five Nations assigned as the probable reason 
of 1 )enonville's invasion, " that wee have given our 
land and submitted ourselfs to the King of Eng- 
land, which we confirmed solemnly when the Gov- 
ernor of Virginia was with you here," three years 
previously. They added, " It is true, wee warr 
with the farr Nations of Indians, because they kill 
our people, and take them prisoners when wee goe 
a beaver hunting, and it is our custom amongst In- 
dians to warr with one another ; but what hath the 
Christiansto doe with that tojoin with eitheroneside 
or the other ? O Brethren, you tell us the King of 
England is a very great King, and why should you 
not joyne with us in a just cause, when the French 
joynes with our enemies in an unjust cause; O 
Brethren, wee see the reason of this, the French 
would faine kill us all and when that is done they 
would carry all the Beaver trade to Canada, and 
the great King of England would loose the land 
likewise, and therefore, O Great Sachim beyond 
the Great Lake, awake and suffer not those poor 
Indians that have given thernselfs and their lands 
under your protection to bee destroyed by the 
French without cause."* Governor Dongan wrote 
to the Lord President, requesting instructions as to 
what course he should pursue in this emergency, 
adding in his letter on that occasion : " Those five 
nations are very brave and the awe and Dread of 
all ye Indyans in these Parts of America and are a 
better defense to us than if they were so many 
Christians."! 

On the 10th of November, 1687, he was in- 
structed to afford them protection.:): He advised 
them not to make peace with the French, and prom 
ised them supplies of arms and ammunition. But 
Denonville called a meeting of the chiefs of the 
Five Nations at Montreal, for the purpose of 
arranging terms of peace, and they decided to send 
representatives for that purpose. 

In this year, 1687, the English colonists of New 
York resolved to avail themselves of the peace 
which then existed between the English and French, 
by virtue of the treaty of neutrality of Nov. 16, 

•Col. Hist. III.. 44:. 
I Col. Hist., III.. 421;, 4)0. 
Col. Hist., III., 50). 



WARS BETWEEN THE IROQUOIS AND FRENCH. 



45 



1686, to attempt a participation in the fur trade of 
the upper lakes. They induced the Iroquois to 
liberate a number of Wyandot or Huron captives 
to guide them through the lakes and open a trade 
with their people, who were then living at Michili- 
mackinac. The party, which was led by Capt. 
McGregory, was intercepted and captured by a 
large body of French, and their goods distributed 
gratuitously among the Indians. The lake Indians, 
who had favored the project, by reason of the high 
price and scarcity of goods, now became anxious 
to disabuse the French of the suspicions their 
actions had engendered, and to prove their fidelity to 
them. To this end Adario, a celebrated chief of 
the Wyandots, shrewd and wily in his plans, and 
firm and courageous in their execution, led a party 
of one hundred men against the Iroquois. Stop- 
ping at Fort Cadaraqui for intelligence which might 
guide him, the commandant informed him of the 
impending peace negotiations, that the Iroquois 
embassadors were expected at Montreal in a few 
days, and advised him to return. But perceiving 
that if this peace was consummated, it would leave 
the Iroquois free to push their war against his nation, 
Adario resolved to prevent it, and waylaid, sur- 
prised and killed, or captured the Iroquois em- 
bassy, with the forty young warriors who guarded 
them. By dissembling he fully impressed his cap- 
tives with the belief that the treachery, of which he 
was made the unwitting instrument, was instigated 
by Denonville. With well-simulated indignation he 
looked steadfastly on the prisoners, among whom 
was Dekanefora, the head chief of the Onondagas, 
and said : " Go, my brothers, I untie your bonds, 
and send you home again, although our nations be 
at war. The French Governor has made me com- 
mit so black an action, that I shall never be easy 
after it, until the Five Nations have taken full re- 
venge. He then dismissed them, with presents of 
arms, powder and balls, keeping but a single man, 
an adopted Shawnee, to supply the place of the 
only man he had lost in the engagement.* 

The Iroquois were deeply incensed and burned to 
revenge the base treachery. They refused to listen to 
a message sent by Denonville disclaiming any partici- 
pation in the act of perfidy. On the 5th of August, 
1689, fifteen hundred Iroquois warriors landed, 
with the stealth and deadly purpose of enraged 
tigers, on the upper end of the island of Montreal, 
and pursued their murderous work without any- 
thing to impede them. They burned houses, 
sacked plantations and massacred men, women 

* Coldm. 



and children of the French inhabitants to the num- 
ber of two hundred, and retired with more than 
one hundred and twenty prisoners. November 
13th following they visited the lower part of the 
island with an equally deadly scourge.* 

These incursions were incalculably disastrous to 
the French interests in Canada and reduced the 
colonies to the most abject despondency. Their 
minds were filled with the fear of foreboding ills. 
They burned the two barks they had on Cadaraqui 
(Ontario) Lake and abandoned the fort at Cada- 
raqui. They designed to blow up the fort, and 
lighted a match for that purpose; but in their 
fright and haste they did not wait to see that it 
took effect. The Iroquois, hearing of the destruc- 
tion of the fort, took possession of it. The match 
the French lighted went out without igniting the 
train. They found twenty-eight barrels of powder, 
besides other stores. 

These disasters to the French soon spread 
among their Indian allies, already disgusted with 
la Barre's miserable failure, and whose confidence 
the questionable success of Denonville had not 
restored. The French influence over them was 
greatly lessened, while the dread of the Iroquois 
was measurably increased. Many sought an alli- 
ance with the English, with whom this misfortune 
to the French enabled them to open a trade; and 
they would have murdered the whole French col- 
ony to placate the Iroquois, "and would certainly 
have done it," says Golden, " had not the Sieur 
Perot, with wonderful sagacity and eminent hazard 
to his own person, diverted them." 

The French colony was in a most pitiable condi- 
tion, for while the larger proportion of the men had 
been engaged in the expedition against the Senecas, 
in trading with the Western Indians, and in mak- 
ing new discoveries and settlements, tillage had 
been neglected. Several thousand of the inhabi- 
tants had been killed. The continual incursions of 
small parties of the Iroquois made it hazardous to go 
outside the forts ; they were liable at any time to 
sacrifice their scalps to a lurking savage, to have 
the torch applied to their cabins, and the toma- 
hawk fall upon the defenseless heads of their wives 
and children. Their crops were sown in constant 
fear, and were often destroyed before they could 
be gathered. To add to the horrors of their situa- 
tion, famine was rapidly decimating those who had 
escaped the hatchet of the revengfu! Iroquois, 
and threatened to put a miserable end to their 
existence. 

•Col. HUt. IX., 4:9, 4S>, 454, 4!S- 



46 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



But this deplorable condition was destined to a 
favorable and most unexpected change, toward 
which the bitter animosities and divided counsels 
of the English colonies, growing out of the Revolu- 
tion in England at this time, which resulted in the 
accession of the Prince of Orange to the throne, 
contributed in no small measure. The Count de 
Frontenac, whose previous management of the col- 
ony had been eminently wise and satisfactory, was 
again appointed Governor, May 21, 1689, and 
though he had arrived at an age when most men pre- 
fer a retired life to the onerous burdens of State, 
he entered upon his duties with such energy and 
manifest wisdom as to revive the flagging spirits of 
the colonists, notwithstanding the impending dan- 
ger of a war with the English colonies which soon 
ensued. He arrived on the second of October 
1689, and at once commenced an effort to nego- 
tiate a peace with the Iroquois, having learned by 
sad experience that they could not hope to gain 
by the continuance of war with them. He was the 
more anxious to effect a peace with them, as the 
French then had a war on their hands with the 
English, which was declared that year. P'ailing in 
this, he hoped to terrify them into neutrality, and 
for this purpose, and to lessen the influence with 
the English with them, he fitted out three expedi- 
tions that winter, one against New York, another 
against Connecticut, and a third against New Eng- 
land. It was a hazardous undertaking at that sea- 
son of the year, but the desperate condition of the 
French colonists demanded heroic treatment. 

The first expedition was directed against Sche- 
nectady, which was sacked and burned, on the 
night of February 9, 1690, only two houses being 
spared, that of Major Sander. ( < 'oudre, ) from whom 
the French had received good treatment on a for- 
mer occasion, and that of a widow, with six chil- 
dren, to which M. de Montigny, one of the leaders 
of the expedition, was carried when wounded. 
They spared the lives of some fifty to sixty old 
men, women and children, who escaped the first 
fury of the attack, and some twenty Mohawks, "in 
order to show them it was the English and not 
they against whom the grudge was entertained." 
The loss on this occasion in houses, cattle and 
grain, exceeded 400,000 livres.* There were up- 
wards of eighty well-built and well-furnished houses 
in the town." They returned witli thirty prisoners, 
loaded with plunder, and with fifty good horses, 
only sixteen of which reached Montreal, the vest 
having been killed on the road for food. They 

*A French , now superseded by the franc, equal to I8#. cents. 



lost one Indian and one Frenchman in the attack 
on the town, and nineteen on the return march.* 

This disaster at Schenectady so disheartened the 
people of Albany, that they resolved to abandon 
the place and retire to New York. Many were 
packing up for that purpose, when a delegation of 
Mohawks who had come to condole with them on 
the loss, on hearing of their design, reproached 
them and urged them to a courageous defense of 
their homes. This passage in our colonial history 
fills us with humiliating reflections, when we con- 
trast the supineness of the English colonists, 
arising from the bitter dissensions incident to the 
governmental changes which the recent revolution 
wrought, with the magnificent energies exerted by 
the French colonists under the energizing influence 
of the sagacious Frontenac. Our admiration is nol 
less challenged by the heroic conduct of the Iro- 
quois, who, notwithstanding French intrigues and 
Jesuitical influence, combined with an exasperat- 
ing English apathy, which appeared willing to sac- 
rifice these savage but noble allies, kept firmly to 
their early allegiance 

Count de Frontenac, encouraged by the answer 
made to his former message, renewed his efforts to 
bring about a peace with the Iroquois ; but they 
compelled his embassadors to run the gauntlet and 
then delivered them over as prisoners to the Eng- 
lish. Foiled in this, he endeavored to prevent the 
peace which the Iroquois were on the point of 
making with the Utawawas and Quatoghies. The 
Iroquois continued to harrass the French in small 
bodies and kept them in constant alarm. 

In the summer of 1691, New York and New 
England concerted an attack by a combined land 
and naval force. The former, under command of 
Major Peter Schuyler, was directed against Mon- 
treal ; and the latter, consisting of thirty sail, under 
command of Sir William Phips, against Quebec. 
Both failed of the ultimate object for which they 
set out ; though Schuyler inflicted a heavy loss 
upon the enemy, killing three hundred, which ex- 
■ eeded his entire command,! having seventeen 
killed and eleven wounded of his own forces. But 
finding the enemy vastly more numerous than he 
expected he was obliged to retire. The naval 
attack was illy directed and proved an ignoble fail- 
ure. It was likewise attended with considerable 
loss, both in men and material, without inflicting 
much damage on the enemy, who, with ordinary 

• Paris Document IV. Doc. lint. I , 197. The English account places 
the number killed at 60^ and the number taken prisoners Z7, including 
several negroes. — Ibid. 

\Coldcrt. 



FRONTENAC'S INVASION. 



47 



promptness and prudence, might have been routed. 
The Iroquois, however, continued their stealthy- 
raids, which were more dreaded and really more 
destructive to the French interests than the more 
imposing efforts of their English allies. The 
French were prevented from tilling the ground, or 
of reaping the fruit of what they had sown or 
planted, and a famine ensued, " the poor inhabi- 
tants," says Colden, "being forced to feed the 
soldiers gratis, while their own children wanted 
bread." The French fur trade was also stopped 
by the Iroquois, who took posession of the passes 
between them and their allies, the western Indians, 
and intercepted the traders and others passing over 
these routes. 

Count de Frontenac was pierced to the heart by 
his inability to revenge these terrible incursions of 
the Five Nations. His desperation drove him to 
the commission of an act which must have been as 
revolting to him in his normal condition, as it was 
barbarous. He condemned two Iroquois prisoners 
to be burned publicly alive, and would not be dis- 
suaded from executing the sentence. One of 
them, however, killed himself with a knife which 
was thrown into his prison by "some charitable 
person." 

June 6, 1792, the Iroquois entered into a formal 
treaty of alliance and friendship with Major Rich- 
ard Ingoldsby, who assumed the Gubernatorial 
office of New York on the death of Colonel Henry 
Sloughter, July 23, 1691. The speech of Ckeda, 
an Oneida sachem, on that occasion, is a rare 
piece of pathetic eloquence. 

The French colonists having been obliged to re- 
main so long on the defensive, were becoming des- 
pondent, so that Count Frontenac felt it imperative 
to undertake some bold enterprise to restore con- 
fidence. He therefore planned an expedition 
against the Mohawks, and as it was necessary to 
surprise them, it was undertaken in the winter, 
when it would be least expected. Jan. 15, 1693, 
a force of six huudred to seven hundred French 
and Indians, under command of three captains of 
the regulars, started with snow-shoes from la Prairie 
tie Magdaleine, and after a long and perilous march 
through the forests, surprised and captured three 
of the Mohawks' castles, in only the latter and 
largest of which did they meet with any resistance. 
They returned with about three hundred prisoners, 
and though pursued by a party of Albany militia 
and Mohawks to the number of about five hun- 
dred, hastily gathered and commanded by Major 
Peter Schuyler, and reduced to such extremity for 



want of food that they eat their shoes, they escaped 
with the loss of eighty men killed and thirty-three 
wounded. This successful raid greatly alarmed the 
English settlers and dispirited the Iroquois, who 
saw that surprises could be made by their enemies 
as well as themselves. The latter were now more 
inclined to listen to the French proposals of peace, 
and having been the greater sufferers by the war, 
were quite anxious that it should cease. 

The years 1693-4 were spent in efforts to nego- 
tiate a peace between the French and Iroquois, 
which the English endeavored to prevent. The 
three intermediate nations, influenced by the Jesuit 
priests, were more inclined thereto, than the Sene- 
cas and Mohawks. The Senecas held the French 
in abhorrence, and were not so much influenced 
by the Jesuits; while the Mohawks were the near 
neighbors of the English, and much influenced by 
them in favor of continuing the war, although they 
had been the greatest sufferers from it. 

These negotiations failed and Governor de Fron- 
tenac now resolved to coerce them to submission, 
to that end made arrangements to attack the Mo- 
hawks with the whole force of Canada. But learn- 
ing that the Mohawks had been advised of his in- 
tention by an escaped prisoner, and the prepara- 
tions that had been made to repel him, he changed 
his plan, and instead sent three hundred men to 
the neck of land between lakes Erie and Cadara- 
qui, the usual hunting place of the Iroquois, hoping 
to surprise them while carelessly hunting, and at 
the same time to observe the condition of Fort 
Cadaraqui, which was found to be better than was 
expected. In the summer of 1695, he sent a strong 
force to repair and garrison the fort, which then 
took his name. This fort was of great advantage 
to the French from its proximity to the beaver 
hunting grounds of the Iroquois, thus enabling the 
garrison to make incursions on them when so en- 
gaged. It was also important to the French trade 
with the western Indians, as a place of deposit for 
supplies; and not less so as a place of refuge in 
time of war with the Iroquois. The French also 
succeeded in putting a stop to the peace negotia- 
tions then progressing between the Iroquois and 
Dionondadies ; but in order to accomplish that 
end perpetrated an act of cruelty, which, for fiend- 
ishness, parallels anything in the annals of Indian 
horrors. But notwithstanding the French oppo- 
sition a treaty was concluded covertly soon after. 

The treaty of Ryswick, while it established peace 
between the English and French, left unsettled a 
question with regard to the Iroquois. The French, 



4« 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



while they insisted on including their own Indian 
allies in the terms, were unwilling to include the 
Iroquois, and made preparations to attack the lat- 
ter with the whole force of Canada; but the Eng- 
lish as strenuously insisted on extending the terms 
of the treaty to their allies, and Karl Bellraont 
notified Count de Frontenac that he would resist 
an attack on the Iroquois with the whole force of 
his government if necessary. This put an end to 
French threats, and the question of sovereignty over 
that nation was relegated to commissioners to be 
appointed pursuant to the treaty. But the ques- 
tion arose in another form, with regard to the ex- 
change of prisoners. The French insisted on ne- 
gotiating with the Iroquois ; but the Knglish refused 
to yield even by implication, the right of sover- 
eignty which they claimed, and demanded that the 
exchange be made through them. The Iroquois 
refused to negotiate independently of the F.nglish, 
and thus the French were obliged to yield the 
point* 

Peace, such as had not fallen upon the wilder- 
ness of the New World since the Europeans added 
their conflicting interests to the field of savage con- 
tests, pi evaded at the opening of the eighteenth 
century; for not only had the Europeans and their 
allies ceased to war, but the Indians themselves 
had buried the hatchet. It was of short duration, 
however ; for with the succession of Anne to the 
F.nglish throne, on the death of King William in 
March, 1702, the war of the Spanish succession, or 
Queen Anne's war, was inaugurated and con- 
tinued till the treaty of Utrecht, April 11, 1713. 
Although New England was ravaged with ruthless 
hand, New York scarcely knew its existence ; not- 
withstanding the Province was put in a condition 
for defense. 

Not until after the treaty of Utrecht did the set- 
tlements in New York make much progress, owing 
to the massacres that in King William's war were 
committed by the French and their Indian allies 
on the outskirts of the settlements. At its con- 
clusion, or soon after, settlements in the Mohawk 
were begun. By that treaty the French engaged 
not to attack the Five Nations, who were acknowl- 
edged to lie the subjects of Great Britain, and a 
free trade with them was guaranteed to both Eng- 
land and France. 

The Iroquois, being thus debarred from continu- 
ing their predatory raids on the northern and western 
Indians, extended their conquests in the South, 

• rbis question was not fully settled till the treat} ol I trecht, April n, 
t7M. by which the French surrendered .'11 claims to tlie Five Nations 
who were acl wli dged tobi iubjeel ol i in at B 



and chastised their old enemies, the Flatheads, liv- 
ing in Carolina. While on this expedition they 
adopted into their confederacy the Tuscaroras, of 
North Carolina, one of the most powerful Indian 
nations of the South, who, in resisting the encroach- 
ments of the proprietaries of Carolina, who assigned 
their lands to the German Palatines, were almost 
destroyed in their fort on the River Taw, Man h 
26,1713, having lost eight hundred in prisoners, 
who were sold as slaves to the allies of the F.nglish. 
They became the sixth nation of the Iroquois con- 
federacy, which was afterwards denominated by the 
English, the Six Nations. They were assigned ter- 
ritory in the country of and in close proximity to 
the Oneidas. 

From 1774 to 1748, the French ami English 
were again at war, which was concluded by the 
treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, April .50th, 1748, which 
virtually renewed the treaty of Utrecht. 

The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was very imperfect, 
as it left unsettled many important questions which 
must sooner or later demand adjustment. The 
contest was renewed in 1755. The French, imme- 
diately after the cessation of hostilities, had entered 
upon the vigorous prosecution of a policy inaug- 
urated by them as early as 1731, of connecting the 
St. Lawrence with the Gulf of Mexico by a chain of 
forts, and by the end of 1753, had a connected 
line of forts from Montreal to French Creek in 
Pennsylvania. The completion of the fort on 
French Creek provoked the resentment of Virginia, 
and a force was sent out by that colony under 
Major George Washington, with instructions " to 
make prisoners, kill or destroy all who interrupted 
the English settlements" in the invaded territory. 
The success was only temporary, for Washington 
was soon compelled to capitulate within the feeble 
breastworks of Fort Necessity. 

The English colonies were wholly unprepared 
for the vigorous onslaught with which the French 
followed the overt act of Virginia; and being divi- 
ded in their counsels — lacking centralization — it 
required some time to collect themselves and to 
interpose an effectual resistance. Among the ear- 
liest measures concerted were four expeditions 
planned by General Edward Bullock, the first to 
effect the complete reduction of Nova Scotia, the 
second to recover the Ohio Valley, the third to 
expel the French from Fort Niagara and form a 
junction with the expedition to the Ohio, and the 
fourth to capture Crown Point. The latter was 
entrusted to Col. Johnson, who was to have the 
militia of New York, Massachusetts and Connec- 



ESTABLISHMENT OF THE "PROPERTY LINE. 



49 



ticut and the warriors of the Six Nations. He con- 
vened the latter in council at Mount Johnson on 
the 21st of June, 1754, hoping to induce them to 
join the expedition ; but with all the art he was 
master of, he could obtain little else than excuses. 
Hendrick and his Mohawks, with here and there 
a warrior from the other nations, to the number of 
fifty, left Albany with him on the eighth of August. 
At the "carrying place" some two hundred war- 
riors joined him, giving him, with the militia, a force 
of about thirty-five hundred men. The French, 
marching in about equal force to Oswego, were 
called back and sent, under Baron Dieskau, to 
the defense of Crown Point. Leaving the larger 
portion of his forces at that fort, Dieskau pushed 
on to attack Fort Edward, cut off Johnson's retreat, 
and annihilate his army. Misled by his guides, he 
found himself on the road to Lake George, and 
only four miles distant from Johnson's encamp- 
ment at Ticonderoga. Leaving his position, John- 
son detached one thousand men and two hundred 
Indians to bring on an engagement. The oppos- 
ing forces met on the Sth of September. Finding 
the French too powerful, the English fell back to 
Ticonderoga ; the French pursued and resumed the 
battle under the walls of Johnson's position. After 
a severe engagement of four hours the French re- 
treated. The losses on both sides were heavy, 
that of the English being one hundred and fifty- 
eight killed, including King Hendrick and thirty- 
eight of his warriors, ninety-two wounded and sixty- 
two missing ; while that of the French was between 
three and four hundred. Johnson was wounded 
slightly, and Dieskau mortally. The French retreat 
was unmolested ; Crown Point was not reduced.* 

For the most part the remainder of the war was 
a prolonged and sanguinary contest with the savage 
allies of the French, which brought the war to the 
doors of the colonists and gave them ample work 
to defend their homes. The border settlements of 
Pennsylvania were especially afflicted by this deso- 
lating scourge. 

The war, which for many years threatened dis- 
aster to the English, finally resulted in their favor, 
and was concluded between the English and French, 
by the treaty of Paris, in 1763, leaving England in 
possession of Canada and the territory west of the 
Mississippi. It was continued, however, with un- 
abated fury two years longer by the Indians under 
Pontiac, king of the Ottawas, who in the summer 
of 1762, formed a league to drive the English from 
the country. 

* Ruttenber. 



Following the cessation of hostilities, territorial 
disputes arose between the various Indian tribes 
and the colonies, to adjust which, Colonel John- 
son, in 1765, proposed the establishment of a line 
which should be recognized alike by the Indians 
and the English as a boundary beyond which neither 
should pass. To this the Indians assented : but 
its execution was delayed till the irritation of the 
Indians under the aggressions of European immi- 
gration, became threatening and alarming. The 
Senecas, smarting under these aggressions, and the 
humiliating treaty they had been forced to make, 
said by a large belt to the Lenapes and Shawanoes 
in 1768: "Brethren, these lands are yours as well 
as ours; God gave them to us to live upon, and be- 
fore the white people shall have them for nothing, 
we will sprinkle the leaves with blood, or die every 
man in the attempt." Finding that the matter 
could not longer be safely delayed, a conference 
was called at Fort Stanwix, and the treaty by which 
the boundary line was established was concluded 
Nov. 5, 1768. This line, which was long known 
as the " Property Line," is indicated on a map 
accompanying the treaty. This treaty was ratified 
by Sir William Johnson in July, 1770. 

But this action did not long suffice to preserve 
inviolate the Indian territory. The influx of new 
settlers and the avarice of traders led to encroach- 
ments which soon provoked complaints and gave 
rise to apprehension on account of the Senecas. 
At a Congress of the Six Nations at Johnson Hall, 
in June and July, 1774, a Seneca orator complained 
that the whites and traders encroached upon their 
territory, followed their people to their hunting 
grounds with goods and liquor, " when," he said, 
" they not only impose on us at pleasure, but by 
the means of carrying these articles to our scattered 
people, obstruct our endeavors to collect them." 
■• We are sorry," he added, " to observe to you 
that your people are as ungovernable, or rather 
more so, than ours." 

The continued and alarming encroachments on 
the Indian domain prepared the way for the hostil- 
ity which characterized the action not only of the 
Iroquois, but also the western Indians, against the 
colonists during the wai of the Revolution, which 
soon followed. The Indians had adopted a settled 
and well-understood policy, involving resistance to 
further encroachments ; and the Iroquois, who had 
hitherto preserved a uniform friendship towards the 
colonists, now, with the exception of the Oneidas, 
Tuscaroras, and possibly a few others, opposed 
them. Eighteen hundred of their warriors allied 



5° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



themselves with the British,* and only two hundred 
and twenty, with the colonists. The atrocities of 
of the former under the leadership of the redoubt 
able Brant, will long be remembered by both New 
York and Pennsylvania. 

The long list of Indian and tory atrocities on 
the border settlements of New York and Pennsyl- 
vania, including the terrible massacres of Wyom- 
ing, Cherry Valley and Minnisink, determined the 
action of Congress in projecting the successful ex- 
pedition of General Sullivan in 1779 — an expedi- 
tion of paramount importance in its bearing on the 
subsequent settlements in Central and Western 
New York — and directed especially against the 
country of the Senecas, which the tories and their 
allies made a place of rendezvous, and from which 
issued forth many a band of stealthy, prowling sav- 
ages, and not less vindictive tories, to visit death 
and destruction upon the outlying settlements o( 
the colonies. 

Appeal after appeal went up from the exposed 
and desolated homes on the frontier, and though 
they reached the ears of Congress, that bodj was 
too deeply engrossed with other duties and its re- 
sources too heavily taxed to render the needed 
succor. They did not. however, tail to receive the 
attention and serious consideration of those guardi- 
ans of the nation's weal, though the censure with 
which some authors have visited them and the 
accusation cf culpable dilatoriness may not lie en- 
tirely unmerited. It is fair to presume that they, 
in common with the general public, were lulled into a 
partial sense of security by the anticipated aid from 
French alliance. Not so, however, with the ever 
vigilant Washington, who had busied himself with 
plans to put an end to this desolating warfare — 
plans which he lacked the means to execute. The 
general inactivity which, in 1779, supervened the 
unconsummated military projects, owing to the 
failure of expected French aid the previous season, 
seemed to offer a favorable opportunity to strike a 
decisive blow against these border depredators — a 
measure which was made more imperative by the 
horrible massacre of Wyoming the previous sum- 
mer, in which Queen Ksther, a Seneca half-breed, 
distinguished herself by the conspicuous part she- 
took in those frightful orgies.t Washington urged 

•Kuttenbet says there were not more than eight hundred engaged at 
any time. Clinton says there were ',580. 

tCatharin.- Montour, the Queen Esther ol the Senecas, was a half- 
breed, .1 native of Canada, ami a putative daugh i one ol tli' I i 'i.i 1 1 

Governors, "probably," says Lo ing, "ol Frontenac" tin superioi 
mind gave her great ascendancy ovet tin Seneca , among whom she was 

indeed a Queen. At Wyoming I" "ass ed the office of executioner, 

and, using a maul ami tomahawk, passed around the ring ol pri oners, 
who had been arranged at tier bidding . delibl I ati K i hanted i In 

death and murdered her victims to_il cadencef in seculivi Drdei 

Lossing and Ruttenber, 



its importance on the attention of Congress, and 
on the 25th of February, 1779, was directed by 
that body to protect the inland frontier and chas- 
tise the Senecas, thus seconding the efforts which 
the New York governor had put forth. 

Having determined upon the expedition, Wash- 
ington tendered its command to General Gates, 
who dec lined the service "in a letter by no means 
creditable to himself or courteous to his superior."* 
It was finally entrusted to Major-General John 
Sullivan, who was instructed on the 31st of May 
to assemble the main body of his army at Wyom- 
ing, then recently devastated by Brant and Butler,f 
and proceeded thence to Tioga and onward into 
the heart of the Indian settlements. "The mode 
of fighting," says Hamilton, "was such as Wash- 
ington's early experience would suggest 'to make- 
rather than receive attacks, attended with as much 
impetuosity, shouting and noise as possible, and to 
make the troops act in as loose and dispersed a 
way as is consistent with a proper degree of gov- 
ernment, concert and mutual support. It shall be 
previously impressed upon the minds of the men, 
whenever they have an opportunity, to rush on 
with the war whoop and fixed bayonet. Nothing 
will disconcert and terrify the Indians more than 
this.' "J "The immediate objects of the expedition 
were set forth at large: they were, the total devas- 
tation and destruction of the settlements of the 
Six Nations, as well as of their adherents and asso- 
ciates, and the capture of as many prisoners as 
possible of every age and sex."?' The country was 
not merely to be over-run. but destroyed; and he 
was not to listen to any proposals of peace until 
this was thoroughly done. 

General Sullivan's army consisted of three divi- 
sions: one from New Jersey, under command of 
Brigadier-General William Maxwell; another from 
New England, under command of Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Edward Hand; and the third from New York, 
under command of Brigadier-General James Clin- 
ton. The New Jersey and New England divisions 
marched from Flizabeth, N. J., via Easton, to 
Wyoming, where General Sullivan awaited the re- 
ceipt of supplies for his army, which were not only 
poor in quality, but insufficient in quantity, so 
that, on his arrival at Wyoming, he was constrained 
to write, "of the salted meat on hand, there was 

• ,./, ''/'''.I. New Series, Sparks, lit. 127. 

I Hamilton's tiistor) "i tli L - Republic of the United States. I , s4t, S44. 
Col Win 1 Stone lays it is doubtful whether Brant was at anytime 

[ni pany with this expedition, and certain that when the battle 01 id 

lie iva many miles distant. — Life t>J 'Joseph Brant, I., jj8. 

XHamiltoiCi History of ike Republic oj 'ike United 'States,!., S4J, J44. 
rii in Biography, New Series, Sparks, III., 127. 



SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION. 



Si 



not a single pound fit to be eaten." A delay of 
several weeks was occasioned, says Dr. Gordon, 
"through the villainy or carelessness of the commis- 
saries." Sullivan has been widely censured for his 
extravagant requisitions on the board of war, and 
the tardiness in supplying them provoked from him 
unequivocal complaints, which subjected him to 
the retaliatory strictures of that body, and, whether 
justly so or not, to a general feeling of dissatisfac- 
tion.* 

Washington became impatient, fearing the delay 
and the publicity it gave would imperil the success 
of the movement. He had repeatedly enjoined 
Sullivan to "move as light as possible, even from 
the first onset," adding, " should time be lost in 
transporting the troops and stores, the provisions 
will be consumed, and the whole enterprise may be 
defeated. Reject every article that can be dis- 
pensed with ; this is an extraordinary case, and re- 
quires extraordinary attention. "f 

While General Sullivan was wrestling with these 
embarrassments, Col. Van Schaick, with six hun- 
dred men from Fort Schuyler, on the 21st of April, 
1779, surprised the Onondagas, destroyed their vil- 
lage, provisions and munitions of war, killing twelve 
and taking thirty or forty prisoners, and returned 
within three days without the loss of a man. 

Having at length completed his arrangements 
General Sullivan left Wyoming on the 31st of July, 
and moved his army, consisting of thirty-five hun- 
dred men, up the east side of the Susquehanna. 
In transporting the baggage and stores, one hun- 
dred and twenty boats and two thousand horses J 
were employed. The boats were propelled up the 
stream by soldiers with setting poles, and were 
guarded by troops. The provisions for the daily 
subsistence of the troops were carried by horses, 
which threaded the narrow path in single file, and 
formed a line about six miles in length. They ar- 

• Says Bancroft, who sharply criticises his conduct during the entire ex- 
pedition, he "made insatiable demands on the Government of Pennsyl- 
vania," and "while he was wasting time in finding fault, writing strange 
theological essays, the British and Indian partisans near Fort Schuyler 
surprised and captured 29 mowers. Savages under Macdonell laid waste 
the country on the west bank of the Susquehanna, till the Indians, by his 
own report, 'were glutted with plunder, prisoners and scalps.' Thirty 
miles of a closely settled country were burned. Brant and his crew con- 
sumed with fire all the settlement of Minnisink, one fort excepted. Over 
a party of a hundred and fifty men, by whom they were pursued, they 
gained the advantage, taking more than forty scalps and one prisoner." 
—History of tlie United States, X., JJC— 111. 

t Bancroft's History of the United States., X., 130—;;;. 

J Many of the horses furnished for the expedition were quite unservice- 
able, and some fifty were shot in the locality of Horseheads, being un- 
able to proceed further. The heads of these abandoned horses were after- 
wards gathered by the Indians and placed beside the route of the army— 
a circumstance from which the village of Horseheads derives its name. 
Many of the cattle furnished Sullivan were in even worse condition ; some, 
it is said, being unable to walk, while others could not even stand. 



rived at Tioga Point on the i ith of August. The 
Indians had collected in considerable numbers at 
Athens, but on the arrival of the army, awed and 
dismayed by its formidable appearance, they yield- 
ed their stronghold with only a few inconsiderable 
skirmishes. The following day a detachment was 
sent forward to Chemung, twelve miles distant, and 
after dispersing a body of Indians, with the loss of 
seven of their number, destroyed the village, and 
rejoined the army the next day. Here a fort was 
built and named in honor of the commander of the 
expedition, and here the army awaited the arrival 
of the forces under General Clinton. 

General Clinton collected his forces at Canajo- 
harie. He endeavored to induce the Oneidas and 
Tuscaroras to join the expedition ; and his efforts 
would doubtless have proved successful, as he at 
first supposed they were, but for an address, written 
in the Iroquois language, and sent them by Gen- 
eral Haldimand, then Governor of Canada, which 
discouraged all but a few Oneidas from sharing in it. 
Bateaux to the number of two hundred and twenty, 
which had been constructed the previous winter 
and spring at Schenectady, were taken up the Mo- 
hawk to the place of rendezvous, and from thence 
transported by land to Otsego Lake, a distance of 
twenty miles. Each bateau was of such size that 
in its transit from the river to the lake, four strong 
horses were required to draw it, and, when placed 
in the water, was capable of holding from ten to 
twelve soldiers. 

About the first of July, Clinton proceeded with 
his troops to the southern extremity of the lake, 
and there awaited orders from General Sullivan. 
He had previously scourged the Mohawk country 
and destroyed every village, with a single excep- 
tion,* which was spared at the solicitation of home- 
less frontier settlers, who begged that they might 
occupy it until they could procure other shelter. 
The villages of the Oneidas and Tuscaroras were 
also spared. 

In the meantime he constructed a dam across 
the outlet, in order to make the passage of the 
river feasible and rapid. He waited through the 
whole of July for orders from General Sullivan, 
who, immediately on his arrival at Athens, dis- 
patched a force of eight hundred men under Gen- 
eral Poor, to form a junction with Clinton and with 
him rejoin the main army at that place ; but not 
until the 9th of August was the dam torn away and 
the flotilla committed to the bosom of the river 



•The castle of "Praying Maquas," at the Schoharie Creek, consisting 
of four houses. 



52 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



thus suddenly swelled, which afforded a current not 
onl) sufficiently deep to tloat the bateaux, but at 
( rquaga and other places overflowed the river flats, 
and destroyed many fields of corn belonging to the 
Indians. At Oquaga, Clinton's forces were aug- 
mented by a detachment under Col. Pauling, and 
at the mouth of the Choconut, about thirty-five 
miles from Athens, they met the detachment of 
Sullivan's army under General Poor. On the 22nd 
of August they formed a junction with the forces 
under Sullivan, which then numbered some five 
thousand men. 

What emotions must have swelled the swarthy 
bosoms of the Iroquois at the sight of this formida- 
ble hostile array, which portended to them the de- 
struction of their loved homes and the breaking of 
the sceptre by which they had so long held the su- 
premacy of this vast territory ; and coming too, in 
a dry season, on the bosom of a river swelled much 
beyond its ordinary dimensions. So much was it 
invested in mystery that little resistance was offered 
to the advancing foe. The Indians fled from their 
homes and cultivated fields, in many of which, it 
was remembered by those who participated in the 
expedition, corn was growing in abundance and 
great perfection, and cautiously watched their 
progress from the neighboring hills. 

On the 26th of August, after the junction between 
Sullivan's and Clinton's forces was effected, the 
whole army proceeded up the Chemung River. In 
the vicinity of Newtown* (Elmira,) where the In- 
dians under their trusty leader, Brant, were con- 
centrated, a battle was fought on the 29th, and 
its issue hotly contested for two hours, when the 
enemy, to avoid being surrounded, fled from their 
works and retired before the victorious army. The 
battle-field was well selected by the Mohawk war- 
rior, and evinced the sagacity and military tact 
with which he is credited. The enemy numbered 
about one thousand, including three hundred or 
four hundred rangers under Walter liutler, who had 
chief command. Their loss is unknown ; but they 
left seventeen dead on the field. Sullivan sustained 
a loss of three killed and thirty wounded. t 

General Sullivan's army spent the night in New 
town, when- it remained encamped the next day, a 
part of which was occupied in burning the village 
and destroying the corn and other things from 

•Authors diffei astothe . ol this battle. Stone, in Ms 

Life of Brant* says il id al Ehnira Wilkins in his Atutali 

of Binghamton* fixes the locality al 1 distanced sixmiles below that 
place, nearly opposite Wellsburg, in which opinion he generally con- 
firmed by modern writers ; while othei i dc i mate .1 mile below -\ ewtown 
as the locality. 

t Diary of Dr. yaoea Campfieid, t Surgeon in Sullivan's army. 



which the enemy might hereafter draw subsistence. 
"The Indians shall see," said Sullivan, "that we 
have malice enough in our hearts to destroy every- 
thing that contributes to their support," and most 
1 in 1 tually did he execute that purpose, leaving in 
his path a scene of desolation and woe. 

Here it was ascertained that the supply of pro- 
visions the army had was inadequate for its subsis- 
tence for a period sufficiently long to enable it to 
accomplish the objects of the expedition. Gen- 
eral Sullivan announced the fact in a public order, 
at the same time declaring that he had used every 
effort to obtain a sufficient supply, but without suc- 
cess.* He appealed to the patriotism of his army, 
and proposed as an expedient to shorten the allow- 
ance, to which both officers and men " almost 
unanimously" acceded, offering to subsist on a half 
pound each of flour and bread per day, "a striking 
instance of the virtue of the army."t 

< >n the night of the 30th, the wounded, together 
with four of the heaviest pieces of artillery and all 
wagons were sent back to Tioga, and on the 31st, 
the march was resumed. On the night of Sep- 
tember 1st, they arrived at Catharinestown, distant 
three miles from and near the southern extremity 
of Seneca Lake. The march during the latter part 
of this day was so difficult, says Dr. Campfield, as 
not to " admit of description, it being totally dark 
and through a thick swamp." Sullivan "arrived at 
the entrance of this swamp late in the afternoon 
and was strongly advised not to venture into it until 
the next morning ; but he persisted, and a mira- 
cle only prevented his obstinacy from bringing de- 
struction upon his men. Some of the defiles through 
which he had to pass, were so narrow and danger- 
ous that a score or two of Indians might have suc- 
cessfully disputed the passage against any number 
of men. The night was exceeding dark, the; men 
wearied, scattered and broken, and ready to die 
rather than move on ; but the Indian scouts who 
had been sent to watch them, having retreated as 
soon as it was dark under the full persuasion that 
no General in his senses would attempt such a road 
by night, the defiles were fortunately unguarded, 
and the General arrived with his wearied army 
about midnight at the town."! Sullivan's action 
in this instance has subjected him to adverse criti- 
cism, perhaps not unjustly; but while he was per- 
tinacious in pursuing a policy dictated by his judg- 
ment, he can scarcely be charged with obstinacy in 

• American Biography, Sp.n-ks, III, ny. 
I Diary of Dr. faba Campfield. 
I Allen, II , >78. 



SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION. 



53 



the sense in which it is used in the quotation. It 
is fair to presume that he was not wholly ignorant 
of the dangers attending so difficult a passage, but 
that his guide, a Presbyterian minister, who was a 
resident missionary at Canidesego, was conversant 
with them ; and that, with his intimate knowledge 
of Indian character and warfare, he doubtless fore- 
saw that while it might be undisputed at such a 
time, its advantages as a means of defense would 
not be likely to escape observation by the vigilant 
Brant, who, without hazarding an engagement, had 
kept a close watch upon his advancing enemy, and 
might reasonably be expected to contest in the day 
time a passage, which, under the most favorable 
circumstances, could only be forced at a great sac- 
rifice of life. The undertaking was certainly a 
hazardous one — seldom warranted ; and while an 
error in judgment might have entailed irretrievable 
disaster, the sequel proved that what the enemy 
regarded an insuperable obstacle was a sure defense, 
if net the salvation of Sullivan's army. Sullivan 
was keenly alive to its perils ; for at its conclusion 
he is said to have remarked that he would not 
repeat it for the honor of a command. The rear 
guard, however, under Clinton, did not venture to 
cross until the following day. 

Catharinestown, with its thirty houses, some of 
them quite good, was laid in ashes and its orchards 
and growing crops of corn, beans and other vege- 
tables destroyed. On the way the small settle- 
ment of Knawahola was destroyed, together with 
the cornfields around it, and a detachment was sent 
forth to extend the circle of devastation. The 
march was resumed on the third, the army pro- 
ceeding north on the east side of Seneca Lake. 
On the 4th the little village of Apple Town was 
destroyed, and on the 5th a village variously named 
Kendia, Thendara and Canidesego was reached. 
It presented the appearance of an old village and 
contained " about twenty decent houses,"* " four 
or five small framed houses, "f and some of them 
painted, but "nasty beyond description. "% All 
were burned ; and the apple trees, which were large 
and of many years growth, destroyed. The corn 
and beans were gathered by the troops ; but the 
cornstalks and grass about the town was not suffi- 
cient for the horses and cattle, which strayed away, 
thus preventing a resumption of the march till the 
following afternoon. Colonel Gansevoort's ser- 
vants having missed their way took a path which 
led them to Cayuga Lake, where they burned a 

•Spark's American Biography, New Series, III., 140. 

\ Col. Hist., VIII , 78S-&. 

X Diary 0/ Dr. 'jai'ez CampJieiJ. 



deserted village. On the 7th, the army forded the 
mouth of Seneca Lake, destroyed a small village a 
little beyond it, and three miles further on entered 
the village of Kanadaseaga, the capital of the Sene- 
cas, located a mile and a half west of the village of 
Geneva, which the Indians had deserted but a 
short time previously, Kaingwanto, the chief of the 
village, having it is supposed, been killed at the 
battle of Newtown. This was a large and impor- 
tant town, surrounded by numerous apple and other 
fruit trees, and a few acres of cleared land covered 
with grass.* The cornfields, which were extensive, 
were situated some distance from the town. All 
these evidences of wealth and comfort were sub- 
mitted to the torch and the avenging hand of deso- 
lation, which spread with " dreary uniformity" over 
the entire country. Great quantities of corn, 
beans and other vegetables were found here. 
The apple trees at this place were twenty 
to thirty years old. A few old apple trees which 
have since grown up from the stumps of 
those cut down still mark the site of this once 
populous Indian village. Here the army found 
a little white boy " about two years old," in 
whom the officers took great interest. He was 
doubtless the sad remnant of a desolated frontier 
home. He was almost famished and had to be 
restrained from over eating. Though he could un- 
derstand English he could speak only Indian. He 
died of small pox a few months after the return of 
the expedition. On the 8th, while the army lay in 
camp, Colonel Smith was detached with two hun- 
dred men to destroy the village of Gothseunguean, 
called by some of the journalists Kashong, a name 
perpetuated in that of Kershong Creek. It was 
situated on the west side of Seneca Lake, seven 
miles south of Geneva, contained about fifteen 
houses, compact, and "tolerably well built," and a 
great quantity of "potatoes, apples, peaches, cucum- 
bers, watermelons, fowl, &c," besides corn. 

From Kanadaseaga, on the 9th, the invalids 
were sent back to Tioga under an escort of fifty 
men, commanded by Capt. Reid, who was ordered 
to forward supplies for the army on its return to 
Kanawaholla. The army resumed its westward 
march on the afternoon of this day and the next 
day reached Shannondaque or Kanandaigua, situ- 
ated about a mile west of the lake of the same 
name, whose outlet they forded. This village, 
which occupied the site of the west part of the vil- 

* Rev. David Craft, in a Historical Address delivered at the Centen- 
nial Celebration at Geneseo, Sept. 16, 1879, said this village contained 
fifty liMii^es. The Diary of Dr. Jatez Campfield, says there w< 
fifty . Sparks' American Biography, says there were about sixty. 



54 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



lage of Canandaigua, consisted of twenty-three 
houses, elegant and mostly framed, some log houses, 
large and new. The rear guard of the enemy had 
so recently left that their fires were found burning. 
The torch was applied to the buildings and the 
army encamped about four o'clock in the after- 
noon among the cornfields about a mile further 
west. Fatigue parties were at once detailed to de- 
stroy the crops, which was pretty thoroughly accom- 
plished before dark. On the nth the army pro- 
ceeded to the Indian village of Angayea, (Hon- 
eoye,) situated at the foot of Honeoye Lake, on the 
east side of the outlet, near the site of the present 
village of Honeoye. This village consisted of 
eleven houses,* and about it were five cornfields, 
" affording abundant forage for the stock and food 
for the men." When Sullivan's riflemen entered it, 
a few Indians just made their escape, leaving their 
packs and blankets behind them and their potatoes 
roasting in the fire. 

On reaching Angayea, Sullivan estimated that 
he was within twenty-five miles of his destination, 
Chenussio, the great town of the Senecas. He 
issued four days' rations and extra ammunition to his 
men, and, with what baggage a few of the strongest 
horses could carry, pushed on by more rapid 
marches toward this objective point ; leaving the 
remainder of the stores, horses and cattle, and one 
piece of artillery t at Angayea, under the protec- 
tion of Capt. John N. Cumming, of the 2nd New 
Jersey regiment, and fifty good men, to whom were 
added all the invalids, or, as one journalist ex- 
presses it, says Mr. Craft, "the lame and lazy," to 
the number of two hundred and fifty. Capt. Cum- 
ming at once set about fortifying his position. He 
selected the largest and strongest log house in the 
town, pierced it with loop holes, and strengthened its 
walls with bags of flour and boxes of ammunition, 
while with the apple trees cut down he constructed 
about it a strong abatis. The little fortress thus 
improvised the men named Fort Cumming, in 
honor of its gallant commander. 

Sunday noon, Sept. 12th, the army left Angayea, 
an earlier advance having been prevented by a 
heavy thunderstorm, and after a journey of eleven 
miles " over a body of excellent land," even the 
hills being good, and bearing much chestnut tim- 
ber, the advance encamped about sunset "in the 
open wood a mile and a half or two miles from 

• Rev. Mr. Craft says, "about twenty."' The above is the number 

. u tied ill tile Journal of Major Janirs Non i .. .in officer in Sullivan's 

army. 

t Diary of Dr. Jaoez Campfield 'and Journal of Major James A'or- 
ris. Rev. Mr. Craft (O nlennial Historical Address) says two pieces 
of cannon were left here. 



Kanagksaws* (Conesus,) an Indian village con- 
sisting of eighteen houses, on the east side of 
Conesus Inlet, a short distance from the head of 
Conesus Lake, and about a mile north-west of 
Conesus Center, on the north and south road cross- 
ing the McMillan farm. The main part of the 
army, being impeded by the rain, encamped nearly 
two miles north, on the flats south-west of Foot's 
Corners.f The route of the army this day was 
acoss the outlet of Hemlock Lake and thence in a 
south-westerly direction to the head of Conesus 
Lake, entering the town of Conesus near the old 
residence of Charles Hitchcock, crossing the main 
road between South Livonia and Conesus Center 
near the residence of Mrs. Elizath Mc Vicar; thence 
to the flats below now owned by Hiram Boyd, J 
and following these to site of the residence of the 
late Nathaniel Cole.^ "George Grant says that a 
fine stream of water ran through the town, and 
that an enterprising negro called Captain Sunfish, 
who had acquired considerable wealth and influence, 
resided here." || It was also the home of a Seneca 
chief named Big Tree, who was a useful friend of 
the colonists during the Revolution, and a leading 
adviser in the treaties and councils of the Senecas ; 
but who finally yielded to the universal sentiment 
of his nation in their enmity to that cause. Presi- 
dent Dwight says, that while Big Tree, in company 
with other Indians, witnessed from a commanding 
height the destruction of his possessions by Sulli- 
van's army, one of his companions observed, " You 
see how the Americans treat their friends ! " He 
calmly replied, " What I see is only the common 
fortune of war. It cannot be supposed that the 
Americans can distinguish my property from yours, 
who are their enemies." After the war Big Tree 
lived in the town of that name on the west side of 



•This village is variously named Adjnton, {Craft's Historical Ad- 
dress.) Canneltsa-wes, {Diary of Dr. Jal'es Campricld,\ A'oneghsaws, 
[Shark's American Biography, which sa\s it contained twenty-five 
and Kaneysas or Yucksea, {Journal of Major James Xorris, 
which says it contained eighteen houses situated on an excellent inter- 
vale.) 

t "The local tradition that Hand took the road through Union Corners 
and encamped on the L. B. Richardson farm at the False Faces is not 
mentioned in any journal and is without doubt incorrect." Rev. David 
Craft's Centennial Historical Address. 

JUpon these fiats a few years ago a son of Mr. Boyd plowed up a 
< opptr plate in a good state of preservation, supposed to have been worn 
upon the hat of one of Sullivan's soldiers. It was in the form of a dia- 
mond, about five inches square ; in the center was a raised eagle, carrying 
in it talons a bunch of arrows, and at the top corner the inscription, "U. 
S. Riflemen." The lower corner was destroyed by the tinder before he 
knew what it was. — Pioneer Sketches of Conesus No. 2. — The Dansvitle 
Advertiser, February 10, 1876. 

§ A few years since Mr. Cole found upon the tlats below his residence a 
pair of bullet molds, capable of molding twelve ounce balls at a time.— 
Pioneer Sketches of Conesus No. z.— The Dansville Advertiser, Feb- 
ruary to, 1876. 

II Craft's Centennial Historical A ddress. 



SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION. 



55 



the river near the great bend. He died at his 
lodgings in Philadelphia, in 1792, after a few hours 
sickness resulting from over-eating, and was buried 
thereon the 22nd of April with something like 
public honors.* 

In this vicinity occurred the most tragic events 
connected with this eventful expedition, and as the 
further progress and operations of the army were 
mostly limited to territory now embraced in Liv- 
ingston county a detailed account of them seems 
warranted. We quote, therefore, from the admir- 
able address of Rev. David Craft, before referred 
to.t 

" When General Sullivan reached his encamp- 
ment near Kanaghsaws, he supposed that he was 
near the great Seneca town on the Genesee river 
and accordingly sent Lieutenant Boyd to recon- 
noitre it. This town, which some of the journals 
refer to, was generally known as Chenussio, 
though not in existence at the time of the cam- 
paign, yet bears such an important relation to it, 
and Sullivan's mistake in regard to its existence 
was attended with such serious consequences, that 
a few words of explanation are necessary. 

"As early as 1750 and as late as 1770, this 
great town was on the east site of the Genesee 
river, near its confluence with Canaseraga creek, 
on the site of ancient Williamsburg. It appears 
on the Guy Johnson map of 1771, as Chenussio, 
as Connecchio on the Ponchot map of 1758, in 
both cases at the point described. Camnierhoff 
and Zeisberger visited it in 1750, calling it Conness- 
chio, describing it as containing forty large huts. 
Mary Jemison, in her narrative, mentions the fact 
of its being on the east side of Genesee river and 
south of Fall Brook. * * * There is no men- 
tion in any journal of a town at this point in 1779, 
on the other hand, Col. Dearborn says expressly 
that the General expected to find the great Gene- 
see town a mile and a half from Gaghehegwalehale 
and on the east side of the river, but upon recon- 
noitering found it was five miles distant and on the 
other side of the river.j Keeping this fact in 
mind will enable us to understand the movements 
about to be related. All day on the 12th the In- 
dians had been so near that their tracks were fresh 
on the path and the water was roiled through which 
they had passed. Reaching Kanaghsaws a little 
after 7 o'clock in the morning it was discovered 
that the inlet ran through a soft miry bottom sev- 
eral rods in width over which one could go on foot, 
but where it would be impossible to take the pack 
horses and artillery, the enemy having destroyed 

* Craft's Centennial Historical Address* and Journal of Major 
James Norris : also Spark's American Biography* New Series, III., 
1+^, Note. 

tThis address is published in full in The Livingston Republican o{ 
Sept. 18, 1879. 

X Major Norris' Journal corroborates this statement fully ; and Dr. 
Campfield's Diary says in referring to this village discovered by Boyd, 
and which Major calls Gaglu/iegwalclialc, " we expected this would be 
the end of our labor, but we are mistaken, we are again to march on." 



the bridge across the stream.* The General, 
therefore, detailed a part of the army to destroy 
the town and cornfields, and the other part to aid 
the pioneers in building a corduroy causeway across 
the marsh and in repairing the bridge. It was 
near noon when the large cornfields had been laid 
waste and the bridge completed, and the army 
ready to resume its march. In the meanwhile 
events of a most serious character had been tran- 
spiring in the front. * * * 

" * * Just west of the inlet and bounding 

the slough over which the army was compelled to 
make the road, is a ridge of considerable height, 
running north and south, whose eastern slope is so 
steep that one can climb straight up it with diffi- 
culty ; the path winding obliquely along its face, 
which is broken by several ravines. 

" After the battle of Newtown, Butler with the 
main part of his army retired to Canawaugus, the 
site of the present Avon, where he remained until 
the 1 2th of September, when learning by his scouts 
the approach of Sullivan to Kanaghsaws, and 
knowing the difficulty in crossing the morass, deter- 
mined if possible to surprise that portion of the 
army which should first cross the bridge and put 
them to flight before the remainder could come to 
their assistance. The place was admirably chosen 
and the plan skillfully made. For this purpose 
Butler and Brant with their forces left Canawau- 
gus early in the morning and posted themselves 
near the crest of the ridge, which was covered with 
open woods, but at a sufficient distance north of 
the path to escape the observation of Sullivan's 
advance guard. They were within musket-shot of 
the creek, and could observe every movement of 
our army, while they themselves were entirely con- 
cealed. It was at this place that the incident 
mentioned of Big Tree occurred. Here the enemy 
anxiously awaited the advance of our army. 

•• When General Sullivan ordered Boyd to recon- 
noiter the great Seneca town, he was directed to 
take five or six men with him, and report at 
headquarters as early as sunrise the next morning. 
He took however twelve riflemen, six musketmen 
of the 4th Pennsylvania Regt, and six volunteers, 
who, with himself, and Hanyerry, an Oneida Indian 
guide, and Capt. Jehoiakim, made twenty-seven 
men in all. The party left camp at eleven o'clock 
in the evening and set out on the trail leading to 
the great town. Owing to his misinformation. Sul- 
livan's directions had been confusing. It was found 
the principally traveled trail took a different direc- 
tion than the commander had expected. Boyd did 
not lose his way.t but instead of taking the unused 
path which would have led him to the abandoned 
Chenussio, took the one which led to an important 
town two miles farther up the Canaseraga. In the 
darkness he had passed Butler's right flank without 

* The inlet " then extended over the flats south of the main road that 
crosses the same. The exact location of the bridge is not known, but is 
supposed to be south of the highway and to have been nearly two thirds 
of a mile in length."— Pioneer sketches of" Contsus No 1 — lit, Dans- 
vdle Advertiser, February 10, 1876. 

\ Sparks' An -,-hy says " his guides, not fully acquainted 

with the country, mistook the route. 



56 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



either party discovering the other. Boyd reached 
the town which had been left by the enemy, early 
in the morning without encountering any difficulty. 
Halting at the outskirts of the village, himself and 
one of his men carefully reconnoitered the place, 
when they rejoined the rest of the party which lay 
concealed in the woods near the town. He imme- 
diately sent back two of his men to report his dis- 
covery, while the rest awaited the light of the day 
whose morning was just breaking. In a short time 
four Indians were seen to enter the town on horse- 
back, and Boyd sent five or six of his party to take 
or kill them. They succeeded in killing one, 
wounding another, and taking one horse with its 
accoutrements. The wounded man with the others 
escaped. Boyd then sat out to return to camp. 
When he had gone four or five miles, thinking the 
army must be on its march toward him, he sat 
down to rest. After a short halt he dispatched two 
of his men to inform the General where he was, 
and of his intention to await the coming of the 
army. In a short time these two men came back 
to him with the information that they had discov- 
ered five Indians on the path. Boyd again resumed 
his march and had gone but a short distance when 
he discovered the same party and fired at them. 
They ran and Boyd, against the advise of Han- 
yerry, pursued them. The chase was kept up for 
some distance, they keeping far enough away to 
escape danger from the fire of the scout which they 
frequently succeeded in drawing, until they had 
beguiled him in the midst of the enemy. Butler, 
hearing the firing on his right, as his force was 
arranged facing Conesus, and fearing that he had 
been discovered, and that an attempt was being 
made to surprise his camp, hastened to the spot, 
when he discovered Boyd's party, and at once gave 
such orders that before the Lieutenant was aware 
of the presence of the enemy he was completely 
surrounded by them. Once and again he attempted 
to break the enemy's line but without success ; he 
then attempted to retreat, but he was encompassed 
on all sides by Butler's forces. Our men fought 
with desperate bravery against fearful odds, for there 
were about eight hundred of the enemy* to twenty- 
six Americans, and every moment expected relief 
from our army from whose lines they were not 
more than a mile distant. Covered by a clump of 
trees standing on a slight knoll they poured a mur- 
derous fire upon the enemy, of whom numbers wen- 
seen to fall. Here the greater part of Boyd's party 
were slain. At this point the body of Hanyerry 
was found literally cut to pieces. The story of the 
theatrical address of his brother and his tragic end, 
as related by Stone and followed by others, lacks 
both confirmation and probability; on the other 
hand he was found with the others who fell with 
him, which would not have been the case had he 
been captured before he was slain. Near the same 
spot, fifteen of Boyd's men were found killed. 
Boyd and his sergeant, Parker, were captured, and 
eight escaped ; among the latter was that noted 
scout, Timothy Murphy, an account of whose hair- 

• Major Norris says (he number ol Boyd a ailants was 300. 



breadth escapes and deeds of reckless daring would 
fill a volume ; others were Elerson, McDonald, 
Garret Putnam and Captain Jehoiakim. a Stock- 
bridge Indian.* Boyd and Parkerwere hastened to 
Little Eeard's town, where they were put to death 
with cruel tortures. It is said that Boyd approached 
Brant under the sign of a Free Mason, of which 
anci' .it fraternity both were members, that the 
chieftain recognized the bonds of brotherhood and 
promised his prisoner protection, but being unex- 
pectedly called away, the captives were handed over 
to Butler, (probably Walter N.,) who, exasperated 
at Boyd's refusal to give information concerning the 
numbers and disposition of Sullivan's army, handed 
the heroic Lieutenant over to the Indians to be put 
to death. How much of this story is true is diffi- 
cult to ascertain ; it is, however, extremely doubt- 
ful if any such transaction occurred. All that is 
known is that the bodies of Boyd and Parker were 
found by our troops the next day, horribly mutilated, 
and bearing marks of having been subject to un- 
speakable tortures. 

"Sullivan had established a line of sentries along 
the base of the hill next the morass, to guard the 
pioneers against surprise while repairing the bridge 
and causeway. Capt. Benjamin Lodge, who was 
the surveyor for the expedition, and with chain 
and compass had measured the entire route from 
Easton, about a half an hour after the skirmish 
with Boyd, had gone a short distance up the hill 
beyond the piquet line, where he was set upon by 
a party of Indians. 

" Thomas Grant, who was one of the surveying 
party, thus tells the story : — 

" 'Myself and four chain carriers, who were about 
one and [a] half miles in advance of the troops. 
were fired on by several Indians who lay in ambush ; 
a corporal by the name of Calhawn, who came vol- 
untarily with me, was mortally wounded and died 
the next day. The Indians pursued us a fourth of 
a mile, but without success — we being unarmed 
were obliged to run.' 

" Mr. Lodge was compelled to leave his compass 
and ran toward the nearest sentinel, who shot the 
Indian who was chasing him with uplifted toma- 
hawk and Mr. Lodge escaped. Campfield says 
they were the Indians who were pursuing Murphy 
and others.f These two affairs disclosed the posi- 
tion and force of Butler, and thwarted his plans to 
surprise the army. Gen. Sullivan ordered Hand's 
brigade to cross the morass, push up the hill and 
dislodge the enemy. Butler on returning to his 
position after the affair with Boyd found his force 
in confusion, who, seeing they were discovered, 
beat a hasty retreat, leaving their hats, packs, etc., 
behind them. Butler withdrew his force to Gaghe- 
hegwalchale. 

" Having destroyed Kanaghasaws, and com- 
pleted the bridge and causeway, Sullivan with the 

'Di > ampfi< Id • iv "our !<".s in killed and taken was sixteen and tlie 
officer."' Sparks says Boyd was dangerously wounded before beinc; cap 
tured anil "was put to death with the most inhuman torture. 

1 Dr. Campfield adds, one <>i [hj urvt ' ■ men was wounded and a]] 

his m ii nments taken. 



SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION'. 



57 



main army, pushed forward on the trail taken by 
Boyd the night before, a distance of seven miles 
to Gaghehegwalchale or Gathsegwarhohare, Cassa- 
waughloughly. This was an Indian town of twenty- 
five houses,* mostly new, on the east side of the 
Canaseraga Creek, about two miles above its con- 
fluence with the Genesee. The site is now occu- 
pied by the house and surrounding grounds of the 
' Hermitage,' the ancestral home of the Carrolls. 
The tribes residing here, called by Sullivan, Squat- 
chegas, by the Onondagas, Tchouera-gak, signify- 
ing wild cats ; and by others Kah-Kwas, were the 
same that afterward settled on Squakie Hill, to 
whom two miles square were reserved in the treaty 
of i 797. They were a remnant of one of the tribes 
of the historic Eries. * * * 

" As the advance of the army approached this 
town about dusk of Sept. 13th, they found them- 
selves confronted by a strong force of Indians and 
Rangers, drawn up in battle array, to dispute their 
farther progress. The General at once began to 
make the proper disposition of his troops to attack 
them, and pushed forward the flanking divisions to 
cut off their retreat, but before the troops were in 
position, the enemy retreated in a precipitate man- 
ner, and the army encamped in the town without 
opposition. There were extensive cornfields ad- 
jacent to the town, which it took two thousand men 
from six until twelve o'clock of the 14th to destroy, 
when they set out for the great town of the Gen- 
esee. At two and one-fourth miles they crossed 
the creek, then says Dr. Campfield, we 'advanced 
on to a plain, through a swamp of large trees. * 
This plain appeared to be about two miles in 
length and upwards of a mile wide, lying almost 
east and west. [Approaching it] on the east end, 
the view was obstructed by a hill, not very high, 
but when we approached the middle of the plain, 
we found it open to the right to an amazing extent. 
When we came nigh the hill mentioned before, our 
march was obstructed by the Genesee River, which 
takes its course through the hills, and at this place 
enters this extensive plain. * * * The grass 
on this plain is good, the wild horses are very fond 
of it, and it grows as high as a man's head in many 
places. Here we had a charming view of our army, 
which is the first, all moving in our original order 
of march. The army here crossed the river and 
ascended the hill — it continued its progress to 
Geneseo, over several sudden hills and swamps 
which were general [ly] miry, if not three rods 
across, at which place it arrived about sunset. * * 
The town is situated on a very fine plain, higher 
than the other large plain. Other journals speak 
of it as being in a bend of the river, t by which it 
was nearly encircled, and that a pretty brook of 
good water ran through it. The location of this 
great Seneca Castle was on the west side of the 
(lenesee River, on the flat immediately in front of 
Cuylerville in the town of Leicester, on the oppo- 

* Major Norris 1 yournal says it contained twen'.y-lwo 1 

t See Major Norris' Journal; which, as well as the Diary ol Dr, 

Campfield, says it was much the largest town the army met with. The 

latter adds, "a pretty brook of water runs through it.*' 



site side of the valley from Geneseo. It appears 
on Evan's map as Chenandoanes ; in 1776, it was 
called Chenondoanah ; by Morgan is called De-o- 
nun-da-ga-a, as a more modern Seneca name, sig- 
nifying ' where the hill is near ;' and is often called 
Little Beard's town, from the name of the noted 
Seneca Chieftain. The Castle consisted of one 
hundred and twenty-eight houses, of which most 
were large and elegant, and was surrounded by 
about two hundred acres of cornfields, with every 
kind of vegetable. It was also the western door of 
the Long House, to which the Iroquois were ac- 
customed to liken their confederacy. Near this 
place were found the bodies of Lieut. Thomas 
Boyd and Sergeant Parker, horribly mutilated by 
the tortures to which they had been subjected in 
the presence of an officer of the British army. They 
were buried with the honors of war, that evening, 
near the spot where they were found, under a clump 
of wild plum-trees, standing near the junction of 
Boyd's and Parker's creeks, which form what is 
known as Beard's creek. A large mound by the 
road-side still marks their first burial place. Our 
army found the town deserted, but with every ap- 
pearance of being left in a hurry and confusion. 
This marked the extreme limit of the march of the 
army. 

" There was an Indian town, called Canawaugus, 
twelve miles from the Great Castle, near the site 
of Axon, which has been reported to have been 
destroyed by a detachment under Poor and Max- 
well, but this is a mistake. All the journals agree 
that Little Beard's town was the last town destroyed 
and make no mention whatever of Canawaugus. 

"At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 15th of 
September, the whole army was turned out to 
destroy the crops, orchards and houses of the 
place. The corn was piled up in the houses and 
burned with them, or thrown upon log heaps and 
consumed. It was estimated that more than 
15,000 bushels were destroyed at this place.* It 
was the largest corn the troops had ever seen, 
some of the ears being twenty-two inches in length. 
It was about 2 o'clock when the fields had been 
overrun, the abundant harvest destroyed, the trees 
hewn down, and nought of the great town re- 
mained but smoking ruins, and blackened logs ; 
then came the joyful order to about face and re- 
turn. While the army was in this town Mrs. 
Lester with a child in her arms came to our troops. 
The autumn previous, (Nov. 7th,) her husband 
with others, was taken by the Indians to Nanticoke ; 
he was slain but his wife was carried into captivity. 
In their haste to leave the town her captors left 
her behind, when she escaped to our lines. Her 
child died in a few days. She subsequently became 
the wife of Captain Roswell Franklin, who was 
among the very first settlers at Aurora. N. Y. 

" The army set out on its return by the same 
path it came,' at 3 o'clock i>. m. [and] 

encamped that night on the flats near Canawagh- 
loughly. On Thursday, the 16th, the army were 

' Mai .1 Norris estimates (lie quantity of corn destroyed at 20,000 
bushels. 



5» 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



early at work finishing cutting some corn which had 
been left, and resumed the march about ten 
o'clock. Captain Henderson with sixty men was 
detached to bury the dead who fell in the affair at 
Groveland. Fifteen bodies were found, which 
were buried in the presence of the army with the 
honors of war,* and the army preceded to Kanagh- 
saws, where it encamped. The next morning was 
cold with severe frost, but the troops were in mo- 
tion as early as sunrise and hastened to Haneyaya, 
which they reached at one o'clock, and found Capt. 
Cummings and party safe and sound, greatly to the 
relief of the General and their friends. Here the 
full ration was again issued, which, says one of the 
journals. ' came very welcome, as we can now sit 
down and eat a hearty meal of victuals with a clear 
conscience, and before, on our half allowance, we 
dare not.' 

"On the evening of the 19th the army reached 
Kanadaseaga, without any occurrence worthy of 
note, except that scattered dwellings and fields of 
corn which had been overlooked or purposely 
spared were completely destroyed, and a number 
of pack horses being unable to go farther were 
shot. At Kanadaseaga, Colonel Smith with a de- 
tachment was sent up on the west side of Seneca 
lake to lay waste more effectually the country 
about Kershong. Detachments under Colonel But- 
ler and Colonel Dearborn were sent on each side of 
Cayuga lake to complete the ruin of that region. 
On Friday, the 24th of September, the army 
reached Kanawalaholla, the site of Elmira, where 
it found Captain Reid with an abundant supply of 
provisions, and who received the approaching army 
with demonstrations of joy. The next day was 
spent in rejoicing, and the following days detach- 
ments underColonel Courtlandt and Captain Simon 
Spaulding were sent up the Tioga, who devastated 
the country as far as Painted Post. On the 30th 
of September the army returned to Fort Sullivan, 
and reached F.aston on the 15th of October." 

Efforts have been made to disparage the man- 
agement of this expedition and belittle its results; 
but it is remarked by the translator of .)/. Chastel 
leux's Travels, an Englishman then resident in the 
United States, that the instructions given by Gen- 
eral Sullivan to his officers, the order of march he 
prescribed to his troops, and the discipline he had 
the ability to maintain, would have done honor to 
the most experienced ancient or modern generals, f 

*In 1841, these remains, together with those of Lieutenant Bnvd and 
Sergt. Parker, at Cuylerville, were exhumed and removed to Revolution 
ary Hill, in the beautiful Mount Hope Cemetery of Rochester, a spot 
assigned by the authorities of that city for the interment of all Revolution- 
ary heroes in Western New York, and there reinterred with imposing 
ceremonies, which were participated in, besides the people of Livingston 
county, by the military and >ivi» authorities of Rochester. This action 
was in consonance with a decision Of a public meeting held at the court 
house in (ieneseoon the mil of August, 1X41, and under the supervision 

of a committee then designated, consistingoi Colvin II. Bryan, William 
T.Cuyler, Daniel H Bi&sell, Reuben Sleeper, John Henderson, Horatio 
Jones, John 1< Murray, jr., Allen Ayrault, Samuel Treat, jr., Edward 
R. Hammatt, William W. » ed, W m H Stanli j and Daniel F. Bissell. 
t Thatchers Military Journal. 



With a " loss of less than forty men, in killed, 
wounded and taken, and those who died natural 
deaths,"* it over-run and desolated the vast terri- 
tory of a vigilant, crafty and powerful enemy and 
inflicted a blow from which they never recovered ; 
burning forty Indian towns, destroying one hun- 
dred and sixty thousand bushels of corn in fields 
and granaries, cut down a vast number of the finest 
fruit trees, desolated luxuriant gardens, leaving 
not a ''single trace of vegetation upon the surface 
of the ground," and opened up to commerce and 
civilization a territory exceeding in extent one-third 
of the area of this great State, and that the most 
fertile and beautiful. The proud Iroquois, who 
had scarce felt the touch of the colonists except in 
kindness, were driven into the forests to starve and 
be hunted like wild beasts; their altars were over- 
turned, their graves trampled upon by strangers, 
and their beautiful countr) laid waste, t The terror- 
stricken Iroquois fled to Niagara, where they per- 
ished in large numbers from diseases caused by the 
absence of accustomed food, and insufficient pro- 
tection from the severity of the succeeding winter, 
which was one of unexampled rigor and was dis- 
tinguished as the hard winter.% 

The result of the expedition was highly satisfac- 
tory to Congress, which, on the 14th of October, 
1779, passed the following resolutions: — 

Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be given 
to his Excellency, General Washington, for direct- 
ing, and to Major-General Sullivan and the brave 
officers and soldiers under his command, for effect- 
ually executing an important expedition against 
such of the Indian nations, as, encouraged by the 
counsels and conduct of the officers of His Britan- 
nic Majesty, had perfidiously waged an unpro- 
voked and cruel war against these United States, 
laid waste many of their defenseless towns, and 
with savage barbarity slaughtered the inhabitants 
thereof. 

Resolved, That it will be proper to set apart the 
second Thursday in December next, as a day of 
general thanksgiving in these United States, and 
that a committee be appointed to prepare a recom- 
mendation to the said States for this purpose. 

This retributive justice suggested by Washington 
and executed by Sullivan was indeed terrible in its 
consequences to the Iroquois, and has been re- 
garded with some degree of disapprobation by 
those whose amiable disposition leads them to con- 
demn, says Chief Justice Marshall, "whatever may 
have the appearance of tending to aggravate the 
miseries of war;" but it had the sanction of Con- 

• Diary of the American Revolution, Frank Moore. 

t Indian Trihes of Hudson s River, Ruttenber. 

\Spa <>>; Biography, New Series, III., 147. 



THE IROQUOIS AFTER THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



59 



gress, and, says Sparks, " was demanded as well as 
justified, by the deliberate sentiments of the best 
and wisest " of that day. It should not be over- 
looked either that it was directed not against an en- 
emy who regarded and respected the common usages 
of civilized warfare, but against one whose heteroclit- 
ical habits made him amenable to none of these, 
and, says Sparks, " against whose fury neither the 
helplessness of infancy, nor feeble age, nor the de- 
fenseless state of woman, could afford the least 
protection." 

Of the Iroquois, who, says Clark, "hung like the 
scythe of death in the rear of our settlements," and 
whose " deeds are inscribed with the scalping- 
knife and tomahawk in characters of blood," but 
few ever returned to their native lands ; and in the 
treaty of peace which put an end to this interne- 
ciary struggle, no stipulation whatever was made 
respecting them. Keenly sensible of the deadly 
scourge which had devastated her border settle- 
ments, the New York Legislature evinced a dispo- 
sition to expel them from her territory, but, through 
the influence of Washington and Schuyler, better 
and more humane counsels prevailed ; and, though 
according to common usage they, as conquered 
allies of the British, had forfeited all territorial rights, 
they still pressed claims, which both the State and 
Federal Governments generously recognized and 
respected by subsequent treaties. Ungenerously 
left without provision by the allies who so strenu- 
ously courted their assistance, many of them mi- 
grated to the West. Their descendants are now 
largely located at Forestville, Wisconsin, where 
they are said to number six thousand, of whom the 
Cayugas form the larger part. Two thousand of 
their number can read and write, and they have 
twenty-nine day, and two manual labor schools. 
They support themselves by agriculture and dis- 
play their superiority over the other tribes in the 
arts or civilization in as marked a degree as they 
did in the prowess of their savage warfare. They 
are not dying out. Their numbers rather increase 
than diminish. 

Not so unmindful of the Iroquois, however, was 
the Federal Government. At the conclusion of the 
Revolutionary war, Oliver Wolcott, Richard But- 
ler and Arthur Lee were appointed commissioners 
to amicably adjust their rights and claims, and at a 
council held at Fort Stanwix in 1784, reservations 
were assigned to each of the Six Nations, except 
the Mohawks, who after residing awhile on the 
American side of the Niagara river, in the vicinity 
of the old landing place above the fort, retired to 



the banks of the Onise or Grand river, about forty 
miles above Niagara Falls, on lands assigned them 
by the Canadian Government, under the protec- 
tion of Great Britain. January 9, 1789, St. Clair 
held treaties at Fort Harmer with the Iroquois 
(the Mohawks excepted,) and other Indians, which, 
while they recognized the boundary line established 
in 1784, modified that treaty so as to concede to 
the Indians the right to compensation for lands 
east of that line as far as the boundary established 
in 1768. Special legislation had been previously 
had with regard to the Oneidas and Tuscaroras. 
October 15, 1783, Congress passed a series of reso- 
lutions relating to the Iroquois, of which the sixth 
reads as follows : — 

" Whereas, The Oneida and Tuscarora tribes 
have adhered to the cause of America, and joined 
her armies in the course of the late war, and Con- 
gress has frequently assured them of peculiar marks 
of favor and friendship, the said Commissioners are 
therefore instructed to reassure the said tribes of 
the friendship of the United States, and that they 
may rely that the land which they claim as their 
inheritance will be reserved for their sole use and 
benefit, until they may think it for their advantage 
to dispose of the same." 



CHAPTER V. 

The Senegas — Their Origin and Symbols — An- 
tiquity anii Extent ok their Countrv — ■ 
Their Status among the Iroquois — Their 
Early Town Sues — Greenhalgh's Journal — 
The Senegas Visited by La Motte, Hennepin 
and La Salle — Mission of Sieur deJoncaire 
— Jesuit Missions — Jogues' Mission to the 
Mohawks — I.kMoine's Mission at Onondaga 
— Chaumonot Establishes the Mission of St. 
Joseph among the Cayugas and the Mission 
of St. Michael among the Senegas — Missions 
of Fathers Frlmin, Raffeix and Garnier — 
Seneca Mission Resumed by Fathers ( Iarxier 
and Vaillant — Fathers Bruyas and Fene- 
lon — Episcopal Missions — New England 
Missions — Rev. Samuel Kirkland — Mission- 
ary Societies of Massachusetts and New 
York. 

THE origin of the Senecas. like that of the con- 
federacy to which they belonged and the other 
nations composing it, is ascribed to supernatural 
agencies. It rests wholly on tradition reaching 
back to a dim ami misty past, which affirms that 



6o 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



they sprang from the crest of a mountain near the 
head of Canandaigua Lake, which is still venerated 
by a remnant of the tribe as the place of their birth- 

This eminence they designated Geimandeivahgah, 
or Goananonda, (meaning great hill, ox big moun- 
tain;) and hence they were called the ^reat hill or big 
mountain people, and theii armorial device was a 

big mountain* This till a recent day and tradi- 
tionally from a long remote period, was the place 
where the councils of the nation were held. In 
their infancy, the base of this mountain, so tradition 
alleges, was encircled by a huge serpent whose 
head and t.ul met at the entrance to the pathway 
which led to and from its summit, and Ivw who 
essayed the passage escaped it-- voracious jaws. 
They were thus immured till fright and the deadly- 
feted odor of the poisonous monster made their 
condition insupportable ; and arming themselves 
with such weapons as were at hand, they attempted 
an eS( ape, bul were seized and devoured. All thus 
perished except two children, who were miraculous- 
ly preserved andas miraculously made the instru- 
ments of the destruction of this terrible enemy 
of their race. In obedient e to oracular instruction 
they fashioned from a particular kind of willow a 
bow and arrow, the barb of which was dipped in 
poison, and with this weapon shot the serpent, the 
arrow, by divine direction, entering its vitals beneath 
its scales. The serpent was instantly seized with 
violent convulsions, uncoiled itself from about the 
mountain, and in its agonized writhings and con- 
tortions disgorged the human heads, which rolled 
down the declivity to the lake, whose limpid waters 
petrified them and reveal them to this day in the 
shape of large round stones, which e\ist in great 
numbers, near the bank of the lake. The serpent 
in its descent to the lake destroyed in its death- 
throes all the timber in its course ; and the trav- 
eler as he passes through Canandaigua Lake, will 
observe as he approaches the great hill, a gully ex- 
tending from base to summit, which the Indians 
claim was the track left by the serpent in its de- 
scent to the lake. From the two orphans thus 
preserved sprang the present race ofSenecas.t 

The Senecas had no tradition of a people occu- 
pying their country prior to themselves, and whi< h 
was held in possession by them from a period 
" whereof the memory of man runneth not to the 

* Life am/ Times of Ke.l Jacket. III. Col. H I., VIII cob. Doc. 
Hist., I, ll. Il is also designated Sit Hist., IV., 

905,) and Soueii.iaoiiaiiueii. [Cot. Hist.. III.. 1 2 5. } the former meaning 
-'the great hill" and ttie latter u the great monin 

t Life and Times of Red J a '. . "i '• Life if Mary 

Jem: 



contrary."* One of the first allusions to them by 
the Europeans occurs in a Jesuit Relation dated 
1644-45, and is as follows : " Toward the termi- 
nation of the great lake called Ontario is located 
the most numerous of the Five Nations, named the 
Senecas. which contains full 1,200 men. in two or 
three villages of which it is composed." Their 
country, indeed, had been referred to incidentally 
a century earlier. Jacques Cartier was informed in 
1535, by the Indians living upon the borders of the 
( tulf of St. Lawrence, " that, after ascending many 
leagues among rapids and waterfalls, he would reach 
a lake one hundred and fifty leagues long and forty 
or fifty broad, at the western extremity of which 
the waters were wholesome and winters mild, and 
that a river emptied into it from the south, which 
had its source in the country of the Iroquois. "t In 
1726, their country is described as extending from 
Canahogue Creek (Cuyahoga Creek, Ohio,) to 
Sodoms Creek (Little Sodus Creek.); the very gran- 
ary, not only of the confederacy, but of the western 
continent then inhabited by Europeans. As a 
member <>l the traditional Hodenosaunee, of which 
they, in conjunction with the Onondagas, were re- 
garded the fathers,? they were by far the most nu- 
merous and powerful (more than equaling the com- 
bined numbers of all the others composing it,) and 
wielded an influence proportionate to their com- 
manding strength and sagacity. Their great 
prowess was acknowledged by their confederates, 
and then vigilance and power extorted its admis- 
sion from their enemies. From their geographical 
position with regard to the other members of the 
league, they were the western door-keepers of their 
so-called long house ; while the Mohawks, being the 
easternmost of the Five Nations, guarded the 
eastern door at Scheneghtade. Thus the Senecas in- 
terposed a living barrier to the enemies of the Con- 
federacy from the west and south, anil the Mo- 
hawks, to those from the north and east, a duty 
which the) proudly fulfilled. " Whenever," savs 
Stone. " at either door of the long house, other na- 
tions, or their ambassadors, knocked upon business. 
the first duty of the nation keeping the door was 
to ascertain its character and importance. If not 
of great moment, the council of the separate nation 
attended to it. But whenever the subject matter 
presented from without was of interest to thewhole 
. onfederacy, or of sufficient weight to require the 



trtevoix ; ColdetCs Six Nations; Mention *s New York 
ami Times of 

I Marshal?* Niagara Frontier, 
t Col. Hist., K,8oo; r//. 4 ss. 

§CV. //;..'., Ill, |8l. 



Life 



GREENHALGH'S JOURNEY AMONG THE SENECAS. 



61 



consideration of the united council, the messengers 
charged with it were sent forward to the Onondaga 
Valley, where the grand council fire was kindled 
and it was discussed by the national congress."* 

The earliest location of the Senecas of which we 
have any authentic record is the one in which they 
were found by M. de Denonville in 1687 ; and 
though these were their principal villages, they had 
others quite remote from them. Father Hennepin, 
in 167S, refers to an Iroquois (Seneca) village,t 
named Tai-ai-a-gon, in the locality of Toronto, 
and to a small village of Senecas on the west bank 
and near the mouth of Niagara River.j: In 1677, 
ten years previous to M. de Denonville's invasion, 
this country was visited by Wentworth Greenhalgh, 
whose Journal of that journey is of peculiar interest 
in this connection. We quote: — 

" The Senecques have four towns, vizt. Cana- 
gora. Tiotohatton, Canoenada and Keint-he ; Ca- 
nagorah and Tiotohatton lye within 30 miles of ye 
lake ffrontenacque, and ye other two ly about four 
or five miles apiece to ye southward of these, they 
have aboundance of corne ; none of their towns 
are stockadoed. 

" Canagorah lyes on the top of a great hill, and in 
that as well as the bignesse much like Onondago, 
containing 150 houses; north-westward of Caiougo 
72 miles. * * * 

" Tiotehatton lyes on the brink or edge of a hill, 
has nott much cleared ground, is neare the river 
Tiotehatton which signifies bending, ltt lyes to the 
westward of Canagorah about 30 miles, contains 
about 120 houses being ye largest of all ye houses 
wee saw, ye ordinary being about 50 or 60 foott 
long, with 13 or 14 fires in one house, they have a 
good store of corne growing about a mile to ye 
northward of the towne. 

"Being at this place the 17th of June, there 
came 50 prisoners from the South west-ward, * * *; 
this day of them was burnt two women and a man, 
and a child killed with a stone, att night we heard 
a greatt noyse, as if ye houses had all fallen butt 
itt was only ye Inhabitants driving away ye Ghosts 
of ye murthered. 

"The 1 8th, goeing to Canagaroh wee overtook 
ye prisoners, when ye souldiers saw us they stopped 
each his prisoner and made him sing, and cuttoff 
their fingers, and slasht their bodys with a knife, 
and when they had sung each man confessed how 
many men in his time hee had killed ; thatt day att 
Canagaroh there were most cruelly burned four 
men, four women and one boy, the cruelty lasted 
about seven hours, when they were almost dead, 



* Life and Times of Red Jacket, 107. 

tThis village is also known as Gandatsuigon, and was located where 
Whitby now stands, thirty miles north-east of Toronto. Early Chapters 
of Cayuga History. 

X Probably the village of Chenondoanah, which PowttalCs Ma/ of the 
Middle British Colo/ties locates on the west bank of the Genesee, about 
fifteen miles from its mouth. Col. Hist., VI,, 899. 



letting them loose to ye mercy of ye boys, and tak- 
ing the hearts of such as were dead to feast on. 

" Canoenada lyes about four miles to ye South- 
ward of Canagorah, conteyns about 30 houses, well 
furnished with Corne. 

" Keint-he lyes aboutt four or five miles to ye 
Southward of Tiotehatton, contayns about 24 
houses well furnished with corne. 

" The Senecques are counted to bee in all aboutt 
1,000 fighting men."* 

Canagorah was visited in the winter of 1678, by 
Sieur de la Motte, a lieutenant of the adventurous 
La Salle, and Father Louis Hennepin, a devoted 
attache of that celebrated and daring explorer. Af- 
ter a five days' weary journey by Indian trail 
through the frost-bound wilderness from Niagara, 
sleeping at night in the open air without other shel- 
ter than chance afforded, they arrived on the last 
day of December at the principal village of the Sene- 
cas — Tagarondies — which occupied the site of 
Boughton Hill, in Victor, Ontario county, where 
they found the Jesuit missionaries, Fathers Julien 
Gamier and Peter Raffeix. The object of their 
visit was to placate the Senecas and gain their ac- 
quiescence to the ambitious project of La Salle in 
extending his western explorations in which interest 
La Salle himself visited them the following year, 
having visited the same village in company with 
the Sulpitians, Dollier and Gollinee, ten years be- 
fore. La Salle succeeded in gaining what La Motte 
and Hennepin had failed to obtain — the full assent 
of the Senecas to the execution of his enterprises, 
notwithstanding they subsequently proved them- 
selves inimical thereto.! 

Three of the villages described by Greenhalgh 
are in the county of Ontario ; the fourth, Keint-he, 
corresponds with the village which Denonville calls 
Gannounata and was known in the Seneca dialect as 
Dyndoosot (pronounced De-o-dou-sote) and meaning 
" at the spring." It was situated near the modern 
village of East Avon, and the plow, which has nearly 
obliterated all trace of its existence, has from time 
to time disclosed many relics of its former occu- 
pants. The location of these villages corresponds 
with their designation on Clark's Map of the Iro- 
quois Fire Nations and Mission Silts, 1656- 1684: % 
and, though less specifically with that of a map pub- 
lished by the Jesuits in 1664. § A map of North 
America, drawn in 1688 by Jean Baptiste Louis 
Franquelin, Hydrographer to Louis XIV., and pre- 
served in the archives of the Ministere de la Ma- 

•Col. Hist. III.. I5i. -i! 

t The Building and Voyage of the Griffon, in 1&79. by O. H- 
Marshall. 

% Early Chapters of Cayuga History. 
§ Kip's Jesuits. 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



rine, in Paris, represents two Seneca villages on the 
east bank of the Genesee, ( Toinnontchianagon,) 

apparently near the confluence of Honeoye out- 
let, and two others upon the west bank and near 
the head waters of a stream corresponding with 
Irondequoit creek, emptying into the bay of the 
same name ( Ganniatarontaquat.)* 

After the destruction of the Seneca villages by 
Denonville in 1687, several others sprang into ex- 
istence, some to the westward and others to the 
eastward of them. In 1720 they had two villages, 
which were distinguished as great and/////,- village; 
but their exact location is left to conjecture. In 

1 7 18, the court of France ordered the establish- 
ment of a trade for the benefit of the king in the 
circuit of Lake Ontario and the building of maga- 
zines upon the north and south sides thereof. In 

1 7 19, "in the beginning of harvest," the Sieur de 
Joncaire, lieutenant of a detachment of marines, 
witli an interpreter, was sent in obedience to this 
order by Marquis de Vaudreuil and Monsieur 
Begon, to try the minds of the Senecas and see if 
they could engage them to consent to the building 
of a house upon their land, and to maintain that 
settlement in case the English opposed it. This 
message was accompanied with some belts of wam- 
pum and other presents, consisting of powder, lead, 
brandy and "other small merchandizes." "Sieur 
de Joncaire wintered partly at the great, and partly 
at the little village of the Senecas, and departed 
thence at the breaking up of the ice for the fort of 
the Cataracouy, where he had orders to take pro- 
visions and merchandizes for the trade at Niagara 
in case he could dispose of the Senecas to his inter- 
est." He arrived at the fort about the beginning 
of May, 1720, and reported to a council of French 
and Indians that the Senecas had favorably re- 
ceived the message "and produced several of Pel- 
letrie by which the said Indians answered, Father 
Onontio, (M. de Vandreuel) and their uncle Son- 
onchiez (Sieur de Joncaire) were the masters of 
their land and that the Indians consented not only 
to the building of the house of Niagara but also 
engaged themselves to maintain it, and if the Eng- 
lish should undertake to demolish it they must first 
take up the hatchet against the Cabanes of the 
two villages of the Senecas." After ten or 
twelve days spent at Fort Cataracouy, Jon- 
caire returned to Niagara with Sieur de la Corne, 
son of Mons. de la Corne, Captain and Major of 
Montreal, and eight soldiers, with a canoe of mer- 
chandise. Sieur de la Corne was commissioned 

* Tht Building and Voyage of the Griff on^ in 1679. 



by M. Begon to winter at that post, and there 
Joncaire left him in July, after having "built in 
haste a kind of cabin of Bark, where they displayed 
the Ring's colors, and honored it with the name of 
Magazine Royal." Joncaire received orders to 
return to Niagara with the title of commandant, 
and about the middle of October, 1720, he left 
Montreal to winter at Niagara, taking with him two 
canoes laden with merchandise and twelve soldiers, 
six of whom he detached on his arrival at Catara- 
couy. He pursued his voyage, but was stopped 
by the ice thirty-five leagues from the mouth of 
the Niagara, and was obliged to put into the Gen- 
esee, ( Gasionchiagon or Gasconchiagon,) where he 
passed the winter.* Sieur de Joncaire was cap- 
tured and adopted at an early day by the Senecas, 
by whom he was greatly beloved. \ From his long 
residence with them he acquired a great influence 
over them and incidentally over the other Iroquois 
nations. He thus became a useful emissary of the 
French in winning over to that interest the gen- 
erally recalcitrant Iroquois, and much of his life 
was spent in this service as mediator, interpreter 
or conciliator. At the opening of the eighteenth cen- 
tury we find him officiating at a conference be- 
tween the French and Iroquois ;{ ami previous to 
17 11, Governor Hunter testifies that he, in con- 
junction with M. de Longeuil had built a block- 
house and projected a fort in the chief village of 
the Senecas. <; About 1730, he obtained permis- 
sion of the Senecas to establish a trading post at 
Irondequoit. || His sons, Chabert de Joncaire, Jr., 
and Philip Thomas de Joncaire Clauzonne, were 
also active public servants and residents in the 
Seneca county. 

Sir Jeffrey Amherst's letter to Sir William John- 
son, September 30, 1763, refers to Kanadaseagy 
and Canadaraggo, (the former occupying the site 
of Geneva and the latter to the westward of it,) 
as two Seneca castles which were in the English 
interest and to be exempted from molestation 
in offensive operations which might be carried on 
against the Senecas. IF Sir William Johnson's 
Enumeration of Indians within tin- Northern De- 
partment, November 18, 1763, states the number 
of Senecas to be 1,050 men, who "have several 
villages beginning about fifty miles from Cayuga, 

•Col. Hisl \ . 5S9 

I Co!. Hist., IX.. 747. 
iC.il. Hist., IX., 709. 
§Col. Hisl., V., z;j. 

II Col. Hist., V., 911. 

IT Col. Hist.. VII., 56S. See also Sir William Johnson's letter t»> Sir 
Jeffrey Amherst, Sept. 14, 1761, in which Kanadessegy ami Canada- 
ii'.vc' 1 •'"■ K't.rirtl t.. .is In in- in 1I1.' Knglisli interest and east of I 'hgnut 
sio* 



FIRST JESUIT MISSIONS. 



63 



and from thence to Chenussio, the largest, about 
seventy miles from Niagara, with others thence to 
Ohio."* In the Journal of Sir William Johnson 's 
Proceedings with the Indians, at Fort Johnson in 
1757, Chinosia is referred to as the " farthest Sen- 
eca castle ;"f and from the Proceedings of Sir Wil- 
liam Johnson with the Indians, September 7, 1763, 
it appears that the Senecas had two castles at Che- 
nussio,% which is designated on Guy Johnson's map 
as Geneseo, (Cenosio.)% The Seneca villages of 
Kanuskago or Ganuskago, is located in the town 
of Dansville on Guy Johnson's Map of the Country 
of the Six Nations,^ and was also called "the 
door of the Six Nations," at a meeting of certain 
of the Six Nations and their allies at Fort John- 
son, February 18, 1756. "[ But it is not our pur- 
pose to pursue here a subject which will be more 
specifically treated in respect to this country in 
connection with the several towns ; for the county 
throughout almost its entire extent is dotted over 
with the sites of these ancient villages which ex- 
isted before the avenging hand of Sullivan's army 
laid waste the fair country of the Senecas, or which 
subsequently sprang into being. The principal of 
these, however, prior to that epoch, have been 
noticed in connection with that expedition. 

The advent of the Jesuit missionaries among the 
Iroquois was a marked event in the history of the 
latter, as from the Jesuit Rotations we obtain the 
earliest, most exact and most authentic informa- 
tion regarding them. The Jesuits were men of 
culture and intelligence, who forsook homes of 
luxury in Europe and submitted with a wonderful 
patience and heroism to the most menial offices, 
the utmost hardships and privations, and cheer- 
fully accepted missions attended with the most in- 
conceivable danger in the zealous pursuit of their 
calling. Whatever estimate we put upon them as 
men, we must admit their great devotion and self- 
sacrifice. 

The first Jesuit missionaries arrived in Canada 
in 1625, and from that period exerted a vast in- 
fluence upon the interests of the French colony in 
that province. The mission was interrupted during 
the English occupancy of Quebec, from 1629 to 
1632, and was resumed the latter year. They 
were instrumental in securing and holding the 
friendly aid of the northern and western Indians to 
the French arms in Canada. Had their influence 
been the first directed towards the Iroquois, it is 
probable their friendship, possibly their aid, might 

§ Ibid, VII, lu- 
ll Ibid, VII . S7. 
IF Ibid, VII, 57. 



•Col. Hist., VII., 5Sj. 
t [bid, VII, 164. 
t Ibid, VII, 554- 



have been secured, and then American coloniza- 
tion might have presented a vastly different phase. 
But while their beneficent policy attracted, that 
inaugurated by Champlain and pursued by his suc- 
cessors repelled them and provoked a deadly 
hatred. 

Failing in their efforts to coerce the Iroquois 
to terms which they presumed to dictate, the French 
colonists, chagrined and deeply humiliated, sought 
to gain their friendship by the aid of the mission- 
aries of a religion whose precepts they had so wan- 
tonly violated, and in 1646, Father Isaac Jogues 
was sent in the double capacity of ambassador and 
missionary to the Mohawks, who were the first of 
the Iroquois nations to be outraged by the French 
lust for dominance, and by whom, three years pre- 
viously, he had been captured, subjected to the 
most horrid torture, and threatened with death, 
which he escaped through the friendly interven- 
tion of the Dutch settlers at Albany, (Fort Orange. ) 
His mission, like his office, was of a double nature. 
He was commissioned by his Father Superior to 
establish on the scenes of his torture a mission 
which was given in advance the prophetic name, 
tho Mission of the Martyrs; and by Charles 
Huault de Montmagny, who succeeded Champlain 
as Governor of Canada, to use his influence with 
the Mohawks in perpetuating a peace which had 
been concluded the previous year, through the 
instrumentality of the Jesuit Guillaume Couture, 
who was captured by the Mohawks at the same time 
as Jogues, and adopted into one of their families in 
place of a dead relative. Jogues, suffering under a 
keen recollection of his recent tortures, apprehen- 
sive also of his reception, and having, as he wrote 
a friend, a presentiment of death, at first revolted 
at the thought ; but it was only a temporary weak- 
ness. Exchanging the uniform of Loyola for a 
civilian's suit, by advice of an Algonquin convert, 
he sat out on his mission about the middle of May. 
His appearance in that character created no little 
amazement in the Mohawk village ; but he was 
respectfully received, and he delivered the gifts and 
wampum belts, with the message of peace, of which 
he was the bearer from the Governor, his speech 
being "echoed by a unanimous grunt of applause 
from the attentive concourse," and eliciting con- 
firmations of peace in return. Two Algonquins 
accompanied him as deputies, but their overtures 
of peace were rejected. 

•• The business of the Embassy was scarcely fin- 
ished," says Parkman, "when the Mohawks coun- 
selled Jogues and his companions to go home with 



64 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



all dispatch, saying, that, it' they waited longer, 
they might meet on the way warriors of the four 
upper nations, who would inevitably kill the two 
Algonquin deputies, if not the French also. Jogues, 
therefore, set out on his return, but not until, 
despite the advice of the Indian convert, he had 
made the round of the houses, confessed and 
instructed a few Christian prisoners still remaining 
there, and baptized several dying Mohawks." 

Jogues returned to his mission the following 
August, but only to meet his death, which occurred 
on the iSth of October following. 

Eight years later, the first successful mission 
among the Iroquois (.SV. Marie) was established at 
Onondaga, by Father Simon I.e Moine, who left 
Quebec on the second of July, 1654, and arrived 
at the principal Onondaga village on the fifth of 
August.* 

The Onondagas having " for a long time and 
earnestly demanded that some priests be sent to 
them, Father Joseph Chaumonot, an experienced 
Huron missionary, and Father Claude Dablon, 
then recently from France, embarked on the 19th 
of September, 1655, and arrived at Onnontague, 
November 5th of that year. They were teceived, 
like Le Moine, with distinguished honor, and wel- 
comed at a council of the nations held on the 15th, 
with the most profuse demonstrations of joy. Be- 
ing listened to with approbation and kindness, Dab- 
lon returned the following March to Quebec for 
additional help. 

In the latter part of August, 1656, Fathers Chau- 
monot and Menard left the Onondaga mission to 
extend their labors to the western Iroquois nations. 
Proceeding to the Cayugas, where they arrived after 
a journey of two days, they established the Mission 
of St. Joseph on the site of Goiogouen, which was 
situated three miles south of Union Springs, on the 
east shore of Cayuga Lake. Leaving Menard in 
charge of that mission, Father Chaumonot, after a 
brief sojourn, proceeded to the country of the Sen- 
ecas and established at the village of Gannogarre 
or Gandougarae, situated near the site of East 
Bloomfield, the Mission of St. Michael. On his 
arrival at the village a council was convened by the 
sachems, to whom he delivered his presents and 
communicated his designs, which met their appro- 
bation. He thus addressed them says Marshall : 
" I offer myself as a guarantee of the truths which 
1 utter, and if my life is deemed insufficient, I offer 
you in addition, the lives of all the French I have 
left at Onondaga. Do you distrust these living 
presents? Will you be so simple as to believe that 

•"Relation. 1654, Chap. VI. 



we have left our native country, the finest in the 
world, to come so far, and to suffer so much in or- 
der to bring you a lie?" F'ather Chaumonot vis- 
ited the other Seneca villages, where he was equally 
well received, and converted Garonheaguerha, a 
distinguished Seneca chief and orator, then pros- 
trate with disease, but who, after his recovery, be- 
came a firm friend of the French and Jesuits. 

In 1657, "the harvest appearing plentiful in all 
the villages of the upper Iroquois, the common 
people listened to the words of the gospel with im- 
plicit)' and the chiefs with a well disguised dissim- 
ulation,"* Fathers Paul Ragueneau and Francois 
Du Peron, some Frenchmen and several Hurons 
came to the aid of the missions. 

These were the first missionary labors among the 
Senecas. La Carnon, an ambitious Franciscan 
priest, had, indeed, in 1616, passed through their 
country on his way to that of the Hurons, on the 
borders of the lake which bears their name, but 
did not attempt to acquaint them with the princi- 
ples of his faith. These first missions among the 
Iroquois were however of short duration. 

The apparent desire for peace on the part of the 
Iroquois immediately after M. de Tracy's expedi- 
tion in 1666, seemed to be a favorable opportunity 
to re-establish missions among them, and in that 
and the one or two succeeding years, missions were 
established in each of the Five Nations. 

The Senecas, (Isonnontouans,) says Bishop Kip, 
were the fourth of the Iroquois cantons to have 
the mission restored. f Father Jacques Fremin, 
who knew the language of the Iroquois, was assigned 
to this station. He is supposed to have arrived in 
Canada in 1655. He accompanied Dablon the 
year following to Onondaga, where he remained 
till 1658, after which his labors were confined to 
Canada until 1667, when he was sent as mission- 
ary to the Mohawks, where he was made Superior 
of the Iroquois missions. In October. 1668, he 
transferred his labors to the Senecas, with whom he 
remained till 1671. He revived the Mission of 
St. Michael at the village of Gannogarae, which 
was composed of refugees from the Neutral and 
Huron nations, and extended his ministrations to 
the other Seneca villages, in each of which a mis- 
sion was established.! His knowledge of medi- 

• Relation, 1657— S8, Doc. Hut., /., 4S- 

t Early Jesuit Missions, 85. 

1 Early Chafieri of Cayuga History, 41. Note. The Seneca Mis- 
sions were St. Michael, at Gauocarae, near the site of fcast Bloomtield ; 
St !. unes at Gannagaro or Canagorah, "ii Boughton Hill, in the town 
M i Victor; La Conception, at Totiakion or Somwntouan, near the vil- 
lage of Honeoye Falls and St. John, at Ganwmnata or Gattdacair- 
agon, neat the site of East Avon. 



EARLY MISSIONS AMONG THE SENECAS. 



65 



cine — a knowledge possessed in common .by most 
of the Jesuits — made his services peculiarly accept- 
able to the afflicted Senecas, among whom, soon 
after his arrival among them, a contagious fever 
which proved very fatal, broke out. The skill he 
displayed in its treatment won for him the confi- 
dence and esteem of the savages; and the care and 
treatment demanded of him in the different villages 
engrossed much of his time during the earlier part 
of his mission. The simple life of the Jesuit mis- 
sionary is illustrated by Father Fremin, who says: 
"I neither see, nor hear, nor speak to any but the 
Indians. My food is very simple and light. I 
have never been able to conform my taste to the 
meal or the smoked fish of the savages, and my 
nourishment is only composed of corn which they 
pound, and of which I make each day a kind of 
hominy, which I boil in water." Father Fremin 
was soon joined by Father Pierre Raffeix, who was 
chaplain of the French expedition against the 
Mohawks in 1666. Father Raffeix continued his 
labors with the Senecas till 1701, when he supplied 
the Cayuga mission of St. Joseph, which Father 
Stephen de Carheil was obliged to relinquish on 
account of ill health. After a year's respite, during 
which he obtained relief from the nervous disorder 
which afflicted him, Father de Carheil resumed the 
Cayuga mission, and Father Raffeix, thus relieved, 
returned to his duties among the Senecas, which he 
continued until 1680. His brief stay in the coun- 
try of the Cayugas gave him a highly favorable 
opinion of it. In a letter dated June 24, 1672,* he 
writes: "Cayuga is the most beautiful country I 
have seen in America." He was familiar with all 
the Iroquois cantons. Agnie, (Mohawk,) he says, 
is a very contracted valley; for the most part stony, 
and always covered with fogs; the hills that enclose 
it appear to me very bad land. Oneida and Onon- 
daga, he adds, appear too rough and little adapted 
to the chase, as well as Seneca. 

In 1669, Father Julien Gamier, brother of the 
celebrated Benedictine, joined the Seneca mission, 
and was assigned to the Mission of St. John, at Gan- 
nounata, (East Avon,) while Fremin took charge 
of that of St. Michael.f In 1671, Fremin was 
called to take charge of the Indians at Laprairie.t 

* Relation, 1671-z, Chap. VI., Pari I. 

t Early Chapters of Cayuga History, 41, Note. O'Callaghan says 
Gamier was ordered to the Senecas in 1671, {Col. Hist. IX., 171.) Mar- 
shall says, "In 1669 he had charge of the Seneca Mission of St. Michael, 
and the following year that of St. James. In 1671 heconducted the three 
missions among that people." ( The Building and I Wage of the Grif- 
fon, 261, where he cites as authorities Jesuit Relations, mul-Ijcc ed. 1668, 
p. 17 : 1669, p. ti : 1670, pp. 69— 7S ; 1671, p. zo; 1660, p. <;.) 

t Charlevoix, I., 32;, I'fi; 4 CZ . 45*. 



This mission was removed to the Sait/t St. Louis 
in 1676, and in 1679, Father Fremin visited France 
to solicit aid for it.* He was again in Canada in 
1682, and died in Quebec, July 2, 1691 .t 

Father Gamier was born at Connerai, in the dio- 
cese of Mans, about 1643. In 1662 he came to 
Canada, where he completed his studies, and re- 
ceived Holy Orders in April, 1666, being the first 
Jesuit ordained in that country. He was sent to 
Oneida in 1667, and in 1668, visited Onondaga 
and Cayuga. :f His Seneca mission was interrupted 
in 1673, by M. de la Barre's threatened invasion.? 
In July, 1672, in addressing Father Uablon, he 
says of the Senecas: " Their minds being ill-dis- 
posed, the devil uses every occasion to make them 
speak against the faith and those who preach it." 

Father Dablon, in a letter to the Provincial Father 
Pinette, in referring to Father de Carheil and the 
Cayuga mission, says : " This holy man is of an 
apostolic zeal which does not find that the Indians 
correspond to his care ; but I think that he asks from 
them too much virtue for beginnings. If he does 
not sanctify as many of them as he would, it is 
certain that he sanctifies himself in a good degree 
as do Fathers Gamier and Raffeix in the towns of 
Sonnontonans," [Senecas.] || In the Relation of 
1676-7,"! printed by James Lenox, Esq., of New 
York, from the original manuscript, we find the 
following: "The upper Iroquois, that is to say 
those who are most remote from us, as the Son- 
nontonans and Oioguens, [Senecas and Cayugas] 
are the most haughty and the most insolent, run- 
ning after the missionaries with axe in hand, chas- 
ing and pelting them with stones, throwing down 
their chapels and their little cabins, and in a thou- 
sand other ways treating them with indignity. The 
Fathers suffer all and are ready for all, knowing 
well the apostles did not plant the faith in the 
world otherwise than by persecution and suffering. 
What consoles them in the pitiable state they are 
in, is to see the fruit which God derives for His 
glory and for the salvation of these very Indians 
by whom they are so maltreated. For within a 
year since these violences begun, they have bap- 
tized more than three hundred and fifty Iroquois, 
of whom, besides twenty-seven adults, there were 

* Fait/on; I'ie de S. liourgeoys, I. 156. 
, Col. Hist. IX., tio. 

tCol. Hist. XI., 171, The Buildingand Voyage of the Griff * 
z6l, 

J Col. HKt., IX.. 129. 

|| Relation Inedites, II.. II. 

H Relation de ce qui s'est passe lies flue remarouaUe anx 11 
del Peres dc la Compagnie de Jesus, en la ifouvelle France es annees 
1676,.' 1677. 



66 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



cine hundred and twenty children who died after 
baptism, which is a certain gain Tor heaven. I 
cannot extract anything else from Father de Car- 
heil, Pierron, Raffeix and Gamier who are among 
the upper Iroquois, because their greatest employ- 
ment is to suiter and. so t < > speak, die at every 
moment by the continual threats and insults which 
these Indians otter them, who, notwithstanding all 
this, fail not to wrest many souls from the devil. 
lather de Carheil writes from Oioguen that the 
spiritual gain of this year is thirty eight baptized, six 
of them adults and thirty-six dead, all children ex- 
cept three ;'" hence we may conclude that the re- 
mainder of those enumerated above are the fruit 

of the Seneca missions. 

In 1679. Father Louis Hennepin and Sieur la 
Motte de Lussiere visited Canagorah ( Tagarondies ) 
in the interest of La Salle's western project, and 
found Fathers Gamier and Raffeix residing in that 
village. "They were received by the Senecas," 
says Marshall. •• with marked consideration, and 
conducted to the cabin of their principal chief, 
where they became objects of curiosity to the 
women and children. The young men bathed their 
travel-worn feet, and anointed them with bear's 
oil. The next day, being the first of the year, Hen- 
nepin celebrated mass and preached the mysteries 
of his faith to the mixed assembly of French and 
Indians. * * After Hennepin had concluded 

his religious services, the grand council was con- 
vened. It was composed of forty-two of the elders 
among the Senecas. Their tall forms were com- 
pletely enveloped in robes made from the skin of 
the beaver, wolf and black squirrel. Withcalumet 
in mouth, these grave councilors took their seats 
on their mats, with all the stateliness and dignity 
of Venetian senators. At the opening of the coun- 
cil, La Motte, suspecting father Gamier of hos- 
tility to La Salle, objected to his presence. At 
the request of the Senecas he withdrew. Henne- 
pin, considering this an affront to his cloth, retired 
with him. La Salle was ever suspicious of the 
bsuits ; believing them to be opposed to his enter- 
prises, and inclined to influent ethe Indians against 
him. The council was informed, through Bras- 
sart, the interpreter, that the French had come to 
visit them on the part ofOnontio, their governor, 
and to smoke the calumet on their mats ; that the 
Sieur de la Salle was about to binldagre.it wooden 
canoe above the Falls, [Niagara, ] in which to bring 
merchandize from Europe by a more convenient 
route than the rapids of the St. Lawrence ; that by 
this means the French would be able to undersell 



the English of Boston, and the I Hitch ofNew York.* 
This speech was accompanied with four hundred 
pounds weight of presents, consisting of hatchets, 
knives, coats, and a large necklace of blue and 
white shells. Portions of these were handed over 
at the end of each proposition. This mode of 
treating with the Indians by bribing their chiefs, 
has. unfortunately, continued to the present day. 
Among other inducements, La Motte promised to 
furnish, for the convenience of their whole nation, a 
gunsmith and blacksmith, to reside at the mouth 
of the Niagara, for the purpose of mending then 
guns and hatchets. Several coats and pieces of fine 
cloth, iron, and European merchandise of great 
rarity among the Indians, and of the value of four 
hundred francs, were added, as weighty reasons, to 
influence them in favor of the French. 'The best 
arguments in the world,' says Hennepin, are not list- 
ened to by the natives, unless accompanied with 
presents.'! 

"On the next day, the Senecas answered the 
speech of La Motte. sentence by sentence, and re- 
sponded by presents. Asaids to the memory, they 
used small wooden sticks, which the speaker took 
up, one by one, as he replied seriatim, to the sev- 
eral points in the speech of the day previous. 
Belts of wampum, made of small shells strung on 
fine sinews, were presented after each speech, fol- 
lowed by the exclamation 'JVi-a-oua,' signifying ap- 
proval, from the whole assembly. This, however, 
proved an insincere response in the present in- 
stance, for La Motte, with his specious reasoning, 
made no impression on these shrewd children of 
the forest. They knew that the English and Dutch 
had greater facilities than the French for supply- 
ing them with merchandise, and could outbid the 
latter in trading for their furs. They received the 
offered presents with apparent acquiesence, and 
after the customary salutations the council broke 

up."* 

lather Gamier, in a letter dated July 10, 1673, 
says the Seneca nation consisted of three villages, 
" two composed of natives of the country, and the 
third of the remnant of the divers Huron nations 
destroyed by the Iroquois.;-' All together they may 
amount to eight hundred men capable of waging 

- Uluding to the plan ol La Salle to end merchandise to the Niagara 
by the way of the M ind the lakes. 

t ffinntfin, v " 

t The Building and Voyagt of the Griffon, 160— ;6j. 

§Greenhalgh, who visited tin- Seneca country in 1677, says they had 

four towns, though lie refers i" only two missions St. Jacques, at Can- 

gan>, (Canagorah,) and La Conception, at Tiotehaiton, iTotiakton.i 

han adds, [Re, ' -■ 70, 117,) the French had another 

1 : dougarae, which thej called St. Mil hael. 

Col. Hist- III., IS', 252. 



EARLY EFFORTS TO CHRISTIANIZE THE INDIANS. 



67 



war." He adds, " the chiefs of each village have 
been deputed to go visit you at the place you indi- 
cated to them ; they are well disposed to receive 
your orders, and give you every satisfaction. They 
have made peace with all the nations against whom 
M. de Courcelles had forbad them waging war, 
the King having taken them under his protection. 
They have strictly enjoined on their young men 
not to turn their arms in that direction. They 
anxiously desire the French to settle in their country, 
especially those who are useful to them, such as 
smiths and armorers."* 

In 1683, Colonel Thomas Dongan, then Gov- 
ernor of New York, though himself a Catholic, had 
well nigh succeeded in destroying the French in- 
fluence over the Iroquois. He clearly saw the dan- 
gers which menaced the English Government under 
the stimulus of Jesuit influence and intrigue, and 
was too loyal to allow his religious convictions to 
cause him to swerve from political rectitude. He 
therefore directed all his efforts to expel the Cana- 
dian missionaries from among the Iroquois, and to 
conciliate the latter promised to send them Eng- 
lish ministers and build churches in their cantons. 
He had so far succeeded that as early as 1684 the 
greater part of the Jesuits had abandoned their 
missions, and in 1687, the last, Jean de Lamber- 
ville, had left his station at Onondaga, and gone to 
Niagara ; his brother, Jacques de Lamberville, left 
the same station the previous year. From this 
time, or a few years later, the Jesuit missions began 
sensibly to decline. 

Father Gamier acted as interpreter to the Hu- 
rons at the peace of 1 701, and is said to have 
returned to the Senecas in 1702,! accompanied by 
Father Francois Vaillant de Gueslis. Gamier was 
then old and infirm, and from this fact it was as- 
sumed that Jesuits were in great demand in the 
Iroquois missions.! He was the last missionary of 
that order among the Senecas.? Lafitau, who was 
his pupil, and learned from him all he knew of the 
Indians, says that he had spent more than sixty 
years on the mission, and that he was well ac- 
quainted with the Algonquin, Huron and Iroquois 
languages, but better with the latter two. || He 
died in Quebec in February, 1730.^ 

The distinguished Jesuit missionary, Jacques 
Bruyas, was among the Senecas in 1673; and the 

» Col. Hist., IX., 792. 
t Col. Hist., IX., 171, 737, 761. 
i Col. Hist.. IX., 75°. 
%Shea's Catholic Mission, £94, n. 

il Jesuit Relation, ed. 1666, p. 6. Parlcman's Jesuits, 54. The 
"Building and Voyage of 'the Griffin, 261. Col. Hist. IX., 171. 
H lite Building ami Voyage 0/ tile Grijfon, 26:. 



Sulpitian priest, Francois de Salignac de Fe'nelon, 
whose identity has been confounded with that of his 
half-brother, the celebrated archbishop of Cambray, 
though one of the first missionaries under the aus- 
pices of the Sulpitians among the Iroquois, was not 
stationed in that capacity among the Senecas south 
of Lake Ontario, as has been stated by a cotem- 
porary, but among a branch of that nation, who 
resided on the north shore of that lake at a village 
called Gandatsiagon, which was located on the site 
of Whitby, a port of entry and an excellent harbor 
on the north shore of the lake, thirty miles north- 
east of Toronto. 

The Dutch colonists did not give the matter of 
Christianizing the Indians much consideration ; and 
the Government of New York made no effort in 
this direction, further than to pay for some time, 
a small salary to the clergyman at Albany to at- 
tend to the wants of such Indians as might apply 
to him. The Rev. Mr. Freeman translated a part 
of the English liturgy, the morning and evening 
prayers, the litany, the Athanasian creed, with 
some passages of the Old and New Testament, into 
the Indian language; but those professing to be 
Christians in 1710, are represented as "so ignorant 
and scandalous that they can scarce be reputed 
Christians."* In 17 12, Rev. William Andrews was 
sent by the Society for Propagating the Gospel, as 
missionary to the Mohawks, succeeding in that 
capacity Rev. Thoroughgood Moor, and extending 
his labors occasionally to the Oneidas. But he 
abandoned his mission in 17 19, having had no 
greater success among the natives than his prede- 
cessor; f and as he was the first, so was he the last 
that resided among them for a great many years, 
the Society afterwards contenting themselves by 
imitating the policy of the government, and allow- 
ing a small stipend to their clergyman at Albany to 
act as a missionary among the Mohawks, in which 
capacity he did them but very little good.J 

Revs. Henry Barclay and John Ogilvie, who 
succeeded to the rectorship of St. Peter's Church, 
Albany, the former in 1737, and the latter in 1749. 
also extended their labors to the Oneidas. Mr. 
Barclay, who was a son of Rev. Thomas B. Bar- 
clay, the second rector of that church, was a native 
of Albany and was graduated from Yale College in 
1734. In 1735, at [ ' ie recommendation of Rev. 
Mr. Milne, who preceded him in the rectorship of 

'Doc. Hist. IV., 505. 

t "He became discouraged and asked to be recalled, saying 1 , 'there is 
no hope of making them better — heathen they are, and heathen they 
must still be.' " — Hammond's History of Madison County, 106. 

I Doc. Hist. IV.. 5°S- 



68 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COt'M'V. 



St. Peter's, he was appointed catechist to the In- 
dians at Fort Hunter. He closed his rectorship at 
Albany in 1746, when he became rector of Trinity 
Church, New York, where he died in 1764. Mr. 
Ogilvie was a native of New York and a graduate 
of Yale. Being a Dutch scholar he was appoint- 
ed to this mission in 1748, and arrived at Albany 
in March, 1749. In 1760, he joined the expedi- 
tion against Niagara and continued attached to 
the army till the close of the French war. He 
succeeded Mr. Barclay as rector of Trinity Church, 
and died Nov. 26, 1774. 

In 1744, the New York Legislature made pro- 
vision for presents for the Indians, as well as for 
an interpreter and missionary to be sent among 
them.* In 1748, the people of New England 
turned their attention to this field of labor, and 
Revs. Messrs. Spencer, Timothy Woodbridge and 
Gideon Hawley visited successively the tribes on 
the Mohawk and Susquehanna rivers. The com- 
mencement of the French war soon aftei interrupt- 
ed all missionary efforts west of Albany, and they 
were not renewed till 1761, when Rev. Dr. Fleazer 
Wheelock directed his attention to this quarter, 
and endeavored, by introducing Indians as mis- 
sionaries and schoolmasters, to reclaim the natives 
from their savage life. 

In 1754, the Commissioners of Indian Affairs at 
Albany, adverted to the fact that the French had 
long been endeavoring to prevail on the Senecas to 
settle at Irondequoit, in order to have them nearer 
their settlements and the more easily to debauch 
them from British interest, and expressed the opinion 
that, as they (the Senecas) then lived " very re- 
mote from one another," it should be insisted upon 
that they make a general castle near the mouth of 
the Genesee (Senecas') River, where they had 
"already begun to build a new castle," (probably 
Ghenondoanah^) and farther that the most effectual 
method to retain and secure the Six Nations to the 
British interest, would be to build two forts, one 
at Onondaga, the other in the Senecas' country, 
and supply each fort with a proper missionary. 
They also deprecated the carrying and selling of 
rum in the castles of the Six Nations, as having 
the most pernicious influence on the British inter- 
est in general and this colon) in particular.! 

Speedy action was taken on the recommenda- 
tion of the Commissioners in respect to the erec- 
tion of forts,| hut none, apparently, in regard to 

• Col. Hist. VI., '4;. 
1Col. Hist., VI.. 856, 857. 
%Col. Hist., VII., 177. 



supplying them with missionaries proper or im- 
proper, though its importance was frequently ad- 
verted to. Sir William Johnson, in a communi- 
cation to the Lords of Trade, November 13, 1763, 
writes thus disparagingly of the missions of that 
period. He says : — 

" Another matter extremelv essential, will be the 
choice of proper missionaries to reside amongst 
the Indians in their own villages; many of the 
present missions are established at settlements on 
the sea-side, where the nations formerly residing 
are become extinct, or reduced to an inconsidera- 
ble number, whilst other missionaries are allowed 
to double a cure, or live in our towns; so that two 
or three visits in a year, are all that the Indians 
get, and the missionaries, unable to speak their 
language, are obliged to have recourse to the very 
bad interpreters which the country affords j by 
which means the worthy design of the Society is in 
a great measure defeated. There have been other 
missionaries, who have toooften used their influence 
in obtaining grants of lands, which gives the In- 
dians the most unfavorable opinion of their worldly 
and interested views. The Mohawks lately told 
me that they apprehended the reason they had not 
clergy as formerly amongst them was because there 
was no more land to spare."* 

Rev. Samuel Kirkland was for many years a dis- 
tinguished missionary among the Oneidas, and for 
a shorter period, among the Senecas. He was born 
in Norwich, Conn., Dec. i, 1741, and educated at 
Dr. Wheelock's Indian school. In 1 761, he was 
sent to the Mohawks to learn their language. He 
entered Princeton college in 1762, and in 1764 
returned to the Mohawk country to teach school 
and perfect himself in that language. Hereceived 
his collegiate degree in 1765, and in that and the 
following year was employed among the Senecas. 
In 1779, he was Brigade Chaplain in General Sul- 
livan's campaign against the Indians in Western 
New York, and at the close of the war remained 
with the Oneidas. He died after a life of much 
public usefulness, February 28, 1808. 

After the war of the Revolution. Washington 
lent his powerful influence to the furtherance of a 
project looking to the emancipation of the Iroquois 
and the American Indians generally from their 
savage barbarism through the medium of a benign 
civilization; and in the spring of 1792, a deputa- 
tion of fifty of the representative men of the red 
race were invited to Philadelphia, then the federal 
city, for the double purpose of discussing plans 
looking to this end and of attaching them more 
closely to the United States' interests. The same 
year the Federal government seconded these efforts 



•Col. Hist., VII., S7y, 58°. 



RED JACKET'S HOSTILITY TO PROTESTANT MISSIONS. 



by the following enactment: "The United States, 
in order to promote the happiness of the Five Na- 
tions of Indians, will cause to be expended annu- 
ally, the amount of one thousand five hundred 
dollars, in purchasing for them clothing, domestic 
animals, and implements of husbandry, and for 
encouraging useful artificers to reside in their vil- 
lages." But the Indians were not in a condition 
to be immediately benefited by these beneficent 
designs. The angry turmoils fomented and per- 
petuated by British emissaries in Canada, and the 
jealous apprehensions with which the Indians re- 
garded the encroachments of white settlers on their 
lands, measurably defeated these measures. Red 
Jacket, who was then in the height of his power 
and influence, at first gave a quasi endorsement 
of the plan, but afterwards proved its most 
implacable and obdurate enemy; and when, sub- 
sequently, efforts to christianize the Indians were 
made through missionary labors, he and the 
younger Cornplanter, (notwithstanding the latter's 
father had been converted to the christian faith,) 
became the leaders of the anti-christian party of 
the Senecas, while Captain Pollard, or Kaowndoo- 
wand, Gishkaka, commonly called Little Billy, and 
other distinguished Seneca chieftains, became the 
champions of the opposite party, which, gaining 
the ascendency, deposed Red Jacket from his 
sachemship in 1827.* He was, however, soon after 
restored.! 

After the adjustment of the great controversy 
between the Indians and the United States at Can- 
andaigua in 1794, the broad and beautiful domain 
of the Six Nations was curtailed to a few compar- 
atively small reservations, which were afterwards 
reduced by greedy and avaricious land cormorants.^ 
These reservations included several small tracts on 
and adjacent to the Genesee, the Indian title to 
the east of which in this county was extinguished 
in 1826; but the greater portion of the Senecas 
took up their residence on the Buffalo Reserva- 
tion. 

In 1796, several families of Friends settled on 
the Oneida Reservation and improved the condi- 
tion of that nation by instructing the men in the 
art of husbandry and some of the indispensable 

* Life and Times of Red Jacket^ 441. 

t Ibid, 447- 

+ These reservations as affecting the Western tribes are as follows: — 

Tonawanda Reservation, near Niagara river, containing about I J, 000 
acres. 

Buffalo Reservation, near the city of Buffalo, containing about 53,000 
acres. 

Cattaraugus Reservation, near Cattaraugus creek, containing about 
zz,ooo acres. 

Alleghany Reservation, neat the Alleghany river, containing about JI,- 
000 acres. 

Life and Times of lied Jaeket, 2S2, note. 



mechanic arts, and the women in household duties, 
spinning, sewing and knitting. In 1798, the Sen- 
ecas, observing the improvement of the Oneidas, 
requested the Friends to aid them in the same 
way, and accordingly three families established 
themselves in the canton of the Alleghany. 

In the summer of 1805, a young missionary 
named Cram was sent by the Evangelical Mission- 
ary Society of Massachusetts to establish a mis- 
sionary station among the Senecas; but he met 
with no encouragement, and was filled with discom- 
fort by the speech of the wary Red Jacket, which 
has been pronounced one of the best of the many 
attributed to him. He artfully confronted the dis- 
concerted missionary with the worst phases of a 
pseudo-christianity, such as too often presented 
themselves to the untutored savages, and dwelt 
upon the glaring injustice practiced upon the latter 
by professors of the religion sought to be incul- 
cated. 

In the spring of 181 1, the Rev. Mr. Alexander, 
the agent of the Missionary Society, accompanied 
the agent of a New York company holding the 
preemptive title to the reservations in the Holland 
Purchase, in an attempt to acquire the right to 
these, to renew the effort to establish a mission 
among the Senecas. This drew from Red Jacket 
an equally terse and laconic speech, in which, 
among other things, he said: — 

" Great numbers of black coats have been amongst 
the Indians, and with sweet voices and smiling faces, 
have offered to teach them the religion of the white 
people. Our brethren in the east listened to the 
black coats, turned from the religion of their fa- 
thers, and took up the religion of the white people. 
What good has it done them ? Are they more 
happy and more friendly one to another than we 
are? No, brother, they are a divided people — we 
are united ; they quarrel about religion — we live 
in love and friendship ; they drink strong water ; 
have learned how to cheat, and practice all the 
vices of the white men, which disgrace Indians, 
without imitating the virtues of the white men. 
Brother, if you are our well wisher, keep away and 
do not disturb us. * * * You wish us to change 
our religion for yours ; we like our religion and do 
not want another. Our friends* do us great good ; 
they counsel us in our troubles, and instruct us 
how to make ourselves comfortable. Our friends 
the Quakers do more than this ; they give us ploughs 
and show us how to use them. They tell us we 
are accountable beings, but do not say we must 
change our religion. We are satisfied with what 
they do." 

* Referring to Mr. Granger, the United States Agent of Indian Affairs, 
Mr. Parish, the Indian Interpreter, and Mr. Taylor, the Agent of the 
Society of Friends for improving the condition of the Indians, who were 
present at the Council. 



70 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



These, however, were either not the sentiments 
of many of the Senecas, or they were not hekl as 
tenaciously by them ; for, notwithstanding the re- 
pulse of Mr. Alexander in 1811, the New York 
Missionary Society had succeeded in establishing 
several missionary stations, that among the Tuscaro- 
ras as early as 1805, in consequence of which there 
had been a rapid improvement in their moral and 
social condition. A missionary house had like- 
wise been opened at the Seneca village, (the home 
of Red Jacket, whose Indian name was Sagoye- 
watha, signifying, he keeps them awake, ) about five 
miles from Buffalo, and another upon the Cattarau- 
gus reservation. Such was the success of these 
efforts, that, previous to 1820, the Senecas were 
divided into two distinct parties, Christian and 
Pagan. Similar measures were instituted with the 
Indians living at Squakie Hill. In December. 
1815, a secular school was established there under 
the auspices of the Presbyterian Synod of Geneva, 
with Jerediah Horsford as teacher. 

So grave had the encroachments of civilization 
become, in the eyes of the Pagan Senecas, and so 
uncompromising was their hostility to it, that in 
the winter of 1819-20, an appeal, embodied in a 
letter dictated by Red Jacket, who was then too 
feeble to enunciate the sentiments in council, was 
made to Governor Clinton, complaining of the of- 
fensive and destructive encroachments of the white 
settlers on their reservations, and invoking protec- 
tion against the "black coats," as the missionaries 
were called. A Mr. Hyde who had formerly been 
a schoolmaster among them, but had changed his 
vocation to that of a minister of religion, had made 
himself especially obnoxious, having threatened, 
the remonstrance said, that unless they listened to 
his preaching and became Christians, they would 
be turned off their lands. "If he has no right to 
say so," the letter says, " we think he ought to be 
turned off our lands, and not allowed to plague us 
any more. We shall never be at peace while he 
is among us." 

In consequence of this and similar representa- 
tions, the Legislature, in 1821, passed an act to 
more effectually prevent encroachments upon the 
lands of the Senecas. The secular provisions of 
the act were occasionally enforced; but in regard 
to the missionaries, says Stone, its energies were 
allowed to slumber for two or three years. In the 
meantime the New York Missionary Society had 
transferred its stations to the care of the American 
Board of Foreign Missions, by which the Seneca 
missions had been re-organi/.ed upon a more effi- 



cient basis. In 182 1, Rev. Thompson S. Harris, 
with an augmented mission family, was stationed 
at the Seneca village, and commissioned superin- 
tendent of the stations in the several cantons. A 
church was soon after formed and male and female 
schools opened. In 1822, Rev. Mr. Thayer, with 
his family and suitable teachers, were stationed at 
the Cattaraugus reservation. These labors were 
successful; and the Pagan party, mortified by the 
rapid increase of the Christian party at the ex- 
pense of their own, and alarmed at the disaffection 
of Capt. Strong, or Oquiyesou, a prominent Cat- 
taraugus chief, who had become converted to the 
Christian faith, aided by several "white Pagans" 
in Buffalo, secured the ejectment of the mission- 
aries and school teachers under the act of 1821. 
Efforts were immediately put forth, which, though 
at first unavailing, finally resulted in such a modi- 
fication of the law as enabled both missionaries 
and teachers to resume their labors.* Within the 
next half decade the Indians had disposed of their 
limited reservations in this county, and removed to 
others outside the county; and within the two suc- 
ceeding decades the Senecas had disposed of every 
vestige of their lands within the State. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Titles to the Soil — Extinguishment op Endian 
Titles — Link of Propertv — Conflicting 
Claims of New York and Massachusetts — 
Preemption Line — New York and Massachu- 
setts Surrender Claims to Territory ro 
Federal Government — Treaty and Cession 
of 1784 — Phelps and Gorham's Purchase — 
Treaty and Cession of 1788 — Pultne^ Ins- 
tate — Holland Land Company — Holland 
Purchase — Connecticut Tract — Transit 
Line — Morris Reskrvf. — Forty Thousand 
Acre Tract — Morris Honorary Creditor's 
Tract — k< ibert Morris' Letter to President 
Washington — Treaty and Cession of Big 
Tree in 1797 — Red Jacket's Insincerity — 
Difficulties Experienced in Determining ihk 
Extent and Boundaries of Reservations — 
M u<\ Jemison's Farm — Lessee Company — 
Effori Made to Dismember the State — 
Reservations made in 1797 — Treaty ami Ces- 
sion OF 1826. 

UNTIL after the close of the Revolutionary war 
in 1783, the territory embraced in the county 
of Livingston, and indeed, of the whole of Western 

*L iff and limes of Red Jacket, 3S7, 594. 



TREATY AND CESSION OF 1784. 



7i 



New York, was included in the indefinite Indian 
domain, the east line of which, known as the 
Property Line, was established by a treaty held at 
Fort Stanwix, (Rome) November 5, 1768, and ex- 
tended so far as it relates to this State, from a 
point on Wood creek, near the mouth of Canada 
creek, thence to the head waters of the Unadilla, 
down that stream to its mouth, and thence south 
to the line of Pennsylvania. This tract was sub- 
sequently acquired from the Indians by treaty ; for, 
notwithstanding the treaty of peace between the 
English and Americans in 1783 contained no stipu- 
lations respecting the Iroquois, or that portion of 
them who had been the allies of the former, their 
right to the soil was generally recognized by both 
State and Federal governments. 

At the close of the war, claims were established 
by Massachusetts under Colonial patents to the 
right of soil of a large portion of Western New 
York, and were confirmed by a Commission ap- 
pointed by the two governments, which met at 
Hartford, Conn., December 16, 1786, and which, 
while it reserved to New York the right of sover- 
eignty, conceded to Massachusetts the right to pre- 
empt the soil from the native Indians of all that 
tract lying west of a line, known as the Pre-emption 
Line, extending north from the eighty-second mile- 
stone from the Delaware River at the north-east 
corner of Pennsylvania, or the south-east corner 
of Steuben county, through Geneva and Sodus 
Bay, on the meridian of Washington, (except a 
tract a mile wide along Niagara River,) and an ad- 
ditional tract east of that line, known as the Boston 
Ten Towns, lying in the counties of Broome, Cort- 
land and Tioga. This agreement was sanctioned 
by Congress in 1787.* 

Early in 1784, the State Legislature passed an 
act, appointing as Superintendents of Indian Af- 
fairs, a Board of Commissioners, of which Governor 
Clinton was a member. In June of that year, 
these commissioners met Brant, Cornplanter, Red 
Jacket and Farmer's Brother, representatives of the 
Six Nations, at Fort Stanwix, to negotiate a treaty 
for the extinguishment of their title to lands in 
Western New York. Nothing, however, was ac- 
complished at this meeting, as the Indians declined 
to negotiate with the State independent of the 
Federal government, which had also appointed 
commissioners for a similar purpose. 

The succeeding fall, Oliver Wolcott, Richard 

t The territory of both New York and Massachusetts extended indefi- 
nitely westward from ocean to ocean; but March I, 1781, New York 
relinquished to the United States its claims to territory west of the western 
boundary of the State. Massachusetts did the same in 17S5. 



Butler and Arthur Lee, commissioners of the Fed- 
eral government, met the Indians at Fort Stanwix, 
and on the 2 2d of October, 1784, concluded a 
treaty, by which peace was established between the 
United States and the Six Nations, who were re- 
ceived under the protection of the former and 
guaranteed undisturbed possession of the, lands they 
then occupied, including all that part of this State 
west of the-line established in 1768. Prisoners were 
exchanged, and a large tract of land ceded to this 
State, whose commissioners also attended the treaty. 

It was at this treaty that Red Jacket first dis- 
tinguished himself as an orator, displaying talents 
which challenged the admiration and elicited the 
commendation of that distinguished patriot, La- 
fayette. He inaugurated at this time a policy 
which characterized his subsequent life — that of 
determined opposition to disposing of their lands 
to the whites. It is believed that Brant, who was 
not present at this treaty, would have supported 
Red Jacket's opposition. His great opponent was 
Cornplanter, who, though an able orator, was more 
distinguished as a warrior, and had through his 
valorous achievements and past services, acquired 
a great influence with his people, who, however, 
afterwards made him feel the weight of their re- 
sentment of his great readiness to part with their 
lands, even threatening his life,* a fact to which he 
alluded in a pathetic appeal to Washington at Phila- 
delphia, in 1790, when he sought to effect a recon- 
sideration of the treaties and other proceedings 
with the Indians, and especially to obtain redress 
for alleged grievances connected with the purchase 
of Phelps and Gorham soon after, t "Father," he 
said, we will not conceal from you that the Great 
God, and not man, has preserved the Cornplanter 
from the hands of his own people." 

The journals of this treaty are lost; hence this 
speech of Red Jacket's, whose eloquence astonished 
his auditors, is not preserved.:}: Dr. M. H. Mills, 
of Mt. Morris, whose extensive and careful re- 
searches into aboriginal and pioneer history have 
enriched the annals of this county and vicinity, 
gives, in a contribution to the Dansville . Idvertiser, 
the substance of some of its more striking passages, 
as related by the Indians who heard it to his father, 
who, for many years, had an intimate acquaintance 
with the India ns in this locality. We quote :— 

• Drake's Book of the Indians. 

t Life ana" Tints oj Red Jacket, 1J2, >Ji. 

t General Erastus Root is said to have remarked, " that he considered 
John Randolph and Red Jacket the two most perfect orators whom he 
had ever heard." (Life and Times of Red Jacket, 119, note.) That 
his name should be coupled with that of Randolph in such connection is 
highly eulogistic. 



72 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



"Red Jacket * * * said they would be 
lowered in the estimation of other tribes if they 
parted with their lands and disposed of their great 
rivers and hunting grounds, and would become a 
little people, whom the great spirit, as well as the 
great white father, (Washington,) would have little 
regard or respect for ; that the principle itself was 
in open hostility to the best interest of the Indian; 
that their occupation was hunting and fishing and 
following the war-path. 'Deprive the Indian oi 
these resources, and you bind his hands, and tie his 
feet, and then say to him joggs [run,] which is an 
impossibility, and will render the Indian a helpless 
object, and, perhaps, by and by, an object of 
charity,' which, he trusted, would never happen. 
If it did, he hoped the great spirit would not per- 
mit him to live, to behold his people so degraded. 
' My eyes must never witness such a scene ; Red 
lacket's blood must all flow out of his body before 
this can happen. Brothers, we desire to live in 
peace with the white man ; we have had a great 
deal of war ; we have become wearied ; we have 
followed our well-beaten trails a long distance to 
this council fire. We want peace; but if that is to 
be obtained by the disposing of our lands, I am for 
war.' " 

April i, 1788, Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gor- 
ham purchased of Massachusetts, in the interest of 
an association of capitalists, its pre-emptive right 
to lands in this State, variously estimated to com- 
prise from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 acres ; the con- 
sideration being 300,000^. to be paid in three 
annual installments, in the depreciated securities of 
that State, which were then worth about one-fifth 
of their par value. Failing to meet their obliga- 
tions, owing to the unexpected depreciation in these 
securities, Messrs. Phelps and Gorham surrend- 
ered all that part of this tract lying to the west, 
and a small portion lying to the east, of the Gene- 
see, or more than a half of the original purchase, 
which reverted to the State of Massachusetts in June, 
1790. The eastern line of that portion retained 
was the old Pre-emption Line ; the western line 
commenced on the Pennsylvania line 44.78 miles 
west of this, and extended directly north, along the 
east line of the towns of Nunda and Mt. Morris, 
to the confluence of Canaseraga creek with the 
Genesee river, thence following that stream to a 
point two miles north of the Indian village of Cana- 
waugus, thence due west twelve miles, and thence 
north twenty-four degrees east to a point on Lake 
Ontario which would intersect the prolongation of 
the line from the point of beginning. The Indian 
title to this tract was extinguished at a treaty held 
at Buffalo Creek,* July 8, 1788, the Senecas re- 

»Li/t and limes of Red Jacket, IJ6; Pioneer History of Vlielfs 
and Gorham s Purc/iase, 141— Note, 'this treaty has commonly, but 
erroneously, been supposed to have been held at Canandaigua. 



ceiving in consideration from Phelps and Gorham 
the inconsiderable stun of five thousand dollars, 
one-half of which was paid in cash and the other 
half in goods, and a perpetual annuity of five hun- 
dred dollars. The amount paid therefor to Massa- 
chusetts was 31,000^. 

In 1789, Messrs. Phelps and Gorham opened a 
land office at Canandaigua and commenced the 
settlement of their lands. 

November 18, 1790, Phelps and Gorham sold to 
Robert Morris, of Philadelphia, the distinguished 
financier and patriot of the Revolution, 1,200,000 
acres of their purchase, reserving what had been 
previously sold by them and two townships addi- 
tional. The next year Mr. Morris, through his 
agent in Europe, William Temple Franklin, a 
grandson of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, sold the whole 
tract at an advance of 4,000^ to a company of 
London capitalists, composed of Sir William Pult- 
ney, a capitalist and noted British statesman, 
John Hornby, a former governor of Bombay, In- 
dia, and Patrick Colquhoun, a wealthy Scotch phi- 
lanthropist, then high sheriff of Westminster, Eng- 
land, upon the latter of whom the duty of pro- 
moting its settlement mainly devolved— a duty he 
performed with great acceptability. This tract, 
which embraced the present counties of Ontario, 
Yates and Steuben, and large portions of Wayne, 
Monroe, Schuyler, Allegany, Chemung and Living- 
ston counties, has since been known as the Pultney 
Estate, and the details of its settlement have been 
successively managed by Colonel Charles William- 
son, a native of Scotland, to whom the land was 
originally conveyed, as attorney of the company, 
Robert Troup, W. W. McKay, Joseph Fellows and 
B. F. Young. The principal settlements were be- 
gun at Geneva. Canandaigua, Bath and Sodus Bay. 
May 12, 1 791, the reverted portion of Phelps 
and Gorham's Purchase was bought at one shilling 
per acre, by Samuel Ogden, for Robert Morris, in 
whom the Legislature confirmed the title May n, 
1791. July 20, 1793, Mr. Morris sold the western 
portion of this tract, constituting about seven- 
eighths of the whole, to the Holland Land Company, 
an association of capitalists of Amsterdam, Hol- 
land, consisting of Wilhelm Willink, Jan Willink, 
Nicholas Van Stophorst, Jacob Van Stophorst, 
Nicholas Hubbard, Pieter Van Eeghen, Christian 
Van Eeghen, Isaac Ten Cate, Hendrick Vollen- 
hoven, Christian Coster, (widow,) Jan Stadnitski 
and Rutger J. Schenimelpennick, who, being 
aliens, made the purchase through residents in this 
country, the consideration being 55,000 £. This 



THE MORRIS RESERVE. 



73 



tract has since been known as the Holland Pur- 
chase, no portion of which lies within this county. 
Its east line commences on the Pennsylvania line 
twelve miles west of the west line of the Phelps 
and Gorham Purchase, on the line between Alma 
and Bolivar, Allegany county, and extends thence 
due north to near the center of the town of Staf- 
ford, Genesee county, to the south line of the Con- 
necticut Tract,* thence due west two miles and 
thence due north, on the west line of the Connec- 
ticut Tract to Lake Ontario.! 

Between the Phelps and Gorham Purchase and 
the Holland Purchase was a tract twelve miles in 
width, containing a half million acres, reserved by 
Mr. Morris at the time of his sale to the Holland 
Company, and hence known as the Morris Reserve. 
It embraced the towns of Nunda, Portage, Mt. 
Morris, Leicester and the south half of York in 
Livingston county, and was sold out in several 
large tracts to different purchasers. The Forty 
Thousand Acre Tract, sold by Morris to Wilhelm 
and Jan Willink, lies partially in this county and 
partially in Wyoming county ; and the Morris 
Honorary Creditors' Tract containing 58,570 acres, 
and joining this on the south, lies partly in Living- 
ston and partly in Allegany county. 

By the terms of the sale to the Holland Com- 
pany, Mr. Morris obligated himself to extinguish 
the Indian title to the tract thus sold, and 35,000^ 
of the purchase money was withheld till its consum- 
mation; but, owing to the threatening attitude of the 
Indians for a full decade succeeding the war of the 
Revolution, and until the signal victory of General 
Wayne over the Western Indians in 1794, he did not 
deem it prudent to make an effort in this direction. 
On the 25th of August, 1796, he addressed the 
following letter to President Washington : — 

"Sir: — In the year 1791, I purchased of the 
State of Massachusetts a tract of country lying 
within the boundaries of the State of New York, 
which had been ceded by the latter to the former 
state under the sanction and with the concurrence 
of the Congress of the United States. This tract 
of land is bounded on the east by the Genesee 
river, to the north by Lake Ontario, to the west 
partly by Lake Erie, and partly by the boundary 
line of the Pennsylvania Triangle, and to the south 
by the north boundary line of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania. * * * To perfect the title it is neces- 



# This tract comprises 100,000 acres, lying in the counties of Genesee 
and Orleans, and extending in a narrow strip to the lake. It was sold by 
Mr. Morris to Watson, Cragie & Greenleaf ; and in 1SS1, conveyed in un- 
divided halves to the State of Connecticut and Sir William Pultuev the 
former using part of her School Fund in the purchase. It was divided by 
alternate lots in 1S1 1. French's State Gaeetleer. 

t This line is known as the Transit Line, from having been run with a 
transit instrument, then first used in surveys. 



sary to purchase of the Seneca nation of Indians 
their native right ; which I should have done soon 
after the purchase was made, * * * but that 
I felt myself restrained from doing so by motives 
of public consideration. 

"The war between the Western Indian nations 
and the United States did not extend to the Six 
Nations, of which the Seneca nation is one; and 
as I apprehended that if this nation should sell its 
right during the existence of that war, they might 
the more readily be induced to join the enemies of 
our country, I was determined not to make the 
purchase while that war lasted. 

"When peace was made with the Indian nations 
I turned my thoughts towards the purchase, which 
is to me an object very interesting; but upon its 
being represented that a little longer patience, 
until the western posts should be delivered up by 
the British government, might still be public utility, 
I concluded to wait for that event also, which is 
now happily accomplished, and there seems no 
obstacle remaining to restrain me from making the 
purchase, especially as I have reason to believe the 
Indians are desirous to make the sale. 

" The delays which have already taken place 
and that arose solely from considerations above 
mentioned, have been extremely detrimental to my 
private affairs ; but still being desirous to comply 
with formalities prescribed by certain laws of the 
United States, although those laws do not probably 
reach my case, I now make application to the 
president of the United States, and request that he 
will nominate and appoint a commissioner to be 
present and preside at a treaty, which he will be 
pleased to authorize to be held with the Seneca 
nation, for the purpose of enabling me to make a 
purchase in conformity with the formalities required 
by law of the tract of country for which I have 
already paid a large sum of money. My right to 
the pre-emption is unequivocal, and the land has 
become so necessary to the growing population and 
surrounding settlements, that it is with difficulty 
that the white people can be restrained from 
squatting or settling down upon these lands, which, 
if they should do it, may probably bring on con- 
tentions with the Six Nations. 

"This will be prevented by a timely, fair and 
honorable purchase. 

" This proposed treaty ought to be held imme- 
diately before the hunting season, or another year 
will be lost, as the Indians cannot be collected 
during that season. The loss of another year under 
the payments thus made for these lands would be 
ruinous to my affairs; and as I have paid so great 
deference to public consideration whilst they did 
exist, I expect and hope that my request will be 
readily granted now, when there can be no cause 
of delay; especially if the Indians are willing to 
sell, which will be tested by the offer to buy. 

•■ With the most perfect esteem and respect, I 
am, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, 
ROBERT MORRIS. 

"George Washing ion, Esq . 

"President of the United States." 



74 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



In the meantime Washington, who was disposed 
to further the wishes of Mr. Morris in any way con- 
sistent with the public interest, had been put in 
possession of documents, drawn at the instigation 
of Capt. Bruff, then commandant of the British gar- 
rison at Fort Niagara, expressing an aversion of the 
Senecas to parting with any more of their lands ; 
and he told Mr. Morris that he should feel con- 
strained to accompany his recommendation and 
nominations to the Senate with these documents, 
expressing doubt of the favorable action of that 
body. Isaac Smith, of New Jersey, was nominated 
by the President, and the Senate confirmed the 
nomination, stipulating, however, that no treaty 
should be held for this purpose until the Indians 
themselves requested it. Thomas Morris, a son of 
the purchaser of the tract, was deputized by his 
father to obtain the consent of the Indians and 
conduct the negotiations with them for the purchase 
of their lands, in both of which he was successful. 
At the time designated for the treaty, the atten- 
dance of Commissioner Smith was prevented by 
judicial duties, and Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth 
of Connecticut, was appointed in his stead. Gen- 
eral William Shepard was designated to attend by 
Massachusetts; Captains Horatio Jones and Jasper 
Parish were selected as interpreters, and James 
Rees, of Geneva, as secretary. Captain Israel 
Chapin, then Superintendent of Indian Affairs, was 
present; also Charles Williamson, in behalf of the 
Pultney Estate, William Bayard, in behalf of the 
Holland Land Company, and two young gentle- 
men from Holland, named Van Stophorst, relatives 
of the proprietors of the name connected with the 
Holland Company. 

The treaty was held at Geneseo, and the log- 
house of the Wadsworth brothers, then unfinished, 
located between the site of the village of Geneseo 
and the river, was hired for the use of the Commis- 
sioners and officers in attendance. A large council 
house, covered with the branches of trees was pre- 
pared for the convenience of the negotiators ; and 
after a week spent in preliminary matters, the busi- 
ness of the council was commenced on the 28th of 
August, 1797, continuing till the 15th of Septem- 
ber, when a deed was executed by which the Sene- 
cas disposed of the remainder of their lands in 
Western New York, with the exception of certain 
reservations. The council was a stormy one, and 
was more than once threatened with utter failure, 
owing to the machinations of certain venal white 
persons, who stimulated a prevalent disinclination 
on the part of the Senecas to part with their lands 



for the purpose of defeating its object. Mr. Mor- 
ris had hoped that $75,000 would suffice to satisfy 
the demands of the Indians; but, in view of the 
accumulating difficulties, was constrained to offer 
them $100,000. Even this sum, however, was in- 
sufficient; and Red Jacket, who, in consonance with 
his former opposition to the disposition of their 
lands, opposed with his fiery eloquence the object of 
the treaty, responded to the offer that the Senecas 
did not want to sell their lands ; but as there were 
expenses attending the treaty, which they had re- 
luctantly consented to hold, he offered Mr. Morris 
a single township on the Pennsylvania border at one 
dollar per acre, which, he said would sell for a suffi- 
cient advance to cover the expenses. Mr. Morris, 
by the urgent advice of the commissioners, and 
Mr. Bayard, who had become impatient atthe dila- 
tory proceedings and desired to bring the parley to 
a close, but in opposition to his own judgment and 
wishes, affected to reject the offer with contempt ; 
whereupon Red Jacket, with great vehemence, 
retorted, "you have now arrived at a point to which 
I wished to bring you. You told us in your first 
address that even in the event of our not agreeing 
to sell our lands, we would part friends. Here, 
then, is my hand. I now cover up the council 
fire." 

This decision was received with great apparent 
satisfaction by the Indians, who gave expression to 
violent demonstrations, such says Stone, as " a 
person unaccustomed to their character and man- 
ners would have trembled for his scalp." Mr. 
Bayard, who had been particularly importunate to 
have Mr. Morris take the course pursued, hoping 
it would expedite a favorable adjustment, was 
deeply mortified with the result, and strenuously 
urged Mr. Morris to make an effort to re-open the 
negotiations, which the latter who was equally 
solicitous, promised to do, on condition that he be 
allowed to take his own course, without interference 
either by the agent or commissioners. 

( )n the following day he observed to Farmer's 
Brother, who called on him in a fraternal spirit, 
that, in accordance with their established customs, 
it was the prerogative of the one who lighted a 
council- fire to extinguish it ; and since he had 
lighted the present one, Red Jacket, by putting it 
out, had usurped a right which belonged solely to 
him, to which Farmer's Brother assented. Several 
days intervened before a council could be convened, 
during which Mr. Morris industriously applied him- 
self to an effort to win the app:obation of the wo- 
men and warriors, as there seemed little probability 



BIG TREE" TREATY. 



75 



of being able to accomplish his purpose with the 
sachems. For this purpose he artfully pandered 
to their fondness for display and ornamentation, 
by distributing among the women such articles as 
were calculated to excite and gratify this passion — 
a plan which fully met his expectations; for he was 
soon able to convene a council of women and war- 
riors and bring the negotiations to a favorable ter- 
mination.* From the moment the women and 
warriors assumed the task of negotiations, Red 
Jacket withdrew and remained drunk during the 
rest of the proceedings. f Cornplanter, the princi- 
pal war chief, then became the main speaker, and 
opened the proceedings. He said the women and 
warriors regretted the misconduct of their sachems 
and censured the haste displayed by Mr. Morris, 
and expressed the hope that the renewed negotia- 
tions would be conducted with better temper on 
both sides. 

After the terms of the treaty were agreed upon, 
much difficulty was experienced in fixing the bound- 
aries and extent of the reservations. The Indians 
insisted that the former should be designated by 
natural rather than arbitrary lines, such as the 
courses of streams, etc.; but this was inadmissable, 
as it gave the Indians every advantage over the 
whites, who possessed little exact knowledge of the 
geography of the country.^ The chiefs were jeal- 
ous of each other, and, as their importance was 
measured by their following, which was determined 
by the extent of their lands, each was solicitous to 

* Indian polity vested the ultimate right to dispose of their lands in the 
women and warriors, because the former tilled, while the latter protected 
them. 

t Stone says Red Jacket's opposition to this treaty was insincere, and 
that his object in thus withdrawing was to throw the entire responsibility 
upon Cornplanter. He adds it is a fact "no less true than disgraceful, 
that after the negotiation had been completed, lie repaired to the lodge 
of Mr. Morris by night, and told him that he had in reality no objections 
to the sale of their lands, but yet he must seem to oppose the measure, or 
he should lose his popularity- That popularity had been acquired by op- 
posing every land sale that had been made, and he must at least affect to 
continue his opposition to the end. * * * In order to manifest his 
apparent opposition to the treaty, he refused in Council, after [he decision 
had been made, to sign it : and yet before any signature had been made 
to the document, he arranged with Mr. Morris to have a blank left for the 
insertion of his name afterwards — desiring that the space might be high 
up among the first, that when Washington saw the treaty he might know 
that Saggyewatha was yet a man of consequence among the chiefs of his 
people." Life and Times of Red Jacket^ 249. 

X Mr. Morris did in one instance depart fruu his fixed determination to 
have the boundaries of reservations established by survey. In his im- 
patience he yielded to the persistent importunities of Mary Jenuson, the 
white woman, for whom the chiefs were desirous of making provision. 
She objected to her reservation being designated by a definite number of 
acres, for the reason, as she said, that she had various improved places, 
one of which was a patch of corn, another of potatoes, another of beans, 
etc., she then named certain boundaries, to which Mr. Morris assented, 
supposing the tract would not exceed 150 acres; but when surveyed, 
Mary's farm, the Gardeau flats, proved to contain, according to the sur- 
vey of Augustus Porter, made in 179S, 17,929 acres and IJ7 rods of land 
of an excellent quality. 



increase his own allotment and diminish that of his 
rival. Difficulties were also experienced before the 
final consummation of the treaty, prominent among 
which was the arrival at the council of Young 
King, a youthful warrior, who, as a descendant of 
the famous chief Old Smoke, inherited the title of 
Chief Sachem of the Seneca nation, and an influ- 
ence to which his merit did not entitle him. As 
Chief Sachem of the nation his signature to the 
treaty was necessary to make it valid; and though 
he was at first averse to the sale, by dint of much 
persuasion his objections were finally overcome. 
Another obstacle was presented by the instructions 
of Washington to Col. Wadsworth, to withhold his 
assent from any treaty which did not provide for 
the investment of the purchase money in the stock 
of the United States Bank, in trust for the Seneca 
nation. It was only with great difficulty that the 
Indians could be made to comprehend the magni- 
tude of a hundred thousand dollars, the purchase 
price; while it was utterly impossible to make them 
understand the nature of an investment and why 
the dividend resulting therefrom varied in amount. 
As an aid to the former they were told how many 
casks of a given size would be required to hold the 
amount, and how many horses would be necessary 
to draw it ; while their idea of the latter was, that 
a bank was an extensive place in Philadelphia 
where money was planted and produced better 
crops some years than others. Frequently in after 
years they would inquire of Mr. Morris what kind 
of a crop they might expect in a season like that 
they were then experiencing. 

Pending the negotiations between New York 
and Massachusetts relative to their claims to the 
territory of Western New York, a project was set 
on foot by a company of Columbia county specu- 
lators to get possession of this entire country, with 
the ulterior motive of erecting it into a separate 
State.* In order to evade the law then existing in 
this State, which prohibited the purchase from the 
Indians of land within the State, by individuals or 
companies, without the sanction of the Legislature, 
in 1776, they negotiated a lease with the chiefs of 
the Six Nations of all the lands possessed by them, 
exclusive of certain reservations, for a term of 999 
years, the consideration being $20,000 in hand and 
an annual rental of $2,000. Under these auspices 
sales were made to settlers, who took possession of 
various portions of the land. On the sale to 
Phelps and Gorham in 1788, a second lease was 

•This company consisted of John Livingston, Caleb Benton, Peter 
Ryckman, John Stephenson, Eiekial Gilbert and others. 



7 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



executed for a like period for the residue of their 
lands, and a reduction of one-half made in the 
annual rental. The Legislature, however, regarded 
a lease of this character equivalent to a purchase 
and an infraction of the law; and in order to 
put the matter at rest, a law was passed in March, 
1788, declaring the pre-emptive right to the lands 
to be vested in the State, and authorizing the 
strongest measures to be used to remove all in- 
truders from the lands.* Accordingly Governor 
George Clinton sent the sheriff of Herkimer 
county, which then embraced this territory, with a 
posse of sixty men to eject these intruders upon 
the Indian lands and burn their dwellings. Though 
baffled in these efforts the lessee company did not 
abandon their project, but in 1793 developed a 
plan to form a new state which was to embrace the 
whole of Western New York. It was, however, 
defeated by the energetic action of the better class 
of citizens, although serious alarm was occasioned 
among those settlers who were favorably disposed 
towards the constituted authorities. The formid- 
able character of the movement is indicated by the 
proceedings of a public opposition meeting, held at 
Canandaigua in November, 1793, and presided 
over by Judge Timothy Hosmer, from the minutes 
of which the following is an abstract : — 

"Whereas, Certain restless and turbulent char- 
acters from the eastern district of this State, evil 
disposed towards this country, have for some time 
past, endeavored to stir up sedition among the 
peaceable inhabitants thereof, and to excite them 
to acts both treasonable and improper; and, 

" Whereas, They have proposed to many indi- 
viduals of the county that the county of Ontario, 
in conjunction with that of Otsego, and part of 
Tioga and Herkimer, should immediately shake off 
all allegiance and dependence from the State of 
New York, and support their independence by 
force of arms, in case the state should be unwilling 
to ratify and confirm the same ; and, 

''Whereas, The passions of the dishonest 
and disorderly, of the ambitious and the timid, 
have been flattered by the expectation of hav- 
ing laws passed for the screening of individuals 
from the payment of their just debts for six years, 
and they have been falsely told that all the Indian 
lands, as well as those belonging to the state of 
New York as those which the said State, together 
with Massachusetts, have guaranteed to individu- 
als, should become a prey to the rapacity of then- 
hungry followers, and have engaged to support 
these measures by a number of armed troops col- 

* " In order that not even the color of injustice towards the lessees might 
remain, the Legislature, live years afterwards, made a grant to them of a 
district of country ten miles square, in the northern part of the state, and 
subsequently they received grants of several large tracts in the Genesee 
country from Phelps and Gorham." — Life ttml Tune* <</ Red Jot kei, 
■iS- 



lected from Yermont and elsewhere, in case of 
opposition ; therefore, 

" Resolved, That the inhabitants of Ontario, sen- 
sible to the many advantages that they have derived 
from their connection with one of the most respect- 
able states in the union, and desirous of the con- 
tinuation of the same advantages, highly resent the 
ill-timed and improper attempt made by the charac- 
ters above alluded to, to disturb their peace and 
harmony, and they conceive their measures are preg- 
nant with danger, and such as if carried into effect 
would introduce into our infant country all the 
complicated evils which anarchy and confusion can 
create." 

Following this, in 1794, the Federal government 
effected a treaty, guaranteeing to each of the Six 
Nations the right to its own reservations; so that 
the confederacy could not thenceforth dispose of 
any of the land of either of its members against 
their will ; and while other Indians were restrained 
from selling their land, except to the United States, 
it conferred on each of the Six Nations, separately, 
the right to sell any or all of its lands to citizens of 
the United States whenever and however it might 
choose. 

The following reservations were made by the 
Senecas at the Geneseo or Big Tree treaty in 
1797:— 

1. Canawaugus Reservation, two miles square, 
located on the Genesee west of Avon. 

2. Big Tree Reservation, two miles square, 
located on the Genesee, opposite Geneseo, in the 
present town of Leicester. 

3. Little Beard's Reservation, two miles square, 
located on the Genesee in the town of Leicester. 

4. Squakie Hill Reservation, two miles square, 
located on the Genesee, in Leicester, near Mt. 
Morris. 

5. Oardeau Reservation, twenty-eight square 
miles, located on both sides of the Genesee in Cas- 
tile and Mt. Morris. 

6. Canadea Reservation, sixteeen square miles, 
located on both sides of the Genesee, in Allegany 
county. 

7. Oil Spring Reservation, one square mile, 
on the line between Cattaraugus and Allegany 
counties. 

8. Allegany Reservation, forty-two square miles, 
on both sides of the Allegany river, and extending 
north from the Pennsylvania line. 

9. Cattaraugus Reservation, forty-two square 
miles, at the mouth of and on both sides of Catta- 
raugus creek. 

10. Buffalo Reservation, one hundred and thirty 
square miles, on both sides of Buffalo creek. 

1 1. Tonawanda Reservation, seventy square 
miles, on both sides of Tonawanda creek, and 
mostly in Genesee county, 

1 2. Tuscarora Reservation, one square mile, 
three miles east of Lewiston in Niagara county. 



EARLY CIVIL DIVISIONS. 



77 



The titles to all these reservations in Livingston 
county, together with the portions of the Buffalo, 
Tonawanda, Cattaraugus and Canadea reserva- 
tions, were extinguished at a treaty council held 
August 31, 1826, and attended by Hon. Oliver 
Forward, of Buffalo, as United States Commis- 
sioner, Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, as agent for the 
commonwealth of Massachusetts, and John Greig, 
of Canandaigua, as agent of The Ogden Company, 
who had acquired the pre-emptive right of Mr. 
Morris, and in whose interest the treaty was held. 
At this date the representatives of the once lordly 
and powerful Seneca nation remaining in this coun- 
try, had dwindled to an insignificant number, who 
found an asylum on other reservations.* 



CHAPTER VII. 



Early Civil Divisions — Formation of Living- 
ston county — Original Towns in Livingston 
county — Subsequent Territorial Changes — 
Topography — Boundaries, Area and Geo- 
graphical Situation — Improved Land in 1820 
and 1875 — Character of Surface — Genesee 
River — Falls at Portage— The Genesee 
made a Public Highway — Charlevoix's De- 
scription of the Genesee in 17 12 — Indian 
Name of the Genesee — Its Principal Tribu- 
taries — Canaseraga Creek — Cashaqua 
Creek — Conesus and Hemlock Lakes — Cli- 
mate of Livingston County — Soil — Staple 
Productions — Chief Industry — Comparative 
Analysis of the Census of 1875 — Livingston 
County Compared with Other Counties in 
the State — Towns in Livingston County 
Compared. 

IN 1638, the Dutch gave to all that part of New 
York lying west of Albany its first specific 
designation — Terra Tncognita.\ 

The Province of New York was divided into coun- 
ties November 1, 1683, and the counties then 
formed, twelve in number, were named from the 
titles of the Royal family.^ Albany county, one 

* The materials for this chapter have been drawn mainly from : Life 
a7td Times of Red Jacket ; Stine's Life of Brant; Turner's Phelps 
and Gorhaw's Purchase ; Turner's Holland Purchase. Address of 
Hon. B. F. Angel, of Geneseo, before the Livingston County Historical 
Society, 1S7S ; Contributions to the Local Press by Dr. M. H. Mills, of 
Mt. Morris ; French's State Gazetteer', McMaster's History of Steu- 
ben County ; The Historical Magazine : and other documents. 

t Pioneer History of Phelps &i Gotham's Purchase, 116. 

X These original counties were : Albany, Cornwall, (now in Maine, ) 
Dukes, mow in Massachusetts,) Duchess, Kings, New York, .< Irange, 
Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester. 



of the twelve, was the first civil division to which 
Livingston county belonged, and then embraced 
" the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, Schenectady and 
all the villages, neighborhoods and Christian plan- 
tations on the east side of Hudson's river, from 
Roeloffe Jansen's Creek ; and on the west side, 
from Sawyer's Creek to the outermost end of Sa- 
raghtoga." By subsequent statutes it was made 
to include everything within the colony of New 
York north and west of its present limits, and, at 
one time, the whole of Vermont. March 12, 1772, 
Tryon* county was formed from Albany county and 
comprised the country west of a north and south 
line extending from St. Regis to the west bounds 
of the township of Schenectady, thence running 
irregularly south-west to the head of the Mohawk 
branch of the Delaware, and along the same to the 
south-east bounds of the present county of Broome ; 
thence in a north-westerly direction to Fort Bull, 
on Wood Creek, near the present city of Rome ; 
all west of the last mentioned line being Indian 
territory. In 1788, all the region west of Utica 
was known as Whitestown. At the third town 
meeting of that town, in 1791, Trueworthy Cook, 
of Pompey, Jeremiah Gould, of Salina, and James 
Wadsworth, of Geneseo, were chosen path-masters. 
Ontario f county was formed from Montgomery, 
January 27, 1789, and included all that part of the 
State lying west of a north and south line drawn 
through Seneca Lake, two miles east of Geneva. 
March 30, 1802, Genesee % county was formed from 
Ontario, and originally comprised all that part of 
the State lying west of Genesee River and a line 
extending due south from the point of junction of 
the Genesee and Canaseraga Creek to the south 
line of the State. Livingston county was formed 
from Genesee and Ontario counties, February 23, 
1821, and named in honor of Chancellor Robert 
Livingston, an eminent jurist and statesman and a 
distinguished patron of agriculture. It originally 
contained twelve towns, eight of which formerly 
belonged to Ontario county § and four to Gene- 
see. || In February, 1822, the north-west quarter 
of the township No. 6, in the 7th range, then in 
the town of Dansville, Steuben county, including the 

•Named from William Tryon, Colonial Governor, and changed April 
3, 1784, in consequence ofTryon's manifest disloyalty to the colonies dur- 
ing the Revolution, to Montgomery, in honor of General Richard Mont- 
gomery, who fell at the capture of Quebec. 

t Named from the lake of the same name, which then formed its northern 
boundaiy. 

% Named from the Genesee River which formerly was partly within its 
limits. 

§ Avon, Frceport, (Conesus) Geneseo, Groveland, Lima, Livonia, 
Sparta and Springwater. 

II Caledonia, Leicester, Mount Morris and Veil.. 



78 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



village of that name, was annexed to Sparta in this 
county. The towns of Nunda and Portage were 
annexed from Allegan}- county in May, 1846; and 
Ossian in March, 1857. These, together with North 
Dansville and West Sparta, which were formed 
February 27, 1846, by the division of Sparta, con- 
stitute the present seventeen towns of the county. 

Livingston county lies upon the Genesee River, 
ami occupies a central position in the region com- 
monly called Western New York. It is centrally 
distant two hundred and five miles from Albany; 
and is bounded on the north by Monroe county, 
on the east by Ontario and Steuben counties, on 
the west by Genesee, Wyoming and Allegany 
counties, and on the south by Allegany and 
Steuben counties. It contains 380,665 acres.* 
It is geographically situated between 42 29' and 
4,5 north latitude, and 44' and 1 4 west longi- 
tude from Washington. f Its greatest length, from 
north to south, is 33.8 miles; its greatest width, 
from east to west, 27.3 miles. 

The subjoined table shows the number of acres 
of improved land in each town in 1820 and 1S75 ; 
also the aggregate number of acres in 1879, indi- 
cated as farm, village and railroad lands, the village 
lands including, in addition to incorporated vil- 
lages, mill property, factories, and lots of four acres 
or less having buildings thereon which enhance 
their value as compared with farm lands : — 





1820. 




' 2,°33 
8,205 
3,61 1 
62S6 

5,3°' 
4,685 

8,°73 
10,915 

2,500 

3. '92 
2,930 

6,229 

2,790 

7,609 


Calcdonu 


Mt. Munis.... 
No. Dansville^ 




PortJge|| 


Springwater ... 
WestS pa rtalf. 
York 





1875- | 


Farm. 


1 


R.K 


ii,i34 


22,867 


1,946 


119 


2",777 


15.883 


■4? 


204 


I5.»S7 


1 ,79* 


.36 


61 


21,590 


14,784 


■.5'4 


*>3 


17,274 


24,402 


^5 


44 


i7.'3° 


20,096 


■34 




17.347 


18,7'I9 


767 




19. '34 


22,415 


392 


69 


25,056 


28,425 


469 


64 


3.578 


4,252 


1,296 


I 2 


I5>440 


2i,8iS 


594 


Il6 


14,772 


25,094 


22 




10,868 


15,138 


106 


s + 


12,987 


17,100 


103 


S 


22,343 


31,649 


188 


Si 


14,238 


■9.599 


5i 


42 


25'377 


29,458 


235 




295.232 


371,577 


18,141 


937 



24,932 
26,230 

19.995 

26,361 

24,49' 

20,230 
19,566 
22,876 
28.958 

5-56° 
::,;:« 
25,116 
15,298 
17.221 

ji,9»8 

1 9, 69 2 
29,693 

380,665 



The surface of the county is diversified, and the 
soil variable and adapted to a wide range of crops. 

• Report of the Com utilization of the Board of Super- 
visors^ 1879. The Cent* f 18755a 1 tins r4, ! ^ s acri 
French's State Gazetteer, 41.;, 200 acres (6J5 square miles- > 

t The meridian of Washington corresponds with the seventy-seventh 
west of rreenwit h. 

finally named Freepori Name changed to Bowei le, March 

26th, 1825; and to Conesus, April 1 5th, 1S25. 

§ [ncluded in Dansville, Steube nty, in 1820. 

N..t given in 1820. 

• [ncluded in Sparta in '820. 



The surface has a general inclination toward the 
north, and consists of two terraces, separated by 
the broad, deep valley of the Genesee, and broken 
in a transverse direction by the streams which flow 
over them. West of the Genesee the country is 
level till we reach its ancient banks, which descend 
by a series of ledges from one to two miles in width. 
The eastern terrace rises similarly to a correspond- 
ing height, attaining its greatest altitude in the well- 
defined ridge which separates Conesus and Hem- 
lock lakes, the former of which is about six hundred 
feet above Lake Ontario, and about one hundred 
and fifty to two hundred feet above Canandaigua 
lake, to which the land descends. The slopes are 
generally smooth and arable, except along the 
banks of the streams, and nearly every acre of land 
in the country is arable. The Genesee Valley 
varies in width from two to four miles, and in the 
south part of the county, where the highest eleva- 
tions are ten to twelve hundred feet above the val- 
leys antl twenty to twenty-two hundred feet above 
tide,* its depth is more than four hundred feet. 
"In a comprehensive view it will be included in 
the great western plain, forming part of the great 
St. Lawrence basin, and probably once part of the 
bed of the lake which covered the wide spreading 
of Ontario and Erie when those inland seas had 
no distinctive existence."! 

Genesee river is the principal stream. It divides 
the county into two unequal portions, and in its 
upper course through it, forms a portion of the 
western boundary. It rises in Potter county, Penn., 
on the great western table-lands of that State, at 
an elevation of nearly two thousand feet,! and in- 
terlocks the head waters of the Allegheny, the west 
branch of the Susquehanna and French Creek. 
Its entire length is about one hundred and forty- 
five miles, one hundred and twenty-five miles of 
its course being in this State. It is a small stream 
in its upper course, and runs sluggishly through a 
rich country to its first series of falls in the town of 
Portage, where it is precipitated over four ledges, 
which are respectively eight, sixty-six, one hundred 
anil ten, and thirteen feet in height.: The entire 

• French's Slate Gazetter, i860. 

of New York, 1S16. 

X At Angelica its bed is 1291 feet above tide, according t.. the report of 

1 railroad. At the head of the great rails at Portage 

11 . 11 Gardeau Flats, 650 feet; at Squaleie Hill. ,74; at 

i 1, 500. Natural History of 'New York. 

§ Gordon's Gazetteer of New York, SpafforoV* Gazetteer (18:4) 

ixtv ami 
ninetj it Disturnefi {Gazetteer of the State ofNew York, 

1842,") mentions three, respectively sixty, hi hundred and ten 

feet, within the space of two miles, "eat It." he says, "differing iii charai 
1,1 .in.! 1 .1. 1 1 having |.ri ul i.u beauties." He ail. Is. "although the cas- 
cades are highly admirable, they are almost disregarded in the wonder 
and fear caused >\ the stupendous perpendicular walls of the river," be 
tween which it flows, "in turns as short and graceful as if winding 
through the adow." 



THE GENESEE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES. 



79 



fall within a distance of two miles, is two hundred 
and seventy-four feet. At the lower fall the bed 
of the stream is bounded on either side by dirt's 
three hundred feet high. Upon the left bank is a 
table rock which was formerly the river bed; and 
upon the right, is a small conical island of rock, 
between which and the table on the other side, the 
stream now flows. Within the memory of the ear- 
liest observers the river flowed almost wholly over 
this table rock, and the isolated mass was joined 
with the right bank of the river. This table rock 
is ninety-six feet above the level of the river below 
the falls, and was formerly continuous to the small 
conical island, which is separated from the main 
bank by a recent gorge, whose bed is about inter- 
mediate between that of the present narrow chan- 
nel and the table rock above, which is composed of 
a fine sandstone, less than two feet thick, resting on 
softer strata beneath.* The upper fall is a mile be- 
low Portageville, and is known as the horse-shoe 
fall, deriving its name from the curve in the face of 
the cliff over which the water flows. Below this is 
the middle fall, which pours an unbroken sheet one 
hundred and ten feet into a chasm bounded by 
perpendicular cliffs. In the west bank, near the 
foot of the falls, an excavation known as the devil's 
oven, has been worn in the rocks, large enough 
when the water is low to seat one hundred persons 
within it. Two or three miles below this point the 
hills approach the river closely, and are separated 
only by a deep chasm, with perpendicular banks of 
aluminous slate four hundred feet high, almost as 
regular as if a work of art, through which the river 
passes in a rapid winding course for a distance of 
three miles, after which it descends by a succession 
of steps nearly as regular as a stair-case, and emerg- 
ing from the narrow channel beneath the shelving 
rock, makes a perpendicular descent. The water 
strikes the base of high rocks and is hurled back at 
nearly right angles into a deep pool overhung with 
shelving rocks, the conical column of rock, or sugar- 
loaf as it. is called, receiving nearly the full force 
of the stream. Thence by a tortuous course of 
ninety miles it flows to Rochester, forming the 
western boundary of the town of Portage and the 
south half of Mt. Morris, and separating that town, 
the north-west corner of Groveland, Geneseo and 
Avon on the east, from Leicester, York and Cale- 
donia on the west. From the head of the falls at 
Portage the descent to Rochester is about seven 
hundred and thirty-six feet, nearly the whole of 
which is between Portage and Mt. Morris. At 

*GtolngyqfNevi }~ork. Part IV.. James Hall, 1843. 



Rochester another series of falls commences, over 
which by leaps of twelve, ninety-seven, twenty and 
one hundred and five feet, the river attains the 
level of the lake, which is two hundred and thirty- 
one feet above tide. From thence it is navigable 
for sloops and steamboats about five miles to its 
recipient. 

The Genesee is subject to an annual overflow, 
the water often covering the entire flats which bor- 
der upon it.* This frequently causes destruction 
of property; but it is a source of constant fertility 
to the soil. In its course through the county it 
has innumerable small curves, which embrace, 
sometimes on the east and others on the west side 
of the valley, fine tracts of alluvian, covered with 
deep, rich and inexhaustable soil. These flats rest 
upon quicksand, twenty feet below the surface, 
and are generally from one to two miles wide. The 
river frequently mingles its waters with the quick- 
sand, and occasionally cuts the base of the hills 
which skirt the valley. Its scenery is both beauti- 
ful and sublime. The views from its banks are 
everywhere beautiful and agreeable, and are fre- 
quently of unsurpassed beauty. 

By an Act of the Legislature passed April 18, 
1828, the river from Rochester to the Pennsylvania 
line was declared a public highway, without preju- 
dice to mills and dams previously erected. Previ- 
ous to the construction of the Genesee Valley 
canal, it was navigated by boats between that city 
and Mt. Morris, and an extensive traffic, which 
was absorbed by that artificial commercial artery, 
was carried on by that means. Both have now- 
succumbed to a more expeditious method of trans- 
portation. 

The principle streams tributary to the Genesee, 
which are generally bordered by steep, and some- 
times precipitous, hillsides, are Canaseraga creek, 
Conesus and Honeoye outlets and Fall Brook on 
the east, the former of which receives as confluent 
near its junction with its recipient, Cashaqua creek ; 
while numerous small streams indent its western 
margin, the principal of which are Beard's and 
White creeks. 

Canaseraga creek rises in the town of Nunda 
and flows thence in a circuitous course, first south- 
east and then north-east, crossing the town of Os- 
sian into Steuben county. It again enters this 
county on the south line of North Dansville, receiv- 
ing near the west line of that town, Mill creek, a 
small but important mill stream. It thence flows 

* In March, 1865, the city of Rochester suffered from a flood, which 
did great damage to private properly, and to the streets, sewers, bridges 
and public works. 



8o 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



in a north-westerly direction, through a rich inter- 
vale, averaging about one and one-half miles in 
width, and resembling in character the Genesee 
flats, crossing the western portion of North 1 >ans- 
ville, forming the boundary line between Sparta 
and West Sparta, and crossing diagonally the town 
of (Iroveland, unites with the Genesee near the 
north-east corner of the town of Mt. Morris. Its 
length exceeds thirty miles. Cashaqua, or Kisha- 
qua creek rises in drove, Allegany county, enters 
this county on the south line of Nunda, crosses the 
south-west part of that town into Portage, which, 
after making a short circuit in its eastern part, and 
furnishing a good water-power which is not as 
much utilized as formerly, it leaves a little north of 
the center of the east border; passing thence into 
the town of Nunda, through the pleasant and once 
thriving village of that name, it pursues a north- 
easterly direction through the north-west part of 
that town, the south-east part of Mt. Morris, giv- 
ing power to the little village of Tuscarora, whose 
business has been ruined by the closing of the 
Genesee Valley canal, and thence through the 
west border of Groveland, which it enters in the 
south-west corner, to its recipient, into which it 
empties near the line between that town and Mt. 
Morns, about a mile from its mouth. A canal 
three miles long in the latter town connects with 
it the waters of the Genesee, and affords to the vil- 
lage of Mt. Morris a valuable water-power. Its 
length is about twenty miles. 

Conesus* and Hemlock lakes are situated in the 
east part of the county, the latter forming a por- 
tion of the eastern boundary. Their outlets are 
good mill streams, and the outlet of Honeoye lake 
into which that of the latter discharges, forms the 
east boundary of the town of Lima, which is also 
the county line. They are the only considerable 
bodies of water in the county. Conesus lake is 
one of the most beautiful sheets of water in this 
region, and, indeed, in the State. Its banks slope 
gently to the water's edge, and are covered with a 
fine forest of oak, hickory, &c, except where the 
hand of industry has replaced them with cultivated 
fields and meadows. It is about nine miles long 
and one wide. Its depth does not exceed sixty 
feet, and for the greater part is much less.t Its 

•The Indian name of this lake was Ganeasost, signifying, "where the 
heavens rest upon the earth. '* Address of Dr. .11. II. Milts ,i! .'//, 
Second Annual Meeting of the Livingston County Pion 
August i, 1S77. From The Dansville Advertiser, Aug. 13, 1S77. 

t Natural History of New York, Part I V., Geology, James Hall, 
Thomas F. Gordon, (Gazelteet I ' •: i I Distumi 

of ike Stale oj 'New York,) and Matherand Brockett, {Geographical 
History 0/ New York,) all state that Conestu Lake iaid to exceed 

300 feet in depth." 



waters are pure and cold. Its outlet is more valu- 
able for hydraulic purposes from its great fall and 
steadiness than its volume. The streams flowing 
into the lake have deep channels. The lake is 
much frequented during the summer months by 
pleasure seekers; and Long Point is hallowed by 
its association with the meetings of the Livingston 
County Pioneer Association. Hemlock lake, though 
smaller than Conesus, is said to surpass it in beaut), 
and has been pronounced "the most attractive of 
all the beautiful chain of lakes which adorn Western 
and Central New York. Its banks rise somewhat 
abruptly from the water's edge to the height of two 
to three hundred feet, and are covered with stately 
pines and hemlocks. Halfway up the slope a ridge 
of splendid chestnuts stretches away as far as the 
eye can reach. It is six miles long and one wide. 
Its depth is remarkable for its size, and is remarka- 
bly uniform, especially the middle and upper por- 
tions, where for several miles it has an easy average 
of eighty feet, occasionally reaching ninety feet ; in 
no part is it a hundred feet deep. For miles at 
the upper end the depth is as great fifteen rods 
from the shore as it is in the middle. At the foot of 
the lake, as at the extreme head, the water is shal- 
low, and abounds with weeds, as do all the coves, 
and the shores where they are not too bold. In 
the deep parts of the lake the water is remarkably 
cold. It is well stocked with black and rock bass, 
anil has become a popular summer resort in that 
region. Within a few years many cottages have 
been erected upon its shores, also places of public 
resort. The Jacques House, at the foot of the lake, 
was the pioneer of Livingston county pleasure 
resorts.* 

The climate of this section is characterized by 
uniformity. The mean temperature does not differ 
materially from that of the whole State; but the 
average annual range of the thermometer is only 
96 , while that of the State is 104 . Yegetation 
in the spring is somewhat in advance of the State 
generally, corresponding with that of Albany. 
The prevalent local wind of this region is from the 
southwest. In the autumn it is violent throughout 
the whole section, and frequently attended with 
rain. The extreme heat of summer is very uni- 
form throughout the State ; only five places out of 
fifty-five show a difference of over ,3 from the 
average of the State, which is 92 . The average 
time throughout the whole State, from the bloom- 
ing of tin- apple tree, to the first killing frost in 

* Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, July, 1871; The Dansville 
, August 9, 1877. 



CLIMATE — SOIL — PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIES. 



81 



autumn, is 174 days. On the west end of Long 
Island it is 12^ days more; and in St. Lawrence 
county, 22 days less. These are the extremes. It 
has been ascertained by numerous observations 
made in this State and New England, that an ele- 
vation of surface of 350 feet produces a diminution 
of heat equal to the addition of a degree of lati- 
tude. Hence we see the influence of our moun- 
tain systems upon the climate of the State. In the 
eastern counties, consumption and other pulmonary 
diseases are the prevailing maladies ; while in the 
western counties bilious affections are more preva- 
lent.* Cutting away the forests has doubtless 
exerted some climatic influence and tended to 
shorten or modify the distinguishing characteristics 
of the spring and autumn seasons. The malarial 
diseases which were so fatally prevalent during the 
clearing process incident to the early settlement of 
the county as to make the death rate greater than 
in any other locality in this countryf have vastly 
diminished, though not entirely subsided; and at 
present there are only sixteen counties in the State 
which show a greater comparative healthfulness as 
indicated by the percentage of deaths — the rate in 
this county being 1.03, while the average for the 
State is 1.15. The maximum rate — -1.41 — is in 
Madison county — the minimum, .85 — in Clinton 
county.J 

The soil of the county is mainly derived from 
the disintegration of the underlying rocks. It con- 
sists of a sandy loam with clay sub-soil upon the 
oaklands which abound in the north, and a deep, 
rich alluvian on the flats bordering the Genesee 
and Canaseraga. Beech and maple was the pre- 
vailing timber on the west side of the river, where 
the soil is a deeper sandy loam. Elm grew on the 
flats and was also common on the uplands. In the 
southern portion, which is better adapted to spring 
crops and grazing, being supplied with an abun- 
dance of pure soft spring-water, the timber consists 
of oak, maple, elm, basswood, butternut, walnut, 
ash, hemlock and white pine. About two-thirds of 
the county is admirably adapted to the culture of 
grain, and wheat of excellent quality is raised in 
great abundance, the product in 1874 being one- 
fifteenth of that of the entire State, and the grain 
product, nearly one-thirty-second part. This great 
staple was raised in its greatest perfection in this 

* Gazetteer of A T ew York, Thomas F. Gordon; Geographical His- 
tory 0/ New York, J. H. Mather and L. P. lirockett, M. D. 

t Address of Dr. D. H. Bissell, of Geneseo, at tJie Second A tutuat 
Meeting of the Livingston County Pioneer Association. Dr. Bissell 
was one of the pioneer physicians and settlers in Livingston county, and 
is one of the few remaining representatives of that early period. 

% Census of 187s. 



section prior to the destructive ravages of the 
weevil in 1855, and the reputation of the Genesee 
wheat surpassed all others in the market. Subse- 
quent to that date its culture greatly diminished. 
In 1836, the surplus product of wheat in the coun- 
ty exceeded a million bushels annually,* while in 
1874, the entire product was only 670,799 bush- 
els,! notwithstanding the increased area under cul- 
tivation by the acquisition of territory and other 
means. 

Joseph Harris, who was editor of the Genesee 
Fanner in 1859, pronounced Western New York 
"the best natural wheat-producing region in the 
world," and said "that the soil lacked none of the 
ingredients which were necessary for the produc- 
tion of wheat, but what could be easily supplied by 
proper manuring and cultivation." 

Grazing is receiving more attention than form- 
erly, especially in the southern part of the county ; 
and though the county does not take a high rank 
in the magnitude of its dairy products, these form 
an important industry and are increasing in value. 
Dairying is confined almost entirely to private fami- 
lies. Fruit of excellent quality grows readily. Bean 
culture is an important industry and has developed 
within the last six years on the east side of the river. 
It was previously carried on quite extensively in York 
and Caledonia, and, though to a less extent, in 
Leicester. In 1874, the county ranked fifth in the 
State in this product, which was nearly one-thir- 
teenth of the entire product. Monroe and Or- 
leans counties, however, produced alone nearly 
one-half; and Livingston about one-seventh of the 
remainder. Broom corn is raised quite extensive- 
ly on the flats, and is manufactured within the 
county. Sheep husbandry, in which, in 1855, 
Livingston county ranked second in the State, in- 
creased in magnitude during thesucceeding decade, 
but in the next one it rapidly diminished to nearly 
one-third its magnitude in T865, although in 1875, 
it still ranked second in the State, and its fleeces 
gave 4,244 pounds more wool than in 1 855. J 
Formerly pork and cattle were staple products. 
Large quantities of pork were cured for market by 
farmers and merchants ; and four or five droves of 
cattle of from 300 to 500 head each were annually 

* Gordon's Gazetteer of New York. 
t Census of 187s. 

X The following table shows the variations in this industry between the 
years 1855 and 187s: — 





No. of Fleeces 


185; 
1864 
1S65 

1*74 
187; 


io6,8j9 
■78,637 
181,991 
80,986 
68,8)Z 



Total Clip. Average Weight of Fleece. 



577,689 


!-5! 


786, 2 S6 


4.40 


776,165 


4.12 


449, Ui 


S!S 


J8l,933 


S.55 



82 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



collected at Geneseo for the Philadelphia and New- 
York markets. Stock raising is still an important 
industry, but is more exclusively confined than 
formerly to improving the domestic herds than to 
fattening for the market. 

The industries of the county are almost exclu- 
sively agricultural, and the disparity between agri- 
cultural and mechanical pursuits is increasing. 
There were eighty-six more manufacturing estab- 
lishments in the county in 1870 than in 1875; and 
in the latter year there were only fifteen counties 
in the State having a less number of manufactur- 
ing establishments than Livingston county. The 
manufactures of the county are mostly confined to 
local needs. 

The soil and climate, aside from intelligent cul- 
tivation, determine the character and magnitude of 
the agricultural productions of the county; and 
since there is little material variation in climate, 
and, though some difference in the quality, but 
little in the character of the soil, we observe a 
great similarity in the staple productions. Hence, 
an analysis of the census with a view to arriving at 
comparative results, will be both interesting and 
instructive. 

In its great staple product — winter wheat — Liv- 
ingston county ranks sixth in the State in the 
quantity produced, (633,148 bushels,) but only 
thirty-fourth in the average yield per acre, which is 

14.62, while the State average is 16.16. In the 
other cereals — corn, oats, rye, barley and buck- 
wheat — it ranks as follows : eighth in corn, yielding 
38.63 bushels to the acre, the State average being 
32.33, the maximum, (Yates county,) 47.82, and 
the minimum, (Albany county,) 168.78 ; twelfth in 
oats, yielding 32.67 bushels to the acre, the State 
average being 28.59, tne maximum, (Monroe coun- 
ty,) 36.97, and the minimum, (Rockland county,) 
19.49; forty-third — next to the lowest — in rye, 
yielding 11.37 bushels to the acre, the State aver- 
age being n. 82, the maximum, (Herkimer county,) 

21.63, and the minimum, (Warren county,) 8.34; 
twenty-fourth in barley, yielding 22.73 bushels per 
acre, the State average being 22.83, tne maximum, 
(Saratoga county,) 32.87, and theminimum, (Rich- 
mond county,) 10.00; and sixteenth in buckwheat, 
yielding 17.10 bushels to the acre, the State aver- 
age being 15.14; the maximum, (Steuben county,) 
19.99, aml tlie minimum, (Albany county,) 9.78. 
In the product of hay it ranks twenty-sixth, yielding 
1. 1 4 tons to the acre, the State average being 1.13, 
the maximum, (Herkimer county,) 1.35, and the 
minimum. (Warren county,). 75; in potatoes, twen- 



ty-sixth, yielding 109.34 bushels to the acre, the 
State average being 102.22, the maximum, (Kings 
county,) 153.64, and the minimum, (Rockland 
county,) 58.03. 

A somewhat different result is obtained by com- 
paring the results on farms of one hundred acres, 
which is, perhaps, a fairer test. By this we find 
that Livingston ranks seventh in winter wheat, 
tenth in barley, fifteenth in corn, twentieth in oats, 
thirty-fourth in rye, fifty-third in hay and forty-fifth 
in potatoes. This at least exhibits more fairly its 
status in its great staple product — winter wheat. 

The ratio of milch cows to the acreage of im- 
proved land, June 1, 1875, was 3.57, the State av- 
erage being 8.44. The maximum ratio, (in Herkimer 
county,) was 1 4. 89, and the minimum, (in Kings 
county,) 3.46. Livingston county ranked fifty-eighth 
— next to the lowest. It ranked twenty-seventh in 
the average yield per cow of dairy products in 
1874, its average being 123, that of the State, 124, 
the maximum, (Orange county,) 172, and the min- 
imum, (Kings county,) 72.* 

In the production of hay, Springwater takes the 
lead, as compared with other towns in the county. 
Conesus, Geneseo, Groveland, Livonia, Mt. Morris 
and York, exceed the general average, which is 3, 7 42 
tons per town. Lima takes the lead in barley, 
producing nearly one-sixth of the entire product of 
the county. Avon, Groveland, Leicester, Livonia, 
Mt. Morris, Sparta and York exceed the general 
average, which is 15,932 bushels per town. Spring- 
water takes the lead in buckwheat, producing 
nearly one-half the quantity raised in the county. 
Nunda, Ossian, Sparta and West Sparta are the 
only towns which exceed the general average which 
is 3,424 bushels per town. Avon takes the lead 
in indian corn. Caledonia, Geneseo, Leicester, 
Lima, Livonia, Mt. Morris and York exceed the 
general average, which is 38,488 bushels per town. 
Springwater produces nearly twice as many oats 
as any other town in the county, except Mt. Mor- 
ris, which produces less than three-fourths as many. 
Avon, Geneseo, Nunda and York are the only 
other towns which exceed the general average — 
44,946 bushels per town. Springwater also takes 
the lead in rye, producing more than one-fourth of 
all that is raised in the county, and, with the excep- 
tion of North Dansville and Sparta, more than 
double the quantity of any other town in the 
county. Ossian is the only other town which ex- 
ceeds the general average — 935 bushels per town. 

• In this estimate two ami a half pounds of cheese, one pound of butter 
and three gallons of milk are considered equivalents. 



COMPARATIVE STATISTICS. 



Avon, Geneseo, Groveland, Lima and Livonia do 
not raise any. Nunda takes the lead in spring 
wheat, producing nearly one-fifth of all that is 
raised in the county. Mt. Morris, Ossian, Sparta, 
Springwater and West Sparta exceed the general 
average — 2,215 bushels per town, Springwater 
trebling it, and Ossian and West Sparta nearly so. 
Caledonia, Geneseo and Groveland did not pro- 
duce any; while Lima raised only 12 bushels, 
Avon 17 and York 99. The towns generally pro- 
duce liberally in winter wheat, Caledonia taking 
the lead with 77,406 bushels. The general aver- 
age is 37,244 bushels per town, and is exceeded by 
all the towns except Conesus, North Dansville, 
(which naturally produces the least quantity, only a 
little more than one-fourth of the average,) Nunda, 
Ossian, Portage, Sparta, Springwater and West 
Sparta. York takes the lead in beans, producing 
a little more than a fourth of the product of the 
county. North Dansville is the only town which 
did not produce any, and Ossian raised the least 
quantity, 46 bushels. The average per town — 
4,692 bushels — -is exceeded only by Avon, Caledo- 
nia, Geneseo, Leicester and York. West Sparta 
takes the lead in hops, producing nearly a third 
of what is raised in the county— 163,561 pounds. 
Conesus, Leicester, Livonia and Nunda are the 
only other towns which exceeded the general aver- 
age — 9,033 pounds per town ; while Caledonia, 
North Dansville, Ossian, Sparta, Springwater and 
York did not produce any. Potatoes were a plen- 
tiful crop in all the towns. Lima taking the lead 
with 51,926 bushels. Avon, Caledonia, Geneseo, 
Livonia, Springwater and York are the only other 
towns which exceed the general average — 26,029 
bushels per town. Avon was the only town which 
raised tobacco, producing 1,400 itis. Apples were 
produced bountifully in all the towns. The greatest 
quantity — 47,212 bushels — was raised in York. 

The number of horses on farms, two years old 
and over, June i, 1875, was proportionate to the 
natural requirements of the towns, Mt. Morris 
having the largest number and North Dansville 
the smallest. All, except North Dansville, closely 
approximate the average number — 689 — and all, 
except Conesus, Leicester, North Dansville, Nun- 
da, Ossian, Portage, Sparta and West Sparta, 
exceed it. The towns generally show a slight in- 
crease in the number of milch cows kept in 1875, 
as compared with 1874, the number in the county 
increasing from 10,259 in 1874 to 10,531 in 1875. 
Springwater had the largest number — 929 — and 
North Dansville the least — 148. Avon, Geneseo, 



Groveland, Lima, Livonia, Mt. Morris, Nunda, 
Sparta and York exceed the average number — 619 
— while Caledonia, Conesus, Ossian and Portage 
closely approximate it. Milk was sent to factories 
from only 256 cows in 1874, and 383 in 1875. 
The number of pounds of butter made in families 
in 1874 was 1,198,134 pounds, (to which all the 
towns contributed generously, ) and of cheese, 43, 1 6 2 
pounds. Springwater produced the largest quan- 
tity of butter — 128,224 pounds — and North Dans- 
ville the smallest— 18,965 pounds. Avon, Caledonia, 
Geneseo, Lima, Livonia, Mt. Morris and Nunda, 
exceed the average per town — 70,478 — but none 
of them very largely; while Conesus, Groveland, 
Ossian, Sparta, West Sparta and York closely ap- 
proximate it. Groveland produces the greatest 
quantity of cheese — -21,000 pounds — nearly half of 
the product of the county. The only other town 
which approached it was Ossian, which made 8,400 
pounds. The product of the other towns ranged 
from 450 to 2,820 pounds, though the majority of 
them made less than a thousand pounds. All the 
towns are large pork producers, the entire product 
of the county in 1874 being 2,529,205 pounds, of 
which Avon produced the greatest quantity — 
254,661 pounds, and North Dansville the least — 
34,225. All the towns, except Conesus, Leicester, 
North Dansville, Nunda, Ossian, Portage, Sparta 
and West Sparta, exceed the average per town — 
148,777 pounds. 



CHAPTER VIII.* 



Geology — Succession of Underlying Rocks in 
the County — -Water-lime of the Onondaga 
Salt Group — Onondaga Limestone — Cornif- 
erous Limestone — Marcellus Shales — 
Hamilton Group — Genesee Slate — Portage 
Group — Cashaqua Shale — Gardeau Shale 
and Flagstones — Portage Sandstones — 
Diagonal Lamination — Ripple Marks — Casts 
of Shrinkage Cracks — Concretions or Sep- 
taria — Casts of Flowing Mud, &c— Indica- 
tions of Coal — Sulphuretted Hydrogen 
Springs — Avon Springs — Brine Springs — 
Alluvial Deposits — Marl — Chara — Masto- 
don Remains — Speculations as to the Time 
when the Mastodon Existed. 

H^HE lowest rock in the county is the water-lime 

1 of the Onondaga salt group. Above this, as we 

proceed south, appear in succession the Onondaga 

•In preparing this chapter we have relied mainly on the (/,. 
Ntw York, Part IV., by James Hall. 



»4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and corniferous limestones, the Marcellus shale, the 
Hamilton group, Genesee slate and Portage group, 
the latter occupying the high lands in the southern 
part of the county. 

The thick-bedded hydraulic limestone passes 
through Caledonia and Avon. In the former town 
it is quarried in several localities, chiefly for build- 
ings and enclosures. It underlies the village of 
Caledonia, extending thence south-easterly towards 
the Genesee, reappearing on the other side, and 
extending north-easterly to Mendon. In several 
instances where it has been burned for cement it 
has been found unfit for the purpose, either from 
improper composition or from the mode of burning. 

For a distance of two or three miles south-east 
of Caledonia village these Hat masses of the drab 
limestone are scattered over the surface, in many 
places in sufficient quantities for enclosures ; its 
out-cropping edges approach so near the surface as 
to be turned up by the plow. At the Wadsworth 
quarry, three and one-half miles south-east of Cal- 
edonia, it was quarried in large quantities for use 
on the Genesee Valley canal. It is easily quarried, 
splitting into masses of any dimension, and be- 
comes very hard and brittle on exposure. The 
upper seven feet of the mass is often in one course, 
though generally divided into two ; this portion and 
a course of two feet below, contain numerous ir- 
regular cavities, often filled with greenish clay, gyp- 
sum, and sulphate of strontian, blende, &c. In 
some of these cavities there are remains of some 
coralline fossils, the greater part having been expel- 
led, probably by the action of sulphuric acid, which 
formed, with the lime, gypsum, and with strontian, 
its sulphates. The same causes which here produced 
the small nodules of gypsum were in operation over 
a large extent, to form the immense quantity which 
occupies a place in the rocks beneath the drab 
limestone. Owing to this circumstance only, we 
find no fossils in the gypseous rocks ; for none could 
exist in a sea where sulphuric acid was a free in- 
gredient. 

The Onondaga limestone is but a thin mass in 
this county, scarcely appearing except in a few lo- 
calities. The principal of these is at Caledonia, 
where it is a thick compact mass, with a few thin 
layers separated by shale, and contains agreat num- 
ber of Cyathophylli Favosites and other fossils. It 
extends also for several miles north-west from the 
village, maintaining the same character, and the 
surface is strewed with fragments which contain its 
typical fossils. It abounds in its usual coralline 
fossils, but there are no places where it is sufficient- 



ly developed for quarrying. Its usual characteristic 
is a light-gray color, often approaching to white, 
more or less crystalline in structure. In many in- 
stances it is almost entirely composed of broken 
and comminuted fragments of crinoidea and corals, 
sometimes extremely attenuated, and at other times 
fragments of large size are presented. These frag- 
ments of crinoidal columns, with some of the other 
fossils are frequently of a pink or reddish color, 
and give a beautiful variegated appearance to the 
mass, particularly when polished. The Corniferous 
limestone scarcely extends into the town of Lima, 
but forms the substratum of the northern portion 
of Avon, and in the river valley extends as far south 
as the center of the town. It occupies a width of 
from two to four or five miles, dipping gradually 
to the south under the Marcellus shales. It is 
quarried in the outlet of Conesus lake, and on a 
small stream a short distance further east ; at these 
places only a few feet of the upper part of the mass 
are seen. It is easily quarried in blocks of large 
dimensions, and is nearly free from hornstone. It 
was wrought for use on the Genesee Valley canal. 
The fossils at this place consist chiefly of Stropho- 
mena negosa, Atrypa affinus, Delthyris, and some 
fragments of trilobites. The greater portion of this 
rock, on the east side of the river, is covered by a 
deep alluvium, which renders it difficult to trace its 
bearing and outcrop with extreme accuracy. On 
the west side of the river it first makes its appear- 
ance in the south-east corner of Caledonia, near 
the town line. Two miles south-east of Caledonia 
village a very extensive quarry has been opened on 
the west bank of a small stream, on the Christie 
place, from which large quantities of the gray por- 
tion of this limestone were taken for the construc- 
tion of locks, aqueducts, &c, for which purpose 
no better stone can be found. It is mostly free 
from seams and is easily quarried and dressed. The 
whole thickness exposed does not exceed ten feet, 
the courses varying from one to two and one-half 
feet, and being thicker than elsewhere in the State 
to the westward of Seneca Lake. None of the 
layers preserve a continuity of thickness. Some- 
times the courses are separated by a thin, irregular 
course of hornstone; at others this hornstone is in 
the center, or near the surface of the layer of lime- 
stone. 

From Christie's Quarry the limestone pursues a 
north-west direction, passing just to the south of 
Caledonia village ; it crosses the road a little west 
of that place, and pursues the same direction to 
the top of the terrace on the south side of Allen's 



GEOLOGICAL FEATURES. 



85 



creek. In the west and north-west part of Cale- 
donia large numbers of fossils are found in it, the 
lowest portion of the rock is thick-bedded and com- 
pact, while above it contains a large proportion of 
hornstone, and in some places is composed almost 
entirely of that substance. Being in irregular shaped 
masses, and surrounded by limestone, which de- 
composes on exposure, it is scattered over the sur- 
face in rough and shapeless forms. These fragments 
are crossed in every direction by innumerable fis- 
sures, which are expanded by freezing water, and 
the whole falls into small fragments which, in many 
places, literally cover the surface for many acres. 
Where the road crosses this part of the rock, it has 
the appearance of being made in a bed of flints. 
From the jagged and irregular appearance of the 
hornstone rock, as its occurs in detached masses, 
it has received the familiar and expressive name of 
" chawed rock" This rock is the best material for 
road making which Western New York affords. 
Where it approaches the surface the soil is rather 
barren, producing only a growth of dwarf oaks ; 
but where there is a tolerable proportion of finer 
materials, it produces a fertile soil. A large pro- 
portion of the native growth along this terrace con- 
sists of oaks. 

The Marcel lus shales possess their usual essen- 
tial characters ; the middle portions being quite 
compact and highly bituminous, becoming more 
slaty above and below. The compact part of the 
shale usually contains large septaria; these some- 
times consist of large silico-calcareous masses, with- 
out seams of crystalline matter. This rock follows 
the same course as the limestone. Commencing 
on the east near the north line of the county, it 
passes south-west to the Genesee; thence its course 
is north-west through Caledonia, passing into Gene- 
see county near the north line of this town. 

On the Conesus outlet, near the lower saw-mill 
at Avon, this shale may be seen resting on the lime- 
stone. About thirty-five feet from the bottom of 
the shale there is a stratum of limestone one foot 
thick, sometimes concretionary, and containing 
Orthoceras, fragments of trilobites, &c. For sev- 
eral feet below this the rock is black, slaty and 
very fragile. A few feet of the shale above this 
limestone is black and slaty; it abounds in fossils 
of Orthoceras, Orthis, Strophomeiia, Avicula, and 
a very small species of Orbicula. Above this the 
mass graduates into a grayish or bluish gray slaty 
shale, and contains few fossils. This shale is seen 
in the ravines and hillsides on the west-side of the 
Genesee, extending through the north-east corner 



of York, and thence through the south-west part of 
Caledonia. In the south part of this town two ex- 
cavations, one on each side of a small shallow val- 
ley originally worn in this shale, were made for 
coal. The indications which induced the under- 
taking were the black and highly bituminous char- 
acter of the shale, thin seams of coaly matter and 
petroleum. North of the valley on the McLean 
farm, the same shale was penetrated in digging a 
well. Some portions of the rock are so highly 
charged with bitumen as to burn when thrown into 
a hot fire. Numerous excavations for coal have 
been made in these shales as well as in the upper 
Genesee slate, and in each alike fruitless. 

The Hamilton group, consisting of several mem- 
bers, but the product of one period, is exposed in 
numerous localities in the county, and is every 
where highly fossiliferous. Its destruction has af- 
forded the highly fertile argillaceous soil which is 
everywhere so productive of wheat in this part of 
the State, and, perhaps, nowhere more so than in 
this county. It occupies a belt of country from 
five to eight miles wide covering nearly the whole 
of the towns of Avon and York, a part of Geneseo, 
Leicester and Caledonia. The deep valley of the 
Genesee, with numerous lateral ravines and water 
courses, renders this county one of the most de- 
sirable localities for examining its rocks. 

On Jack's Run the Ludlowville and Moscow 
shales can both be seen, separated by the thin 
mass of crinoidal limestone. The Moscow shale 
is known by its fossils, the Calymene and Cryph- 
eeits ; while the Atrypa concentrica and large num- 
bers of Cyathophylli and other corals characterize 
the Ludlowville shale. In some localities the 
Cyathophylli and smaller corallines occur in the 
Moscow shales, but are not characteristic of this 
mass. At York the Ludlowville shale is exposed 
on a small stream near the village ; but the fossils 
are chiefly Cyathophyllites and Favosites, both in 
great perfection and beauty. Among the former 
there is a specimen in the State collection, consist- 
ing of twenty-six individuals of the species turbina- 
tuiii (?) all closely grouped together. In the same ra- 
vine several hundred feet lower, and in several other 
localities may be seen a hard calcareous shale, or 
shaly limestone, which, though of interest elsewhere, 
possesses here but little economic importance. At 
Moscow, the locality which gives name to the 
upper number of this group of fossiliferous shales, 
they are exposed in great perfection and contain 
an abundance of the characteristic fossil. These 
are the Colymene bu/o, Cryphceus ea/lileles, Atrypa 



86 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



affinis and two or three species of Delthyris. The 
principal locality is in the bed and banks of 
Beard's Creek, on the Jerediah Horsford place, 
where more than fifty species of fossils have been 
found. The rock at this place is a pure calcareous 
mudstone, of a blueish color on first exposure, but 
weathering to a whiteish ashen. Its decomposition 
is hastened by the diffusion of iron pyrites which 
sometimes replace the fossil bodies. The Mos- 
cow shale is exposed in a ravine and the bed of a 
small stream, near the residence of Hon. G. W, 
Patterson. These localities are in a deep valley 
of denudation, and much below the general eleva- 
tion of the surrounding country, the surface of 
which is occupied by the Genesee slate. It is also 
seen at the base of the fall on Fall Brook, south of 
Geneseo village, and near the Conesus outlet, 
along which the lower division of the group is ex- 
posed at several places. 

The Genesee slate extends through the coun- 
try in an irregular course. From the outlet of 
Conesus Lake its direction is south-west till it 
comes to the level of the Genesee Valley in Grove- 
land and Mt. Morris. From the west side of this 
valley its course is north-west to the south part 
of the town of York, whence it continues westward 
to Allen's creek. It appears in the ravines both 
east and west of Moscow; also in a hill crossed in 
going from Moscow toward the Genesee, and in 
the hillside ascending from the valley to Geneseo. 
The same shale is seen in Fall Brook, where the 
water leaps a hundred feet from the top of this 
rock. It underlies the village of Geneseo, and is 
seen in many places on the road east from that 
place, and in the ravines between it and Conesus 
lake. In this neighborhood the black shale is 
succeeded by a thin stratum of impure limestone 
which has been burned for lime near Moscow. At 
the bridge crossing the Genesee near Mt. Morris, 
and for a mile in the perpendicular cliffs forming 
the gorge in that river, the Genesee slate is well 
exposed, possessing all its essential characteristics, 
being bituminous, containing thin seams of coal, 
great numbers of septaria, sometimes irregularly 
scattered, at other times in regularly courses. Its 
greatest development in Western New York is at 
the opening of the gorge at Mt. Morris. 

The Portage group covers the remaining south 
half of the county. It presents an immense 
development of shale and flagstones, together 
with some thick-bedded sandstone towards its 
upper part. Like all the other mechanical depos- 
its of the system, as they appear in New York, it is 



extremely variable in character. From its superior 
development along the banks of the Genesee in 
the town of Portage, in the locality of the middle 
fall, it has received the name of the town to dis- 
tinguish it from the higher rocks, which possess 
some differences in lithological characters, but a 
more striking dissimilarity in organic remains. The 
group rises sometimes in a gentle slope, and at 
other times abruptly from the softer shales below. 
The enduring sandstones of the upper part have 
enabled it to withstand denuding action to a con- 
siderable degree, and these often extend far north- 
ward to the elevated grounds between the deep 
north and south valleys, presenting a gentle north 
slope to the shales of the Hamilton group ; while 
on the sides of the same hills the slope is abrupt, 
and the surface being but little covered with north- 
ern drift, the valleys on either side are bounded by 
steep hills. This character is well illustrated along 
the south part of the Genesee Valley towards 
Dansville. 

The change in the external appearance of the coun- 
try indicates the commencement of these rocks, 
although they are not seen. The valleys just spoken 
of, in their course through the shales of the Hamilton 
group, present gently sloping sides, and the country 
rarely rises far above the level of the valley bottom 
or bed of the stream. On approaching the north 
margin of the Portage group, the observer finds a 
gradually increasing elevation of the hills on either 
side, and an abruptness in their slope ; and in a 
short time he finds himself in a deep valley, 
bounded on either side by hills rising four hundred 
or five hundred feet, and in some instances even 
eight hundred feet above the bed of the stream. 
These elevations often extend several miles un- 
broken, except partially by the deep ravines which 
indent their sides. The higher sandstones of the 
group, and in many instances some of the inter- 
mediate ones, produce falls in the streams which 
pass over them, and some of the most beautiful 
cascades in the State are found among the rocks 
of this gronp. The highest perpendicular fall of 
water in the State is produced by the rocks of this 
group, and in none others do we meet with more 
grand and striking scenery. Conspicuous among 
these are the upper, middle and lower Portage falls. 

On the Genesee, which affords the best develop- 
ment in this district, the group admits of these 
subdivisions: i. Cashaqua shale; 2. Gardeau 
shale and flagstones ; 3. Portage sandstone. 

The Cashaqua Shale differs sufficiently in litho- 
logical and fossil characters from those above to be 



GEOLOGICAL FEATURES. 



87 



considered under a separate name, which was 
given it from its perfect development on Cashaqua 
creek. The mass at this place is a soft argillaceous 
rock of a green color, rapidly crumbling on expos- 
ure, and forming a tenaceous clay. From the in- 
fluence of atmospheric agency, it is very difficult to 
procure good specimens; and fossils not being 
abundant, they might be easily overlooked. It is, 
however, marked by certain species of shells which 
have not been seen in any other rock, and these 
have been found to hold the same position over an 
extent of a hundred and fifty miles. On Casha- 
qua creek, and in some other places in the same 
neighborhood, it contained some flattened concre- 
tions of impure limestone, and sometimes of sand- 
stone, but of these it presents no continuous layers. 
It is deeply excavated, presenting high and abruptly 
sloping banks, which project into the valley on one 
side and recede on the other, as the stream widens 
along its course below. In looking down the 
stream, the slopes of these cliffs are free from veg- 
etation, while on the opposite side they are entirely 
covered, often with large trees. This effect 
is produced by the action of the meandering 
stream, which flows in its channel from one side of 
the gorge to the other, continually undermining 
the rock, which crumbles down from above, thus 
constantly presenting a fresh surface. From one 
hundred and ten feet on the Genesee, the rock 
diminishes to thirty-three feet on Eighteen Mile 
creek. 

Along the Genesee, above the Cashaqua shale, 
the Gardeau shale and flagstones present a great 
development of green and black slaty and sandy 
shales, with thin layers of sandstone, which form 
beautiful and durable flagstones, and are quarried 
in many places between Stony Brook in Sparta 
and Dansville, where materials were obtained for 
locks, bridges, etc., on the Genesee Valley canal. 
The shale in the upper part of the ravine formed 
by Stony Brook has been ground and used as a 
plaster. The rocks in this part of the group form 
high, almost perpendicular banks on the Genesee, 
only indented by the incipient ravines caused by 
slides and the action of running water. From 
their great exposure on the Gardeau Reservation, 
that name was adopted to distinguish this part of 
the formation, in the lower part of which the shales 
consist of alternations of green slaty and sandy 
shales with black slaty shale, one or two thin 
courses of sandstone occurring in the space of four 
or five feet. As we ascend, the arenaceous matter 
increases in quantity, the layers are thicker and 



more numerous, and the shale forms distinct alter- 
nations of black and green, often many times in 
succession, within the space of fifty feet. Towards 
the upper part the courses of sandstone become 
too thick for flagstones, and the shale is in thicker 
masses than below. These characters, however, 
which are sufficiently obvious in the gorge 
of the Genesee, are not constant for any great 
distance in either direction. Toward the east 
the arenacious strata augment in a great degree 
to the exclusion of the shales ; while in a 
westerly direction the sandstones are constantly 
disappearing, and the proportion of shale con- 
stantly increasing. With the absence of sandy 
strata and the augmentation of shale, a kw fossils 
which were rather sparingly seen along the Gene- 
see and in the east part of the district, become 
more numerous, and form a distinguishing feature 
of the rock. 

The Portage sandstones are well exposed in the 
deep gorge below Portageville, where the perpen- 
dicular cliffs rise to the height of three hundred 
and fifty feet. The upper part consists of thick 
bedded sandstone, with little shale ; while below, 
the sandy layers become thinner with more fre- 
quent alternations of shale. The thick-bedded 
character of the sandstones, and the presence of 
fucoids passing vertically through the strata, in- 
duced the separation from the rocks below, where 
the characteristic species of the same genus lie 
horizontally upon the surface of the strata. The 
lithological character of the sandstone, and the 
presence of the vertical fucoid, hold uniform over 
a considerable extent ; and the presence of the 
latter alone is often sufficient to decide the posi- 
tion of the rock, when it is but slightly exposed. 
The higher mass of sandstone of the Portage group 
is very persistent and forms a line of demarkation 
between the almost non-fossiliferous shales and 
sandstones below, and the highly fossiliferous sand- 
stones and shales above. 

Canaseraga creek and its branches in the vicinity 
of Dansville, offer good exposures of the rocks of 
this group. The small streams flowing into the 
Genesee Valley between Dansville and Ml. Morris, 
on both sides, afford good opportunities for inves- 
tigation. Cashaqua creek is the best of these. The 
Genesee in its passage from Portage to Mt. Morris, 
exposes the whole series of rocks in five mural 
escarpments which rise from fifty to three hun- 
dred and fifty feet high. The examination of this 
gorge throughout its whole length will give a most 
perfect and connected view of all the subdivisions 



88 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



of this group, the thickness of which on the Gene- 
see cannot be less than one thousand feet. 

Carbonaceous matter is disseminated through the 
black shales, and sometimes appears in seams of 
half an inch thick. Some fragments of large vege- 
table forms appear, and thin laminae of coal usu- 
ally accompany these. From the frequency of these 
small seams of coal, which are usually of no greater 
extent than the specimen procured, excavations 
and borings have been undertaken in search of 
larger beds. It is unnecessary to say, says Mr. 
Hall, that these always fail, as do all similar un- 
dertakings in rocks of this period. Traces of coal 
have been found in Conesus ; and as late as 1876, 
the community was considerably agitated by the 
discovery of a vein in the wall of a deep gully, 
known as the Purchase gully, near the center of the 
town, about thirty rods south of the foundation of 
the old Purchase grist-mill. "The vein is an inch 
in width and seems to widen and thicken as it 
extends into the rock. It is about ten feet above 
the water, which winds at the foot of rocks fifty 
feet in height at this place. Coal is seen in 
other places, but nowhere in sufficient quantities to 
pay for mining." Formerly it was found in the 
north-west part of the town on the Adam and Cyrus 
Trescott farms; also on Turkey Hill, in digging 
wells, slight veins were seen. More recently, in 
September, 1880, coal was discovered by workmen 
engaged in digging a well on the Mountain Dew 
premises, at the head of Liberty street in the vil- 
lage of Dansville. " In the search for water, much 
rock was encountered, necessitating drilling and 
blasting ; and at the depth of twenty-four feet below 
the surface of the earth a vein of superior soft coal 
was struck, of about four inches in thickness in 
either way, while coal slate was plentiful."* 

The country underlaid by the rocks of this group 
is well watered by never-failing springs. Except 
where the black slaty shale is thick, there is no dif- 
ficulty in procuring water. In such instances the 
vertical joints appeal to be more open, and to 
allow the percolation of water through the mass. 
There is here no remedy but to bore through the 
black to the green shales, which are less divided 
by joints, and usually impervious to water. 

In some parts of the country occupied by this 
group we first notice a deficiency in the calcareous 
matter in the soil. This change is indicated by a 
different growth of timber, and a corresponding 
changein the cultivated products of the soil. Wheat 
does not always produce a sure crop after the field 

* TheDansvilte Advcrti mbei ij, 1880. 



has been cultivated for some years. When first 
cleared the land produces good crops of all the grains. 
In this statement, however, must not be included 
the valleys and low northern slopes, which are 
deeply covered with northern drift and alluvium, 
containing a large proportion of calcareous matter. 
This on examination proves to be composed of the 
ruins of the limestone and calcareous shales before 
described, with a small admixture of sand. This 
kind of soil is but sparingly spread over the higher 
grounds, and in many of the highest places is not 
known at all. In consequence of its absence, the 
character and productions of the soil of the valleys 
and of the hills are quite different. The soil derived 
from the lower part of the group is a stiff clay, the 
soil being in too small proportions to produce much 
perceptible effect. As we ascend, the arenaceous 
matter increases, and the broken fragments of the 
sandy strata become intermixed with the finer ma- 
terials, giving it the character of a clayey gravel. 
The fragments, however, show little effect of attri- 
tion, and from being flat and irregular, the soil is 
known locally as "flat gravel," to distinguish it 
from that of the valleys, where the fragments are 
rounded into the form of pebbles. 

In the valleys and on the low northern slopes of 
this group, the soil produces wheat with the same 
facility and equal certainty as the formations north 
of it. As we ascend to the south, the wheat crops 
are less abundant and less certain, and this gives 
place to the coarser grains and to pasturage. For 
the latter object the soil is superior to that on the 
north of it, and the evidence is fully substantiated 
by the increasing number of cattle and the produce 
of the dairies. 

In the Cashaqua shale there are several species 
of shells which have not been seen in any other 
rock, and at the same time there are no fossils 
found with them which are known in other rocks 
beyond the group. The more common forms are 
the Avicula speciosa, I 'ngulina suborbiscularis, 
Bellerophon expansus, Orthoceras aviculum, Cly- 
menia ( f ) cotnplanata, Goniatites sinuosis, Pinnopsis 
acutirostra, and Pinnopsis ornatus, all of which are 
found on Cashaqua Creek, and the first also on the 
Genesee. The following fossils occur in the more 
central or higher part of the group, but, with the 
exception of the last, are unknown in the Cashaqua 
shale: Delthyris lavis, Cardium(?)vetustum, Or- 
tkis termistrata, Lucina ( ?)retusa, Nucula lineolata, 
Astarte- subtextilis, Bellerophon sfriatus(f), Goni- 
atites bicostatus, Goniatites sinuosis. The Cyatho- 
crinus omatissimus, among the most beautiful 



GEOLOGICAL FEATTRKS. 



89 



crinoideans in the system, occurs in this group, but 
only in a limited stratum, upon the shore of Lake 
Erie, in the town of Portland. The sculptured 
column and tentaculated arms and fingers place it 
among the most ornamental forms of this family of 
fossils. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen springs are numerous, and 
occur in almost every rock in the district, but 
those which are copious in water and highly charged 
with gas, are confined to a few situations. The 
most important ones are those issuing from the 
rocks of the upper part of the Onondaga salt group; 
these being almost the only ones resorted to for 
the medical properties of their waters. They con- 
tain, besides the gas, carbonate and sulphate of 
lime, which are deposited upon the stones and 
twigs over which the waters flow. At some there 
is a considerable formation of calcareous tufa, often 
covered with a yellow coating, which apparently 
consists of sulphur, and sulphate of lime. The 
water is usually perfectly limpid, though sometimes 
it has a whitish or chalky appearance when first 
flowing from the spring. Such are the springs 
which occur at Avon.* 

There are several unimportant brine springs in 
the higher rocks of the district. The most remark- 
able of these is at York, which, for some time after 
its discovery, yielded a large supply of water, but 
which has since diminished. It gives evidence 
of a large proportion of iodine on the application 
of the usual tests. It issues from the shale of the 
Hamilton group. A sulphur spring, evolving sul- 
phuretted hydrogen gas, issues from the upper part 
of the Onondaga salt group at Caledonia village ; 
another near Moscow, issuing from the Hamilton 
group, evolves the same gas. 

The superficial or alluvial deposits are extensive 
in the valley of the Genesee, and originated mainly 
at a time when that valley of ancient excavation 
formed the basin of an immense lake, extending 
from Dansville on the south to its northern extrem- 
ity, with original outlet at Irondequoit, and into 
which the detritus was poured through the valleys 
south of Dansville and that of Cashaqua creek, 
forming the deep beds of alluvian observed about 
Dansville and below the mouth of the Cashaqua, 
and spreading over the entire valley a fine sandy 
loam. An examination of this deep deposit on the 
Genesee flats shows conclusively that it was made 
in a lake such as described, with a current passing 
through it from south to north. The deposit was 
evidently carried forward in that direction, as indi- 

• See chapter Town of Avon. 



cated by the lines of lamination. The coarser 
materials, at the points mentioned, near the em- 
bouchures of the streams into this lake, are in con- 
siderable proportion of southern origin. As an 
illustration of this may be noticed the accumulation 
of gravel and sand resting on regularly stratified 
clay, at Squakie Hill, near Mt. Morris. The exca- 
vation of the Genesee Valley canal exposed a deep 
section at this place, showing the lower deposit of 
fine clay horizontally stratified, and succeeded by a 
stratum of coarse pebbles and gravel, and above 
this loose sand and gravel, the ruins of rocks on 
the south. This shows the inundation of these 
materials after the deposition of clay and loam 
forming the Genesee flats. 

In the vicinity of Portageville we find an immense 
deposit of coarse sand and gravel, piled upon an 
older deposit of sand and clay. The lower deposit 
is regularly stratified, and consists in part of 
materials of northern origin. This appears to have 
been partially excavated, and another deposit 
spread over it of materials from the south, consist- 
ing of flat masses of sandstone and scarcely worn 
pebbles, with loam and gravel. It is entirely dis- 
tinct from the formation below, and proceeded 
from a long subsequent operation. The excava- 
tion of the (ienesee Valley canal has given an 
opportunity of examining these deposits in a very 
satisfactory manner. 

In the broad indentation on the east side of the 
river, opposite the middle falls, the canal passes 
along the slope of the hill, which rises nearly two 
hundred feet higher. The lowest deposit excavated 
at this point consists of alternating clay and quick- 
sand, which, about one hundred feet lower, rest 
upon the rocks of the Portage group. This de- 
posit of clay and quicksand extends about one 
hundred feet above the level of the canal, when it 
is succeeded by sand and gravel. For more than 
two hundred feet from the bottom, the mass con- 
sists of alternating layers of sand from two to 
eighteen inches, with layers of clay of half an inch 
to two inches, each becoming thicker as we ap- 
proach the upper part, where the quicksand layers 
are fifteen to twenty feet. The upper layer of fif- 
teen feet thickness becomes perfectly saturated 
with water, and is termed liquid quicksand; and 
this is succeeded by the deposit of coarse sand and 
gravel, which is of subsequent origin, containing 
materials from the rocks of the south, mingled with 
some of the older drift deposits which have been 
broken up. Through this the water percolates, 
saturating the mass below, and giving it the char- 



9° 



HISTORY OF LIYINCSTON COUNTY. 



acter of quicksand. Fragments of the trunks of 
trees have been found in this deposit, in a layer 
of clay about thirty-five feet below the gravel. 
The whole of the lower deposit, consisting of 
regularly alternating layers of clay and sand, was 
evidently deposited in a quiet lake, while the sub- 
sequent one of gravel and coarse sand was brought 
on by some powerful inundation from the south. 
The fragments of wood are doubtless such as were 
drifted from the higher grounds into this lake, and 
sinking to the bottom were covered by the subse- 
quent sediment. In several similar situations, 
bones of the mastodon have been found, and con- 
sequently referred to the drift period. These facts, 
however, offer no arguments in favor of such an 
hypothesis ; for in all instances which occur in 
Western New York, there is the strongest evidence 
of their having been transported from their origi- 
nal situation, and mingled with the more modern 
tluviatile or lake deposits. 

Another circumstance to be noticed in connec- 
tion with this section, is a superficial deposit of 
about ten feet in depth, covering the whole slope 
from the base of the gravel hill to the bank of the 
river. This surface deposit is composed of the 
ruins of the gravel hill, with the clay and sand be- 
low. From the constant oozing of water from the 
lower deposit, it undermines that above, which fall- 
ing, carries with it something of those below, the 
whole constituting a moving mass, saturated with 
water. Its nature only became fully understood 
upon the excavation of the canal, when all that 
part above commenced sliding down, completely 
destroying the work. Farther examination proved 
that the whole hillside, for ten feet in depth, was in 
motion towards the river, and of course no exca- 
vation or fixture could be made permanent on such 
a foundation. In proof of this, and that such for 
a long time has been its condition, we find that 
the oaks which grow upon the hill towards the 
top, have slidden down the rocky margin of the 
river, where they stand among the hemlocks and 
cedars, sometimes upright, but often leaning in 
various directions. The whole surface for half a 
mile, is saturated with water, and springs gush out 
at every step. 

In nearly all situations the muck swamps are 
underlaid by a deposit of calcareous marl. This 
is usually very finely pulverulent, and, though co- 
hering when wet. is very friable when dry. When 
this calcareous deposit is made upon the surface, 
or in situations exposed to the air, it becomes tufa 
or travatine, often preserving in a most beautiful 



manner, the impressions of twigs and leaves, etc., 
so perfectly that the species may be determined. 

This mail is derived from two sources, one being 
the limestone rocks themselves, and the other the 
calcareous particles distributed through the super- 
ficial detritus, the origin of which is still the lime- 
stone formations. The drift materials being com- 
posed, in a large portion, of the debris of the 
rocks of the district, calcareous matter is widely 
diffused. This is not only a constant fertilizing 
agent in the soil, but from the action of rains upon 
the surface, and the passage of water through these 
superficial deposits, the calcareous matter is dis- 
solved and carried forward into some lower situa- 
tion, where it accumulates in the bottom of the 
small lakes and marshes. Some of the most ex- 
tensive formations of this kind in the district are 
made upon the Onondaga salt group, and are de- 
posited from the copious springs which rise along 
its southern margin. 

These deposits of marl usually rest upon a bed 
of clay or sand, and are succeeded by muck. In 
the greater number of localities its formation has 
long since come to an end, but in others it is still 
in progress. In many of the springs issuing from 
the rocks, its daily deposition can be observed ; it 
incrusts all the vegetables growing in the stream, 
and, in favorable situations, forms deposits of con- 
siderable extent. The tufa is used for building- 
stone ; being soft, when first removed from its bed. 
it is easily cut, or hewn into blocks of convenient 
size. These, after drying, become comparatively 
hard, and form a durable material. There are, 
however, but few situations where there is a quan- 
tity sufficient to allow of its being used in this 
manner. 

Remains of the mastodon have been found 
within the county. In 1825, while a ditch was 
being opened to drain the swampy tract on which 
are located the springs which supply the village of 
Geneseo with water, a large number of bones, in- 
cluding several teeth of the mastodon maximus 
were found beneath a deposit from two to three 
feet deep, of muck intermingled with a sandy cal 
careous marl. The animal was young, as eight 
molar teeth were found — old ones having only one 
molar on either side of each jaw.* A molar tooth 
of this animal, the only known remaining specimen 
of this collection, t was in the possession of the late 
C. H. Bryan, of Geneseo, and is illustrated in the 
Geological Reports of this State. Ten years later 

* Silliman's Journal, First Sorie* -\7/., j8o, 
t Geological Rtporls. 



THE DANSVILLE MASTODON. 



9i 



other mastodon remains were found in a swamp, 
about three feet below the surface, while men were 
engaged in straightening the road from Scottsburg 
to Conesus lake. Portions of this collection are 
now in the cabinet of the LeRoy Female Semi- 
nary. The most important discovery of this charac- 
ter was made in 1874, on the farm of Edward 
Whiteman, in the town of Wayland, about two 
miles from the south corporation line of Dansville 
village.* The first discovery was made accident- 
ally by Mr. Whiteman, while engaged in digging 
a ditch through a long swail on that farm early in 
the preceding December. Two teeth, a tusk, and 
fragments of ribs and vertebra of the mastodon 
giganteuswere then unearthed. The teeth weighed 
respectively five pounds and five pounds and three 
ounces. One was seven inches long and four and 
one-half inches wide, and, although an inch or two 
of the points of the roots had crumbled off, seven 
and one-half inches from top to bottom. The 
other was seven inches long and thick and four 
inches wide. In the spring of 1874 further ex- 
aminations were made under the direction of 
Dr. F. Perine, of Dansville, and partially in the 
presence of Prof. Jerome Allen, of the Geneseo 
Normal School. Additional portions of the ani- 
mal were discovered, consisting of a part of a tusk, 
a part of a lower leg bone, a nearly complete ver- 
tebra, three teeth, a part of a rib, the head of a 
femur and a portion of the humerus. The tusk 
measured nine feet two inches in length, and 
twenty-five inches in circumference. It is believed 
that it was not less than fourteen feet long before 
any portion of it was decayed. The piece of leg 
bone was thirty-five inches long, ten inches thick 
at the upper end and nine at the lower; it weighed 
twenty-eight pounds. The piece of rib bone was 
thirty-eight inches long and three and one-half 
inches wide. The vertebra, apart from its connec- 
tions, was four and one-half inches thick. The 
largest tooth weighed five pounds, ten ounces. 
All the teeth were very much worn, and indicated 
great age. The animal is the third one of its 
species exhumed in this country, and its remains 
were the largest hitherto found. t These relics are 
now in the possession of Dr. Perine, of Dansville. 
Prof. Allen says : — 

"At no very remote geological period, before the 
advent of man, the whole of Western New York 

* These remains, though found iust over the line, in Steuben county, 
are commonly denominated the "Dansville Mastodon." The accom- 
panying description of them is gleaned from The Dansville A dvertiser, 
of May 7 and 14, '?74- 

t The Mastodon and his Cotempotat-ies, Prof. Jerome Allen, from 
The Dansville Advertiser., of June II, 1874. 



was covered with a great number of lakes. We 
see the remains of them, not only in the blue 
waters of the Ontario and Erie, but in the beauti- 
ful Chautauqua, Silver, Conesus, Hemlock, Crooked 
and Canandaigua. At this period ["when the 
mastodon roamed through these ancient forests 
and on the shores of these old lakes,"] the whole 
of the Genesee Valley was filled, with a lake which 
could not have had an average depth of less than 
three hundred feet. Into this water flowed in 
beautiful cascades the Genesee river, the Canaser- 
aga and other creeks, with many smaller streams. 
The surface of the land on all sides was covered 
with dense forests, interspersed with deep and 
almost impassable swamps ; birch and willow grew 
in great abundance in the forests, the mastodon 
abounded, and in seeking for the rankest vegeta- 
tion, often sank, on account of his immense weight, 
when he ventured too far into the shady bogs. 
Such a swamp existed on the hill above Geneseo, 
and here a few years ago the remains of a huge 
monster were found. Another swamp was found 
near Dansville, on the road to Wayland, about 
six hundred feet above the bottom of this old lake. 
On the edge of this morass the Dansville mastodon 
died. ' No bones of this animal have ever been 
discovered in the place covered by the lakes of this 
alluvial period."* 



CHAPTER IX. 

First Settlements and Measures leading 
Thereto — Military Tract — Mill- Yard 
Tract — Census of 1790 — First Settle- 
ments in Livingston County — Communica- 
tion opened with the Settlements in Penn- 
sylvania — Arks — Charles Williamson — Be- 
comes Agent of the Pultney Estate — Pro- 
gress of Settlements under his Energetic 
Exertions -The Village of Williamsburgh 
Founded — Settlements Retarded by War 
with the Western Indians and Unfriendly 
Attitude of the British in Canada — "Simcoe 
War" — Remarkable Progress of Settle- 
ments — Scotch Colony at Caledonia — Rob- 
ert Munro's Description of the Genesee 
Country — 1804 — Settlements Interrupted 
by War of 181 2 — Population at Different- 
Periods — Homes and Privations of the 
Early Settlers. 

IN the events connected with the Colonial strug- 
gle for independence, especially that which wit- 
nessed the devastation of the Iroquois country by 
the invading army of General Sullivan in 1779, we 
trace the immediate agencies which opened up 
• Ibid. 



9 2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



to eastern and southern immigration the whole of 
Western New York, for until after the close of that 
struggle, as we have seen, the whole of that vast 
extent of country west of the Line of Property was 
a reserved Indian domain. Having thrown off the 
oppressive burdens imposed on them by the mother 
country, the mind of the colonists expanded with 
the new and invigorating thought of liberty, and 
they were stimulated to the development of new 
enterprises and new industries. It is fair to pre- 
sume that those who had been favored during the 
war with a view of the beauty and fertility of this 
country, as were the soldiers who accompanied Sul- 
livan's expedition, bridged with prophetic vision the 
interval which must elapse ere the return of peace 
should enable them to make this fair land their 
future home, which many of them did, and that the 
favorable reports given of it to their associates in 
arms and their neighbors at home, gave direction 
to the minds of many who subsequently took up 
their abode in this wilderness, which, however, then 
abounded in extensive tracts of cleared land which 
had been subjected to the rude cultivation of the 
Indians ; certain it is that the extinction of the 
Indian title and the immediate subsequent opening 
of these lands by survey and sale to settlement, 
was the signal for a vast hegira from the New 
England States, and a little later from New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, with a lib- 
eral representation from the more intelligent and 
industrious classes of the pauper-ridden countries 
of Europe. 

In 1789, the year after the extinguishment of the 
Indian title to the reserved tract known as Phelps 
and Gorham's Purchase, and extending from the 
Old Preemption Line, or in general terms from 
the Military Tract to the Genesee River, Messrs. 
Phelps and Gorham commenced a settlement and 
opened a land office on the tract at Canandaigua, 
and in 1789 had completed the survey of their 
purchase, including the Mill- Yard Tract,* into lots, 
generally six miles square and containing 23,040 
acres. The tract was divided into seven ranges, 



•The Mill-Yard 'tract, lying on the Genesee River, mostly in Monroe 
county, extending from Lake Ontario into the north edge of Livingston 
county, and embracing a territory twelve by twenty-four miles iii extent, 
was given by the Seneca Indians to Phelps ami Gorham, pending tin- 
negotiations for the extinguishment of their title to the Phelps and Gor- 
ham Purchase, for the purposes of a mill-yard, for which, it was repre- 
sented, a trait as laige as this would be required. Messrs. Phelps and 
Gorham conveved one hundred aire- ol this tract — known as the "Hun- 
dred Acre Tract" — where the city of Rochester now standi:, for the erec- 
tion of a mill at the Genesee Palls, to Ebenezer Allen, .1 notorious char- 
acter in this vicinity and the pioneer settler of Ml Moms, who, in I"*';. 
erected a small mill. When the Indians saw the diminutive size of the 
mill, they were not alitlleastonislicdtli.il SO targe a tract should be needed 

for its accominoi 



numbered from east to west, and extending from 
the Pennsylvania line to Lake Ontario. These 
ranges were six miles wide, and were subdivided 
by parallels six miles apart. The squares thus 
formed were designated townships ami were num- 
bered in ranges from south to north. The portions 
of this tract embraced in the present limits of Liv- 
ingston county are townships 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in 
range 7, (corresponding with the present towns of 
Ossian, West Sparta, Groveland, Geneseo and 
Avon,) townships 7, 8, 9 and 10 and the north- 
west quarter of 6 in range 6, (corresponding with 
Sparta, Conesus, Livonia, Lima and North Dans- 
ville,*) and 7 and the western part of 10 in range 

5, (corresponding with the eastern parts of Spring- 
water and Lima.) The survey was made under 
contract by Col. Hugh Maxwell, who completed 
most of the northern portion of the purchase in 
1788, and the remaining portion in 1789, with the 
assistance of Judge Porter. 

Settlements were speedily begun at various dif- 
ferent points in the tract, principally at Geneva, 
Sodus, Bath and the Friends' settlement at the 
outlet of Crooked lake, and in 1790 the popula- 
tion of the preemption lands, or Ontario county, 
which then embraced all the State west of the Old 
Preemption Line, had increased to 1,047, on l v 5' 
of whom were west of the west line of Phelps and 
Gorham's Purchase. This attempt at settlement, f 
however, says Charles Williamson, the first agent 
of the Pultney estate, referring to that at Canan- 
daigua, in a letter addressed to a friend in 1799, 
"was attended with great and almost insurmount- 
able difficulties. There was no access to the 
country but by Indian paths, and the nearest set- 
tlement was above one hundred miles distant ; the 
Allegheny Mountains, then never passed, lay on the 
south, and Lake Ontario to the north ; to the west 
was one boundless forest. It is not to be wondered 
at, that, under such circumstances, the country 
made little progress in population and improvement 
for some years."{ 

•The west part of Sparta is included in No. "of range 7; the western part 
ot Springwater, a tittle more than a third of that town, in No. 7 of range o ; 

and that part of Lima lying between Honeoye Outlet and a line in pn>' 
lougation of the east line of Liviona, was included in No. 10 of ranges. 

t This census was taken in December, 1790, by Gen. Amos Hall, and 

is ay in in tabulated form in Doc. HisL II., 1 114- It included, says Mr. 

Williamson, "all travelers and surveyors, with their attendants who 

happened it that time to be within the bounds of the country 

Hist. II., ii;. 1 1 It appears that township to, range ^ (pan of Lima.) 

then contained seven families, numbering twenty-six individuals : No. lo, 
range I Lima, I four families, numbering twenty three individual No. 

6, range 7 (Ossian, J one family, numbering live individuals . No. 9, range 

iii families, numbering thirty-four individuals ; ami No. 
t . range 7 (Avon, then Hartford,) eight families, numbering fifty-nine 
lis Two additional settlements, on what were then Indian lands, 
existed within the present county of Livingston: one opposite No. 8 
1 Irovi iiul, I iii the town of Mt Morris, and the other opposite No. g 
1 1 in 1 0. 1 in the town of Leicester; which together with a settlement 
Opposite No. s" (Bums,' contained four families, numbering seventeen 
individuals, 
X Doe. Hist. II., njo. 



EARLY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE GENESEE COUNTRY. 



93 



Happily the pioneer settlers of the Genesee 
country were not perplexed by those distressing 
litigations which environed their contemporary set- 
tlers on the Military Tract, and the soil of the 
country possessed a fertility which was unknown 
to the lands further east. It responded generously 
to the moderate exertions of the husbandman ; and 
during the many years while his less fortunate 
neighbor could only by the most pinching industry 
coax from an almost sterile soil a scanty subsistence, 
he had acquired a title of undoubted validity to his 
property, and was enjoying the blessings which 
flow from a moderate competence. A writer in 
describing the country between Albany and Niagara 
in 1792, speaks in glowing terms of this country. 
He says : — 

" The famous Genesee flats lie on the borders 
of the Genesee river ; they are about twenty miles 
in length, and about four miles wide; the soil is 
remarkably rich, quite clear of trees, and producing 
grass near ten feet high. I estimate these flats to 
be well worth 200,000 ■£ as they now lie. They 
are mostly the property of the Indians. Taking a 
view of this country altogether, I do not know an 
extent of ground so good. Cultivation is easy, 
and the land is grateful. The progress of settle- 
ment is so rapid, that you and myself may very 
probably see the day when we can apply these lines 
to the Genesee country: — 

" ' Here happy millions their own lands possess, 
No tyrant awes them, nor no lords oppress.* 

" Many times did I break out in an enthusiastic 
frenzy anticipating the probable situation of this wil- 
derness twenty years hence. All that reason can ask 
may be obtained by the industrious hand ; the only 
danger to be feared is, that luxuries will flow too 
cheap." 

The same writer adds: — 

"From Canandaigua I traveled about twenty-six 
miles through a fine country, with many settle- 
ments forming ; this brought me to Genesee river. 
On this river a great many farms are laying out; 
sixty-five miles from its mouth is a town marked 
out by the name of Williamsburgh, and will in all 
probability be a place of much trade ; in the pres- 
ent situation of things it is remote, when consid- 
ered in a commercial point of view; but should 
the fort of Oswego be given up, and the lock navi- 
gation be completed, there will not be a carrying 
place between New York and Williamsburgh. * 

" After I had reached the Genesee river, curi- 
osity led me on to Niagara, ninety miles — not one 
house or white man the whole way. The only di- 
rection I had was an Indian path, which sometimes 
was doubtful. The first day I rode fifty miles, 
through swarms of mosquitos, gnats, etc., beyond 
all description."* 

The comparative advantages attending a settle- 
ment in the Genesee country were enumerated in 



* (Massachusetts Historical Collection I.) Col. Hist. II., 1105-1109. 



Imlafs Topographical Description of the Western 
Territory of North America. After some prelimi- 
nary references it says: — 

" But the peculiar advantages which distinguish 
these lands over most of the new settled countries 
of America, are these following: — i. The uncom- 
mon excellence and fertility of the soil. 2. The 
superior quality of the timber, and the advantages 
of easy cultivation, in consequence of being gen- 
erally free from underwood. 3. The abundance of 
grass for cattle in the woods, and on the extensive 
meadow grounds upon the lakes and rivers. 4. The 
vast quantities of the sugar maple-tree, in every 
part of the tract. 5. The great variety of other 
fine timber, such as oak, hickory, black walnut, 
chestnut, ash of different kinds, elm, butternut, 
basswood, poplar, pines and also thorn trees of a 
prodigious size. 6. The variety of fruit-trees, and 
also smaller fruits, such as apple and peach or- 
chards, in different places, which were planted by 
the Indians, plum and cherry trees, mulberries, 
grapes of different kinds, raspberries, huckle-ber- 
ries, black-berries, goose-berries, and strawberries 
in vast quantities ; also cranberries, blackhaws, 
etc. 7. The vast variety of wild animals and 
game which is to be found in this country, such as 
deer, moose deer, and elk of very large size, bea- 
vers, otters, martins, minks, rabbits, squirrels, rac- 
coons, bears, wildcats, etc., many of which furnish 
excellent furs and peltry. 8. The great variety of 
birds for game, such as wild turkeys, pheasants, 
partridges, pigeons, plover, heath-fowl, and Indian 
hen, together with a vast variety of water-fowl on 
the rivers and lakes, such as wild geese and ducks, 
of many different kinds, not known in Europe. 

9. The uncommon abundance ot very fine fish, 
with which the lakes and rivers abound, among 
which are to be found excellent salmon of two dif- 
ferent kinds, salmon-trout of a very large size, 
white and yellow perch, sheep-heads > pike, 
suckers and eels of a very large size, with a va- 
riety of other fish in their different seasons. 

10. The excellence of the climate in that region 
where these lands are situated, is less severe 
in winter, and not so warm in summer, as the same 
latitudes nearer the sea. The total exemption 
from all periodical disorders, particularly the fever 
and ague, which does not prevail in the Genesee 
country, on account of the rising grounds and fine 
situations, it. The vast advantages derived from 
navigable lakes, rivers and creeks, which intersect 
and run through every part of this tract of country, 
affording a water communication from the north- 
ern parts of the grant by the Genesee river one 
way, or by the Seneca river another way into the 
great lake Ontario, and from thence by Cataraqui 
to Quebec, or by the said Seneca river, the Oneida 
lake and Wood creek, to Schenectady on the Mo- 
hawk river, with only a short land carriage, and 
from thence to Albany, with a portage of sixteen 
miles ; affording also a water communication from 
almost every township of the southern part of the 
grant by means of the different branches of the 



94 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Tioga river, which joining the Susquehanna, affords 
an outlet to produce, through an immense extent 
of country on every hand, to Northumberland, and 
all the towns upon the great branch of this river, 
down to Maryland and Virginia; and (with a port- 
age of twelve miles) even to Philadelphia with 
small boats ; and when the improvements are 
made in the Susquehanna, and the projected canal 
cut between 'he Schuylkill and that river, there will 
be an uninterrupted good water communication for 
boats of ten or fifteen tons from the interior parts 
of the Genesee country all the way to Philadelphia. 
12. But above all, the uncommon benefits these 
lands derive from the vicinity to the thickly settled 
countries in New York and New England govern- 
ments on the one hand, and Northumberland coun- 
ty in Pennsylvania on the other, from all which 
quarters, from the great advantages which are held 
out, there must be an over-flow of emigrants every 
year, until these lands are fully settled, which ex- 
pectation is already completely evinced, from the 
rapid population that has taken place on the east 
boundaries of the grant upon the Tioga river, and 
between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes up to On- 
tario, where, in the course of three or four years, 
above eight hundred families have fixed themselves 
in this fertile country, most of whom having emi- 
grated from the Eastern States of New England, 
New York and Pennsylvania, have all the advan- 
tages which are to be derived from a perfect knowl- 
edge of the country, and from that kind of educa- 
tion and local resource, which soon renders the 
situation of a new settler comfortable and happy, 
enabling them, at the same time, to assist new 
comers, who may be less acquainted with the na- 
ture of the country." 

The same work adds : — 

" ' At present wheat can be sent from the Gene- 
see Settlement to Philadelphia, at one shilling 
sterling per bushel ; but if the water communica- 
tion be opened between the two rivers, the cost 
will not exceed fourpence.* 

•••Dry goods can now be sent to these new 
settlements at about eight shillings sterling per 
hundred weight, which will probably be reduced to 
three shillings when the navigation is completed. 

" ' No country in the world is better adapted for 
raising cattle than the (lenesee grant. One of the 
first settlers in that country asserts that he can 
every season cut wild grass on his own farm in the 
Genesee flats sufficient to maintain 2,000 head of 
cattle through the winter ; and that such hay, with 
rushes and vegetables which are found above the 
snow, generally keep the cattle fat without any ex- 
pense. Hogs can also be reared in the woods at 
little or no expense to the farmer. 

" • As the distance from Philadelphia (between 
which and the Genesee lands a road was to be com- 
pleted in 1 791) is somewhat less by land than two 
hundred miles, there can be no difficulty in driving 
fat cattle and hogs to that market for sale : as they 
can transport themselves at a very small expense, 

* This communication was begun in K'ji. 



and as the demand for provision increases every 
year, and a liberal price is given for beef and pork, 
there can be no doubt but the rearing of cattle and 
hogs, as well as horses, for sale in the low coun- 
tries, will soon become a great object of profit to 
the settlers, as the extensive ranges of meadow 
ground on the flats, and the blue grass,white clover 
and pea-vine in the woods, must enable the farmer 
to feed almost any number he can raise, or find 
capital to purchase. In many parts of the tract 
there is little or no underwood, and excellent pas- 
ture in the forests between the trees, inconsequence 
of their being in general of an enormous size, and 
of the considerable distance between them ; thereby 
affording even a wide range for cattle in the upland 
country, as well as in the flats and meadows,which 
have already been represented to be luxuriant be- 
yond description, in a species of coarse grass, very 
tit for hay. It is said that there are many wild 
horses upon the tract, which is an additional proof 
of there being winter food in the flat lands and in 
the forests. 



" ' The present settlers have already got a fine 
stock of cattle and hogs, and find that they thrive 
and increase very fast ; but as yet there are very 
few sheep, although, it is supposed, they would suc- 
ceed well on the hills, after the country is more 
fully peopled. Several genteel families are prepar- 
ing to settle on the tract this season, which will 
greatly facilitate the population of these lands. 

" ' The crops of wheat, Indian corn, and other 
small grains were very abundant last year ; so that 
the present settlers are in a situation to assist and 
supply the wants of new-comers. 

" ' The market for grain and provision raised in 
the Genesee country will be on the spot for some 
time to come, and the constant influx of settlers, 
who may be expected, until the whole of these 
lands are occupied, will, at least for a time, con- 
sume all the surplus produce ; afterwards the city 
of Philadelphia will probably be the best market ; 
and while the country is in progress of being set- 
fled, the hemp and flax raised by the C.enesee 
farmers, and also the ashes and sugar made upon 
these lands, and the skins and furs procured by 
hunting, must ultimately go to Philadelphia and 
New York ; but this will be the business of the 
merchant, who will receive all these articles from 
the farmer in return for dry goods, implements of 
husbandry, salt and rum, and such other articles as 
the settlers may want.' 
***** 

•'Wheat is at present, 1791, one dollar per 
bushel (as.6d. sterling;) Indian corn, 2S.6d. ditto; 
salt from the Onondaga works, 60 miles east of the 
grant, is half a dollar a bushel."* 

The following extract from the journal of the 
journey of a gentleman into the Genesee country 
in February, 1792, gives additional glimpses of the 

* Doc. Hist. //., iiii-mii. 



WADSWORTH'S NOTICE TO NEW SETTLERS. 



95 



condition and prospects of the pioneer settlers of 
the Genesee country. We quote : — 

" From Canandaigua to the Genesee river, 
twenty-six miles, it is almost totally uninhabited, 
only four families residing on the road. The coun- 
try is beautifully diversified with hill and dale, and 
in many places, we found openings of two and 
three hundred acres, free from all timber and even 
bushes, which, on our examining, proved to be of a 
rich, deep soil. It seemed that, by only inclosing 
with one of these openings a proportionable quan- 
tity of timbered land, an inclosure might be made 
similar to the parks in England. 

"At the Genesee River I found a small Indian 
store and tavern ; the river was not then frozen 
over, but was low enough to be forded. As yet 
there are no settlements of any consequence in the 
Genesee country. That established by a society of 
Friends, on the west side of the Seneca lake, is 
the most considerable ; it consists of about forty 
families. But the number of Indians in the ad- 
joining country, when compared with the few in- 
habitants who venture to winter in the country, is 
so great, that I found them under serious appre- 
hensions for their safety. Even in this state of 
nature, the county of Ontario shows every sign of 
future respectability. No man has put the plough 
in the ground without being amply repaid ; and, 
through the mildness of the winter, the cattle 
brought into the country the year before are thriv- 
ing well on very slender provision for their subsist- 
ence. The clearing of land for spring crops is 
going on with spirit. I also found the settlers here 
abundantly supplied with venison.* 

We have indicated the small beginnings which 
had been previously made in this county ; but as 
the details of settlement will be more fully noted 
in connection with the various towns it is not our 
purpose to dwell upon these matters here. Of 
these settlements, however, that projected by the 
Wadsworths at Geneseo was the only one which 
continued to exert a permanent and controlling 
influence upon the subsequent development of the 
country. 

The following is a copy of a notice issued by 
James Wadsworth, relative to lands offered for sale 
by him, taken from the original in the possession of 
Dr. M. H. Mills, of Mt. Morris: — 

" Notice to New Settlers." 

" The subscriber offers for sale the following 
townships and tracts of land, in the counties of 
Ontario, Genesee, and Allegany, in the State of 
New York. 

"A tract containing upwards of 60,000 acres, 
situated within six miles of the landing in Fall- 
town, on the west side of the Genesee River — this 
tract is divided into lots of about 100 acres. In 
order to encourage and accommodate industrious 
and enterprising settlers, one-half of the land, con- 

* Doc. Hist. II., 1 1 j 1 —1 1 32. 



sisting of every other three hundred acres through- 
out the tract, will be sold for wheat, pork and neat 
cattle ; the wheat and pork to be delivered at Fall- 
town Landing. The very flourishing settlements 
of West Pultney, Braddock's Bay and Fairfield are 
within this tract. The inhabitants in these settle- 
ments have been remarkably healthy. Vessels of 
200 tons sail from Lake Ontario up the Genesee 
River to the lower falls; this place is called Fall- 
town Landing, and is only six miles from the tract 
now offered for sale. A barrel of flour can now 
be sent from Falltown Landing to Montreal for 
one dollar, and a barrel of pot-ashes for one dollar 
and a half; these prices will be reduced as the busi- 
ness of transportation increases. Most articles of 
American produce command as high prices at 
Montreal as at New York. 

" The intervals and swails in this tract are tim- 
bered with elm, butternut, white and black ash, 
walnut, etc., the uplands with sugar maple, beech, 
basswood, hickory, wild cherry, white oak, black- 
oak, chestnut, etc. There are a number of groves 
of excellent white pine timber. There are no 
mountains or ledges, and scarcely one hundred 
acres of waste land in the tract. Some of the 
intervals or flats will produce, if well cultivated, 80 
bushels of corn, 800 weight of hemp, or 2,000 
weight of tobacco on an acre, and other crops in 
proportion. 

"Also, the Township of Troupton, situated 
eighteen miles south of the village of Geneseo, and 
adjoining the village of Dansville. This tract is 
within twelve miles of Ark Port, a landing place 
on the west branch of the Susquehannah river; a 
barrel of flour may be transported from Ark Port 
to Baltimore, for a dollar and a half, and other 
articles of produce in proportion ; the situation of 
this township is considered very healthy, the lands 
are fertile and well watered. 

" Also the town of Henrietta, being township No. 
12, in the seventh range, on the west side of Gen- 
esee river ; this tract is within eight miles of Fall- 
town landing, and adjoins the flourishing towns of 
Hartford, (now Avon,) and Northfield ; the lands 
in Henrietta are excellent and the settlement very 
flourishing: the lots adjoining the Genesee river 
containing handsome portions of timbered flats, 
are put at five dollars per acre, the back lots at 
four dollars per acre. 

" Also a number of lots in a tract of land, usually 
known by the name of Allen's Flats, or the Mt. 
Morris tract, situated in the forks of the Genesee 
river, fifteen miles south of the great State Road to 
Niagara, and four miles from the village of Gene- 
seo. The tract contains about 10,000 acres, 3,000 
acres of which are flats or interval. It has lately 
been surveyed into lots of convenient size ; the 
village lots contain from one to forty acres, and 
the farm lots about one hundred acres each. The 
village is situated on elevated ground timbered with 
white oak, and bids fair to be a very healthy situa- 
tion. The subscriber will sell the upland and 
lease the flats, or will sell both upland and flats, as 
applicants prefer. 



9 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



"It is fully ascertained that the flats or intervals 
on the Genesee river are perfectly adapted to the 
cultivation of hemp. Mr. Stephen Colton, from 
Long Meadow, raised ten hundred weight of excel- 
lent hemp the last season, on one acre of flats in 
Geneseo. One hundred and six bushels of Indian 
corn have been raised on one acre in Allen's flats. 
" Hemp may be transported by water from the 
mouth of the Genesee river to Montreal; or it 
may be sent from Ark Port down the Susquehan- 
nah river, in arks to Baltimore, or it may be sent 
by land to Albany. 

•■ The price at which lots in the above tracts are 
put. is from two t«i five dollars per acre. The 
subscriber usually requires the purchase money to 
be paid in four equal installments to be made in 
two, three, four and fur years from the time of 
purchase, with one year free of interest; in some 
of the tracts he gives a credit of six and eight 
years. 

" Liberal encouragement will be given in different 
settlements to carpenters, blacksmiths, shoemakers, 
millwrights and other tradesmen. 

" The subscriber, in order to encourage the 
settlement of substantial New England farmers, 
will exchange a few lots for improved farms. 

" The tract of country in which the above de- 
scribed townships are situated, tho' north of New 
Jersey, resembles that state in the mildness of its 
"climate. Peaches, apricots and nectarines grow 
to great perfection on the Genesee river. 

" A valuable salt spring is discovered in Brad- 
dock's Bay township. Salt can now be afforded at 
this spring at one dollar per bushel ; when the 
works are extended salt will probably be afforded 
at fifty cents a bushel, the same price at which it 
is sold at the Onondaga salt works. 

"A turnpike road is completed from Albany to 
Canandaigua ; and from Canandaigua to Geneseo, 
and thence to the above mentioned settlements 
there are excellent wagon roads. 

" The subscriber has still for sale a number of 
reserved and other lots of land, in the midst of 
flourishing settlements, in the towns of Geneseo, 
Hartford, Bloomheld and 1'ittstown ; some of these 
lots contain handsome improvements. 

"JAMES WAltSWORTH. 
"Geneseo, (Ontario county.) March, 1809." 
The first settlement in the Genesee country was 
made in the county of Livingston as early as 1759, 
by that remarkable character, Mary Jemison, whose 
residence of seventy-eight years with the Indians, 
seventy-two of which were spent in the Genesee 
Valley, has made her a valuable contributor to the 
early history of this locality. The next while set- 
tler in the present county of Livingston was Eben- 
e/.er, or Indian. Allen — a character as notorious 
for his vice and savage brutality, as was that of 
Mary Jemison made conspicuous by its gentle vir- 
tues. Both these settlements were made in the 



present town of Mt. Morris ; the former on what 
subsequently became the fannus Gardeau reserva- 
tion, and the latter, in 1782, on the site of the 
village of Mt. Morris. The first important settle- 
ment made within the county after the extinguish- 
ment of the Indian title in 1788, from which the 
settlement of the county more properly dates, was 
that of John H., and George Jones, brothers to 
Horatio Jones, who, like Mar)' Jemison, had been 
held in captivity by the Indians. They located in 
1789 in the present town of Leicester, where they 
were joined the following year by Horatio and his 
family, although that was then, and for eight wars 
thereafter, Indian territory. These characters, 
from their intimate connection with the history of 
this county, merit and will receive further notice. 

Hitherto the tide of emigration had been from 
the New England States, that from the south hav- 
ing been retarded by the inaccessibility of the 
country, owing to the lack of roads across the Al- 
leghanies, which formed a formidable barrier. In 
the summer of 1792, Charles Williamson, agent 
for the Pultney estate, visited the tract and put in 
execution a plan he had formed for its improve- 
ment, by opening communication with Philadel- 
phia and Baltimore by means of a road across the 
Alleghanies. Notwithstanding the difficulties which 
attended this enterprise, and which had been re- 
garded as insuperable, by the month of November 
of that year, thirty miles of the road were made 
sufficiently good for the passage of wagons ; and by 
the following August it was completed from the 
mouth of Lycoming creek to Williamsburgh, a dis- 
tance of one hundred and seventy miles. " It was 
only from this period, which opened to the Gene- 
see a communication with the settlements in Penn- 
sylvania," says Capt. Williamson, "that we can 
trace the beginning of that singularly rapid pro- 
gress in population and improvements, which has 
so eminently distinguished that country. The 
opening of this road from Pennsylvania over a 
chain of mountains before regarded impassable, 
excited the curiosity of the inhabitants of the ad- 
jacent country, and many were tempted to explore 
the Genesee lands, that, previous to this, had 
never given them a thought. The idea of the im- 
mense distance was at once destroyed. At this 
early period, however, it was only men of observa- 
tion that were pleased. Many returned disgusted 
with the inconvenience of traveling through a coun- 
try almost destitute of inhabitants, for the distance 
of one hundred and seventy miles, and particularly 
when they found the only settlement in that part 



FIRST PERMANENT SETTLEMENTS. 



97 



of the country depending on the Indians for sub- 
sistence."* 

As in all new countries, the first settlements 
were made on or adjacent to navigable streams, 
which, in the absence of suitable roads, were, for 
many years, the common means of communication 
and transportation, especially of the marketable 
productions. The streams were navigated by a 
species of boats called arks, which were invented 
and first used about 1793, by a Mr. Kryder. a 
farmer on the Juniata river. They were construct- 
ed of large timbers or planks, and after their cargo 
was discharged, were broken up and sold for lum- 
ber. They were capable of floating three hundred 
barrels of flour, which, as well as lumber and vari- 
ous other productions, were transported in them. 
Thev were afterwards improved and their capacity 
increased, and were for many years in common 
use.f 

In 1791, Capt. Charles Williamson became the 
agent of the Pultney estates and in 1792, inaugu- 
rated those improvements in the Genesee country, 
which, during the succeeding ten years, he contin- 
ued with such distinguished energy, and a success 
commensurate with the obstacles which opposed 
his efforts, if not with the expectations of the com- 
pany in whose interest he labored. 

Mr. Williamson visited the Genesee country first 
in February, 1792, and from observations made at 
that time, decided on locating a village at the 
mouth of Canaseraga Creek, which was then nav- 
igable for nearly twenty miles, to Dansville. The 
projection of this plan in 1792, and the ill-starred 
colony sent there to develop it form an interesting 
episode in the history of Livingston county ; for 
this was not only the first settlement in the county 
which aspired to the dignified title of village, but 
here, in 1793, was taught the first school in this 
county by Samuel Murphy, an Irishman, — here in 
1797, was kept the first inn, by William Lemen, — 
here, in 1795 or '96, was kept the first store, by 
Alexander McDonald, a Scotchman, if we except 
the Indian " mart" kept by Indian Allen, on Allen's 
hill, (Mt. Morris,) "as early as 1784, if not in the fall 
of 1783," — here also, in 1797, was built, on lot 58, 
the first grist mill, by Col. Williamson, — and here 
too lived " the first preacher of the evangelical 
truths of the bible in the county" — Rev. Samuel J. 
Mills, a Presbyterian.^ But this embryo village has 

•Dae. Hist. II., HJ4- 

1 Doc. His:. II., 1150, "61. 

% Address 0/ Dr. AT H. Mills before the Livingston County Pioneer 
Association, Aug. 3, J877. The same gentleman, in an address before 
the Livingston County Medical Society, Jan. 1 1, 1876, says the first inn 
was kept in 1 795- 



long since vanished together with the delusions of 
its founder.* 

Under the stimulus of Williamson's efficient en- 
deavors, seconded by the exertions of more local 
agencies, in the persons of those who had become 
land owners and interested in the progress of im- 
provements, accessions were rapidly made to the 
settlements in various parts of the county. They 
were, howeve! - , sensibly retarded by the unsettled 
state of things which existed during this period ; 
for, although the treaty of 1783 settled the terms 
of peace between England and the United States, 
the former government still retained possession of 
the fortifications at Oswego and Niagara, and other- 
wise menaced the young nation so recently one of 
its tributary dependencies, and then waging a war 
with the western Indians, which was terminated in 
its favor by the signal victory of General Wayne 
in 1794, in which year also the Jay treaty adjusted 
the hitherto unsettled question of jurisdiction over 
certain territory in the United States, including 
lands in Western New York. 

During this period, in 1794, an event transpired 
which threatened to precipitate hostilities between 
this and the Canadian government, which watched 
with a jealous regard the progress of settlement in 
Western New York. In that year, Capt. William- 
son had projected a settlement at Sodus, which 
proved the gravamen for a hostile demonstration 
on the part of the Canadian authorities, who were 
determined to resist it. Governor Simcoe sent 
Lieut., afterwards Major-General Sir Roger Hale 
Sheaffe of the British army, to demand that that 
settlement, as well as all others in Western New 
York, be abandoned. Capt. Williamson met the 
demand with an unqualified refusal, and, under the 
prevalent impression that the British government 
meditated war, active measures were instituted to 
put the frontier in a state of defense and to repel 
any invasion which might be made. Happily, how- 
ever, the war-cloud blew over, and the apprehen- 
sions of the anxious settlers were dispelled. 

From this period the work of colonization and 
improvement progressed rapidly; and "as early as 
the year 1796, the various settlements had begun 
to assume," says Capt. Williamson, "an appearance 
of respectability never before instanced in so new 
a country." In this year a Jersey settlement was 
made at the head of Canaseraga creek, which 
exhibited "instances of industry and enterprise, 
rare as uncommon;" printing offices were estab- 

• A detailed account of the founding of this village may be found in 
ction with the history of the town of Groveland, in the north-west 
corner ot" which it was located, 



9 8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



lished at Bath and Geneva, the former village- 
having been laid out in 179,?. in which year it con- 
tained fifteen families; and towards the close of 
the season a sloop of forty tons burden was launched 
at Geneva to run as a packet between that place 
and Catharine's Town, a small village at the head 
of Seneca lake. This was an event ''of sufficient 
importance to assemble several thousand people," 
and as none had previously "occurred to draw 
together the different settlements, the people com- 
posing them were not a little surprised to find 
themselves in a country containing so many inhabi- 
tants, and these so respectable. Natives of every 
State in the Union, and of every nation of Europe, 
were to be found in the assemblage, all ambitious 
of the same object, the aggrandizement of the 
(ienesee country."* 

"The only part of the Genesee country," adds 
Capt. Williamson, "that seemed, until now to 
have escaped the general improvement, was that 
contiguous to the Genesee River, below Hartford 
[Avon] or Canawagus ; a set of very good mills, 
however, have been built at the falls, and some 
settlers were to be found in that neighborhood, on 
the fertile plains by the side of the river ; but the 
idea of exposure to Indian depredations on a fron- 
tier is always sufficient to prevent the man of 
industry and property from settling. The luxuri- 
ance of the soil will not always tempt him. The 
moment, however, the western posts were given up 
to the United States, and this part of the country 
rendered safe, the industrious settlers turned their 
attention to the lands west of the river."f 

The emigration into this country in 1 797 exceeded 
that of former years, both as to numbers and 
respectability.! About this time a Scotch settle- 
ment was projected in the present town of Cale- 
donia, and during the succeeding few years it was 
joined by a considerable number of that nationality,? 
whose simple habits and sterling virtues were a 
weighty influence in the material growth and pros- 
perity of that region. At this time, however, the 
country for about twelve miles west of the Genesee 
to the Niagara still remained a wilderness ;|| but 
the extinguishment of the Indian title to the Hol- 
land Purchase this year gave an impulse to settle- 
ments in that direction. Robert Munro, in describ- 
ing the Genesee country in 1804, says: "From 
Canandarqua to Genesee River, * * the coun- 

* Williamson's Letter II., Doc. Hist. II., ■ ■ J7- 
t Doc. Hist. II., 1 141. 

I Williamson'* Letter III., Doc, Hist. II.. 1141. 
5 Williamson's Letter 17, Doc. 11 1st. II., 1156. 

II Williamson's Letter I'll I.. Doc. Hist. II., 1165. 



try has the most flourishing appearance, that part 
being earliest settled, and abounds with very sub- 
stantial improvements, which are seldom equalled 
in the United States, in the pleasantness of their 
appearance."* At this time the price of the best 
unimproved lands on the east side of the Genesee 
was commonly from two to four dollars per acre; 
those on the west side sold for from one and one- 
half to two and one-half dollars per acre, on a 
credit of six to ten years. Lands which then sold 
for four dollars per acre, sold twelve years pre- 
viously for as many shillings.! 

Says the same author : — 

"A turnpike road is now completed from Albany 
to Canandarqua, at a great expense, which is dis- 
charged by tolls, and renders traveling and car- 
riage of produce to market much easier when the 
rivers are not navigable. Wagons now frequently 
carry loads of fourteen barrels to Albany, and return 
with an equal weight, and sometimes carry two 
tons, going and returning in fourteen days. A 
mail stage runs from Canandarqua to Albany in a 
week. 

" Trade is yet in its infancy and has much in- 
creased within a few years. Grain is sent in con- 
siderable quantities from Seneca lake and the Co- 
hocton, Canisteo, Canawisque and Tioga rivers, to 
markets on Susquehanna river ; and flour, potash 
and other produce to Albany ; and a considerable 
quantity of grain has for some years past been 
exported by sleighs in winter to the west of Albany. 
Whiskey is distilled in considerable quantities, and 
mostly consumed in the country, and is also ex- 
ported to Canada and to Susquehanna. The pro- 
duce of the country is received by the store-keepers 
in payment for goods, and with horses and cattle, 
is paid for land. Several thousand bushels of grain 
have been purchased in the winter beginning this 
year, 1804, for money at Newtown and at mills 
near Cayuga lake. Hemp is raised on Genesee 
river and carried to Albany. Droves of cattle and 
horses are sent to different markets, and a consid- 
erable number of cattle and other provisions, are 
used at the markets of Canandarqua and Geneva, 
at Niagara, and by settlers emigrating into the 
country. Cattle commonly sell for money at a 
good price, and as this country is very favorable 
for raising them, they will probably become the 
the principal articles for market ; many being of 
the opinion that the raising of stock is more pro- 
fitable as well as easier than any mode of farming. 

"The following is a list of prices of articles, and 
the rates of wages since January, 1801 : — 

"Wheat, from 62 cents to 1 dollar a bushel — 
corn from 37 to 50 cents a bushel — rye from 50 to 
62 cents a bushel — hay from 6 to 1 2 dollars a ton — 
butter and cheese, 10 to i6centsapound — ayokeof 
oxen, 50 to 80 dollars — milk cows from 16 to 25 
dollars — cattle for driving, 3 to 4 dollars a 100 lb., 

* Doc.'Hist, 11., H7», "73- 
t Doc. Hist. II., Il8i. 



POPULATION FROM 1810 TO 1S80. 



99 



a pair of good working horses, 100 to 125 dollars — 
sheep from 2 to 4 dollars — pork, fresh killed in 
winter, 4 to 6 dollars a hundred, and salted in 
spring, 8 to 10 dollars — whiskey from 50 to 75 
cents a gallon — salt, 1 dollar a bushel weighing 56 
pounds — field ashes, 4 to 9 cents a bushel — 600 
bushels may be manufactured into a ton of pot or 
pearl ash, which has been sold at market at 1 25 to 
150 dollars, and some persons by saving their ashes, 
or by manufacturing them, have nearly cleared the 
cost of improving the land. The wages of a laborer, 
10 to 15 dollars a month, and board. A suit of 
clothes made at 4 or 5 dollars. A pair of shoes, 
175 to 250 cents. Store goods are sold at very 
moderate juices, the expense of carriage from Al- 
bany to New York being about two dollars a hun- 
dred weight."* 

Settlements progressed rapidly till the opening of 
the war of 1812, which was " a complete damper to 
all sales of new land," and it was said "more set- 
tlers went out than came into the Genesee coun- 
try. "t The settlers responded promptly to the call 
for volunteers, and left the improvements many of 
them had so recently commenced to take up arms 
to repel a threatened invasion. Under the leader- 
ship of Gen. William Wadsworth, of Geneseo, who 
early tendered his services to the government, they 
participated in the brilliant but unfortunate engage- 
ment of Queenstown Heights, October 13, 1812, 
and were surrendered with their commander, to- 
gether with the fort captured in the early part of 
the engagement, to the British under General 
Sheaffe. To subsequent calls the sturdy pioneers 
of the Genesee Valley as promptly and generously 
responded, but owing to the incompetence or cow- 
ardice of their leader — General Smyth — their labors 
were mostly crowned with inconsequential results ; 
notwithstanding they sustained severe losses by 
sickness and battle. The settlements during this 
period were frequently troubled with serious alarms 
by the reported invasion of the British and Indians ; 
and especially was this true on the capture of Fort 
Niagara by the latter December 19, 1813, with the 
burning of Youngstown, Lewiston, Manchester, (Ni- 
agara Falls,) and the Indian village of Tuscarora, 
and the destruction of Black Rock and Buffalo in 
like manner on the 30th of the same month. 

" After the close of the war," says Hon. Augus- 
tus Frank, " the tide of emigration again set in for 
the Genesee country, and from that date until 1820 
the increase of population was large, coming par- 
ticularly from the New England States. On the 
return of peace a surplus of labor, which the cur- 
rent prices of produce would not remunerate, 

"Doc. Hist., II., 11S4. nS(. 

t Address of Hon. Augustus Frank, "t Warsaw, Wyoming i I 



flooded the land. The heavy duties which had 
been imposed on imports for the support of the 
war had stimulated domestic manufactures. On 
the removal of these imports the country was 
flooded with foreign goods. Manufacturing indus- 
tries became stagnant, the country was depleted of 
specie, and the currency greatly depreciated. Un- 
der such circumstances it is not wonderful that * 
the early snows of winter showed the tracks 
of many naked little feet." 

From this period up to 1850 the population 
gradually increased; from 1850 to 1865 it de- 
clined; and since 1865 there has been a gradual 
increase, till at present, (1880) is has nearly reached 
the highest point attained, in 1850, and nearly 
double the population on the organization of the 
county. 

The subjoined table shows the population of the 
county at different periods: — 

1810* 13.39° l8 5° 4°,S73 

' 82 ° t 21,305 1855 37. ,,43 

1825 23,860 i860 39>546 

l8 3° 27,729 1S65 37,555 

l8 35 3',°9 2 l8 7° ••• --3S,3°9 

i 8 4° SS' 1 * l8 75 3 S :5 lS 

1S45 33,193 1 s80 39>26i 

The Genesee's beautiful valley attracted many 
sturdy and active emigrants from the comparative 
luxury of their eastern homes to grapple with the 
temporary hardships and privations incident to the 
settlement of a new country. A steady and healthy 
growth was maintained for many years ; and 
though Livingston cannot point to any gigantic 
commercial or manufacturing enterprise within her 
borders, she can, with just pride, refer the stranger 
to the no less gratifying evidences of wealth, pros- 
perity and contentment exhibited by the tillers of 
the soil, who have supplemented nature by im- 
proving an already beautiful country and trans- 
formed it from its pristine wilderness to the produc- 
tive and attractive farms which adorn its hillsides 
and gentle slopes. If we do not hear the busy 
hum of mechanical industry as it greets us in large 
and populous cities and villages, neither do we 
see and deplore the disparaging contrasts between 
affluence and poverty which the latter picture inva- 
riably presents. Here all are producers, and the 
wealth of the country is more uniformly distributed. 

* This is not exact, but a close approximation to exactness. It is de- 
signed to give the population at that period of the towns at preset 
posing Livingston county, asnearlyas that can be ascertained, It does 
not, however, include that of North Dansville, which then formed a part 
of Dansville, Steuben county, which then had a population of 666. 

t The figures for this year also embrat e the population of all the towns 
except North Dansville, then a part of 
Dansville, Steuben county, which had a populati i 1,565, 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER X. 

Internal Improvements— Routes vnd Means 
n which mi Pioneers reached 1 heir Wit di r 
ness Homes — Navigable Streams the pi bln 
Highways- Indian Trails Routes Indicat- 
ed r, Blazed Trees Improvements in the 
Naturai Water Ch vnnei s — Western Inland 
Lock Navigation Company Old Genesee 
Road Cayuga Bridge Seneca Turnpike 
Company — First Mail between Whites 
town and the Genesee— Williamsburgh 
Road — First VesselandSti vmboaton Lake 
Erie— The Erie Canal — Earus Spec\ lations 
Regarding It — Firm Survey Thereof — First 
Board of Can vl Commissioners — First Con- 
tact on Erie Canal — Construction Com- 
menced — The Completion Ci i ebrated — Erie 
Canal Enlargemeni Navigation of rai 
Genesee — First Canal-boat and Steamboat 
Thereon— Genesee Valley Canal — Prelimi- 
nary Measi res— Con itri i iton i\ lhorized — 
Its Completion — Dansville vnd Rochester 
Railroad — Geneseo vnd Pittsford Rail- 
road Attica vnd Hornellsville Railroad — 
l'ok i aol Bridge — Portage Riot — Buffalo 
and Cohocton Y m i fa Railway — Roches- 
ter and Genesee Valley Railroad — Gene- 
m \ M 1 1 \ Railroad — Avon, Geneseo and 
Ml. Morris Railroad — Dansville and Gen- 
esee Valley Railroad Compan\ — Erie and 
Genesei V \l I I A K VII road Sll ver I. Vkl 
Railroad— Canandaigua and Niagara Fai i - 
Railroad Rochester, Nunda and Pennsyl- 
\\m\ Rvii.road Rumii-mi' vnd Olnknlf 
Valley Canal Railroad 

WK turn From the fruitful and inviting subject 
of pioneer life to the consideration of the 
means by which the pioneer reached his home in the 
wilderness and the projects of internal improvement 
which subsequently engaged his attention. When 
the first settlers came in there was not a road in 
the county, nor one leading immediately to it. To 
the Wadsworths belong the honor oi opening the 
first road into its borders. There were two princi- 
pal routes by which the pioneers came, denomina- 
ted the north and south water routes — the former 
the Hudson, Mohawk and Seneca rivers, the latter 
the Susquehanna and its branches — and the navi- 
gable streams were the most frequented highways 
for some years after they arrived. Many, however, 
compassed the entire distance from the far New 



England States on foot, bringing nothing with 
them but an axe. Those who came with their 
families generally came with ox teams drawing 
sleds, sometimes wood shod, or covered wagons. 
often performing the entire journey in this manner, 
and frequently driving a few sheep, cattle and 
other animals before them. Many, however, re- 
sorted to this mode of conveyance only to and 
from the termini of the water routes ; while others, 
accommodating themselves to circumstances, left 
water routes at various points. The winter season 
was generally selected, as they could then reach 
points in the wilderness which were inaccessible to 
their rude conveyances at other seasons. Many, 
after leaving the main roads, threaded for long 
distances forests unbroken, except by the few scant, 
rude clearings made by the Indians. Blazed tiees 
were the forest guide boards, and by their aid the 
forests were traversed from one locality to another. 
Hut these human denizens could not prosper in 
their isolated settlements; they must needs open 
communication with each other and to points af 
fording a market for their surplus products, and to 
this end roads were indispensable and of the first 
importance. 

The pioneers first followed the Indian trails and 
from these branched nil into routes indicated by 
marked trees. The principal trail extended from 
the Hudson, at Albany, to Lake Erie, terminating 
on the site of Buffalo. It followed the Mohawk 
to a point about in the locality of I'tica. thence 
passing through Oneida and Syracuse, and near the 
foot of Skanealeles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca and 
Canandaigua lakes, crossing the Genesee at Avon. 
Its route was found to be so advantageous that 
subsequently the first great western turnpike was 
laid out mainly along its course. Two trails ex- 
tended along the Genesee, one on either side of 
the river, that on the west side following its tortu- 
ous windings through the Indian villages of Cana- 
waugus, near Avon, OAagi, a Tusearora village on 
the flats below Cuylerville, Big Tree, (Geneseo,) 
Beardstown, (Cuylerville,) Squakie Hill, near Mt. 
Morris, Gardeau, the home of Mary Jemison, and 
thence to Caneadea, in Allegany county, the last 
of the Seneca villages in the Genesee Valley. That 
on the east was intersected near Mt. Morris by 
trails extending up the Canaseraga to Dansville. 
Several other trails intersected these, connecting 
the numerous Indian villages within the county, 
and in many instances they have been perpetuated 
by local roads opened along their course. 

From an early period in English colonial history, 



EARLY ROADS AND NAVIGABLE WATER COURSES. 



10! 



the subject of improving the internal water courses 
between the Hudson and the great lakes engaged 
the attention of the government. In 1724, Cad- 
wallader Colden, then Surveyor-General of New 
York, after mentioning the communication between 
the Oswego ( Onondaga) river and Lake Ontario, 
( Cadaraqui,) intimates that Seneca river might 
give a more advantageous route to Lake Erie, and 
avoid the falls of Niagara, (Jagara,) by which the 
French were obliged to reach it.* This is doubt- 
less the first speculation in regard to an interior 
water communication between the Mohawk and 
Lake Erie ; and "was but the expression of a hope 
that a more safe, as well as convenient way might 
be found to the trade of the upper lakes than that 
frequented by the French, and made dangerous to 
the frail boats then employed in the fur trade by 
the storms of Lake Ontario."! In his report of 
that year, (1724,) Colden describes the portage be- 
tween the Mohawk and Wood Creek as being three 
miles long, except in very dry weather, when goods 
must be carried two miles further. This portage 
was obviated as early as 1766, for Carver, who tra- 
versed the lake country in that year, said the pas- 
sage between those streams was effected by means 
of sluices.! Li 1768, Sir Henry Moore, in a mes- 
sage to the Colonial Legislature, suggested as a 
remedy for the obstructions to navigation in the 
Mohawk between Schenectady and Rome, (Fort 
Stanwix,) sluices like those in the great Canal of 
Languedoc, France.* In 1784, and again in 1785, 
Cristopher Colles of New York city memorialized 
the Legislature and procured an appropriation of 
$125 to enable him to examine the Mohawk River, 
with a view to its improvement ; || and in 1786, 
Jeffrey Smith, a member of the Legislature, intro- 
duced a bill to effect this improvement, and for 
"extending the same, if practicable, to Lake 
Erie."1f 

Before and during the Revolutionary war, the 
Mohawk was navigated by bateaux of light draught 
and easy transport over the carrying place at the 
lesser falls.** 

In 1791, Gov. George Clinton urged upon the 
Legislature the necessity of improving the natural 
water channels, so as to facilitate communication 
with the frontier settlements, and in that year a 
law was passed to authorize the Commissioners of 

* Colden's Memoir-, z8. 

t Origin and History 0/ Erie Canal, by George Gedd 

X Colden's Memoir, 12. 

§ Colden 's Memoir. 

II Clark's Onondaga If., !'• 

U Turner s Holland Purchase, 619. 

*• Benton's Herkimer county and Upper Mohawk Valley, "*. 



the Land Office to survey the portage at Rome and 
the Mohawk to the Hudson, for improvement by 
locks, and 100^ were appropriated for the ob- 
ject.* The survey was made by Abraham Harden- 
burgh, under the advice of William Weston, an 
English engineer.f The report of the commis- 
sioners was so favorable that March 30, 1792, the 
Legislature incorporated the ■'Western Inland 
Lock Navigation Company," with power to open 
lock navigation from the Hudson to Ontario ami 
Seneca lakes, to " encourage agriculture, promote 
commerce and facilitate intercourse between the 
citizens'' of the State.} The capital stock of the 
company was fixed at $25,000, and afterwards 
increased to $300,000. The improvement made 
consisted in the construction of locks and a canal 
around Little Falls, the removal of other obstruc- 
tions in the Mohawk, connecting that river with 
Wood creek by a canal from Rome, straightening 
Wood creek and shortening the distance over it 
nearly one-half, and the removal of obstructions in 
Oswego and Seneca rivers. These improvements, 
slight as they were, are said to have doubled the 
value of the contiguous lands, and greatly aided 
the settlemeat and development of the resources 
of. Central and Western New York. 

As early as 1 796, navigation was opened from 
Schenectady to Seneca lake for boats of sixteen 
tons burden, in favorable stages of water in the 
rivers ; but the locks, being constructed of wood 
and brick, soon failed, and had to be replaced by 
stone. In 1 8 1 3, the company had expended 
$480,000, towards which, in 1795, the State sub- 
scribed $10,000, and in 1796, loaned $37,500, 
taking a mortgage on the canal and locks at Little 
Falls..-' At a later day, a proposed canal to con- 
nect the waters of Mud creek with those of Tona- 
wanda creek, thus opening water communication 
between the Genesee above Rochester and the 
Niagara above the falls, formed a part of this 
scheme of internal improvements. 

In 1794 and '95 the State made appropriations 
for the improvement of the road which followed 
the trail between the Mohawk and Lake Erie, 
afterwards known as the "Ontario and Genesee 
turnpike," and subsequently as the "Genesee road" 
—the route by which the first settlers reached their 
homes in this 'county. The first improvements on 

• • ■/. i86j, 619. M mmi ionei i who had 

charge of the worl ' ■■•'• « " ■'■ ' rai Schuylei ... 

B u.yer. 
t Claris Onondaga 11., <'. 
t Benton, II*. 
§ Ced 



102 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



this road in its western course were made b\ the 
Wadsworths in 1790. The) pa ied over it with a 
cart drawn by oxen on their way to the Genesee 
country. West of Whitesboro they were obliged 
to cut away logs, build causeways, ford streams, 
and at Cayuga lake to construct a pontoon, using 
for that purpose two Indian canoes, which they 
lashed together and covered with poles. In 1792, 
the road was described as passable for wagons east 
from Whitestown; "but from that to the Genesee 
river it was little better than an Indian path, 
just sufficiently opened to allow a sled to pass, and 
the most impassable Streams bridged." "From 
Geneva to Canandaigua" it was "only the Indian 
path, a little improved the first live miles."* The 
Duke de Liancourt, a French nobleman, who vis- 
ited this country in 1795. paid it the questionable 
compliment of being "a good one tor this country," 
between Canawaugus and Canandaigua. He adds, 
"as usual it leads through the midst of woods. 
Within the space of twelve miles we saw but one 
habitation. " At Canawaugus. though there were 
but few inhabitants, he found "one of the best 
inns" he had "seen for some time past." It was 
kept by a "good civil man" named Gilbert R. 
Berry. 

March 22, 1794, three commissioners were 
appointed to lay out this road from old Fort 
Schuyler, ( Utica,) as nearly straight as possible, to 
the Cayuga ferry, and thence by Canandaigua to 
Canawaugus, on the Genesee, where the first bridge 
spanning that river was built in 1803 or iSoa.t 

In October, 1796, the consent of the Indians 
was gained to the opening of tins road to the Niag- 
ara; J and in 1797, the State authorized the rais- 
ing of $45,000 by lotteries, to be expended in 
improving various roads. Of that sum, $13.1)00 
were appropriated to the improvement of this road 
from Fort Schuyler to Geneva.^ The inhabitants 
of the country through which the road passed made 
a voluntary offer of their services, to aid the State 
Commissioner, and subscribed four thousand days' 
work, which they performed with fidelity and cheer- 
fulness. By this generous and uncommon exer- 
tion, and by some other contributions, the State 
Commissioner was enabled to complete this road 

• Do, ■ Hut II.. no. "it 
\ ** On the first day of Novi 

G 

1 A\ ; — ' Genesee bridge proposals will 

A hi'i S txton and Bei imin El Lt, for buiii 

:tween the towi I 1 1 \ m and Southampti i 

donia, ] in ill' com .mil 1 - in ee. 1 Canandaigi, v 

itory, February II, (875, 

■ my Ga \ette, Ocl ' , . ' 06 
§ Hammond's Histor f Man Comity, iti. 



of near one hundred miles, opening it sixty-four 
feet wide, and paving with logs and gravel the 
moist parts of the low country through whit li it 
was carried. Hence, the road from Fort Schuyler 
* * * to Genesee, from being, in the month 
of June. 1797, a little better than an Indian path, 
was so tar improved, that a stage started from 
Ion Schuyler on the 30th of September, and 
arrived at the hotel in Geneva on the afternoon of 
the third day. with four passengers. Not 

less than fifty families settled on it in the spa 

four months after it was opened."* During the 
winter of 1798, two weekly stages, one of them a 
mail stage, ran between Canandaigua and Albany ;f 
and so great was the effect produced by the 
improvements made the preceding year, five hun- 
dred and seventy sleighs, with families, passed 
through Geneva within the space of five weeks.}: 

The Cayuga Bridge Company, consisting of 
John Harris, Thomas Morris, Wilhemas Mynders, 
Charles Williamson and Joseph Annin, was char- 
tered in 1797. and in 1799 commenced the con- 
struction of the celebrated Cayuga bridge, which 
was completed September 4, 1800, and speedily 
became the great highway of western emigration. 
It was for many years looked upon as one of the 
greatest public improvements in the State, and was 
considered the dividing line between the east and 
the west. It was about a mile long, twenty-two feet 
wide, and twenty-two feet between the trestles. 
Fighteen months were consumed and about $150.- 
000 expended in its construction. It was destroyed 
in 1S0S, rebuilt in [812—13, and finally abandoned 
in 1857. Nothing is now left of it but the spiles 
and limbers, which are mostly hidden by the 
waters of the lake. 

The Seneca Turnpike Company was chartered in 
1800, having for its object the improvement of this 
101,1 The company was required to construct 
a road six rods wide from Utica to Canandaigua ; 
twenty-five feet of it. in the center, was to be cov- 
ered with gravel, or broken stone, to the depth of 
fifteen inches. They were permitted to place 
gates at intervals of ten miles, and exact twelve 
and one half cents toll for two horse teams, and 
twenty- five cents for four horses. 

The first United States mail over this road be- 
tween Whitestown and the Genesee was carried 

* // , Iter III., Due. His/., II.. II4Z, 

X Williamson's Letter I'., Doc. Hist. II., ir;i. 
§ The capita] stock was Sn<\ax, in shares ol $50 each. Jcdediah 
Sanger, Benjamin Walker, Charles Williamson and israel Chapin were 
ommi 



THE GENESEE TURNPIKE. 



103 



on horseback in 1797 or '98, by a Mr. Langdon, 
who distributed papers and unsealed letters on the 
way, before intermediate offices were established. 
Mr. Lucas succeeded Mr. Langdon in transporting 
the mail, which, in 1800, had become so heavy as 
to require a wagon to carry it. Mr. Lucas estab- 
lished a sort of two-horse passenger hack and did 
a brisk and profitable business. The first four- 
horse mail coach was sent through once a week by 
Jason Parker, in 1803, and in 1804 commenced run- 
ning regularly twice a week from Utica to Canan- 
daigua, carrying mail and passengers. In 1804, an 
Act was passed, granting to Jason Parker and Levi 
Stephens, the exclusive right for seven years, of 
running a line of stages for the conveyance of 
passengers, at least twice a week, between Utica 
and Canandaigua. They were bound to furnish 
four good and substantial wagons or sleighs, and 
sufficient horses to run the same ; the fare, not to 
exceed five cents per mile for each passenger, with 
fourteen pounds of baggage. They were required 
by law to run through in forty-eight hours, acci- 
dents excepted, and not more than seven passen- 
gers were allowed in any one carriage, except by the 
unanimous consent of the passengers. If four in 
excess of that number applied for passage, they 
were bound to fit out and start an extra for their 
accommodation; or any number less than four could 
be accommodated by paying the fare of four. In 
1808, a daily line was established, and afterwards 
several others, which were continued till the com- 
pletion of railroads along the line. * 

This road was opened to Col. Ganson's, within 
a mile of LeRoy, in 1798, and completed to New 
Amsterdam (Buffalo) as early as 1809; and in 1810, 
the first mail stage was run over it west of the 
Genesee, carrying passengers at six cents per mile. 

The road from the mouth of Lycoming Creek 
to Williamsburgh, at the mouth of Canaseraga 
Creek, before referred to, was the other important 
early highway affecting this county; and over it 
came the tide of emigration from the south-east, as 
did that from the New England States and the 
eastern part of this State over the one just des- 
cribed. This road pursued in the main the great 
Indian trail from the Genesee over the Alleghanies 
into Pennsylvania and the country of the Andas- 
tes, intersecting the Lake Erie and Susquehanna 
and Bath turnpikes, at Bath. It was located after 
a laborious exploration in the summer of 1792. by 
Captain Williamson and a party of Pennsylvania 
hunters, and opened in that and the succeeding 

•Hammond's History of Madison County, 118— Ijo. 



year, by " seven stout young Pennsylvanians, well 
skilled in the use of the ax and the rifle," under the 
immediate supervision of Benjamin Patterson, a 
notorious backwoods hunter and guide, assisted by 
a colony of German emigrants, numbering some 
two hundred, who were established at Williams- 
burgh under the auspices of the Pnltney Estate. ' 

A small portion of this road in its lower course 
through this county is perpetuated in the present 
road between Geneseo and Dansville. The rest 
of its course through the county was in a south- 
easterly direction through Groveland, across the 
south-west part of Conesus, the north-east part of 
Sparta, and through Springwater, crossing at the 
head of the Springwater valley. For some years 
after it was opened the streams were unbridged and 
the low marshy places unimproved. 

The enterprise which had the most marked effect 
upon the settlements of Central and Western New 
York was the completion of the Erie canal. It 
promoted the full development of agriculture, by 
opening up cheap and accessible markets for the 
surplus products of the agriculturalist. Lands ap- 
preciated and prices advanced. 

With the rapid increase in population came the 
demand for increased facilities for transportation. 
The old methods were inadequate, and for several 
years in the early part of the present century the 
minds of public men, statesmen, and those whose 
genius adorned the humbler walks of life, were agi- 
tated by this intensely absorbing topic, as the 
necessities of its proximate cause became more 
immediate and pressing. To Gouverneur Morris 
is due the credit of first broaching the subject of 
connecting the waters of Lake Erie with those of 
the Hudson, a thought which took form in his brain 
as early as 1777,! arR l found more tangible expres- 
sion in 1S00, in December of which year, he wrote 
his friend, Tohn Parish, then of Hamburgh, and in 
descanting on the glories of Lake Erie, which he 
visited in that year, he said : — 

" Here again the boundless waste of waters fills 
the mind with renewed astonishment ; and here, as 
in turning a point of wood the lake broke on my 
view. I saw riding at anchor nine vessels, the least 
of them 100 tons.J Can you bring your imagina- 

* See history Town of Groveland. 

t Hosaek's Memoir, z5°- 

tThe first vessel on Lake Erie— the Griffon— vt i 
by the adventurous Cavalier de la Salic in 1679, and leu her am 
nearthe foot of Squaw Island, in Niaga 
reached Washington Island, al 
a storm on the return . year, togelhei 

cargo, which, with the v v.-. 000 or 60,000 

francs. The Building and Voyage of the Griffon, by O. H. M 
The tir^t steamboat on Lake Erie was the ll'alhin the Vafcr.which \*as 
launched at Black Rock. May 18. 1818, and wrecked near Buffalo on the 
night of Oct. it, "S2.I. D(X. Hist. III.. 1194. Buffalo Com 
tistr. Nov. - 1 



104 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



tion to realize this scene ? Does it seem like magic ? 
Vet this magic is but the early effort of victorious 
industry. Hundreds of large ships will in no distant 
period bound on the billows of these inland seas. 
At this point commences a navigation of more than 
a thousand miles. Shall I lead your astonishment 
to the verge of incredulity? I will. Know then that 
one-tenth of the expenses borne by Britain in 
the last campaign would enable ships to sail from 
London through Hudson's River to Lake Erie."* 

In 1S03, in a conversation with Simeon DeWitt, 
who was then and had long been Surveyor-General 
of this State, Mr. Morris adverted to the long cher- 
ished " project of tapping Lake Erie and leading 
its waters, in an artificial river, directly across the 
country to Hudson's river ;" but DeWitt, with his 
intensely practical mind, regarded it as a chimeri- 
cal scheme, and related it on several occasions in 
a spirit of levity, among others to James Geddes, a 
surveyor, who, in 1794, moved from Pennsylvania 
with the facilities for manufacturing salt, and loca- 
ted near the Onondaga salt springs, from whence, 
in 1804, he was sent to the Legislature. Mr. 
Geddes was strongly impressed with the idea, and 
untiringly pursued his investigations in regard to 
the nature of the intervening country, thus acquir- 
ing data which not only made him an ardent advo- 
cate of the project, but enabled him to create a 
public sentiment in its favor, so that it was made a 
political issue, and in April, 1807, Judge Joshua 
Forman, of Onondaga county, was elected to the 
Assembly as the representative of its advocates 
and supporters, 

October 27, 1807, the first of a series of articles 
from the pen of Jesse Hawley appeared in the On- 
tario Messenger, over the signature of Hercules, 
strongly advocating the construction of the canal. 
March 21, 1S08, in consonance with a resolution 
previously introduced by Mr. Forman, the Assem- 
bly passed a bill instructing the Surveyor-General 
"to cause an accurate survey to be made of the 
rivers, streams and waters, (not already accurately 
surveyed,) in the usual route of communication 
between the Hudson river ami Lake Lrie. and such 
other contemplated route as he may deem proper, 
and cause the same to be delineated on charts or 
maps for that purpose accompanying the same, 
with the elevations of the route, and such explana- 
tory notes as may be necessary for all useful infor- 
mation in the premises." The Senate concurred 
April 6th, and on the nth of that month six hun- 
dred dollars were appropriated to carry out the pro- 
visions of the resolution. 

* Hosack'i Memoir, M7- 



Upon James Geddes was devolved the task of 
making these surveys; and January 20, 1809, he 
submitted his report to the Surveyor-General, who 
afterwards wrote that it marked out a route " almost 
precisely in the line which, after repeated, elaborate 
and expensive examinations, has been finally adop- 
ted," and thus was "the fact satisfactorily estab- 
lished, that a canal from Lake F.rie to Hudson's 
River was not only practicable, but practicable 
with uncommon felicity."* 

The favorable report of Judge Geddes silenced 
much local opposition, and induced the Legislature, 
March 15, 1810, to unanimously authorize the or- 
ganization of a Board of Commissioners consisting 
of Gouverneur Morris, Stephen YanRensselaer, De- 
Witt Clinton, Simeon De Witt, William North, 
Thomas Eddy and Peter B. Porter. 

May 8, 181 1, Robert R. Livingston and Robert 
Fulton were added to the commission, who were 
empowered to employ engineers to make further 
surveys, and to apply to the National and State 
governments for aid. 

I une 19, 1812, the commission was authorized 
to purchase all the right and interest of the West- 
ern Inland Lock Navigation Company, with cer- 
tain provisos, and to borrow five millions of dol- 
lars to be used in the construction of the canal ; 
but the ensuing war necessitated a suspension of 
operations, and April 15, 1814, the law authorizing 
this loan was repealed. 

The project was revived in the fall of 1815, and in 
March, 181 7, the new board of commissioners, con- 
sisting of Stephen Van Rensselaer, DeWitt Clinton, 
Samuel Young, Joseph Ellicott and Myron Holley, 
made an elaborate report, and from revised esti- 
mates placed the cost at $5,000,000. April 15, 
18 1 7, the bill which established the canal policy of 
the State passed the Legislature, after a sharp and 
talented controversy. 

The Canal Commissioners were authorized by 
that law to commence constructing the canals from 
Lakes Erie and Champlain to the Hudson. The 
first contract for the Erie canal was made June 27, 
1817, with John Richardson, of Cayuga county; 
and the first spadeful of earth was raised at Rome, 
with appropriate ceremonies, July 4, 1817. Ninety- 
four miles of canal, including the lateral branch to 
Salina, were completed in the autumn of 1820, on 
the middle section; and Oct. 26, 1825, it was fin- 
ished the entire length, a distance of three hundred 
and sixty-three miles, at a cost of $7,143,789.! 

* Canal Laws, [., 40, ■»■• 

. Engine, <- Report, 1878, p. 85. 



COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL. 



I0 5 



The final completion of the canal was a signal 
for an outburst of the wildest enthusiasm along its 
entire length, and the event was celebrated with 
imposing ceremonies at New York and other 
points on the 4th of November, 1825. As the first 
boat,* with Governor Clinton on board, entered 
the canal at Buffalo, on the morning of October 
26th, the fact was signalled to New York by means 
of cannon previously stationed at intervals of a 
few miles along the entire length of the line and 
down the Hudson. 

Within the first decade after its completion the 
necessity for its enlargement was felt, and this 
work, which was ordered May n, 1835, was com- 
menced in August, 1836, and completed in Sep- 
tember, 1862, at a cost of $36,495,535. This 
improvement reduced its length from 363 miles to 
350^ miles; changed the number of locks from 83, 
each go by 15 feet, to 72, each no by 18 feet; reduc- 
ing the number of feet of lockage from 675.5 to 
654.8; increased the width at the top from 40 to 70 
feet, and at the bottom from 28 to 56 feet, and the 
depth from 4 to 7 feet ; and increased the burden 
of boats from 75 to 220 tons. The difference in 
length was occasioned by a change in route in 
various places. 

The completion of the Erie canal exerted a 
marked influence on the industries of the counties 
bordering upon it, and measurably benefited those 
more remote from it. To Livingston county it was 
only the prelude to and precursor of a subsequent 
enterprise, which brought within the reach of its 
citizens the full fruition of its advantages. The 
tedious, toilsome and unreliable water route to that 
great artery was still, as formerly, its chief depend- 
ence. The Genesee was navigable for boats be- 
tween Mt. Morris and Rochester from an early day, 
but up to the time of the building of the Erie canal 
the regular commercial navigation between these 
points was not more frequent than once in two 
weeks. In May, 1824, the canal boat Hazard, 
the pioneer of its craft on the Genesee, and owned 
by Sanford Hunt, of Nunda, made the passage of 
the river, carrying a load of pine lumber, ashes. &c, 
from Nunda to Albany ; and in July of the same 
year, Captain Bottle, with the steamboat Erie 
Canal, first navigated the Genesee by steam, 
making the trip from Rochester to Geneseo. The 
event was suitably recognized by the citizens of 

* This was the fust after the completion of the canal. The first packet 
boat, the Oneida Chief, of which George Perry, a resident of Sullivan, 
Madison county, was captain, commenced running between Utica and 
Montezuma, in July, 1S10. Three" trips were made each week, each trip 
occupying two days. The fare, including board, was$+. The following 
year the canal was open to Schenectady. 



Geneseo and Avon, as it stopped at the latter place 
on its way up the river. The day following his 
arrival at Geneseo, Capt. Bottle acknowledged the 
compliment of the generous reception given him 
by taking a large company of ladies and gentlemen 
on an excursion up the river. Subsequently a 
stock company, in which citizens of this county 
were interested, attempted the navigation of the 
river between Rochester and Geneseo with the 
Genesee, a stern-wheel steamboat of small capacity, 
designed to carry passengers and tow river boats ; 
but the enterprise proved unsuccessful, and it was 
abandoned after two seasons, during the first of 
which the boat was commanded by Captain Wil- 
liam W. Weed, and the second, by Capt. John 
Dallson. 

Immediately on the completion of the Erie canal 
measures were taken by the residents of the Gene- 
see valley to improve the water communication 
with it ; and the idea of a canal as a substitute for 
river navigation early took definite shape. In the 
spring of 1825, a bill authorizing a survey for a 
canal in the Genesee valley was introduced in the 
Legislature, but failed to receive the sanction of 
that body. June 15, 1825, Phillip Church, Daniel 
H. Fitzhugh, William H. Spencer, Ira West, Jon- 
athan Child and Heman Norton issued through 
the columns of the Livingston Register, a call for a 
public meeting of those interested in the construc- 
tion of a canal along the Genesee and Canaseraga 
valleys, also from the Genesee to some point on 
the Alleghany. The movement thus auspiciously 
begun, notwithstanding the continued agitation 
and the many meetings subsequently held in 
various places in its interest, did not receive 
official encouragement until 1834, when surveys 
were authorized and made, and the cost of 
construction estimated by F. C. Mills, the chief 
engineer engaged in it, to be $2,002,285.* The 
construction of the Genesee Valley canal was 
authorized May 6, 1836,1 and the contracts 
awarded therefor during the three succeeding years. 

* The estimated cost at contract prices was $4,900, 122. Report of the 
Stale Engineer and Surveyor of the Canals oftlie State, 187?, p. 96. 

t It is proper to state that a respectable and influential minority advo- 
cated with much ability the improvement and use of a part of the river in 
connection with the canal, for the reason that, as they believed, it would 
effect a " saving of more than a quarter of million dollars to the State, 
and At the same time render greater facilities to trade at a period of inter- 
rupted navigation in the spring and fall, when a canal, sup] 
from the summit level of the Genesee Valley canal, would be locked with 
ice," A public meeting held in the court house at Geneseo, Dec. '' . 
18 j6, was largely attended by citizens 1 \.>m, Geneseo and York, but 

from which those from the southern towns in the county were conspicu- 
ously absent, and Calvin H. Bryan, George Hosmer, Allen Ayrault, 
Charles Colt, Joseph B. Bloss and Elias Clark were appointed to present 
and urge these views on the attention of the Legislature. 



io6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



It was completed to Dansville, November i, 1842; 
to Olean, in November, 1856; and to Mill Grove 
pond, connecting with the Alleghany, (to which 
point its extension was authorized in 1857,) in 
December, 1861. Its completion to the various 
points within the county was hailed with enthusi- 
astic demonstrations of joy. The entire length of 
the canal, with side cut, was 124J miles. The 
total cost of the canal and reservoirs was $6,433,842. 
It was 42 feet wide at the top and 26 feet at the 
bottom, with a depth of four feet, giving it a capac- 
ity for boats of 50 to 55 tons burden.* It had 1 1 2 
locks, each 90 by 15 feet, with a total lift of 
1,128,875 feet ; 28 were built of stone, at a cost of 
$10,000 each ; 73, of composite, at a cost of $8,000 
each, and 11, of wood, at a cost of $5,000 each. 
Eight of these were on the I )ansville branch, eleven 
miles in length, with an aggregate lift of 82.6 feet. 

This canal extends from Rochester to Mill 
Grove pond, near the Pennsylvania line, and enters 
Livingston county in the northeast corner of the 
town of Caledonia. Thence it extends in a south- 
westerly direction on the west side of the river, 
which it crosses at Mt. Morris, thence following the 
Cashaqua valley to Nunda, where it deflects to the 
west till it again reaches the river, which it crosses 
on a wooden aqueduct, forty feet high, at Portage- 
ville, where it leaves the county. The Dansville 
branch intersects it at the Shaker settlement, in the 
south-west part of Groveland, and pursues a south- 
easterly direction to Dansville, crossing the Cana- 
seraga at Comminsville. 

The most difficult and expensive portions of the 
work were encountered between the Dansville 
branch junction and Portageville. The original 
plan included, besides deep cuttings, heavy rock 
excavations, the aqueduct across the Genesee and 
a tunnel through the high hills near Portageville ;f 
but such were the obstacles encountered in the 
latter undertaking that the project was abandoned 
after much expensive labor had been performed 
on it. The following description of the tunnel 
appears in Disturnelts Gazetteer of the State of 
New York, published in 1S42, while that work was 
in progress : — 

"The trunk of the tunnel is to be 27 feet wide. 
20 feet high and ',180 feet in length; the entire 
excavation * * *, including the gallery, shafts 
and lateral drifts, will amount to more than 25,000 

* Report of t/i£ Stale Engineer unit Surveyor on the Canals of tke 
State, 187s. p. </). On page S4 of the same work it is stated that the 
average burden of boats on the Genesee Valley canal was 70 tons, and 
the maximum burden, 70 ton--. 

1 The project of tunneling the hill was adopted on act it of the t reach 

erous nature of the earth composing it, as explained in the chapter "ii 
geology, and abandoned for the same reason. 



cubic yards. * * * Since the excavation has 
been commenced, such is the character of the rock, 
thrown together apparently by nature in loose 
masses and blocks, that it now appears that the 
entire roof and sides of the tunnel will require 
arching with solid mason work. Indeed temporary 
arches of wood have been found necessary during 
the progress of almost every successive \ard of the 
work. It is by far the greatest undertaking of the 
kind that has been attempted in our country. The 
whole region through which the canal here passes, 
also possesses great interest ; the tunnel running 
near by and parallel to the Genesee, which here 
has a perpendicular bank of about 400 feet." 

On the abandonment of the tunnel project, the 
engineer adopted what long seemed an equally un- 
promising one ; but after overcoming many per- 
plexing difficulties he succeeded in placing the 
canal on the treacherous hillside, overlooking the 
deep gorge of the Genesee, and overshadowed by 
the towering hill above, thus accomplishing a most 
remarkable engineering feat. 

In the early part of its existence and for many 
years this canal exerted a marked and beneficial 
influence on the industries of the country through 
which it passed, though it was an onerous burden 
on the State treasury. The advent of the railroads, 
however, soon demonstrated that it had outlived its 
usefulness, and foreshadowed its abandonment, 
which followed in 1878, the order directing its 
abandonment being issued September 30th. 1878. 
The evidences of its existence are rapidly vanishing. 

Pending the prolonged effort to secure favorable 
legislation in the interest of the Genesee Valley 
Canal, its friends, becoming impatient of delay, 
and feeling the urgent demand both for increased 
and improved facilities for transportation, turned 
their attention to the project of constructing a rail- 
road through the Genesee Valley; and in 1831, 
five years after the first railroad company in this 
State was incorporated, and the year in which the 
first railroad in the State was opened to the public,* 

* The Mohawk atul Hudson Railroad Company, incorporated April 
i;, 1826, built the first railroad in this State between Albany and Schen- 
ectady, a distance of seventeen miles. The work of construction was 
commenced at Schenectady, July 29, iSjo, and about the 2clh of July fol- 
lowing, the road from the top of the hill at Albany to the blow <.t the hill 
at Schenectady, a distance of about 11 1-1 miles, was completed and for- 
mallv opened September 24, 1 s j 1 . Previously, however, the road was 
regularly operated by horse power. The science of railroad engineering 
was then in its infancy, and the ait of surmounting grades by lot omotive 
ower was then unknown: hence, both termini were inclined 
planes, up which the cais were drawn by stationary engines, and balanced 
li\ means of a car loaded with stone descending an opposite track. The 
road was completed through its entire length in the spring of l8?Z. The 
first cars used upon it were stage coach bodies placed upon trucks; and 
llit first train, of three coaches, was drawn by the engine DiU'itt Clinton, 

which made the return trip, with five cars, in thirty-five minutes, The 

inclined planes were used till about 1840, when a portion of the route was 

changed foi a lini with grades that couldbe worked with 1 1 vi ■ 

I hi road now forms a part of the New York Central and Hudson Rivet 
R. K Hough's Gazetteer of New York, 126, 145. 



RAILROAD ENTERPRISES. 



107 



a series of meetings were held along the line of the 
proposed railroad, which culminated in the passage 
of an Act on the 2 2d of March, 1832, incorporating 
the Dansville and Rochester Railroad, for the con- 
struction of a steam railroad from Dansville to 
Rochester. This favorable legislation was joyfully 
received by the friends of the enterprise, promi- 
nent among whom, in this county, were Charles H. 
Carroll, Hezekiah D. Mason, Allen Ayrault, Wil- 
liam A. Mills, C. H. Bryan, James Faulkner, Felix 
Tracy, D. H. Fitzhugh, James McCurdy, John 
Young, S. G. Grover, William H. Spencer, William 
Lyman and others, and in July, 1832, surveys were 
commenced. The public, however, were not pre- 
pared for such an enterprise, and after ineffectual 
efforts to secure the requisite amount of stock, it 
was abandoned by its projectors. 

The next railroad enterprise to engage the at- 
tention of the people of Livingston county was the 
Genesee and Pittsford Railroad, which was incor- 
porated May 21, 1836, but, like its predecessor, 
was not constructed. 

The construction of a railroad from Attica to 
Hornellsville, for which purpose the Attiea and 
Hornellsvilh Railroad Company was incorporated 
May 14, 1845, with a capital of $750,000 was the 
next railroad project which agitated the people of 
Livingston county; and a sharp competition ex- 
isted in the effort to determine the choice of one 
of two proposed routes through the county, one of 
which extended 'hrough the western and southern 
parts of the county, and the other and shorter one, 
and the one finally selected, through the south- 
western corner, entering the county and crossing 
the river at Portage, near the center of the west 
border of that town, which it crosses in a south- 
easterly direction, also the south-west part of Nun- 
da, leaving that town and the county near the 
center of its south border. The time for the com- 
pletion of this road was extended to April n, 1849; 
and April 9, 1851, other roads were allowed to 
take stock. March 3, 1851, the capital was in- 
creased, and the company allowed to purchase the 
Buffalo and Rochester Railroad, from Attica to 
Buffalo, and to change its name, which it did 
April 16, 185 1, to the Buffalo and New York 
City Railroad. The road was completed and in 
operation between Portage and Hornellsville in 
January, 1852, and the following year was open its 
entire length — ninety-one miles.* That portion of 
the road from Attica to Buffalo was sold to the 
Buffalo, New York and Erie Railroad; and that 

•The length of the road from Attica to Hornellsville is 59.848 miles. 



portion from Attica to Hornellsville, changed to 
the Buffalo branch of the Erie, Decembers, 1862. 
It is now owned and operated by the New York, 
Lake Erie anil Western Railroad. 

This road crosses the Genesee at Portageville on 
a magnificent wrought-iron bridge, erected in 
1875, at a cost of about $75,000, in place of the 
famous wooden structure, which was destroyed by 
fire, and was completed August 25, 1852, at a cost 
of $175,000. It was the largest wooden railroad 
bridge in the world ; being 800 feet long, and 234 
feet above the river bed. The present bridge is 
eighteen feet longer than the old one and one foot 
higher. It is a Pratt truss bridge, consisting of 
ten spans of fifty feet each, two of one hundred 
feet each, and one of one hundred and eighteen 
feet. It rests upon six double towers, each com-* 
posed of four hollow iron beams, in sections, six- 
teen inches square. These are seventy feet apart 
at the bottom, and wide enough at the top for 
double tracks. They rest upon moveable steel 
rollers, which admit of adjustment as heat or cold 
may expand or contract the structure. The whole 
is supported by stone piers. The first iron work 
was put up June 13th, and the last, July 16, 1875. 
Its sustaining power is 20,000 pounds to the square 
inch. 

During the construction of this road through 
Portage, in July, 185 1, a riot which threatened ser- 
ious results occurred among the striking work- 
men engaged in its construction, and render- 
ed it necessary to apply to the civic authori- 
ties of Livingston and Wyoming counties for 
aid in quelling it. A desperate encounter en- 
sued in which several of the rioters were shot, 
two fatally, and it was not until the militia was 
summoned to the scene that the entente was 
quelled. The Big Tree Artillery, of Geneseo, 
were summoned and repaired to the scene of 
action. 

In 1849, the project of constructing the New 
York and Erie Railroad (which was opened June 
1 st of that year to Elmira,) through the Cohocton 
instead of the Canisteo Valley from Corning was 
discussed and enlisted the earnest support of the 
people of this section in favor of the former route. 
The latter, however, being decided on, a separate 
railroad was resolved on through the Cohocton 
Valley from Corning, and June 26, 1850, the Buf- 
falo and Cohocton [alley Railway company was 
formed to effect that object. Two feasible routes 
were reported from Bath to the Genesee ; one 
known as the Honeoye route, which would cross 



io8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



only the towns of Lima and Caledonia in this 
county, and the other, the Conesus route, which 
was two miles shorter, and was adopted with 
Buffalo instead of Rochester as the western ter- 
minus. This enters the county on the south line 
of Springwater, passes northerly through the west- 
ern part of that town, the central part of Conesus 
and the western part of Livonia, to its north line, 
and to the south-west corner of Lima, where it 
deflects to the west, and reaches the Conesus out- 
let, which it follows in most of its course through 
the southern and central parts of Avon, to the 
north line of Avon village, where it again deflects 
to the west, and crosses the town of Caledonia 
diagonally in a north-westerly direction, leaving 
the county in the north-west corner of the latter 
town. March 3, 1852, it was changed to the 
Buffalo, Corning and New York Railro ad Com- 
pany ; and subsequently that portion of the road 
extending from Corning to Batavia was sold to the 
Buffalo. New York and Erie Railroad, which was 
organized in 1857. It is now leased by the New 
York, Lake Eric ami Western Railroad, belong- 
ing to the Rochester division of that road. Forty- 
four miles of the road were completed in 1852, 
and an additional forty-six miles in 1853, in July 
of which year trains were running regularly be- 
tween Corning and Caledonia. 

The project of a railroad through the Genesee 
valley was revived, and June 7, 1851, the Roches- 
ter and Genesee I 'alley Railroad Company was or- 
ganized for the purpose of building a road from 
Rochester to Pittsburgh by that route and char- 
tered July 2, 185 1, with a capital of $800,000. 
James S. Wadsworth of Geneseo and Freeman 
Clark of Rochester were the prime movers in this 
enterprise. Anion Bronson of Rochester, was also 
prominently identified with it. The route was sur- 
veyed in 185 1, by McRea Swift, assisted by Edward 
Everett. The work of construction was com- 
menced in 1852, and was completed to Avon, adis- 
tance of 18.261 miles, in 1854. About $100,000 
were expended for grading, masonry and right 
of way on that part of the line between Avon and 
Mt. Morris. At this point the means of the com- 
pany gave out, and its subsequent efforts to com- 
plete the road were unavailing. Oct. 1, 1858, the 
road was leased to the Buffalo, New York and 
Erie Railroad Company for ten years, with the 
privilege of renewal at the same terms. The 
lease was sold and assigned to the Erie Railway 
Company, and the road is now leased and operated 
by the New York, Lake l-'.ric and Western Rail- 



ro, id, as a part of the Rochester division of that 
road. 

Energetic measures were set on foot by the resi- 
dents of this county to extend this road from Avon 
to Portage, and July 12, 1856, the Genesee I'al/ey 
Railro,!,/ Company was formed for the accomplish- 
ment of that object. It was composed among 
others, of James S. Wadsworth of Geneseo ; John 
R. Murray, Judge Geo. S. Hastings. Hiram P. 
Mills, and Reuben P. Wisnerof Mt. Morris; Judge 
Charles H. Carroll and Dr. Daniel H. Fitzhugh of 
Groveland ; and William Kidd, Waterman F. Rey- 
nolds and Henry E. Rochester of Rochester, all of 
whom were prominent members of the company. 
Arrangements were made whereby the Rochester 
and Genesee I 'alley Railroad Company agreed to 
transfer to this company all its right and title to real 
property on the line south of Avon, on condition 
that it carry forward the project. This transfer 
was made by deed, Dec. 26, 1S56. In September, 
1856, a contract was entered into with George W. 
Phelps of Mt. Morris, to complete the road from 
Avon to Mt. Morris. He commenced operations 
in October of that year ; but owing to the financial 
crisis of 1857, and the consequent inability of the 
company to furnish the means for prosecuting the 
work, it was not completed until 1859. The first 
train passed over the road on Thursday, January 
20, 1859, when Mr. Phelps took the directors to 
Avon and gave them a dinner there. The road 
was formally opened, June 5, 1859. Its length from 
Avon to Mt. Morris is 17.561 miles; and to the 
town line 19 miles. 

In 1S56, the Genesee I 'alley Railroad Company 
issued bonds to the amount of $175,000 for con- 
struction expenses, and July 22, 1857, executed a 
mortgage on its property to secure them. The 
road was sold on foreclosure in 1858, and was sub- 
sequently purchased by the Avon, Geneseo and Mt. 
Morris Railroad Company, which was chartered 
March 8, i860, with a capital of $225,000. 

On the completion of the road it was managed 
by Mr. Patchen, who ran his trains over it to Roch- 
ester, for a. pro rata of the expenses, and in eight 
months made the running expenses exceed the re- 
ceipts by about $1,800. May 1, i860, the roadwas 
leased to George W. Phelps, then a large stockhold- 
er, for one year, he agreeing to pay seven per cent. 
on the cost of construction. Mr. I 'helps renewed 
the lease a second year, at the expiration of which 
he became its manager, and continued it success- 
fully till 1 87 2, when it was leased to the Erie Rail- 
way Company for eighty years with all renewals and 



RAILROAD ENTERPRISES. 



109 



charters. It is now leased and operated by the 
New York, Lake Erie and Western Railroad Com- 
pany, as a part of the Rochester division of that 
road. 

The Dansville and Genesee Valley Railroad 
Company was organized March 22, 1864, for the 
purpose of constructing and operating a road fifteen 
miles in length from Dansville to Mt. Morris, to 
intersect at or near the latter place the Avon, Gen- 
eseo and Mt. Morris Railroad, but without accom- 
plishing its object. The capital stock was fixed at 
$150,000, divided into 6,000 shares. The follow- 
ing named directors were chosen : George Hy- 
land, James Faulkner, Charles Shepard, James C. 
Jackson, Jesse Angel, Hugh McCartney, Sidney 
Sweet, Alonzo Bradner, Orville Tousey, all of 
Dansville ; Hugh T. McNair, of West Sparta ; 
Anson D. Smith, of Mt. Morris, and Isaac Butts 
and William Kidd, of Rochester. 

January 24, 1868, a charter was granted to the 
Erie and Genesee J 'alley Railroad Company for 
the purpose of extending the Avoji, Geneseo and 
Mt. Morris Railroad from Groveland to Burns, in 
Allegany county, to connect at the latter place 
with the Buffalo and Hornellsville branch of the 
Erie road. In 187 1, seven miles of this road was 
constructed, and in 1872, an additional five and 
one-fourth miles, completing it to Dansville,* be- 
yond which point it has not since been carried. 
On its completion to Dansville the company leased 
the road to the Erie Railway Company, agreeing 
in the lease to build it through to Burns. The 
road is now operated by the New York, Lake Erie 
and Western Railroad. 

The Silver Lake Railroad was chartered July 
19, 1869, for the purpose of constructing a railroad 
from Perry to Caledonia, with a capital of half a 
million dollars, $120,127 °f which is paid in. Six 
and one-half miles of the road, from Perry to East 
Gainesville, have been constructed, connecting the 
former village with the Erie Railroad. 

The Canandaigua and Niagara Falls Railroad 
Company was incorporated May 18, 185 1, under 
the general railroad Act of 1S50, and in 1853 con- 
structed a railroad from Canandaigua to Suspen- 
sion Bridge, mortgaging its property, corporate 
franchises, etc., to secure the issue of certain bonds. 

This mortgage was subsequently foreclosed, and 
the mortgaged property purchased by James M. 
Brown, Charles Congdon and Bobert B. Potter, 
who, with others, organized the Niagara Bridge 
and Canandaigua Railroad Company, August 25, 

* State Engineer's Report on Railroads, 1879, p. 61. 



1858, and to whom they subsequently transferred 
the property. The company then leased the line 
to the New York Central Railroad Company for 
the term of its charter. The road is now leased 
and operated by the New York Central and Hud- 
son River Railroad Company. It extends from 
east to west through the north part of the town of 
Caledonia. 

The Rochester, Nunda and Pennsylvania Rail- 
road Company was organized April 9, 1870, for 
the purpose of building a road from Mt. Morris to 
Belvidere, the object being to establish a railroad 
connection between Rochester and the trunk line 
of the Erie road. The project enlarged and on 
the 10th of January, 1872, a company styled the 
Northern Extension of the Rochester, Nunda and 
Pennsylvania Railroad was formed to build a road 
from Mt. Morris to Rochester on the west side of 
the Genesee Valley, passing through the towns of 
Leicester, York, Caledonia, Wheatland and Gates. 
The same year another company known as the 
Southern Extension of the Rochester, Nunda and 
Pennsylvania Railroad was formed in the same 
interest to build a road from Belvidere to the 
Pennsylvania line ; and immediately thereafter the 
three companies consolidated into one, taking the 
name of the first. Immediately thereafter the con- 
solidated company consolidated with another rail- 
road company in Pennsylvania, known as the 
Northern Railroad and Navigation Company, 
under the name of the Rochester, Nunda and 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, having for its 
objects the opening of a direct communication with 
the cities of Rochester and Pittsburg, and the 
cities lying to the south-west of the latter, and to 
open to people on its line and to northern markets 
the vast forests of timber and especially the im- 
mense bituminous coal basin of Pennsylvania, 
which the road penetrates for a distance of fifty 
miles. The company adopted mainly a route sur- 
veyed for a railroad more than twenty-five years 
previously. With about seventy-five miles graded 
and about eighteen miles of iron laid and ballasted 
(from Mt. Morris south through Nunda and 
Rosse's Crossing,) the panic of 1873 overtook and 
swamped the enterprise. In June, 1877, the fran- 
chises and property of the company were sold on 
foreclosure of mortgage and bought in the interest 
of the stockholders, who re-organized, June 27, 
1877, as the Rochester, Nunda and Pittsburg 
Railroad Company, of which George Jerome, J. 
Simpson, of Detroit, Charles L. Bingham, of Mt. 
Morris, C. W. Leavitt, of Philadelphia, T. Gilbert 



tio 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Smith, George M. Osgooilby, Buffalo, Franklin D. 
Lake, Nunda, J. C, Wicker, Leicester, are the 
directors; George Jerome, president ; Franklin I). 
Lake, vice-president; C. W. Leavitt, secretary; 
Charles L. Bingham, treasurer. The property was 
kept intact and was sold in September, 1880, to 
capitalists, who propose to build the road. The 
road has never be operated. 

The Rochester and Genesee I 'alley Canal Rail- 
road Company was incorporated April 15, 1879, for 
the purpose of building a railroad as nearly as prac- 
ticable on the line of the Genesee Valley Canal, 
(abandoned,) from Mt. Morris, and through that 
town, Nunda and Portage, in Livingston county. 
Genesee Falls, in Wyoming county, Hume, Cane- 
adea, Belfast and New Hudson to Cuba, in Alle- 
gany county, its southern terminus. No portion of 
the road is yet under construction. The directors 
and officers are : George W. Phelps, (president,) 
and Norman Seymour, Mt. Morris ; Mortimer F. 
Reynolds, Lewis P. Ross, (secretary,) R. A. Sibley 
and S. J. Arnold, Rochester ; F. D. Lake and 
Michael Dowling, Nunda ; John N. Davidson, Gen- 
esee Falls ; William P. Brooks, Fillmore ; M. L. 
Ross, Hume; A. M. Smith and W. P. Stevens, 
Cuba ; and Geo. C. Buell, (treasurer,) Rochester. 



CHAPTKR XL 

Societies — The Medical Society ofthe County 
ok Livingston — Irs Organization and First 
Officers — Succession of Presidents of the 
Society — Names of Members From its Organ- 
ization — Origin of Homeopathy — Its Intro- 
duction into Livingston County — Homeo- 
pathic Medical Society of Livingston County 
— Irs Constituent Members — Succession 
of Presidents of the Society — - Addi- 
tional Members — The Livingston County 
Agricultural Society — First Officers — 
Premiums Awarded — Classification of Mem- 
bers in 1855 — Prominent Stock Raisers and 
Horticulturists in the County — Geneseo 
Credited with First Suggesting the Idea of 
the Mowing Machine — Succession of Presi- 
dents of the Agricultural Society — Living- 
ston County Stock Association — Livingston 
County Historical Society — Livingston 
County Pioneer Association. 

THE formation of county medical societies was 
authorized in 1806, by an Act of the Legislature 
which conferred on them certain powers and im- 



posed certain duties. Previously all persons de- 
siring to practice " physic and surgery." were re- 
quired to present evidence of their competency to 
the Chancellor of the State, to a Judge of the Su- 
preme or Common Pleas Court, or to a Master in 
Chancery, and on receiving a certificate entitling 
them to practice, to file it in the county clerk's of- 
fice, under penalty of receiving no remuneration, 
or in case pay was received, of being fined twenty- 
five dollars each time it was so received. The law 
authorizing county medical societies conferred on 
them authority to grant licenses and recognize 
diplomas from other States and countries, but such 
licenses and diplomas were required to be filed in 
the county clerk's office under like penalties. 

The Medical Society of the County of Livingston 
was organized at a meeting of physicians and sur- 
geons at the house of Col. John Pierce in Genesee, 
on Tuesday, the 29th of May, 1821. The meet- 
ing was attended by the following physicians : 
Charles Little and Jared D. Ensworth, Avon ; Jus- 
tin Smith, Lima ; Samuel Daniels, Elkanah French 
and Eli Hill, Livonia ; Royal Tyler and John W. 
Leonard, York; and Cyrus Wells, Jr., Geneseo. 
Dr. Charles Little was chosen chairman, and Dr. 
Justin Smith, secretary of the meeting. The fol- 
lowing officers were chosen for the ensuing year : 
Charles Little, president ; Justin Smith, vice-presi- 
dent ; Cyrus Wells, Jr., secretary; Samuel Daniels, 
treasurer. 

At this early period the facilities for acquiring a 
medical education was much more limited than at 
present, and a large proportion of the practitioners 
of medicine were licensed to practice by State and 
county societies. The proportion of those who 
were licensed to those who were graduates of medi- 
cal colleges was about two to one. Up to 1852, the 
copies of diplomas filed in the County Clerk's office 
show that seventy-three were licentiates and forty- 
four graduates.* 

The society, feeling their responsibility, provided 
by their first code of by-laws for a triumvirate, con- 
sisting of the president, secretary and one of the 
censors, "to examine students in the preparatory 
branches of education and give a certificate pre- 
vious to their entrance upon study." Candidates 
for license to practice " physic and surgery" were 
required to give notice thereof to the president and 



* History of the Medical Society of Livingston county, by Walter E. 
Lauderdale, M. D, of Geneseo, as published in the Transactions of the 
Medical Society of 'the State of 'New York, 1S70. Access to this docu- 
ment was kindly permitted us by the author, who is one of the oldest, as 
lie is anions the most honored and respected members of the profession 
in this county, and of this society. 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 



censors fifteen days previous to examination, and 
to produce to the censors satisfactory proof that 
they were twenty-one years of age and of good 
moral character; that they had studied the term 
required by law with one or more " reputable and 
legal practitioners," and had " appropriated that 
time solely to the study of physic and surgery." 
They were required to undergo an examination in 
Materia Medica and pharmacy, anatomy, physi- 
ology and the "theory and practice of physic." 
Candidates for license to practice surgery were 
required to undergo an examination, particularly in 
anatomy and surgery. If the examination proved 
satisfactory a diploma was issued. 

These by-laws further specify that " it is consid- 
ered the duty of every member of this society to 
support the honor and dignity of the medical pro- 
fession and execute their respective duties with 
justice and fidelity." Each new member was required 
at the next meeting after his admission to deliver 
in the presence of the society a dissertation on some 
subject connected with medical science. The 
records of a later period show that new members 
were permitted to deliver a dissertation in lieu of 
the regular initiation fee, which, at different times, 
was two, three and five dollars. These disserta- 
tions were also required from members joining from 
other counties, who, however, were allowed to join 
without fee. An officer who absented himself from 
any stated meeting, unless he gave a reasonable 
excuse at the next meeting, was liable to a fine of 
not less than two dollars, and other members, to a 
fine not exceeding one dollar. All members over 
sixty years of age were exempted from fines for 
non-attendance. The president, at the expiration 
of his office, was required to deliver a dissertation 
on some medical subject or an address, and in case 
of failure to pay a fine of $25. The by-laws adopted 
in 1829, required the delegate to the State Society 
to deliver an address before the society at the ex- 
piration of his office or forfeit the sum of $20. 
These by-laws have since been several times modi- 
fied to meet the exigencies of the times. June 28, 
1830, the Society put itself on record on the 
temperance question by the adoption of the follow- 
ing resolutions presented by Dr. G. W. Little : — 

" Resolved, That we view intemperance in any 
degree in the use of distilled spirits a great moral 
and physical evil ; and that we consider it our 
duty, both as physicians and as citizens, to exer- 
cise all the influence of which we may be possessed 
to aid in its suppression. 

'■'■Resolved, That the exertions making very gen- 
erally throughout this country, for the promotion 



of this object, while they are confined to their 
legitimate and avowed purposes, and preserved en- 
tirely disconnected with any extraneous question, 
meet our cordial approbation ; and that all the aid 
which we can contribute to promote their success 
shall be cordially and constantly afforded. 

"■Resolved, That the popular opinion that a 
common use of ardent spirits renders the human 
system less subject to the diseases of this climate, 
we consider to be a dangerous, and in many in- 
stances, a fatal error. 

''Resolved, That our medical experience conclu- 
sively shows us that persons intemperate in the 
use of ardent spirits, are more liable to be attacked 
by the diseases incident to this climate ; and that 
their diseases are uniformly of a more dangerous 
and intractable character. 

"Resolved, That we will on all proper occasions 
enforce the above sentiments by our advice to 
those under our professional care ; and at all times 
by the influence of our personal example." 

Up to this period regular annual and semi- 
annual meetings were held, with possibly one or 
two exceptions, when they were omitted for want 
of a quorum till 1834. From that year until 1841, 
no semi-annual meetings are recorded. In the 
latter year they were resumed. 

This was a period when the physicians in this 
county in common with others throughout the 
country were deeply agitated — the period when 
homeopathy began to force its just claims on pub- 
lic attention and to legal recognition. The legis- 
lative action which soon tollowed — in 1844 — was 
regarded by many with grave and honest appre- 
hension ; for it was thought that it would prove 
detrimental to the interests of the profession, and 
many believed, says Dr. Lauderdale, "that their 
efforts to advance a sound rational system of medi- 
cal education and practice were neither apprecia- 
ted by the people, nor their representatives in the 
legislature." It has, however, worked beneficially 
in resting the prestige of the profession upon its 
real, rather than its assumed merits. 

This Society, in a measure, anticipated and in- 
vited legislative action on this subject. January 
30, 1844, Drs. Salisbury, Metcalf and Lauderdale 
were appointed to draft resolutions, which, after 
having been signed by the presiding officers of this 
meeting, should be forwarded to the Chairman of 
the Committee on Medical Colleges of the Legis- 
lature of this State, "urging the abolition of all 
laws in relation to the practice of physic and sur- 
gery." At the annual meeting of June 25, 1844, 
" after some discussion on the utility of continuing 
this Society under the disadvantages" which then 
existed, it was 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



"Resolved, That when this meeting adjourn they 
adjourn situ 1 die; and that a committee consisting 
of three be appointed by the Chair to draft a state- 
ment and resolutions expressive of the views of 
this Society ; and that the editors of the several 
newspapers of the county be requested to publish 
them ; that a copy be forwarded to the State Med- 
ical Society." 

Drs. Salisbury, I). H. Bissell and Sill were ap- 
pointed such committee. At this meeting it was 
further 

"Resolved, That the funds belonging to the So- 
ciety, amounting to $12. 25, be expended by the Sec- 
retary for medical bonks, which shall be deposited 
in the medical library room established by the late 
James Wadsworth in the village of Geneseo." 

This is the first reference made in the records 
of the Society to medical literature. 

The annual meetings up to 1844 were held with 
great regularity at Geneseo, where, also, the semi- 
annual meetings were generally held. 

During the eight years succeeding 1844, the 
society was practically dormant, its meetings being 
discontinued. In 1852, ''it was concluded," says 
I >r. Lauderdale, " by a number of the physicians 
of the county, upon consultation, that the interests 
of the profession and the community at large, 
requires a reorganization of the Society ; and an 
invitation was extended through the papers to the 
physicians of the county, to meet in Geneseo, on 
the 28th day of September, for the purpose of re- 
organization." 

In accordance with this call the following named 
physicians convened at the American Hotel, Gen- 
eseo, viz. : D. H. Bissell, T. Morse, J. B. Pur- 
chase, A. L. Gilbert, S. I.. Endress, W. E. Lauder- 
dale, William C. Dwight, W. H. Sellew, E. \Y. 
Patchen, B. L. Hovey, Z. H. Blake, A. W. Mercer, 
A. H. Hoff, L. J. Ames, B. F. Fowler. Dr. A. H. 
Hoff was chosen chairman, and B. F. Fowler, sec- 
retary. Committees were appointed to draft by- 
laws and medical ethics, officers were elected for the 
ensuing year, and a committee appointed to select 
suitable persons to prepare addresses on medical 
subjects to be read at subsequent meetings. 

The meetings of the Society continued to be held 
regularly until 1858. There is no record of a 
meeting from January 7, 1858, to January 7, 1864. 
At the latter meeting a new fee bill to correspond 
with the times was adopted. Two fee bills had been 
previously adopted, one in May, 1S57, and the 
other June 28, 1842. This meeting was attended 
by Drs. Bissell, who was called to the chair, Nesbitt, 
Wells, Ames, G. II. Bennett, William Sprague, Ellis, 
Vickery, and J. A. Bennett. 



The next meeting recorded was held July 24, 
1867, and was attended by Drs. Blake, Patchen, 
Ferine, Purchase, Bennett, Ellis, Lauderdale and 
Chase. Dr. Lauderdale, as senior member, was 
called to the chair, and Dr. Chase appointed sec- 
retary. Drs. Perine, Purchase, Bennett and Blake, 
were appointed a committee to draft resolutions, 
and after a recess of fifteen minutes reported as 
follows : — 

Whereas, The Livingston County Medical 
Society has failed to meet for a term of years ; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That we request the secretary to call 
the members together for an annual meeting on the 
18th of September, 1867." 

A new fee bill was adopted in January, 1868, 
and another in June, 1873. 

In 1874, the Legislature in a measure put up 
the barriers taken down in 1844, so far as to dis- 
criminate against quackery, but not against regular 
schools of medicine. Practitioners are required by 
the law of 1874 to have a license from a medical 
society or to be a graduate from a medical college. 
May 29, 1880, an Act was passed by the Legisla- 
ture requiring medical practitioners to register in 
the County Clerk's office, on or before October 1, 
1880, their name, residence, place of birth and 
authority for practicing. Both these laws make 
illegal practice punishable by fine or imprisonment 
or both. 

The following gentlemen* have served the 
Society as president : — 

Charles Little 1821, 1835. 

Justin Smith 1822. 

Caleb Chapin 1823. 

Charles Bingham 1824, 1829. 

E. Hill 1825, 1828. 

Samuel Daniels 1826, 1827. 

Cyrus Wells, Jr 1 830. 

Andrew Sill 1831. 

Daniel H. Bissell 1832, 1837, 1S39. 

E. P. Metcalf 1S34, 1836. 

S. Salisbury, Jr 1835, 1840. 

Joseph To/.ier 1838. 

Gilbert Bogart 1841. 

William H. Reynale 1842, 1867. 

John S. Graham 1843. 

Ellis 1868. 

I :. ( ',. Chase 1869. 

\V. 11. Alley 1870. 

C. H. Richmond 1872. 

F. M. Perine 1873. 

R. J. Menzie 1874. 

B. J. Kneeland 187s. 

J. E. Crisfield 1880. 

Following is a list of the names of members who 

•This list may not be Complete, as llie records themselves are very 
incomplete. 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 



"3 



have joined the society since its organization, as far 

as they can be ascertained from the records. The 

right hand column of dates represents the time 

when they joined the society ; the left hand column, 

the time they filed copies of their diplomas in the 

County Clerk's office at Geneseo : — 

Alley, Wm. B., Nunda, as early as 1870. 

Alvord, Ariel, l &33- 

Alvord, Milton, 1828. June 24, 1828. 

Ames, Loren J., Mt. Morris, 1843. June 27, 1843. 

Baker, Milan, 

Benedict, Avery, 1822. 

Bennett, Geo. H, Lima, Jan. 7, 1864. 

Bennett James A., Geneseo, . do. 

Bingham, Chas., Mt. Morris,. 182 1 

Bishop, Eben H., June 30, 1829 

Bissell, Danl. H., Moscow, .. 1823. 1822 

Bissell, Danl. P., Moscow, ... 1828. Jan. 29, 1828 

Blake, Geo. M., Dansville, . . . 

Blake, Z. H., Dansville, Sept. 28, 1853 

Bogart. Gilbert, Mt. Morris,! .1831 June 30, 1829 

Bosley, Geo. H., Geneseo,. . . 

Bowers, J. R., Mt. Morris, . . 1828. June 24, 1828 

Briggs, Chas. A., Avon, 1877 

Brockway, C. C, Avon, 

Brown, Goit, 

Butler, Wm., Lima, 1837. June 26, 1838. 

Butler, Wm. C, Avon, 1842. June 28, 1842. 

Byam, L. W., Geneseo, 

Camp, Abraham 

Campbell, A. C, Sparta, .... 

Campbell, Alex, 

Campbell, Duncan, Caledonia, 

Campbell, LA., 

Campbell, John, Livonia 1823 

Campbell, Jno. A., Lima, .... 1829. 

Carman, Samuel, Livonia,. . .1828. June 24, 1S28. 

Caton, Peter T., Livonia, .... 1839. June 30, 1840. 

Caulkins, T. N., 

Chafee, C. C, Allegany Co., (hon'ry) June 28, 1842. 

Chapin, Caleb, 1822. 182 1. 

Chase, Enos G., Geneseo, ... July 24, 1867. 

Chikls, Ebenezer, Mt. Morris, June 30, 1840. 

Clark, Josiah, Caledonia,. . . . 1827, Jan. 29, 1828. 

Clarke, Joel W., Livonia,. . . . 1829, Jan. 26, 1830. 

Coe, Wm. H., Avon, 

Calvin, Jonathan, 

Cook, Lyman N., Sparta, .... 182 1. 

Craig, John, York 1841. June 30, 1840. 

Craig, John Reid, York, Jan. 25, 1842. 

Crandall, Amos, Jr., Livonia, . 1834. Jan. 31, 1832. 

Cressy, Alonzo, Lima, 1829. June 28, 1830. 

Ciisfield, J. E., Dansville,. . . . 

Culbertson, Isaac W., Grove- 
land, 

Currie, John, Caledonia, .... 1823. Jan. 26, 1830. 

Daniels, Samuel, Livonia, ... 182 1. May 29, 1821. 

Davis, Aaron, Mt. Morris,... June 28, 1842. 

Davis, Kendall, Moscow, .... 

Day, Asel, Sparta, 1824. 

Day, E.C., 1822. 

Dayton, David D., Hopewell, 
N. Y., 1844. June 25,1844. 



June 29, 1841. 
June 26, 1838. 
June 28, 1842. 
Jan. 31, 1832. 



DeCamp, William H., 

Denton, L. A., Moscow, 1877. 

Dewey, Horatio H, 1846. 

Dildine, C. T., Dansville, .... 

Drake, Israel, 1852. 

DuRelle, Geo. O. J., York, .. 1839. June 25, 1839. 

Dwight, Wm. C, Moscow, . . . 1824. June 30, 1829. 

Dyke, I. A. M., York, 1877. 

Ellis, S. G., Lima, 

Ellis, Samuel L., Jan. 7, 1864. 

Endress, Samuel L., Dans- 
ville, 1829. Jan. 27, 1829. 

Ensworth, Jared D., Avon,. . . 1821. May 29,1821. 

Fenn, Horatio N., 1823. Jan. 6, 1824. 

Ferris, Lewis G., Mt. Morris, June 30, 1840. 

Filkins, J. G., York, 

Findlay, Solomon B., 1823. 

Fitch, Graham N., Caledonia,i835. June 25, 1833. 

Foote, Henry K., Conesus, . ..1830. June 28, 1830. 

Fowler, B. F., Geneseo, Sept. 28, 1853. 

French, Elkanah, Livonia, ... 182 1. May 29, 1821. 

Gaillick, Thaddeus, 

Gallantine, Samuel, Mt. Mor- 
ris, 1842. June 27, 1843. 

Gates, H. S., 1835. June 28, 1836. 

Gibbs, Anson A., Livonia, . . . 

Gilbert, Augustus L., Mt. 

Morris, 1852. Sept. 28, 1852. 

Gilmore, John, Nunda, 

Graham, John S., York, 1829. June 28, 1830. 

Grant, Abraham, 1829. June 28, 1830. 

Graves, Geo. W., 

Gray, Arnold, Springwater, .. 1827. June 26, 1827. 

Gray, John W., Avon, 

Gray, Joel, Geneseo, June 29, 1841. 

Gray, Orlando S., Springwa- 
ter, 1835. 

Green, James, York, June 28, 1825. 

Green, Jay L., Livonia, 

Green, Wm. T., Livonia,. . . . 1827. 

Hale, Thara, 1822. 

Hanson, Benajah, York, .... 1829. June 24, 1828. 

Harris, Francis L., Geneseo,i829. June 26, 1832. 

Higgins, David C, 1825. 

Hill, Eli, Livonia, 1823. May 29, 1821. 

Hoff, Alexander H, Mt. Mor- 
ris Sept. 28, 1852. 

Holloway, Wm., York, 1823. 1822. 

Hovey, Bleeker L, Sparta, .. 1842. June 28, 1842. 

Hudnutt, Isaiah B. Jr., West 

Sparta, 1837. June 30, 1835. 

Hume, Julius M., Conesus,. . 1835. Jan. 28, 1834. 

Hunt, Hiram, Mt. Morris,. .. 1825. Jan. 30, 1827. 

Hunt, John S., Sparta, 1842. June 28, 1842. 

Huntington, T. R., Mt. Mor- 
ris, 

Hurd, Isaac W., Sparta, 1829. June 30, 1829. 

Jinks, James E., Avon, 

Jones, Geo. H, Fowlerville, . 1878. 

Joslyn, Z. H, Mt. Morris,. .. 

Kelsey, Robert, June 26, 1838. 

King, John M., , 1834. 

Kneeland, Benj. F., Nunda,. as early as 1875. 

Landon, J. C, Geneseo, 1825. June 28, 1825. 



H4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Lauderdale, Edward, drove- 
land 

Lauderdale, Walter E.,Sparta,i828. Jan. 27, 1829. 

Lauderdale, Walter E., |r., 
Geneseo, 

Leonard, John W., York,. . ..1821. May 29, 1821. 

Little, Charles, Avon, 1821. May 29, 1821. 

Little, Geo. W., Lima, 1823. June 24, 1823. 

Long, Josiah, York, 1840. June 29, 1841. 

Losey, J. B., Conesus, 

Luce, Charles T., 1S23. 

1 ,uke, Philip C, !833. 

Lyon, Lockwood, Groveland,i829. June 30, 1829. 

Manning, J., 

Mason, Truman E., •835, June 30, 1835. 

Mc Arthur, P. S., Mt. Morris, 

Mclntyre, A. F., York May, 1853. 

Mc Master, James, Livonia, ..1826. June 24, 1828. 

McMillen, David, Conesus, ..1823. 1822. 

Mcl'herson, Thomas, l &33- 

Meacham, E. H. G., Mt. 

Morris, June 27, 1843. 

Meacham, Wm. ('.., Geneseo, 

Menzie, R. J., Caledonia,. . . as early as 1874. 

Mercer, Alfred W., Syracuse, . Sept. 28, 1852. 

Merriam, Harvey R., 1840. 

Metcalf, Elias P., Geneseo, .. 1828. Jan. 27, 1829. 

Minard, Isaac, !837- June 25, ' s 39- 

Morey, George, Avon, 

Morgan, Charles F., 

Morse, T., Sept. 28, 1852. 

Moyer, Frank H., Moscow,.. 

Munson, Wra. Beers, Mt. 

Morris, June 28, 1830. 

Nesbitt, Win., Avon, Jan'y 7. i.Sdi. 

Northrop, James, 

Norton, John B., Springwater, 1827. 

Paine, Zina G., York, l8 3S. June 28, 1831. 

Palmer, Asa R., 1823. 1822. 

Patchen, Edward W., Livonia, June 30, 1840. 

Patchen, Robert A., Livonia, 

Patterson, J. C, Livonia,. . . 

Peck, Enoch, York, 1826. Jan'y 6, 1824. 

Peckham, P. B., 

Perine, F. M., Dansville, July 24, 1867. 

Perry, Abijah E., 1828. Jan. 29, 1828. 

Potter, E. A., Mt. Morris, . ..1830. 

Potter, Wm. W., Mt. Morris, 

Pratt, O. S., Dansville, 

Purchase, J. B., Conesus, Sept. 28, 1852. 

Purdy. Wm. S., Lima 1834. Jan. 28, 1834. 

Reynale, Wm. H., Dansville, 1826. June 26, 1827. 

Richmond, Chas. H., Livonia, as early as Jan., 1875. 

Rider, Ebenezer 1844. 

Robinson, J. H, Conesus,. .. 1827. Jan. 29, 1828. 

Rogers, S. C, Lakeville, . . . . 

Rowland, M. F., ( lenesco, . . 

Royce, Phineas 1823. 

Sabin, J. B., Nunda, 

Salisbury, Samuel, Jr., Axon, .1829. June 28, 1831. 

Seaman, Fzekiel 1834. 

Sellew, Wells H., Moscow... Sept. 28, 182S. 

Seymour, Levi Dwight, Lei- 
cester 1842. June 28, 1842. 



Sheldon, H. P., Livonia 1880. 

Shepard, Lester G., 1S23. 1822. 

Shull, D. L, York, 

Sill, Andrew. Livonia, 1826. Jan. 30, 1827. 

Smith, Athelstan W., Spring- 
water 1841. Jan. 26, 1841. 

Smith, Geo. M., 

Smith, Jacob K., Moscow,... 

Smith, Justin, Lima, 1S21. May 29, 1821. 

Southwick, Wm. W., Avon, .. 

Southworth, Samuel, Avon,. . 

Sprague, Wm., Jan'y 7, 1864. 

Sprague, Wm. B., York, 

Staley, Jacob G., York, 

Stickney, Frederick R.. York, June 29, 1841. 

Stickney, T. R., Fowlerville, . Sept. 9, 1878. 

Stillwell, Danl. C, Livonia, ..1S35. June 28, 1831. 

Thomas, Wm. H, Mt. Mor- 
ris, Jan. 26, 1 84 1. 

Townsend, Absalom, Cuyler- 

ville, 1843. June 27, 1843. 

Townsend, Wm. A., 1821. 1821. 

Tozier, Joseph, York, 1824. Jan. 27, 1829. 

Truesdale, Norman, 

Tyler, J an 'y 6, 1824. 

Tyler, Royal, York, 1S24. May 29, 1824. 

Upson, S., Nunda, 

Van Dike, J., York, 1877. 

Vickery, Wm. H, J an '}' 7, 1864. 

Wallace, Walter, 1838, June 30, 1840. 

Ward, David, 

Warner, Chas. P., Nunda,. . . 

Weeks, Joseph, Sparta, June 28, 1S42. 

Wells, Cyrus, Jr., Geneseo, .. 182 1. May 29, 1821. 

Wells, Harlow W., Caledonia, 1842. June 28, 1842. 

Whitbeck, J. F., Avon, 1835. June 30, 1 835. 

Whitney, Wm., Mt. Morris, ..1840. June 30, 1S40. 

Wynn, Wm. W., 

Yale, Asahel, Dansville, 1829. June — , 1824. 

The present officers of the society (Dec. 1, 1880,) 

are : — 

President — J. E. Crisfield, Dansville. 
Vice President — J. G. Filkins, York. 
Secretary — George H. Jones, Fowlerville. 
Treasurer — W. E. Lauderdale, Jr., Geneseo. 
Delegate to State Society — J. W. Gray, Avon. 
Delegates to National Association — D. H. Bis- 

sell and W. E. Lauderdale, Sr., of Geneseo, and 

/.. W. Joslyn, of Mt. Morris. 

Delegates to Central New York Society — J. E. 

Crisfield, W. K. Lauderdale, Jr., J. W. Gray, J. G. 

Filkins and George H. Jones. 

Censors — B. T. Kneeland, Z. W. Joslyn, W. E. 

Lauderdale, Jr., and B. J. Menzie. 

The Homeopathic Medical Society of Livingston 

Co. — The therapeutics of the homeopathic school 
of medicine is founded on the theory of sintilia 
similibus curantur. The principle was discovered 
by Samuel Hahnemann, who was born in Leipsic, in 
the Province of Saxony, April 10, 1755. He was 
an accomplished and skillful practitioner of the 
old school of medicine, and having proved certain 



HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY. 



"S 



remedies upon himself and others, he abandoned a 
lucrative practice under government patronage, at 
Gommeon, near Magdeburg, on account of con- 
scientious scruples against administering drugs 
according to the vague formulas then in use, and 
in 1796, first enunciated the principles of home- 
opathy, the practice of which he commenced in his 
native place. He was soon driven from thence by 
the bitter opposition he encountered, to Paris, 
where he met with success and secured converts, 
among whom was Dr. Hans B. Gram, of Copen- 
hagen, an American by birth, who, having won the 
highest grade of merit in the Royal Academy of 
Surgery in that city, came to New York in 1825, 
and introduced the new practice into America, con- 
tinuing it in that city till his death in 1840, three 
years previous to that of his preceptor, Hahne- 
mann, who died in Paris in 1843. It spread rapid- 
ly, notwithstanding the prejudice and bitter oppo- 
sition against it, and was first introduced into Liv- 
ingston county in 1848, by Chauncy M. Dake, a 
celebrated physician, who located in Geneseo, 
where he practiced fourteen years. He went to 
Pittsburgh, Penn., and died in Springwater. 

Previous to 1857 homeopathic societies exist- 
ed as informal associations only, having no legal 
status. April 13, 1857, the Legislature authorized 
the formation of homeopathic county medical so- 
cieties, with equal privileges and immunities en- 
joyed by similar so-called allopathic associations. 
April 17, 1862, the Legislature passed an Act to in- 
corporate the Homeopathic Medical society of the 
State of New York. Under that act a reorgani- 
zation was effected whereby county societies then 
existing became auxiliary to the State society, and 
the following year it was formally inaugurated. 

The Homeopathic Medical Society of Livingston 
County was organized under the Act of 1857, at a 
meeting convened at the Court-house in Geneseo, 
on Tuesday, December 1, 1857, pursuant to no- 
tice issued by Drs. C. A. Dake, I. J. Mechem and 
C. M. Dake, November 18, 1857. Dr. I. J. Me- 
chem was appointed chairman pro tempore, and 
W. R. Wells, chosen secretary. After resolving to 
organize under the above name, for "the advance- 
ment of the science of medicine," the following 
named officers were chosen : — C. M. Dake, Gene- 
seo, President; I. J. Mechem, Nunda, Vice Presi- 
dent; W. R. Wells, Mt. Morris, Secretary; I. J. 
Mechem, Nunda, Treasurer. By-laws and regula- 
tions for the government of the Society were then 
adopted. These provide for an annual meeting to 
be held on the first day of December in each year, 



(except that day be Sunday, in which case it is to 
be held on the Saturday next preceding it,) and for 
extra meetings on the written application of a ma- 
jority of the officers or members. College gradu- 
ates and medical licentiates "acknowledging the 
Homeopathic Law of Cure, and by the Censors 
found qualified to practice Homeopathy," are eli- 
gible to membership on payment of an initiation 
fee of five dollars. Provision is made for the ap- 
pointment, at the annual meetings, of a committee, 
"whose duty it shall be to propose drugs for trial, 
and aid in the augmentation and improvement of 
the Materia Medica." A fine of five dollars is im- 
posed on members absenting themselves from 
meetings of the Society without satisfactory excuse; 
and it is made the duty of each member to write 
dissertations or cases in practice, and report the 
same at the annual meetings. Applicants for 
license are required to undergo an examination by 
the Censors, and present them with a written 
statement from one or more respectable practition- 
ers of medicine in this State, certifying to their 
good moral character, and to their having pursued 
the study of "physic and surgery" for the term 
required by law. Each applicant passing a satis- 
factory examination is entitled to a diploma ; but 
is required to pay ten dollars, to be divided equally 
among the Censors making the examination. 

The code of medical ethics adopted by the "Al- 
lopathic State Medical Society" in February, 1823, 
was, " with a few alterations," adopted by this So- 
ciety, after which the following additional officers 
were elected : — C. M. Dake, I. J. Mechem and W. 
R. Wells, censors ; A. A. Hendee, Geneseo, at- 
torney ; C. M. Dake, delegate to American Insti- 
tute of Homeopathy; I. J. Mechem, delegate to 
the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of 
New York, which, though not incorporated until 
1862, was organized in 1857. 

The following named persons were then elected 
"permanent and taxable members," C. M. Dake, 
M. D., Geneseo, I. J. Mechem, M. D., Dr. A. 
L. L. Potter, Nunda, and W. R. Wells, M. D., Mt. 
Morris ; " honorary member," Hon. Allen Ayrault, 
Geneseo; "corresponding members," Constantine 
Herring, M. D., Prof. W. Williamson, M. D., 
Philadelphia, Pa., D. M. Dake, M. D., and Prof. J. 
P. Dake, M. D., Pittsburgh, Pa., S. R. Kirby, M. D. 

The following named gentlemen have served the 
Society in the capacity of president : C. M. Dake, 
1858, 1862 ; J. M. Blakesley, i864-'66 ; J. N. An- 
derson, 1S67-70; J. W. Dake, 187 1-3; James A. 
West, 1874,1876; Herbert M. Dayfoot, 1875; G. 



n6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



R. Traver, 1877, '79/80; I. H. Dix, (now in Kan- 
sas,) 1878; WW. Russell, 1881. 

The society now hold annual meetings in June, 
at which the officers for the ensuing year are elected, 
and semi-annual meetings in December. 

Following is a list of the names of additional 
members who have joined the society, with the 
date of joining, the names of the present members 
being italicised: J. M. Blakesley, Dansville, and A. 
L. L. Potter, Geneseo, 1862 ; Milton H. Halsted, 
Geneseo, M. G. Davis, Perry, C. A. Dake and 
Jabez W. Dake, Warsaw, and F. C. Fitch, Castile, 
1863 ; James . L West, Geneseo, O. D. Hamilton, 
Fowlerville, D. F. Dake, Mt. Morris, 1864; J. N. 
Anderson, Dansville, and A. A. West, Fowlerville. 
1865; Herbert M. Dayfcot, Mt. Morris, 1867 ; / 
T. Bettis, Livonia, 1869 ; Isaac H. Dix and Henry 
A. Whitfield, Dansville, and T. P. Tisdale, Lima, 
1870; W. H. Thomas, Mt. Morris, 1871; C. C. 
Curtis, Nunda, (now at Dunkirk,) and G. R. Tra- 
ver, Perry, June 23, 1874; Cyrus Allen, Avon, 
and C. D. Woodruff, Lima, June 20, 1876; F. J. 
M. Whiteomb, Nunda, June 19, 1 S 7 7 ; IV. IV. 
Russet/, Hemlock Lake, and C. W. BrownanA P. 
P. Andrews, Dansville, June 9, 1878; E. W. 
Southall, Geneseo, Dec. 9, 1879; G. T. Borden, 
Caledonia, and C. C. Gifford, Attica, June 8, 
1880. 

The Livingston County Agricultural Society. — 
The Livingston County Agricultural Society was 
organized in 1841. On the 25th of May in that 
year, the following named farmers of York, "feel- 
ing a deep interest in the cause of Agriculture," and 
desirous of exerting themselves for its promotion ; 
and believing that if the plan suggested in the 
"Act to promote agriculture," passed Mays, '841, 
were carried into effect, it would " be attended with 
the most salutary consequences," requested the 
clerk of the county to cause notice to be given, in 
conformity to said Act, that a meeting of the inhab- 
itants of this county would be held in the court 
house at Geneseo, on the first day of July follow- 
ing, at 10 o'clock, A. M. This request was signed 
by John Holloway, David Piffard. James Doud, 
Holloway Long, Wm. Craig, Duncan Stewart, John 
Stewart, Archibald Mclntyre, Robert Vallance, 
John Donnan, Daniel McKercher, John Campbell, 
Erastus Lawrence, Geo. N. Russell, J. B. Harris, 
Roswell Stocking, Allen S. Wyman, Otis Presby, 
Miles Torrey, Erastus Harris, A. S. Martindale, 
James Gilman, Neil Stewart. Robert Wait, George 
Blake, J. B. Bloss, James Hamilton and John 
Hamilton. 



S. P. Allen, then county clerk, gave the required 
notice May 29, 1841, and in conforming with this 
action a meeting was held at the time and place 
designated. General Wm. A. Mills was chosen 
chairman and Colonel Samuel W. Smith, secretary. 
It was " resolved that it is expedient to form an 
agricultural society for the county of Livingston." 
General Micah Brooks, Colonel Holloway Long, 
Felix Tracy, C. H. Bryan and John Holloway were 
appointed to draft a constitution for the Society, 
which, after being debated and amended, was 
adopted at the same meeting. 

The constitution states the object of the Society 
to "be the promotion of agriculture, horticulture 
and household manufactures." The payment of 
one dollar on admission and one dollar annually 
thereafter during the continuance of membership, 
was and is the only requirement for membership; 
and by the payment of ten dollars on admission 
any person can become a life member. The 
officers were made to consist of a president, three 
vice-presidents, a recording secretary, a correspond- 
ing secretary, a treasurer and twelve managers, one 
from each town, who together constituted the execu- 
tive committee. They were elected annually and 
had power to till vacancies in their own body. The 
present by-laws state that "the object of the society 
is the advancement of agriculture, horticulture, 
mechanic arts and household industry." The 
present officers consist of a president, vice-presi- 
dent, secretary, treasurer and six directors, who 
are elected in the manner prescribed by section 5 
of "an Act to facilitate the formation of agricul- 
tural and horticultural societies," passed April 13, 
1855. They "constitute a board of managers for 
the general administration of the business of the 
society." In addition there are town committees, 
consisting of one from each town, elected or 
appointed at the annual meeting of the officers, 
who " superintend the affairs of the society in their 
respective towns, under direction of the board of 
managers." There may be appointed annually a 
geologist and librarian ; * also a registrar of stock, 
whose duty it is to register " the pedigrees of such 
thorough-bred animals as may be presented for 
entry." 

The following named officers were then chosen : 
Wm. A. Mills, president; Holloway Long, James 
S. Wadsworth and Daniel H. Fitzhugh, vice-presi- 
dents ; C. H. Bryan, recording secretary ; C. R. 

* We find no record of an election to either of these offices until Janu- 
ary 1. 1S60, when John V. Lauderdale was elected to both. This, we 
believe, is the only instance in which the former office has been filled, and 
the latter but one additional time. 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



"7 



Bond, corresponding secretary ; Allen Ayrault, 
treasurer ; Micah Brooks, Mt. Morris, S. W. Smith, 
Sparta, C. H. Carroll, Groveland, W. H. Spencer, 
York, W. W. Wadsworth, Geneseo, W. W. Woos- 
ter, Leicester, Hector Hitchcock, Conesus, Edward 
A. LeRoy, Caledonia, Asahel Warner, Lima, H. 
S. Tyler, Springvvater, Leman Gibbs, Livonia, and 
John E. Tompkins, Avon, managers. 

The following named persons then paid each one 
dollar : — David Shepard, Chas. Shepard, Hollo- 
way Long, J. B. Harris, W. W. Wooster, J.Worth- 
ington, ]). Warner, Jr., P. E. Baker, J. W. Merrill, 
J. White, Jr., Samuel Vance, P. Goddard, C. H. 
Bryan, Robert Crossitt, O. D. Lake. R. L. Blake, 
S. P. Allen, M. Brooks, Wm. A. Mills, O. Skinner, 
Cornelius Shepard, Reuben Squier, S. W. Smith 
and John Holloway. 

At a meeting of the executive committee, (the 
first one recorded,) Aug. 3, 1S41, the following town 
committees were appointed : Geneseo, Cornelius 
Shepard, Jr., Reuben Squier, Chas. Colt; Mt. 
Morris, Alfred Hubbard, Wm. D. Morgan, Moses 
Barron; Sparta, Charles Shepard, Wm. Scott, 
Wm. Fullerton, Morgan Hammond; Groveland, 
W. W. McNair, John White, William Ewart ; 
Lima, Asahel H. Warner, Jasper Marvin, Samuel 
Stevens ; Livonia, James Campbell, John Adams, 
Ruel L. Blake ; Springwater, Parker H. Pierce, 
Horatio Dyer, Zenas Ashley; Conesus, John 
Henderson, Timothy DeGraw, Jotham Clark ; Lei- 
cester, W. T. Cuyler, Jerediah Horsford, Allen 
Smead; Caledonia, Ephraim Lacy, Th. H. New- 
bold, John McKay; Avon, John Kelsey, Asa Now- 
len, Ira Merrill ; York, John Holloway, James Dow, 
Wm. Craig, John Russ, Wm. Stewart, James B. 
Harris, Angus McBean. 

At this meeting it was resolved to hold the an- 
nual fair at Geneseo, October 2 2d, and to award 
forty-five specified premiums, ranging in value from 
two to fifteen dollars, and aggregating two hundred 
and forty-nine dollars, to the persons exhibiting the 
best specimen of each article or thing for which 
the premiums were offered. In addition, provision 
was made for " discretionary premiums," to be 
awarded to exhibitors of "articles not enumerated. 
and which for their excellence or peculiar qualities" 
might in the judgment of the committee be entitled 
thereto. For this object forty dollars were appro- 
priated. 

At the first annual meeting, Oct. 22, 1841, no 
less than five premiums were awarded to David 
Brooks of Avon, four to Reuben Squier of Gene- 
seo, and three to Chas. Colt of Geneseo. Several 



received two ; and of the entire number awarded, 
eight went to exhibitors from Avon ; two to Cale- 
donia ; thirteen to Yoik ; seven to Mt. Morris ; one 
to Groveland ; twenty-one to Geneseo ; four to 
Leicester; two each to Lima and Sparta ; and one 
to Jonathan Miller, for the best yearling colt, not 
designated. David M. Smith of Avon, received 
the highest premium — fifteen dollars — for the best 
bull, two years old and over. There were five pre- 
miums of ten dollars each ; of which David Brooks 
of Avon received one for the best cow, and another 
for the best stallion ; Roswell Root of York, one 
for the best pair of working oxen; Wm. A. Mills 
of Mt. Morris, one for the best pair of fat oxen ; 
and Wm. A. Mills, Jr., of Mt. Morris, one for the 
best pair of matched horses. 

Encouraged by the patronage of the Legislature 
and by the citizens of the county, the executive 
committee signified their intention "to offer pre- 
miums for the promotion of the objects of the 
institution, on the occasion of the second anniver- 
sary, to the utmost extent of their means." 

Noticeable among the premiums of that year is 
one of ten dollars (the highest paid that year) for 
the best cultivated farm of fifty acres or more, which 
was awarded to Angus McBean of Caledonia. 

At this meeting a plowing match was inaugurated, 
the object of which was "to exhibit for public 
benefit the comparative excellence of our best 
ploughs and ploughmen ; not to try the strength or 
speed of the teams, but to excite a laudable spirit 
of emulation and improvement in the construction 
and use of this most important agricultural imple- 
ment." This took place on the 5th of October, 
" in the presence of a large concourse of specta- 
tors." Premiums of five dollars were offered for 
the best work done by an ox team and the best 
by a horse team ; but none was awarded for 
the former. The latter was awarded to David 
McDonald. 

At the annual meeting of 1845, it was decided 
to hold the next cattle show and fair, which till 
then had been held in Geneseo, at Avon. The 
exhibition at this place — September 24, 1846 — 
was pronounced one of the most interesting of the 
kind ever held in the county. "The display of 
working cattle was very large and highly creditable 
to the farmers of the county." though the variety of 
farming utensils was not as large as had been ex- 
hibited on former occasions. "The ladies sus- 
tained their part of the exhibition with the greatest 
credit." This part of the fair was held in the 
Academy building, and the room in which it was 



n8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



held was " elegantly decorated," and the articles 
for exhibition " skillfully arranged.'' There was a 
very large variety of domestic and fancy articles, 
fruits and flowers, Richard Johnson, of Groveland, 
exhibiting seventeen varieties of apples. 

At the meeting of 1848, which was held at Mt. 
Morris, a resolution was adopted, " expressing the 
sense of the society that its interests would be bet- 
ter promoted by the selection of a suitable place 
and making it a permanent location for the annual 
fair." In 1849,* the county seat was designated 
for this purpose; and in 1850, Mr. J. S. Wads- 
worth generously offered the society the use of eight 
acres, near the court house, for show grounds, free 
of rent for five years, upon condition that the society 
fence and put the ground in order. This offer was ac- 
cepted and measures taken to adapt it to the use 
of the society. A track for the trial of horses was 
constructed this year in the new grounds. 

August 18, 1855, Lyman Turner, Charles Jones, I 
Hezekiah Allen, David Skinner, Henry V. Colt 
and Wra. dishing were appointed to obtain ' 
grounds for holding the annual exhibitions of the 
society, and to ascertain the cost of fencing the 
same and erecting thereon suitable fixtures, includ- 
ing at least one permanent building, and in case 
they should find that the cost thereof would not ex- 
ceed $1,800, they were authorized and required to 
make and erect such fixtures and building without 
unnecessary delay. The committee procured a 
lease for twenty-one years of the grounds hitherto 
occupied by the society in Geneseo, together with 
lands adjacent thereto, north and east, containing 
in all about fourteen acres, mostly a grove, afford- 
ing shade for stock, at an annual cost of $30. 
During this year the land was inclosed with a fence, 
costing $676.63 ; an agricultural hall, 40 by 80 feet, 
with 16 feet posts, admirably fitted up for the ex- 
hibition of domestic manufactures, was erected at a 
cost of $1,393.53, and a trotting course for the trial 
of horses, one-third of a mile in length, which, in 
the opinion of the committee, the interests of the 
society demanded without delay, laid out at a cost 
of $316.17. although it was not strictly included in 
their trust. The whole was completed in time for 
the annual fair of that year. 

July 4, 1865, ahorse fair was held under the 
auspices of the Society, and at that time premiums 
were offered for the first time, we believe, for a 

* In this year the members ot" the society numbered 1JJ, as follows : — 
Avon, z6 ; Caledonia, 4 ; Com 13 neseo,8i; Groveland, 15; Leices- 
ter, zi ; Lima, 8; Livonia, 6; Mt Morris, 10; North Dansville. 4, 
Nunda, 1; Portage, 3 ; Sparta, ) ; Springwater, none; West SpartaSi 
York, 5} ; The number of membei . 141, 



test of speed for trotting and running matches. 
The highest premium in the trotting match — 
$150 — was awarded to D. Mahoney, of Geneseo; 
the second — $50 — to Geo. YV. Pond, of Roches- 
ter ; and the third — $25 — to O. C. Seymour, of the 
same city. C. W. Wadsworth, of Geneseo, was 
awarded the first premium — $50 — in the running 
match. Various other premiums, ranging in amount 
from $5 to $20, were also awarded. In 1880, the 
Society gave the Geneseo Driving Park Associa- 
tion permission to build a half-mile track on the 
fair grounds. This work is now in progress. 

The annual meetings of the Society have been 
held with interest and without a single omission, 
and since the grounds now in use were first leased, 
in Geneseo. 

The following named persons have been promi- 
nent as stock raisers in the county: — David 
Brooks, Jasper Barber, Aaron Barber, Aaron Bar- 
ber. Jr., C. Kelsey, F. B. Pierson, D. Hilliman & 
Son, Asa Nowlen, Wm. T. and Norman Chappell, 
D. B. Whaley, H. S. Sherman, Avon; Henry 
Simpson, A. Hollenbeck, Caledonia ; Solomon 
Hitchcock, Geo. F. Coe, S. L. Fuller, Conesus; 
Allen Ayrault, W. W, Wadsworth, Lyman Turner, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Wadsworth, Chas. Colt, Chas. Shep- 
ard, Jr., |. S. Wadsworth, C. W. Wadsworth, Gur- 
doii Nowlen, Geneseo; Wm. D. Fitzhugh, \V. T. 
Curtiss, Judge Chas. H. Carroll, Ozro Clark, Grove- 
land; W. Elliott, W. W. and W. B. Wooster, Lei- 
cester ; Richard Peck, T. Steele, Horace Warner, 
Z. Longyer, Lima; C. A. Jackman, A. C. Bennett, 
Livonia; James Conklin, (who in 1S50, exhibited a 
cow with triplet calves,) Wm. A. Mills, J. R. Murray, 
Jr., Mt. Morris; E. S. Ashley, Nunda; Geo. W. and 
Chester Root. Lyman Casey, C. Powell, Holloway 
Long, I.. Tryon, Israel Casey, James Gillmore, 
D. Piffard, Abram Stocking, A. M. Hardy, York ; 
and the following as Horticulturists: — Benjamin 
F. and Robert F. McMillen, Conesus; C. Golt, 
Mrs. W. W. Wadsworth, J. S. Wadsworth, Daniel 
Bigelow, Robert Clark, Geo. Mercer, Prof. R. A. 
Waterbury, Geneseo; C. H. Carroll, Groveland; 
Peter Patterson, Col. J. Horsford, John Sheldon, 
A. W. Wheelock, Chas. Jones, Geo. B. Francis, 
Leicester; Shepard P. Morgan, Lima; Geo. W. 
Battorf, Livonia; D. McKee, John Henner, (who 
was awarded eleven of the eighteen premiums for 
vegetables in 1853,) Geo. A. Green, Henner & 
Parker, Dr. R. W. Wells, Mt. Morris; Dr. F. M. 
Perine, North Dansville. 

Sa\s an author, unknown to the writer: — 

"To a deceased citizen of this village, [Geneseo] 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



119 



we believe, belongs the credit of first conceiving the 
idea of a mowing machine. About the year 1835 
or '36, the late Wm. W. Wadsworth conceived the 
idea of constructing a machine for mowing, and he 
had a machine constructed after his plan, but we 
believe it did not work well, though it was doubt- 
less the first attempt to construct a machine. The 
machine of Mr. Wadsworth embraced a square 
frame, underneath which was a circular revolving 
plate, to which was attached short knives, and 
when in motion the plate revolved, bringing the 
knives in contact with the grass. Above the plate 
was a grind-stone in such position that the knives 
sharpened themselves as they passed beneath it. 
The machine was tried several times, but we be- 
lieve was never made to work satisfactorily, and 
after a while was abandoned. This, doubtless, 
was the first attempt to cut grass with a machine, 
and was, so far as we know, the starting-point from 
which emanated the great variety of mowers and 
reapers that have since been perfected, and which 
have done so much to lighten the labors of the 
farmer." 

The following named gentleman have served the 
society in the capacity of president: — Wm. A. 
Mills, Mt. Morris, 1841; James S. Wadsworth, 
Geneseo, 1842, 1861 ; Holloway Long, York, 1843; 
Wm. H. Spencer, York, 1844, 1867-8; W. W. 
Wadsworth, Geneseo, 1845; Asa Nowlen, Avon, 
1846; Allen Ayrault, Geneseo, 1847; John R. 
Murray, Jr.,* Mt. Morris, 1848; Jedediah Hors- 
ford, Leicester, 1849; Chas. H. Carroll, Grove- 
land, 1850, 1863, 1864; Chas. Colt, Geneseo, 
1851; Robert Rome, Geneseo, 1852; Chauncey 
R. Bond, Geneseo, 1853-4; Aaron Barber, Jr., 
Avon, 1855; Chas. Jones, Leicester, 1856; G. W. 
Root, York, 1857; Richard Peck, Lima, 1858; 
Alonzo Bradner, Dansville, 1859-60; Jasper Bar- 
ber, Avon, 1862; Craig W. Wadsworth, Geneseo, 
1865-6; Aaron Barber. Jr., Avon, 1869-70; 
James W. Wadsworth, Geneseo, 1871-2; R. F. 
McMillan, Conesus, 1873-4; Hugh Wilson McNair, 
Sparta, 1875-6; Wm. A. Wadsworth, Geneseo, 
1877-8; Jotham Clark, Jr., Conesus, 1879-80. 

The Livingston County Stock Association. — Liv- 
ingston county early acquired a wide celebrity for 
its choice herds of blooded cattle and other stock. 
About 1836, the first important importation of 
Durham stock was made into the county, though 
the Messrs. Wadsworth had previously introduced 
a few head among their own herd. In that year 
Edward A. LeRoy and Thomas Newbold imported 
the bull "Cadmus" and the cow " Lady Morris," 
which were then considered very choice stock. In 

* Resigned. George T. Olyphanl, elected Feb. J, 1848, and resigned 
Feb. 8, 1S48. Both resignations were based on the assumption that the 
office should be filled by a practical agriculturist. Jedediah Jl 
was elected July 1, 1848. 



1840, David Brooks, of Avon, introduced into the 
county about forty head of thoroughbred and 
grade Durhams, including the famous bulls " 1 >e- 
fiance "and "Red Jacket," and the cow "Betsey 
Blossom," portraits of which may now be seen in 
the office of the estate of W. \Y. Wadsworth, in 
Geneseo. About 1841 or '2, Mr. Brooks added 
to his stock the renowned bull "Splendor," and 
the cows "Moss Rose" and "Cleopatra." About 
the same time the late Gen. James S. Wadsworth 
bought the imported "Rockett" bull. The pro- 
geny of this stock are yet marked in the appear- 
ance of some of the present stock, and traced 
back to them. Soon after Mr. Sotham introduced 
a herd of Herefords.* 

From this time until 1853 nothing further seems 
to have been done to stimulate improvements in 
this direction. At the close of the fair of the Liv- 
ingston County Agricultural Society in 1853, "the 
formation of an association for the purpose of 
importing blooded cattle for the improvement of 
the stock in this county, was discussed at some 
length by a number of the largest and most suc- 
cessful stock raisers of the county, and resulted in 
the appointment of Messrs. James S. Wadsworth, 
Allen Ayrault and C. H. Carroll, as a committee to 
mature a plan and call a meeting of the farmers at 
this place at an early day. Those present seemed 
fully convinced of the necessity of such a move. 
All admitted that the stock of this county instead 
of improving had for the last three or four years 
remained stationary."! 

This action resulted in the formation of an asso- 
ciation for the above purpose, October 2 2d of that 
year, with a capital of $8,000. Any person was 
eligible to membership on the payment of fifty dol- 
lars, and thus secured the privilege of preference 
in the use of the stock imported, which was to be 
sold at public auction, the purchasers pledging 
themselves to retain it in the county for at least 
three years from the time of purchase. The asso- 
ciation made choice of the following named 
officers: James S. Wadsworth, President; Daniel 
H. Fitzhugh, Secretory ; Allen Ayrault, Treasurer ; 
Charles H. Carroll, Aaron Barber, Wm. A. Mills, 
Robert Rome, Geo. W. Root and Richard Peck, 
Directors. 

In furtherance of the object of the association, 
David Brooks, of Avon, and Samuel L. Fuller, of 
Conesus, repaired to England in January following 

» Short-Horns in the Genesee Valley— Their History in L :: 
Comity, by Wm. A. Brodie, of Geneseo, in American Rural Home, Vol. 
I , No. I. .Ian 7, 1871. 

Livingston Ret ' « tobei 6, <*U 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



for the purchase of stock. They carefully selected 
and purchased twenty-four head, which were 
shipped the following spring to America ; but 
unfortunately one-half the number were lost during 
a long and stormy passage. The remaining twelve 
were sold June 27, 1854, but at a figure which 
resulted in a small loss to the association. Many 
of the fine herds now owned in Livingston county 
are the progeny of this importation. 

Soon after this the celebrated bull " Governor " 
and two cows were sent to this country. " ' Gov- 
ernor ' and his stock are too well known by stock 
men in Western New York to require special men- 
tion." In 1857, Mr. Brooks again did good service 
in introducing the bull " John O'Gaunt" and cows 
"Lady Rose" and " Dairymaid." Richard Peck, 
of Lima, was largely instrumental about this time 
in improving this class of cattle by introducing, 
with J. W. Taylor, some very fine blooded animals 
from Kentucky. Aaron Barber, of Avon, also 
aided largely in the same direction, and in the 
same way. In 1864, General James S. Wads- 
worth purchased the bull " Reynolds," of Mr. Alex- 
ander, the celebrated Kentucky stock breeder, 
"and there is much good stock in Geneseo and 
adjoining towns which attest his worth as a stock 
getter." A Kentucky bred bull was introduced 
about this time by Aaron Barber, and is credited 
with much good stock, known as the "Red Duke," 
which has been exhibited at Livingston county 
fairs. Since then the late Craig W. Wadsworth 
and James W. Wadsworth, especially the latter, 
have been conspicuous in their efforts to improve 
the stock in Livingston county, and have succeeded, 
adds Mr. Brodie, "in placing her in the van as the 
producer and exhibitor of the very best grades of 
cattle. Twenty years ago, but few farmers pos- 
sessed an animal other than of the common kind, 
but to-day almost everyone has some choice stock." 

The Livingston County Historical Society. — 
The initiatory steps to organize the Livingston 
County Historical Society were taken by a few 
persons in Dansville in December, 1875. An 
adjourned meeting was held at Mt. Morris in Jan- 
uary, 1876, and attended by L. B. Proctor, of 
1 ).msville, Norman Seymour and Dr. M. H. Mills, 
of Mt. Morris, Richard Peck, of Lima, George W. 
Root, of York, and E. P. Fuller, of Grand Rapids, 
Mich., formerly of this county. Dr. M. H. Mills 
was chosen chairman and Norman Seymour, secre- 
tary. The officers chosen for the year 1876 were, 
Dr. D. H. Fitzhugh, president ; Dr. James Faulk- 
ner, William Scott, Adolphus Watkins, Dr. D. H. 



Bissell and Deacon John McCall, vice-presidents ; 
Norman Seymour, secretary; Hon. B. F. Angel, 
Dr. M. H. Mills, Samuel P. Allen, L. B. Proctor, 
Richard Peck and George W. Root, executive 
committee. The secretary, in compliance with the 
request of the Centennial Commission, prepared a 
historical address, which was delivered July 4, 
1876, at Geneseo. February 13, 1877, the society 
met at the rooms of the Hook and Ladder Com- 
pany in Mt. Morris, and perfected its organization 
by incorporating under the statute. A constitution 
and by-laws were adopted, and the following named 
officers chosen: Dr. D. H. Bissell, Geneseo, pres- 
ident ; Dr. M. H. Mills, vice-president ; Norman 
Seymour, secretary and treasurer ; L. B. Proctor, 
Dr. L. J. Ames, Dr. I). H. Fitzhugh, George W. 
Root, Samuel P. Allen, Hon. B. F. Angel, Richard 
Peck, John F. Barber, E. H. Davis, councilmen, or 
board of administration. 

The constitution declares that "the general ob- 
ject of the Society shall be to discover, procure 
and preserve whatever may relate to the history of 
Western New York in general, and Livingston 
county and its towns in particular, and to gather 
such statistics of education and population, growth 
and prosperity, and business of this region as may 
seem advisable or of public utility." 

Members are required to pay an admission fee 
of one dollar and an annual due of like amount, 
except resident clergymen, who are exempt from 
the payment of dues. The payment of ten dollars 
at any one time constitutes a life membership, ex- 
empt from all annual dues. The annual meetings 
of the Society are held the second Tuesday in 
January, at such place as the president may desig- 
nate, and at such hour as the secretary in the notice 
of such meeting may name. 

At the annual meeting in 1878, a place was ten- 
dered the Society in the Wadsworth Library build- 
ing in Geneseo, for depositing its books, maps, 
charts and relics. 

The annual meetings of the Society have been 
regularly held at Geneseo during the last three 
years, and have been made both interesting and 
instructive by addresses and other literary ex- 
ercises. 

The successive presidents are : Dr. D. H. Fitz- 
hugh, 1876; Dr. D. H. Bissell, 1877-8; Dr. M. H. 
Mills, 1S79; Hon. William M. White, 1880. 

Livingston County Pioneer Association. — This as- 
sociation was organized at Long Point, on Satur- 
day, September 9, 1876, having objects kindred to 
those of the Historical Society, and made choice 



THE PRESS OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



of the following named officers : Dr. D. H. Bissell 
of Geneseo, president ; H. Tilton of Leicester, and 
M. Willard of Avon, vice-presidents; S. P. Allen 
of Geneseo, recording secretary ; Oscar Woodruff 
of Geneseo, corresponding secretary. Committees 
of three from each town in the county were subse- 
quently appointed as follows: E. H. Davis, I. R. 
Newman and Fred Pierson, Avon ; Deacon J. Mc- 
Call, Peter Campbell and Alexander Ferguson, 
Caledonia ; S. Morris, H. Boyd and Jotham Clark, 
Conesus ; W. E. Lauderdale, Geo. W. Barney and 
John White, Geneseo ; Daniel H. Fitzhugh, Sam- 
uel Vance and Richard Johnson, Groveland ; James 
A. Bolton, E. W. Sears and W. B. Wooster, Lei- 
cester; W. A. Bristol, Richard Peck and A. T. 
Norton, Lima ; W. Wheeler, O. Remington and 
Henry Dixon, Livonia; Dr. Z. Joslyn, Jacob Chil- 
son and N. Foote, Mt. Morris ; H. McCartney, 
George Hyland and Geo. A. Sweet, North Dans- 
ville ; J. V. D. Coon, H. D. Page and E. O. Dick- 
inson, Nunda ; I. Hampton, W. M. White and L. 

C. Lemen, Ossian ; John Fitch, J. D. Lyon and J. 

D. Bennett, Portage ; John Shepard, Win. Wilbur 
and John Campbell, Sparta ; O. Walbridge, D. 
Norton and A. Snyder, Springwater ; L. B. Field, 
J. W. McNair and C. W. McNair, West Sparta ; 
G. W. Root, Neil Stewart and B. F. Dow, York. 

The meetings of the association are held annu- 
ally at Long Point and are always largely attended. 

The Livingston County Bible Society was organ- 
ized at the court house in Geneseo, January 28, 
1824, as an auxiliary to the American Bible Soci- 
ety, and made choice of the following officers : 
James Wadsworth, president; Chas. H. Carroll 
and Jeremiah Riggs, vice-presidents ; Augustus A. 
Bennett, recording secretary; Rev. Norris Bull, cor- 
responding secretary ; Orlando Hastings, treasurer; 
George Hosmer, Avon, Willard H. Smith, Cale- 
donia, Samuel Chapin, Jr., F/ecporf, (Conesus,) 
Eben E. Buell, Geneseo, James Rosebrugh, Grove- 
land, Orrin Gilbert, Lima, Leman Gibbs, Livo- 
nia, Dr. Asa R. Palmer, Leicester, Jonathan 
Beach, Mt. Morris, William McCartney, Sparta, 
Alvah Southworth, Springwater, and William 
James, York, directors. The society, during its 
long and useful existence has distributed thousands 
of Bibles, the entire county having several times 
been canvassed for this purpose, and a copy left, 
often gratuitously, in every home where it was found 
wanting. Its annual meetings have been occasions 
of deep interest. At the last, recently held in Gen- 
eseo, the following named officers were chosen for 
1881. A. J. Abbott, president ; Rev. J. E. Kitt- 



ridge, corresponding secretary ; L. R. Doty, record- 
ing secretary ; John Davidson, treasurer; Dr. Win. 
J. Milne, Col. John Rorbach, Dr. L. J. Ames, Dr. 
W. E. Lauderdale, Rev. O. S. Chamberlayne, exec- 
utive committee. Theo. E. Winans, Avon ; Rev. 

D. F. Bonner, Caledonia ; John Magee, Conesus ; 

E. F. Curtis, (leneseo ; Fort Benway, Groveland ; 
Rev. E. W. Sears, Leicester ; Rev. W. H. Milham, 
Livonia ; Rev. O. Gibson, Lima ; Rev. Mr. Wil- 
bur, Mt. Morris ; Rev. Mr. Hill, North Dansville ; 
Rev. A. Sutherland, Nunda ; Hon. William H. 
White, Ossian ; Chas. D. Bennett, Portage ; James 
Brownell, Sparta ; E. N. Curtice, Springwater ; 
Hugh T. McNair, West Sparta ; Hon. Arch. Ken- 
nedy, York, vice presidents. 



CHAPTER XII. 



The Press ok Livingston County — Origin of 
the Press — The American Press — Its Mar- 
velous Growth— Early Journalism in Living- 
ston County — The First Newspaper in Liv- 
ingston County — The Union and Constitu- 
tion — The Livingston Republican — The 
Dansville Express — The Laws of Life and 
Journal of Health — The Nunda News — The 
Dansville Advertiser — The Mount Morris 
Enterprise — The Livingston County Herald 
— The Union Citizen — The Caledonia 
Advertiser — The Springwater Enterprise — 
( >bsolete Papers. 

IN this chapter we have to consider what has 
been very appropriately termed the " art of arts ;" 
" the art preservative." It is to be regretted, how- 
ever, that the art which has given us so fully the 
history of other enterprises is so deficient in that 
of its own. 

In view of the immense influence exerted by the 
press, whose power, says Douglas Jerrold, " is as 
boundless as that of society," it may not be inap- 
propriate to preface its history in this county with 
the following account of its origin : — 

"Among the millions who are in the habit of 
consulting the columns of a newspaper, doubtless 
there are few, comparatively, who are acquainted 
with its origin. According to D'Israeli, we are in- 
debted to the Italians for the idea; although in 
ancient Rome, reports of important events, and 
the doings of the senate, were frequently published, 
under the title of Acta Diurna. The periodical 
press proper, commenced at Vienna and Augs- 
burg, Germany, in 1524; these bulletins were, 



122 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON' COUNTY. 



however, not printed. About the year 1563, at 
the suggestion of the father of the celebrated Mon- 
taigne, offices were first established in France, for 
the purpose of making the wants of individuals 
known to each other. The advertisements received 
were posted on the wall to attract attention ; as in 
the case of the Romans, this ultimately led to a 
systematic and periodical publication of advertise- 
ments in sheets. The epoch of the Spanish Arma- 
da, is also the epoch of the first orthodox newspa- 
per ; although we are told by Chalmers, and it is 
often repeated, to the wisdom of Elizabeth and the 
prudence of Burleigh, we are indebted for the first 
English newspaper, yet it is also claimed that the 
first English newspaper was the Liverpool Mercurie, 
begun May 28, 1576, forty-five years after the 
Gazetta at Venice. It is also said, on very good 
authority, that the copies of The English Mercurie 
in the British Museum are forgeries. The circum- 
stance of their being printed in the modern Roman 
character, instead of the black letter of that period, 
(1588,) awakens suspicion of their authenticity. 
During the reign of James I., newspapers in the 
quarto form were occasionally issued ; but during 
the thirty years' war, when the exploits of Gustavus 
Adolphus attracted the eyes of the civilized world, 
we find a regular weekly paper edited by Nathaniel 
Butler, and published under the title of 'The Cer- 
tain Newes of this Present II 'eric,' which may be 
regarded as the first regular weekly newspaper.* 
During the civil war in England in 1643, there was, 
however, a score of the ' Diurnals' and ' Mercuries' 
in circulation. So important an auxiliary was the 
press considered, indeed, that each of the rival 
armies carried a printer along with it. In the reign 
of Queen Anne, in 1702, there was but one daily 
paper published in London, the others being 
weekly issues. Steele introduced politics as an 
essential element of the press, and Addison sought 
to devote it to purely literary purposes ; the result 
has been the establishment of distinct vehicles for 
both.f The first journal having the character of a 
magazine or review, was the Journal ties Savants 
established in Paris in 1693 ; in England, the first 
monthly of this sort appeared in 1749. From these 
simple elements has grown up an engine whose 
potency and influence is now felt throughout all 
classes of the civilized world." \ 

The first printing press in America was set up 
in Mexico, in 1536; the second was at Lima, in 
1586; and the third, and the first in the L-nited States, 
at Cambridge. Mass., in 1639. The first Ameri- 
can newspaper was issued at Boston, September 
25, 1690. It was published by Benjamin Harris, 
and printed by Richard Pierce, and was intended 
to be published once a month, but was immediately 
suppressed by the authorities. The only copy 

•" The first regular series of weekly newspapers hitherto discovered 
was entitled, 'T/ir IVeekly Newes Jrotn Italy, Germanie, etc ,' " > 1612.) 
\edia. Article on Prints 

t "lite first literary paper, the Mercurius Itibrarius, was published 
in i68o"—/bid 

t Typographical Miscellany, 60. 



known to exist is in the State Paper office in Lon- 
don, and is headed " Publick Occurrences, both 
Foreign and Domestick." The " Boston News 
Letter," published by John Campbell, appeared 
April 24, 1704, and was continued weekly until 
1776. October 16. 1725, William Bradford, who 
founded the ''American Weekly Mercurie" at 
Philadelphia, December 22, 17 19, commenced the 
"New York Gazette," the first newspaper in the 
city indicated by its name. Daily newspapers did 
not make their appearance until the eighteenth 
century. The first daily morning newspaper was 
the Daily Cot/rant, in 1709.* 

The press of this country has had a marvelous 
growth. In 1840, there were in the whole United 
States but sixteen hundred and thirty-one news- 
papers of all kinds; now we have over seven thou- 
sand. The circulation of all the newspapers in 
1840 was one hundred and ninety-five million 
copies a year; but now it is over two thousand 
millions, more than ten times greater than in 1840, 
and an annual average increase in over forty 
years of about thirty per cent. But in the gain in 
the size of sheets now published, in the amount, 
quality and variety of matter, in the number of the 
illustrations, in the quality of the paper and the 
perfection of the letter press, the progress has been 
still greater. In the number of newspapers pub- 
lished, the United States are far in advance of any 
of the older nations. We issue more newspapers 
than the four principal nations of Europe, viz: — 
Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy, not- 
withstanding one of them exceeds us in population, 
and a second is inferior in this respect by only an 
inconsiderable amount, while the other two closely 
approximate us. This fact is important as show- 
ing the reading habits of our people as compared 
with those of Europe. 

The progress in this county is, in a measure, in- 
dicated by Samuel P. Allen, the veteran publisher 
of The Livingston Republican, who. in the retros- 
pect of the history of that paper on the completion 
of its fortieth year says: — 

"It was in the office of the Register^ in 1830, 
that we first saw a printing press and types, and 
gradually learned to use them. The old office 
was the building now occupied in part by the 
United States Express Company, which then stood 
in the rear of Deacon Gardiner's cabinet shop. 
The old 'Ramage' press had then been super- 
seded by Hoe's iron presses, upon which two 
pages of newspaper could be printed at a single 

* The A merican Cyclopedia. A rticlt on Printing. 
t'rin wa the name under which the Genesee Farmer, the first paper 
in Living I on its removal to Get 



THE PRESS OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



I2 3 



'pull.' With the 'Ramage' it took two, and the 
papers were worked at the rate of 200 to 250 per 
hour by a fast pressman, but this was then re- 
markable speed. A cylinder press was scarcely 
known in the cities, while now steam power and 
steam presses are very common in country offices. 
There were only two papers in the county, the 
'Register' and the 'Journal,' and the weekly edi- 
tions were distributed over the county by post- 
riders. * * * Instead of the post-rider, as 
formerly, who would be two or three days in pass- 
ing over his route, we send the ' Republican ' by 
railroad into nearly every town within a few hours 
after it leaves the press." 

There are now twelve papers, all weeklies, and 
one medical monthly, published in the county,* 
viz: The Livingston County Herald, by E. H. 
Davis, Avon ; the Caledonia Advertiser, by A. H. 
Collins, Caledonia ; The Livingston Republican, by 
Samuel P. Allen, and The Union Citizen, by 
Dr. Alonson L. Bailey, Geneseo ; the Lima Re- 
corder, by A. Tiffany Norton, Lima; The Livonia 
Gazette, by C. M. Alvord, Livonia ; The Union and 
Constitution, by William Harding, and The Mt. 
Morris Enterprise, by Geo. M. Shull, at Mt. Mor- 
ris; The Dansville Advertiser, by A. O. Bunnell, 
and The Dansville E.\press,hy Woodruff & Knapp, 
at Dansville; The Nunda News, by C. K. Sanders, 
Nunda ; The Springwater Enterprise, by H. S. 
Niles, Springwater, and The Laws of Life and 
Journal of Health, by Our Home Hygienic Insti- 
tute, at Dansville. 

The first newspaper in Livingston county was the 
Genesee Farmer, which was established and the 
first number issued February 6, 1817, by Hezekiah 
Ripley, at Moscow, which was then the most 
important village in the county. Franklin Cowdery 
soon after became associated with Mr. Ripley in its 
publication, at which time the paper was enlarged 
and its name changed to the Moscow Advertiser 
and Genesee Farmer. Within the year Mr. Ripley 
again became its sole publisher, and changed 
its name to the Afoscow Advertiser, under which 
title he continued it till January 8, 1824, when it 
passed into the hands of James Percival, who 
removed it to Geneseo, where the county seat had 
been located, and changed the name to The Liv- 
ingston Register, which, in an enlarged form, 
became the advocate af the Bucktail party. Inci- 
dent to the excitement produced by the abduction 
of Morgan in 1826, in the adjoining county of 
Genesee— an event which exerted a marked and 
wide political influence — it became an anti-masonic 
paper ; and subsequently it espoused the cause of 

* In addition to this a paper styled The Avonian is published at War- 
saw. 



the Whigs. In 1829 the paper became the prop- 
erty of Anson M. Weed and Allen Warner, who 
published it in company till the death of the former 
in 1831, when it again passed into the hands of 
Mr. Percival, who, in 1832, sold it to Elias Clark, 
from whom it was purchased in 1834 by Wm. H. 
Kelsey and Richard M. Miel, the latter of whom 
became the sole proprietor in 1S35. Mr. Miel, 
being dissatisfied with the support it received 
from the Whig party, converted it into a Democratic 
paper, but soon after sold it to D. S. Curtis, who 
discontinued it in 1837. It was soon after revived 
and published a short time by Hugh Harding, who 
was succeeded by John Kempshall, who published 
it till the close of the presidential campaign of 
1840, when the material was sold and removed 
to Perry. 

This pioneer newspaper of Livingston county 
presented a marked contrast with those published 
within her borders to-day, the latter of which fur- 
nish some of the best specimens of country news- 
paper work in the State, and are creditable alike in 
their literary character and mechanical execution. 
It was a small four-column sheeet, printed on 
coarse paper in ungainly large type, and was prin- 
cipally filled with foreign and legislative news, 
official documents and promiscuous advertisements. 
Like all the papers of that period it contained little 
or no local news. 

The Livingston Journal, the second paper in 
Livingston county, was started in Geneseo, April 
11, 1820, by Chauncey Morse, and became and 
was conducted as an opposition paper to its prede- 
cessor. Asahel Harvey was subsequently associ- 
ated with Mr. Morse in its publication. In 1829, 
Levi Hovey became the proprietor. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1831, by Benjamin C. Denison, who 
was previously connected with The Ullage Chron- 
icle, of Dansville; and in 1S32, by Evans & Wood- 
ruff. Denison changed the name to the Livingston 
Courier. In the fall of the latter year Henry F. 
Evans became sole proprietor. It was subse- 
quently published for a short time by Wm. J. 
Ticknor, and was suspended in 1834. 

The Village Chronicle was commenced in Dans- 
ville, in 1830, by David Mitchell and Benjamin C. 
Denison, who conducted it as an independent 
paper till April 12, 1S31, when Denison withdrew 
and assumed the control of the Journal, published 
at Geneseo. Mitchell converted it into an anti- 
masonic advocate, and soon after changed the 
name to The Village Record; but it was soon dis- 
continued. 



124 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The Mount Morris Spectator was established 
Jan i, 1834, by Hugh Harding, who came here 
from Dansville, where he had been employed in the 
office of the Chronicle. The office was located in 
a quaint wooden building, which occupied the site 
of Yeoman's drug store in the Empire Block. 
February 2, 1848, it was united with the Livings- 
ton County Whig, which was started in the same 
village in 1843, by Geo. B. Phelps, who published 
it about six months and sold it to James T.Norton, 
by whom it was continued until this consolidation 
was effected. At this time the name was changed 
to The Livingston Union and its publication was 
continued by Harding & Norton till 1849, when 
the latter removed to Geneseo and assumed the 
management of The Livingston Republican. In 
1846, Mr. Norton, while publishing the Livingston 
County Whig, printed in connection with it a 
daily — The Mount Morris Daily Whig — which 
was discontinued after three months (from June to 
August) as an unprofitable venture. In February, 
1862, Mr. Harding purchased the Constitution, 
published in Geneseo, and united the two papers 
under the name of The Union and Constitution, 
under which it has since been published at Mt. 
Morris. In 187 1, Mr. Harding sold the establish- 
ment to David Frysinger from Pennsylvania, who 
continued it eight months, and sold it to William 
Harding, a son of its founder, who issued his first 
number July 16, 1872, and has since continued its 
publication. The paper has been thrice enlarged. 
It is an eight-column paper — twenty-six by forty 
inches ; is published every Thursday ; and has a 
circulation of about one thousand. It was started 
as a neutral paper, but became a Whig organ when 
that party was formed. When the American party 
was in power here it was the advocate of its prin- 
ciples, and since the disbandment of that party has 
been allied with the Democracy. 

The Dansville Times was published in 1835, by 
D. C. Mitchell. 

The Livingston Democrat was started at Gen- 
eseo in the autumn of 1835, by David Mitchell and 
Wm, H. Kelsey, (who purchased the establishment 
of the Livingston Journal, then recently suspended,) 
and published in the interest of the Whig party. 
Mitchell soon withdrew ; and Kelsey continued its 
publication till the spring of 1837, when it suc- 
cumbed to adverse circumstances. 

The Livingston Republican was established 
at Geneseo, September 19, 1837, at the solic- 
itation, and under the auspices of, the Whig 
party in this county, by Samuel P. Allen, who pur- 



chased it in 1844. He continued its publication 
for nine years, when (in 1846) he sold the estab- 
lishment to John M. Campbell and became con- 
nected with the Rochester Democrat. September 
10, 1847, Joseph Kershner, a lawyer in Geneseo, 
succeeded Mr. Campbell as its publisher, and July 
5, 1848, he was succeeded by Charles E. Bronson, 
who terminated a three years' period of pecuniary 
losses by its sale on the 27th of December, 1849, 
to James T. Norton, who published it successfully 
till his death in 1865, when his son, A. Tiffany 
Norton, succeeded to its publication, which he 
continued until 1869. It was then purchased by 
Col. Lockwood L. Doty and James W. Clement, 
the former of whom retired after a few months on 
account of ill-health. Mr. Clement continued its 
publication till September, 1S74, when Samuel P. 
Allen, its founder, repurchased it, "with the pur- 
pose of continuing its publication as long as life 
and health are spared." Mr. Allen still publishes 
it. The Republican is, with one exception, the 
oldest paper in the county ; and it not only takes a 
leading position in the county, but is one of the 
ablest and best representatives of the country press 
of Western New York. During the proprietorship 
of Mr. Norton, it was for a short time the organ of 
the American party, but before his death was 
changed to the advocacy of Republican principles, 
a complexion it still retains. It is an eight-column 
paper — twenty-seven by forty inches; is published 
every Thursday; and has a circulation of 1,656. 

The Western New Yorker was commenced in 
Dansville, January 13, 1S41, by George W. 
Stevens, who soon after changed the name to The 
Dansville Whig, and in 1848, to The Dansville 
Courier. During this period Charles W. Dibble 
published it about one year. In 1849 •* passed 
into the hands of H. D. Smead, who changed it to 
The Dansville Democrat; and subsequently to 
those of George A. Sanders, who removed it to 
Geneseo in 1855, and changed it to The Geneseo 
Democrat, the first number of which was issued 
April 4, 1855. In October, 1857, it was returned 
to Dansville and published for a short time by H. 
C. Page, as The Livingston Sentinel. 

The Nunda Gazette, was started in 1841, by Ira 
G Wisner. After about a year it was removed to 
Mt. Morris and continued there till 1843, as The 
Genesee Valley Recorder. 

The Dansville Republican was published in 1842, 
by David Fairchild. 

The Geneseo Democrat was started in 1 843, by 
Gilbert F. Shankland. It was removed to Nunda 



THE PRESS OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



125 



in 1847, and to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus county, in 

1843. 

The Livingston Express, was published semi- 
monthly in 1843, by J. G. Wisner, at Mt. Morris. 

The Cuylerville Telegraph was started in 1847, 
by Franklin Cowdery, at Cuylerville, which was 
then a thriving canal village. In 1848, it passed 
into the hands of Peter Lawrence, who soon after 
removed it. 

The Dansville Chronicle was started in June, 
1848, by Richardson & Co., and was discontinued 
in 185 1. 

The Nunda Democrat was started in 1848, by 
Milo D. Chamberlain, but was soon discontinued. 

The Fountain, a monthly publication, was started 
at Dansville in 1849, by J. R. Trembly, and con- 
tinued about two years. 

The Dansville Herald was started in 1850, by 

E. C. Daugherty and J. G. Sprague, under the 
name of E. C. Daugherty & Co., as a Whig paper. 
Sprague retired in a few months, and in the fall of 
1854, Daugherty was succeeded by H. L. & L. H. 
Rann. About the 1st of January, 1857, it passed 
into the hands of the Know-Nothing party, in whose 
interests it was managed by E. G. Richardson & 
Co. In April, 1857, H. C. Page took the paper ; 
and about the close of that year it was purchased 
by George A. Sanders and changed to an advocate 
of Republicanism. During this time it had under- 
gone various changes in form and size. August 
1, 1865, it was sold to Frank J. Robbins and L. D. 

F. Poore, who changed its name to The Dansville 
Express, August 9, 1865, and enlarged it from a 
six to a seven-column paper. F. J. Robbins 
became the sole proprietor in October, 1870, and 
enlarged it to eight columns. He conducted it in 
the interest of Horace Greeley and at the close of 
that campaign continued it as a Democratic paper. 
June 1, 1877, Oscar Woodruff and A. H. Knapp 
purchased it of Mr. Robbins and still publish it. 
It is an able exponent of Democratic principles. 
Its circulation exceeds one thousand, and nearly all 
of its subscribers reside within ten miles of the 
office— a fact which sufficiently attests its worth. 

The Nunda Telegraph was started by Charles 
Atwood in 1850, and published about a year. 

The Nunda Times, was started in January, 1852, 
by N. T. Hackstaff. In July following the office 
was burned, and the paper discontinued. 

The Lima Weekly Visitor was started in 1853, 
by A. H. Tilton and M. C. Miller. It was subse- 
quently published by Raymond & Graham, and by 
S. M. Raymond, the latter of whom changed the 



name to the Genesee J 'alley Gazette. It was dis- 
continued in 1856. 

The New Era was commenced at Hunt's Hol- 
low, in the town of Portage, in 1854, by David B. & 
Merritt Galley, boys aged respectively fifteen and 
seventeen years. In 1855 it was removed to Nunda 
and its name changed to Young America. It was 
discontinued after about a year. 

The Laics of Life and Journal of Health was 
started in 1857, by Dr. James C. Jackson at Glen 
Haven, Cayuga county, and in 185S, was removed 
to Dansville, where it has since been published 
monthly, successively under the auspices of Our 
Home on the Hillside and Our Home Hygienic In- 
stitute. 

The Dansville Daily Times was commenced in 
May, 1859, by W. J. LaRue, and in June of the 
same year was changed to The Dansville Daily 
Register. It was discontinued in i860. 

The Nunda News was established October 
1, 1859, by C. K. Sanders, who has published 
it continuously since, having been longer published 
continuously by the same person than any other 
paper in the county. The paper was printed for 
the first six weeks at Dansville. at the office of the 
Dansville Herald, which was then published by 
George A. Sanders, a brother of C. K. The 
first issue printed at Nunda bore date of Novem- 
ber 19, 1859. It was started as a five column 
paper and has been increased to eight columns — ■ 
twenty-six by forty inches. It has a circulation of 
twelve hundred, and has always been published on 
Saturday of each week. The success of the News 
is remarkable, in view of the many unprofitable 
newspaper ventures which had preceded it in 
Nunda; for, says E. W. Packard, who has ever 
been its firm friend and supporter, it " had not only 
to win its own favor, but was obliged to overcome 
prejudices engendered by the mistakes of its pre- 
decessors. To do this without capital, reputation 
or experience, required industry, perseverance, 
ability and pluck. For instance, when the first 
issue of the News came out, a large majority pre- 
dicted it would not last three months, and most of 
the subscribers only paid for that time. The out- 
look was not really very promising, and the public 
were not to be blamed for want of faith, for at that 
time the News had no press nor type, and its office 
was temporarily in my law office, and the paper 
printed in Dansville. But before the three months 
had expired, the News had its own home, with 
presses and type, ready for business. The people 
soon began to have faith in its ability to live, and 



126 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



once established the News has never lost its hold 
upon the public" 

The Dansville Advertiser was established August 
2, i860, by A. (). Bunnell, who has since published 
it. having been associated from 1866 to 186S with 
Joseph Jones, under the name of Bunnell & Jones. 
Mr. Bunnell has been its editor during the whole 
period of its publication. It was started as an in- 
dependent advertising medium, but on the opening 
of the war in 1S61, it espoused the cause of the 
Republican party. It has since been a staunch 
advocate of Republican principles, and has led the 
van in the cause of education. It is a model of 
neat typographical execution, and has won a high 
reputation for its literary character. It is an eight- 
column paper — twenty-six by forty inches ; is issued 
every Thursday, and has a circulation of about 
twelve hundred. Its columns have richly rewarded 
our researches for historical data — a feature in which 
it is exceptionally full and interesting. 

The Livingston Democrat was started at Nunda 
in January, 1868, by H. M. Dake, and succumbed 
to the hard times and an insufficient patronage 
November 4, 1876, the date of its last issue. Dur- 
ing the greater part of its existence it was published 
1 1\ C. F. Peck ; but during the last nine months 
by Shepard & Holly, and C. I.. Shepard. 

The Genesee I alley Herald, an ephemeral pub- 
lication, was issued at Geneseo, in 1869, and pre- 
viously for about two years, by James \V. Clement, 
but was abandoned when he purchased an interest 
in the Livingston Republican, about the first of 
January, 1870. It was Republican in politics. 

The Avon Reporter was started about 1871, by 
C. F. Peck, of Nunda. It was continued two or 
three years under several different proprietors and 
failed, the presses and type being removed from 
the place. 

The Mount Morris Enterprise was established 
March 4, 1875, by Shull & Knapp, (George M. 
Shall and A. H. Knapp.) In May, 1877, Mr. 
Shull purchased Mr. Knapp's interest and has 
since published it alone. It is a staunch advocate 
of Democracy, and occupies a leading position in 
the county in its political affiliations. It is an 

eight-column paper— twenty-six by forty inches 

having been enlarged in March, 1878, from seven 
columns. It is published every Saturday; and has 
a circulation of eight hundred. 

The Lima Recorder was established October 
1. 1869, by Elmer Houser. It was subsequently 
published by Houser & Dennis. Dennis & Dennis, 
and Deal .V Drake. January 1, 1875, it was sold 



to A. Tiffany Norton, the former publisher of the 
Republican, at Geneseo, and for the first time in 
its history was thus placed under the control of a 
journalist and printer of long experience and train- 
ing. Under Mr. Norton's management it has se- 
cured a leading position among the newspapers of 
the county and has enjoyed a prosperous career. 
From a neutral journal it was changed to a Re- 
publican paper, and advocates the principles of 
that party with force and earnestness, while it fear- 
lessly condemns all wrongs within as well as without 
the party. It is marked in its boldness, independ- 
ence and fearless criticism. Mr. Norton is the 
author, in connection with the late Col. L. L. Doty, 
of a valuable history of Livingston county, and in 
1879, wrote a very interesting history of "Sullivan's 
Campaign Against the Iroquois," which met with 
a large sale. 

The Livonia Advertiser, a three-column month- 
ly, was established in the spring of 1869, by W. A. 
Champ, and was printed at the office of the Living- 
ston Republican, at Geneseo. The following sum- 
mer it was transferred to H. D. Kingsbury. It 
was published about twelve months. 

The Livonia Express was established in the 
spring of 187 1, by Henry Benjamin Newell, who 
brought to Livonia the first printing press ever 
used in that town, and opened an office in what 
was then the Baldwin House. Mr. Newell was an 
erratic genius and his paper reflected his peculiar- 
ities. A contemporary says : — ■ 

"No comic almanac ever made more sport for 
all classes and conditions of people than did the 
Livonia Express, with its numberless eccentricities, 
in the few months of its checkered existence." 

The Livonia Gazette, a twenty-eight column 
paper, was established by Lewis E. Chapin, who 
issued the first number on Tuesday, October 1, 
1875, and continued its publication until July, 1877, 
when the establishment was purchased by Clarence 
M. Alvord, of Albion, Orleans county, who still 
continues it. The Gazette is Republican in poli- 
tics, and evinces the enterprise of its publisher in 
the collection of local news. It has a large circu- 
lation in eastern Livingston and western Ontario 
counties. 

The Livingston County Herald was established 
in Avon, May 11, 1876, by E. H. Davis, who still 
continues its publication, and receives deserved aid 
and encouragement from the business men of that 
pleasant, enterprising village. It is Republican in 
politics and is issued every Thursday. 

The Union Citizen was established in Livonia, 



LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT AT GENESEO. 



127 



July 29, 1876, by Dr. Alonson L. Bailey, who re- 
moved it April i, 1879, to Geneseo, where he has 
since published it as a Democratic paper. Its 
size is six columns — twenty-two by thirty-two inches. 
It is published every Saturday, and has a circula- 
tion of 528. 

The Caledonia Advertiser, a six-column paper, 
was established May 7, 1878, by James Beattie and 
A. H. Collins, with a circulation of 290. The ven- 
ture proved successful, and the circulation steadily 
increased, till at present it is 690. February 1, 
1880, Mr. Collins purchased Mr. Beattie's interest 
and has since had its entire management. It is 
published on Friday of each week. It is devoted 
to agriculture and matters of local interest, and in 
politics is Republican. It is the first and only 
paper ever published in Caledonia. 

The Springwater Enterprise was established in 
January, 1879, by H. S. Niles and C. B. Potter, 
who continued it until February, 1879, when Mr. 
Niles purchased Mr. Potter's interest and assumed 
the entire control. It is published every Thurs- 
day. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Early Courts — County Seat Designated — 
First County Officers — County Buildings — 
First Court in Livingston County — County 
Poor-House — Insane Asylum — Livingston 
County Civil List — Delegates to State 
Constitutional Conventions — State Sena- 
tors — Members of Assembly — First and 
County Judges — Surrogates — District At- 
torneys — Sheriffs— County Clerks — County 
Treasurers — County Superintendents of 
Common Schools — School Commissioners — 
Presidential Electors — Representatives in 
Congress. 

PREVIOUS to the erection of Steuben and 
Genesee counties from Ontario, the territory 
now embraced in Livingston county occupied a 
central position in the latter county, but on the 
formation of Genesee county in 1802, it lay partly 
in the three counties of Ontario, Genesee and 
Steuben, but a small portion, however, being in 
the latter county. The line of division between 
Ontario and Genesee passed nearly centrally 
through this county, following the Genesee up to 
its confluence with the Canaseraga, and thence 
extending due south, being identical with the west 



line of Phelps and Gorham's purchase. Hence it 
lay on the confines of the two civil divisions, remote 
from the seat of justice of either. The county seat 
of Ontario county was at Canandaigua, and deeds 
were required to be filed in the clerk's office at that 
place by the act of April 3, 1798, many years be- 
fore the general act for the recording of deeds was 
passed. The first circuit court of that county was 
held at the inn of Ezra Patterson, in Geneva, June 
9, 1793, and was presided over by John S. Hobart ; 
and the first court of common pleas at the house 
of Nathaniel Sanborn, in Canandaigua, Novem- 
ber 4, 1794. Timothy Hosmer and Charles Wil- 
liamson were the presiding judges. Oliver Phelps 
was appointed First Judge on the erection of that 
county in 1789. The county seat of Genesee 
county was fixed at Batavia. 

On the erection of Livingston county, Dr. Gama- 
liel H. Barstow, of Smithsboro, Tioga county, 
Archibald S. Clarke, of Ellicottville, and Nathaniel 
Garrow, of Auburn, were appointed commissioners 
to designate the county seat and fix the site for 
buildings, and were directed to meet at the tavern 
of James Ganson, in Avon, in the discharge of this 
duty, which was no sinecure, for a sharp rivalry 
existed for the honor of being the shire town, and 
the adjustment of the question developed acrimo- 
nious discussions, and gave rise to ungenerous 
reflections on the residents of the southern part of 
the county, which was then less developed and 
consequently less populous and wealthy. Avon, 
Williamsburgh, and the little hamlet of Lakeville, 
were the rival competitors of Geneseo, which was 
then the principal village and the commercial 
centre of the county, and was finally selected be- 
cause it was also nearer the geographical center of 
the county. 

The Act required that a suitable lot for the erec- 
tion of a court house and jail should be conveyed 
to the supervisors before the site therefor was de- 
termined, and appointed Gen. William Wads- 
worth, of Geneseo, Dr. Daniel H. Fitzhugh, of 
Groveland, and William Markham, of Avon, com- 
missioners to superintend their construction. Can- 
andaigua was designated for the confinement of 
prisoners until, in the opinion of the sheriff the jail 
was fitted for their reception. The former pro- 
vision was complied with July 14, 1 821, at which 
time William and James Wadsworth deeded 1.79 
acres in the northern part of Geneseo village as a 
site for those buildings.* 

The first county officers were : — Moses Hayden, 

• The same deed conveyed z.47 acres for a public square or promenade. 



128 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



First Judge; James Ganson, County Clerk : Gideon 
T. Jenkins, Sheriff; James Rosebrugh, Surrogate; 
and George Hosmer, District Attorn,). All, ex- 
cept Hayden, who was appointed March 28, 1821, 
were appointed February 26, 1821. The first 
Board of Supervisors consisted of: — Thomas Wiard, 
Avon, Robert McKay, Caledonia, Davenport 
Alger, Freeport, (Conesus,) Win. H. Spencer, 
Geneseo, Win. Fitzhugh, Groveland, Jellis Clute, 
Leicester, Mannasseh Leach, Lima, Ichabod A. 
Holden, Livonia, Win. A. Mills, Mt. Morris. Win. 
McCartney, Sparta, Alvah Southworth. Spring- 
water, and Titus Goodman, York. Wm. Fitzhugh 
was chosen chairman, and < >gden M. Willey, of 
Geneseo, clerk, a position he filled very acceptably 
for thirty years. Orlando Hastings, of Geneseo, was 
appointed county treasurer, an office then filled by 
the Boards of Supervisors of the various counties. 

The supervisors being required by the Act erect- 
ing the county to determine the proper amount to 
be raised for the erection of county buildings, at 
their first annual meeting in October, 1821, resolved 
to raise nine thousand dollars for that object. This 
amount being afterwards deemed insufficient, in 
December following the Board applied to the Leg- 
islature for permission to raise an additional two 
thousand dollars. Permission was granted and that 
further sum raised. The court house and jail were 
completed and ready for use in the spring of 1823. 
Both are still in use. The court house is a brick 
building and begins to show the ravages of time 
and the elements, but Judges from abroad pro- 
nounce it superior in all needful requirements to 
any on their circuit. It is beautifully situated in the 
north part of the village, facing the main street, 
which runs north and south. The jail is a wooden 
structure, standing a little north-west of the court- 
house, and in September, 1880, contained eight 
inmates. The county clerk's office is a one-story 
cobble-stone building, standing directly east of and 
adjacent to the court house. All are in the same 
inclosure, and all are common-place looking build- 
ings. The clerk's office was for several years kept 
in the court house. 

While the court house was in process of con- 
struction the courts were held in the upper story of 
the brick building which occupied the site of the 
present union school building on Center street, in 
Geneseo. It was the regular district school house, 
the lower part being used for that purpose, and the 
upper part to some extent as a private academical 
school. There the first court of record held in the 
county was convened on the last Tuesday in May, 



1821, and after prayer by Rev. Mr. Bull, was 
opened by the usual proclamation. Moses Hay- 
den, First Judge, presided, and was assisted by 
Matthew Warner, Jeremiah Riggs and Leman 
Gibbs, Associate Judges. The grand jurors im- 
paneled on this occasion were : William Janes, 
foreman, Robert McKay, James Smith, Asa Now- 
len, Josiah Watrous, Francis Stevens, William War- 
ner, Ichabod A. Holden, Ruel Blake, Wm. A. Mills, 
Fbenezer Damon, P. P. Peck, Joseph A. Law- 
rence. William Crossett, William Carnahan, James 
McNair, John Culver, Erastus Wilcox, John Hunt, 
Daniel H. Fitzhugh, Thomas Sherwood, Fbe- 
nezer Rogers and Gad Chamberlin. 

The first case tried was that of Mary DeGraw. 
who was indicted for assault and battery with in- 
tent to kill. She was convicted of assault and bat- 
tery, but acquitted on the rest of the indictment. 
May Brown was sentenced at this time to the On- 
tario county jail for thirty days. This appears to 
have been the first commitment. 

The first term of the Court of Common Pleas 
was held the same day. James Richmond, LeRoy 
Buckley, Roger Wattles, T. H. Gilbert, Joseph 
White, Jehiel Kelsey, John Salmon, George Whit- 
more, David A. Miller, Riley Scoville, Andrew Stil- 
well, and Federal Blakesley composed the jury. 
The first court held in the court house was the 
May term of the Common Pleas Court in 1823, 
Charles H. Carroll, First Judge, presiding. 

The county poor house is pleasantly situated on 
a farm of one hundred and fifty-one acres in the 
town of Geneseo, about one and one-half miles east 
of Geneseo village. The farm, which originally 
contained about one hundred and thirty-six acres, 
was bought for the purpose in 1829, for $5,440, 
and a two-story addition forty-eight by thirty-six feet 
made to the dwelling house then on the premises. 
On the 10th of June, 1829, it was opened for the 
reception of paupers. It soon, however, ceased to 
meet the demands on it, and in 1849, the Super- 
visors appropriated $6,000 for the purpose of erect- 
ing a new building, and appointed Allen Ayrault, 
Wm. J. Hamilton and Russell Austin to superin- 
tend its construction and to dispose of the old one, 
which, with eighteen acres of land, was sold at auc- 
tion Dec. 13, 1850, to Dr. Daniel H. Bissell, of 
Geneseo, for $2,001. The old building is now 
owned and occupied as a residence by Joseph 
Truesdell Lamson. 

A new three-story brick building, 108 by 36 feet, 
with basement, and two lateral wings, each 53 feet 
deep, was erected in 1850, and completed ready 



COUNTY POOR HOUSE AND INSANE ASYLUM. 



129 



for occupancy early in the winter of that year, at a 
cost of $7,356.40, exclusive of furniture and heat- 
ing apparatus. It is situated on the opposite 
(north) side of the road, and adjacent to the old 
one. The central portion is occupied by the su- 
perintendent and his family ; the right wing by the 
male, and the left wing by the female paupers. 
The sexes are separated at night, and as far as 
practicable during the day. 

In 1868, when the late superintendent, George 
W. Barney, entered upon the discharge of the 
duties of that office, the only accommodations for 
the insane were "a few cells in the basement of the 
men's building, and the ordinary rooms in the 
building for women." The apartments were 
wholly unfit for their purposes, and the insane re- 
ceived no special attention. The building was 
heated by stoves, was imperfectly ventilated, and 
without proper bathing facilities.* In 1869, a 
small two-story brick building was erected for the 
accommodation of the insane paupers, and subse- 
quently another and larger building was erected 
for the same purpose, the two affording accommo- 
dations for about fifty patients. In 1879, a third 
building was erected for the use of the female in- 
sane, accommodating forty-four patients. Thirty- 
three acres have also been added to the poor-house 
farm. "The entire place," says Mr. Barney, in His 
Annual Report to the Board of Supervisors, Nov. 
20, 1879, "has been put in the best of order, and 
above all, the condition of the buildings has been 
raised from a state of filthiness hardly to be de- 
scribed to a condition second to no building of the 
kind in the State, and the institution has now at- 
tained a reputation such as reflects the highest 
honor upon every taxpayer in the county." The 
county provides for such of its dependent children 
as cannot be secured situations in families, in or- 
phan asylums at Rochester. During the year end- 
ing Oct. 31, 1879, there was expended for the 
maintenance of such children $888.85. At that 
date there were eight in the Rochester Orphan 
Asylum and one in St. Mary's Boys' Orphan Asy- 
lum, in the same city. 

The farm, which is in a good state of cultivation, 
is tilled by the sanef and insane paupers, with the 

* Twelfth Annual Report of the State Board of Charities for 1878, 
/•73- 

t Says Mr. Barney in the report above referred to : " I have stren- 
uously endeavored to utilize the services of able-bodied paupers on the 
farm and have succeeded to a greater degree than ever before, but an ex- 
perience of twelve years with this class convinces me of the fact that the 
supervision necessary to get work done properly and in the proper time 
amounts to almost as much as the value of the services rendei 
that the inmates of the Insane Asylum, under a keeper, will perform 
more work in a given time, and in a better manner, than the same num- 
ber of paupers." 



aid of one assistant, and, strange as the fact may 
seem, the labor of the insane is far more efficient 
and satisfactory than that of the sane. The value 
of this pauper labor for the year 1879, is estimated 
at at least $2,300. The stock upon the farm con- 
sisted of two pair of working horses, two single 
horses and ten milch cows, the whole valued at 
$950, and the products of the farm for the year 
ending Oct. 31, 1879, of 1,000 bushels of corn, (in 
ear,) 445 bushels of barley, 508 bushels of oats, 40 
tons of hay, 400 bushels of wheat, 60 bushels of 
beans, 600 bushels of potatoes; straw, valued at 
$75, milk from ten cows, valued at $300, 20 fat 
hogs, 30 store hogs, 50 bushels of apples, garden 
vegetables, valued at $20, and corn stalks, valued 
at $50, the total valuation being $2,435.80. 

The number of persons received and supported 
in the alms house and insane asylum during the 
year ending Oct. 31, 1879, was 335 ; the number 
remaining Nov. 1, 1879, was 158. Of the whole 
number, 228 were males, and 107, females; 206 
were natives of the United States, 94, of Ireland, 
14, of England, 16, of Germany, 2, of Canada, 2, 
of France, and 1, of Scotland. 

The expenses connected with the support of the 
poor during the year ending Oct. 31, 1879, are thus 
stated in the report of the superintendent : — 

Alms House Supplies, $11,086 17 

Alms House Expenses, 5, 860 65 

Temporary relief in the several towns, . 3,03 r 87 
Transportation, 67 40 



Total, $20,046 09 

The number of deaths during the year was 
twenty-one. The average age of the deceased per- 
sons was 58,17-21 years. 

The number of insane persons received and sup- 
ported in the insane asylum during the year was 
75. Of this number 7 males and 4 females were 
discharged cured ; 1 male was discharged unim- 
proved ; 1 male and 3 females died ; 1 female com- 
mitted suicide ; and 30 males and 28 females then 
remained. Mr. Barney, in referring in his report 
to this class of unfortunates, says : — 

" Under the advice of the Hon. Wm. P. Letch- 
worth, president of the State Board of Charities, I 
have given great attention to the food and diet of 
the insane. I feel the deepest gratification at the 
results of my efforts, and confidently invite com- 
parison of the proportion discharged cured from 
our own asylum with that of any other like institu 
tion in the State. The new building for female 
patients is now about finished and will accommo- 
date 44 persons. With this increased room it will 
be possible to classify patients much more com- 
pletely than heretofore and from the result of this 



i 3 o 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



classification I look for the most favorable results 
in the future." 

The present Superintendent of the Poor is James 
C. Wicker, who entered upon the discharge of his 
duties January i, 1880. Mr. Barney was preceded 
in the office by A. Howard, who filled that respon- 
sible position for twenty-three years. 

Livingston County Civil 1. is/. - - 1 ,ivingston county 
has produced many men of talent and emineni e in 
the various professions and occupies a distinguished 
position in the civil list. She has furnished a gov- 
ernor, in the person of John Young of Geneseo, 
who was elected in 1846, by a vote of 198,878, over 
three opponents, Silas Wright. Henry Bradley and 
Ogden Edwards, who received respectively 187,306 
1 2,844 and 6,306 votes ;* a Private Secretary of the 
Executive chamber of New York, in the person of 
Lockwood I.. Doty of Geneseo, who was appointed 
in 1861 and held the office two years; a Chief 
of the Bureau of Military statistics, in the person 
of the latter gentleman, who was appointed on the 
creation of that office April 8, 1863, and was suc- 
ceeded September 10, 1866, by Augustus J. H. 
Duganne of New York, who subsequently became 
Mr. Doty's biographer ; a Judge-Advocate-General, 
in the person of Campbell H.Young of Geneseo, who 
was appointed January 1, 1867 ; two State Comp- 
trollers, in the persons of Philo C. Fuller of Geneseo, 
who was appointed Dec. 18, 1850, on the election 
of Washington Hunt to the gubernatorial chair, and 
held the office till the close of the term, and Jas.W. 
Wadsworth of Geneseo, elected Nov. 4,1879 ; a Ca- 
nal Commissioner, in the person of Daniel P. Bissell 
of Moscow, who was appointed February 8,1842, to 
fill vacancy, and again November 4, 1844, for the 
term of four years ; a Canal Appraiser, in the per- 
son of Calvin H. Bryan of Geneseo, who was ap- 
pointed April 4, 1846, and served one term of three 
years ; a Regent of the University of New York, (in 
addition to John Young, who, as Governor of the 
State, was an ex-officio member of the board,) in 
the person of James S. Wadsworth of Geneseo, who 
was appointed May 4, 1844, and held the office till 
his death, May 8, 1864; two Clerks of the Court 
of Appeals, in the persons of Benjamin F. Harwood 
and Russell F. Hicks, both of Dansville, the former 
of whom was elected November 8, 1853. and died 
in office at Albany, March 30, 1856, and the latter 
November 7, 1856, holding the office three years ; 
and a Diplomatic Officer in the person of Benja- 
min F. Angel of Geneseo, who was appointed Min- 

• James S. Wadsworth of Geneseo, wa thecandidati >t thi I 
can parti foH k>vernoi in rS6z, bul was di fi ated bj Horatio Si yinour, by 
a vote of 106,649 to £95,897. 



ister-Resident to Sweden and Norway July 17, 

1S57- 

Delegates to State ('(institutional Conventions. — 
James Rosebrugh represented this county in the 
Convention of 1821 ; Allen Ayrault and William 
H. Spencer, both of Geneseo, in that of 1846; and 
Isaac L. Endress, of Dansville, in that of 1867. 

State Senators. — Previous to 182 1 the Senato- 
rial Districts were designated as Southern, Mid- 
dle, Eastern and Western. The latter originally 
comprised Albany and Tryon (afterwards Mont- 
gomery) counties, and Ontario which then em- 
braced the territory included in Livingston county, 
from Jan. 27, 1789. During the continuance 
of the First Constitution it comprised these 
counties and those subsequently erected from 
them. The representation, which at first was 
six members, was changed February 7, 1791, 
to five ; March 4, 1796, to eleven; in 1803, to 
nine; in 1808, to twelve; and April 17, 1815, to 
nine. 

Under the Second Constitution which was adop- 
ted the year in which this county was organized, 
(1821,) the State was divided into eight Senatorial 
Districts, which were designated by number. Liv- 
ingston county belonged to the Eighth District, 
which also embraced the counties of Allegany, 
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, 
Niagara and Steuben, until November 12, 1824. 
when Orleans was added. April 18, 1826, Steu- 
ben was transferred; and May 23d, 1836, Alle- 
gany, Cattaraugus and Livingston were transferred 
to the Sixth District, which then comprised addi- 
tionally the counties of Broome, Chenango, Tioga, 
Tompkins, Steuben and Chemung. This connec- 
tion it retained during the further continuance of 
the Second Constitution which entitled each dis- 
trict to four Senators, one of whom was elected 
annually for the term of four years. 

Under the third or present Constitution, the 
State is divided into thirty-two districts, in each of 
which one member is elected each odd year. Liv- 
ingston was associated with Ontario in forming the 
Twenty-ninth district. April 13, 1857, it was asso- 
ciated with Allegany and Wyoming counties in 
forming the Thirtieth district, and maintained this 
relation till April 23d, 1879, when it became asso- 
ciated with Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming coun- 
ties in forming the same district. 

Livingston county did not furnish a State Sena- 
tor previous to its organization as a separate county, 
nor during its connection with the Western district, 
which continued till 1823. The office was first 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 



L?i 



filled by a resident of Livingston county in 1827, 
by Charles H. Carroll, of Groveland, who served 
till his resignation in March, 1828. He has been 
succeeded by Moses Hayden, of York, who served 
in 1829 and until his death February 14, 1830; 
Philo C. Fuller, of Geneseo, who was elected on 
the death of Hayden and served in 1831 and '32; 
James Faulkner, of Dansville, in 1842, '3, '4 and 5 ; 
Allen Ayrault, of Geneseo, in 1848;* Charles Colt, 
of Geneseo, in 1849-51 ; Sidney Sweet, of Dans- 
ville, in 1856-7 ;f David H. Abell, of Mt. Morris, 
in 1860-61 ; James Wood, of Geneseo, 1870-73. 

Members of Assembly. — There has been little 
variation in Livingston county's representation in 
the Assembly, which has corresponded with that of 
the ratio of her population to that of the State, the 
extremes being one and two. She had one mem- 
ber at the time of her formation ; two, under the 
apportionments of April 12, 1822, April 18, 1826, 
May 23, 1836, March 8, 1846, and April 13, 1857 ; 
and one under the apportionments of April 16, 
1866, and April 23, 1879, the latter of which re- 
mains in force. 

The Assemblymen from the territory now em- 
braced in Livingston county prior to its erection as 
such were : Gideon T. Jenkins, who represented 
Genesee county in 1808, and Hugh McNair, of 
Sparta, who represented Ontario county in 1808-9 ; 
William Markham, of Avon, who represented On- 
tario county in 1S10; Chauncey Loomis, who 
represented Genesee county, and Hugh McNair, 
Ontario county, in 181 1 ; James Ganson, of Gen- 
eseo, who represented Genesee, and Hugh McNair, 
Ontario, in 1812-14; James Rosebrugh, who 
represented Ontario, in 1814-15, 1816-17, 1818; 
James Ganson, who represented Genesee in 1816 
and 1816-17; Elijah Spencer and Wm. McCart- 
ney, who represented Ontario in 1819; Gideon T. 
Jenkins and Robert McKay, who represented 
Genesee, and Matthew Warner, Ontario, in 1820; 
Wm. H. Spencer, who represented Genesee, in 
1820-21. 

Since its formation Livingston county has been 
represented in the Assembly as follows : George 
Smith, 1822 ; William Janes and Matthew Warner, 
1823; George Hosmer and George Smith, 1824; 
James Faulkner and Robert McKay, 1825; James 
Faulkner and Wm. H. Spencer, 1826 ; Wm. H. 
Spencer and Felix Tracy, 1827; Calvin H. Bryan 
and Wm. Janes, 1828 ; Philo C. Fuller and Titus 
Goodman, Jr., 1829-30 ; Jerediah Horsford and 

* Resigned June 2, 1848. 

t During this session Samuel P. Allen, of Geneseo, was clerk of the 
Senate. 



James Percival, 1831; George W. Patterson and 
John Young, 1S32; George W. Patterson and 
Samuel W. Smith, 1833; Salmon G. Grover and 
Tabor Ward, 1834; H. Hutchinson and George 
W. Patterson, 1835; Charles H. Carroll and 
George W. Patterson, 1836; George W.Patterson 
and William Scott, 1837-8; Elias Clark and 
George W. Patterson, 1839-40;* Augustus Gibbs 
and Reuben P. Wisner, 1841 ; Gardner Arnold 
and Chester Bradley, 1842; Daniel H. Fitzhugh 
and Daniel D. Spencer, 1843 ; Gardner Arnold 
and Daniel D. Spencer, 1844; Harlow W. Wells 
and John Young, 1845 ; William S. Fullerton and 
John Young, 1846; William S. Fullerton and An- 
drew Sill, 1847; Gurdon Nowlen and Nathaniel 
Coe, 1848; Archibald H. McLean and Philip 
Woodruff, 1849-50; Alvin Chamberlain and Orrin 
D. Lake, 1851-2; Amos A. Hendee and Abram 
Lozier, 1853; Leman Gibbs and Abram Lozier, 
1854; Lyman Odell and McNeil Seymour, 1855; 
Lyman Odell and Alonzo Bradner, 1856; Lyman 
Hawes and Alfred Bell, 1857 ; John H. Jones and 
Alfred Bell, 1858; Samuel L. Fuller and John 
Wiley, 1859-60; Matthew Wiard and George 
Hyland, 1S61 ; Matthew Wiard and Samuel Skin- 
ner, 1862; Hamilton E. Smith and Samuel Skin- 
ner, 1863; Hamilton E. Smith and Jonathan B. 
Morey, 1864; Hugh D. McColl and Jonathan B. 
Morey, 1865 ; Hugh D. McColl and Samuel D. 
Faulkner, 1866; Jacob Mead, 1867; Lewis E. 
Smith, 1868-9; Richard Johnson. 1870-1 ; Arch- 
ibald Kennedy, 1872-3 ; Jonathan B. Morey, 1874 ; 
James Faulkner, Jr., 1875-6 ; Jonathan B. Morey, 
1877; James W. Wadsworth, 1878-9; Archibald 
Kennedy, 1880; Kidder M. Scott, 1881. 

First and County Judges. — The Court of Com- 
mon Pleas was continued from the Colonial period. 
For most of the time under the First Constitution 
the number of Judges and Assistant Justices in the 
various counties differed, reaching, in some 
counties, as many as twelve of each. March 27, 
1818, the office of Assistant Justice was abolished, 
and the number of Judges limited to five, including 
the First Judge. The Judges were appointed by 
the Governor and Senate for a period of five years. 
The constitution of 1846 provided for the election 
of a County Judge for each county, except the city 
and county of New York, and the new judiciary 
article extended the tenure of office from four to 
six years, upon the election of the successors of the 
present incumbents. 

* During these sessions— 1 8 89-40— George W. Patterson was Speaker 
,t 1I1. Assembly. He is the only person from this count; 
cupied that position. 



i3 2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The First Judges of Livingston county were: — 
Moses Hayden, of York, appointed March 28, 
1821; Charles H. Carroll, of Groveland, appointed 
February 1, 1823; Hezekiah I >. Mason, appointed 
April 8, 1829; Willard H. Smith, appointed March 
24, 1S32. The County Judges, since the office 
was made elective, have been: — Scott Lord, of 
Geneseo, June, 1847; George Hastings, of Mt. 
Morris, November, 1855; Solomon Hubbard, No- 
vember, 1863; Samuel 1 >. Faulkner, of Dansville, 
November, 1S71; Daniel W. Noyes, appointed in 
place of Faulkner, deceased. August 30. 1878; 
Edwin A. Nash, of Avon, November, 1878.* 

Surrogates. — Previous to 1821, Surrogates were 
designated by the Council of Appointment ; from 
182 1 to 1846, by the Governor and the Senate. 
The Constitution of 1846 abolished the office and 
devolved its duties on County Judges, except in 
counties having a population exceeding 40,000. 
This office has been held successively by James 
Rosebrugh, who was appointed February 26, 1821; 
Samuel W. Spencer, appointed March 20, 1832 ; 
Benjamin F. Angel, appointed March 23, 1836; 
William H. Kelsey, appointed April 22, 1840; 
Benjamin F. Angel, appointed March 3, 1844, and 
held the office until it was abolished. 

District Attorneys. — The original appellation of 
this office, which was created February t2, 1796, 
was that of Assistant Attorney-General, who was 
appointed by the Governor and Council. The of- 
fice of District Attorney was created April 4, 1S01. 
At first the State was divided into seven districts, 
but subsequently several new ones were formed. 
In April, 1818, each county was constituted a sep- 
arate district. The office was made elective by 
the Constitution of 18 (<>. 

The first person to hold this office in Livingston 
county was George Hosmer, who was appointed 
February 26, 1821. He was succeeded by Orlan- 
do Hastings, January 27, 1824; George Hosmer, 
May 29, 1824; Calvin H. Bryan, January 20, 1836; 
Augustus A. Bennett, May 30, 1836; George Hast- 
ings, May 27. 1839 ; Amos A. Hendee, June, 1847; 
William H. KLelsey, 1850^ James Wood, Jr., 
iS53;f Amos A. Hendee, 1X56 ;t Gershom Bulk- 
ley, 1859;! George J. Davis, 1862 ;t+ James B. 
Adams, 1866 ;f§ Edwin A.Nash, 1869;!, Daniel 

• John H. Jones, of M w d the ofl I I n J 

county, which then embraced thi irt of this county, from June 

10,1812, to May ■;. 1^-1 

i Elected in November. 
1 : 

§ Appointed January, 1865, vice Da elected Noc ber, 

1866. 



\V. Noyes, 1875;*! Charles J. Bissell, August 30, 
1878;}: John R. Strang, 1878^ the present 
incumbent. 

Sheriffs- — Under the first Constitution ( 1 777— 
1S21) Sheriffs were appointed annually by the Coun- 
cil of Appointment, and no person could hold the 
office for more than four successive years. The 
Sheriff could not hold any other office, and must 
be a free-holder in the county to which he was ap- 
pointed. Under the second Constitution (1821 to 
(846) Sheriffs were elected for a term of three 
years, but were ineligible to election the next suc- 
ceeding year. These provisions are operative at 
the present time. 

The Sheriff was once an officer held in great re- 
spect. He arranged all the ceremonials of the 
court, and formally announced to the Judges the 
particular hour the court-room was in order for 
their reception. He was equipped with side arms, 
and kept his sword unsheathed on the desk in 
front of his seat. He, with his deputies, formally 
inducted the Judges from their lodgings to the 
court-room; the jurors closed the procession. He 
opened the court with solemn proclamation. In 
every respect the office of Sheriff" was once of more 
import in the public estimation than now.J 

The first Sheriff in Livingston county was Gid- 
eon T. Jenkins, who was appointed February 26, 
1S21. His successors have been: — William Car- 
nahan, 1822 ; Martin Nash, 1825; Russell Austin, 
1828; Augustus Gibbs, 1831 ; Josiah Wendell, 
1834; Win. W. Weed, 1837 ; James Brewer, 1840; 
Wm. H. Scott, 1843; William Scott, 1846; Har- 
vey Hill, 1849; Norman Chapel, appointed De- 
cember 15, 185 1, vice Hill, deceased; William 
Scott, 1852; Hugh McCartney, 1855 ; John N. 
Hurlburt, 185S; Wm. B. Lemen, 1861; Thomas 
C. Chase, 1864; George Hyland, Jr., 1867 ; Henry 
L. Arnold, 1870; Elijah Youngs, 1873; Wm. B. 
Wooster, 1876: Martin F. Linsley, 1879. || 

County Clerks. — County Clerks, in addition to 
keeping the county records, were required by the 
Act of February 12, 1796, to act as clerk of the 
Inferior Court of Common Pleas, and of the ( (yei 
and Terminer. At present they are clerks of the 
Supreme Court in their respective counties, and 
their seals are declared to be the seals of the court. 
Their term of office, like that under the second 
constitution, is three years. 

* K< tsi 

t Elected in November. 
J Appointed vice Noyes, resigned, 
§ Clark's History of Cluuango Comity. 

II All except tlideon T. Jenkins and Nonnan Chapel were elected in No- 
vember. 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 



l 33 



Livingston county furnished one County Clerk 
for Ontario county while connected with it. in the 
person of Hugh McNair, who was appointed March 
17, 1815, and was succeeded July 3, 181 9, by John 
Van Fossen. James Ganson, who was appointed 
February 26, 182 1, was the first person to hold that 
office in Livingston county. His successors, all of 
whom were elected in November, have been Syl- 
vester Brown, 1822; Levi Hovey, 1825 ; Chauncey 
R. Bond, 1828; Elias Clark, 1834; Wm. H. Stan- 
ley, 1837 : Samuel P. Allen, 1840; Wm. H. Whit- 
ing, 1843 ; Israel D. Root, 1849 ; James S. Orton, 
1852 ; Charles Root, 1855 ; Harvey G. Baker, 1861 ; 
Augustus A. Curtiss, 1867 ; Nathaniel A. Gear- 
hart, 1871 ; Hurlburt E. Brown, 1874; Jerome B. 
Patterson, 1877 ; Mark J. Bunnell, 1880. 

County Treasurers. — County Treasurers are 
elected under the Constitution of 1846, for a term 
of three years. They were formerly appointed by 
the Boards of Supervisors in the several counties. 
Chauncey Metcalf was the first person elected to 
the office in Livingston county under the new re- 
gime — in 1848. He has been succeeded by: John 
White, Jr., 1851 ; Chauncey R. Bond, 1856 ; James 
T. Norton, i860; Chauncey Metcalf, 1863; Theo- 
dore F. Olmsted, 1871 ; John Shepard, 1874; 
and Win. A. Brodie, the present incumbent, in 1877. 
All were elected in November. 

County Superintendents of Common Schools. — 
April 17, 1843, tne Boards of Supervisors were di- 
rected to appoint Superintendents of Common 
Schools ; and Ira Patchin and Russell F. Hicks 
were accordingly so appointed in Livingston coun- 
ty. The office was abolished March 13, 1847. 

School Commissioners. — Prior to 1857, School 

Commissioners were appointed by the Boards of 

rvisors. In 1856 the office was made elective ; 

the first election under that act was held No- 

ber, 1859. The office has been held in Living- 

. county by the following named persons : — 

uncey Loomis, Levi P. Grover, Franklin B. 

ncis, S. Arnold Tozer, Franklin B. Francis, 

n W '. Byam, Lewis C. Partridge, Foster W. 

ilker, in the First District ; and Horace L. James 

.rvey Farley, Isaac C. Lusk, Thomas J. Thorp, 

bert W. Green and Ezra N. Curtice, in the 

:ond District. Foster W. Walker of Caledonia, 

(1 Ezra N. Curtice of Springwater, are the present 

incumbents. 

Presidential Electors. — The Federal Constitu- 
>n provides that the President and Vice-P resi- 
st of the United States shall be chosen by Elec- 
ts appointed in such manner as the Legislatures 



of the respective States shall direct, the number to 
be equal to their number of Senators and Repre- 
sentatives in Congress. In this State the Electors 
were originally appointed by the Legislature, pursu- 
ant to an Act passed April 12, 1792. March 15, 
1825, the Legislature submitted to the people the 
question of choosing electors by districts, or on agen- 
eral ticket, and it was decided by a small majority 
in favor of the former. The system thus adopted, 
however, was in vogue at one election only ; for 
April 15, 1829, the Legislature adopted the gen- 
eral ticket system now in use. The Electors must 
be appointed within thirty-four days before the 
first Wednesday of December, in every fourth year ; 
and in this State, as, indeed, in all the States, they 
are now chosen on the Tuesday after the first Mon- 
day of November. In making up the general ticket, 
one person is selected from each Congressional 
District, and two to represent the State at large. 
The Electoral College is required to meet at the 
State capitol on the first Wednesday of December, 
cast their votes for President and Y'ice President, 
make a certified list thereof, and forward it under 
seal to the President of the United States Senate, 
who opens and announces the result in the pres- 
ence of the two houses of Congress. 

Livingston county has been represented in the 
Electoral College as follows : — 

Daniel H. Bissell, 1836; John Wheeler, 1840; 
Benjamin F. Harvvood, 1848; Isaac L. Endress and 
James S. Wadsworth, (the latter one of the Elec- 
tors at large,) 1856; James S. Wadsworth, i860; 
Kidder M. Scott, 1872. Daniel H. Bissell was the 
Messenger to Washington from the Electoral Col- 
lege of this State in 1836; and Isaac L. Endress, 
Secretary of the College in 1856. 

Representatives in Congress. — Livingston county 
has undergone various changes in its Congressional 
associations. On its formation, in 1821, in con- 
junction with Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, 
Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara and Ontario coun- 
ties, it formed the Twenty-first District, which was 
entitled to two members. Under the Act of April 
17, 1822, it was united with Monroe in forming the 
Twenty-seventh District; under that of June 29, 
1832, this and Allegany county formed the Thir- 
tieth District; under that of Sept. 6, 1842, it was 
associated with Ontario county, and formed the 
Twenty-ninth District; under that of July 19, 185 1, 
in conjunction with Steuben county, it formed the 
Twenty-eighth District ; under that of April 23, 
1862, it was united with Ontario and Yates in 
forming the Twenty-fifth District ; and under that 



'34 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



of June 18, 1873, the same counties were consti- 
tuted the Twenty-seventh District, and still retain 
that relation. 

Livingston county has not been represented in 
the United States Senate ; and had only one Rep- 
resentative prior to its organization. That was 
Samuel M. Hopkins, from the Twenty-first District, 
in 1813-'! 5. Micah Brooks, who subsequently 
lived and died in this county, was, indeed, while 
residing in Ontario county, a Representative in the 
succeeding Congress — 181 5-' 17 — but resigned the 
first session. The Representatives from this county 
since its organization have been : — Elijah Spencer, 
182 [-'3 ; Moses Hayden, of York, 1823-27 ; Philo 
C. Fuller, of Geneseo, 1833-36;* John Young, of 
Geneseo, 1836-37, 1841-43 ; Charles H. Carroll, 
of Groveland Center, 1843-47; Jerediah Hors- 
ford, of Moscow, 1851-53; George Hastings, of 
Mt. Morris, 1853-55 ; William H. Kelsey, of 
Geneseo, i855-'5 9 , i867-'7i. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

War ofthe Rebellion — Its Underlying Cai si 
— Secession of South Carolina — Followed 
by Other States — First Measures to 
Repress Rebellion — Ready Response of the 
North — Additional Troops Called for — 
Prompt and Generous Response of Living- 
ston County — Thirteenth Regiment — 
Twf.nty-Sevf.nih Regiment — Thirty-Third 
Regiment — Regimental Camp at Geneseo — 
One Hundred and Fourth Regiment, or 
Wadsworth Guards — -Calls of July 2, 
1862, and August 4, 1862 — Military Dis- 
tricts Formed — The One Hundred and 
Thirtieth Regiment, or First New York 
Dragoons— One Hundred and Thirty-Sixth 
Regiment — The Draft — Quotas Under 
Various Calls — Subsequent Calls — County 
Bounty — Enormous Local Bounties — State 
Bounty — Local Bounties Abrogated — Con- 

tributions 11 Support of the Indigent 

Families of Voi 1 nteers — Quotas Under 
Last Three Calls. 

I^HE war of the rebellion covers a period in the 
history of Livingston county to which the de- 
scendants of those who participated in it may re- 
cur with just pride. The causes which led to this 
sanguinary intemeciary struggle date back to the 

* Resi 



dawn of civilization on this continent. Coloniza- 
tion in New Fngland and Virginia commenced 
with radical social distinctions, which engendereil 
different habits, thoughts, aspirations and interests, 
and eventuated through the operation of climatic 
influence and diverse occupations in bitter section- 
alism. Variances which were at first regarded with 
zealous apprehension ripened into direct antag- 
onism, determined opposition and finally intense 
hatred. One was the champion of the broad 
catholic spirit of liberalism and progress ; the 
other was firmly wed to a debasing and enervating 
conservatism, on which it sought to build a slave- 
holding and slave-perpetuating aristocracy. Amity 
and fraternity cannot subsist between communities 
thus constituted ; and an open rupture could not 
be averted. It was only delayed by meeting the 
demands of the one with the concessions of the 
other. When further concession could not con- 
sistently be made, rupture was inevitable, and the 
issue thus delayed was the more bitterly contested 
when it came. 

The South, for obvious reasons, construed the 
Federal government to be a mere confederation of 
sovereign states, in contradistinction from a 
sovereign nation composed of subordinate states. 
This doctrine as expounded in the writings and 
speeches of Calhoun and subsequently of those of 
Stephens, its two great champions, implies not 
only the right of nullification, but also of secession. 
Whatever may be the just claims of this theory as 
an abstract proposition it is clearly inconsistent 
with the spirit which actuated the founders of our 
constitution, incompatible with the aspiration of 
the great free North, and not permissible when, as 
in this case, associated with the perpetuation of an 
evil so repugnant as that of human slavery. 

The struggle which culminated in the admission 
of Kansas into the Union as a free state, con- 
firmed a conviction which had long been matur- 
ing, that the territorial extension of slavery in this 
country had reached its limit under the provisions 
of the constitution, and marks the period when 
covert assaults gave place to the open and avowed 
purpose to disrupt the Union. As in 1832 an ob- 
jectionable protective tariff was made to justify 
nullification, so now the premonition that her 
peculiar institution was doomed, was made by the 
South to justify secession, South Carolina, in both 
cases, taking the initiative. 

On the election of Mr. Lincoln, the nominee of 
the Republican or anti-slavery party, to the presi- 
dency in 1S60, it was evident that further delay was 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



l 3S 



useless, and the leaders in secession labored assid- 
uously to create a sentiment in the South favorable 
to its immediate consummation. Dec. 17, i860, 
the people of South Carolina met in convention at 
Columbia, and adjourned thence by reason of the 
prevalence of small-pox to Charleston, where they 
repealed the Act of May 23, 178S, ratifying the 
Federal constitution and the amendments thereto, 
and declared "that the union now subsisting be- 
tween South Carolina and other states, under the 
name of the United States of America, is hereby 
dissolved." An address to the people of the other 
slave-holding states was issued, inviting them to 
join in " a great slave-holding Confederacy," and 
reciting that "we must be the most independent, 
as we are the most important of the nations of the 
world." This action was followed in a few days by 
Georgia, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and 
Louisiana. "The Border States, foreseeing inev- 
itable war, and that the shock of the conflict would 
fall upon them, temporized. After all that had been 
done to pledge them to the movement, Virginia, 
North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, 
Maryland, though a reign of terror, political and 
social, was inaugurated in them, either took the 
step with great reluctance, or avoided taking it at 
all."* Preeminent among these, and indeed 
among the states composing the Confederacy, 
was Virginia, which did not pass the ordi- 
nance of secession until April 17, 1S61, and 
then only after exacting the foremost rank in the 
Confederacy and protection for her slave interests. 
Even then she did not carry the whole state with 
her; for the western portion maintained their de- 
termination to adhere to the Union, and was after- 
wards recognized as a separate state. Arkansas, 
North Carolina and Tennessee also passed ordi- 
nances of secession. 

February 4, 1861, the delegates of six of the 
seceding states (South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, 
Mississipi, Louisiana and Florida,) met in conven- 
tion at Montgomery, Alabama, and formed a pro- 
visional government, denominated "The Confed- 
erate States of America," founded, as affirmed in 
the inaugural address of its president, on the prin- 
ciple of the inequality of men, and with human 
slavery as its corner stone. Jefferson Davis was 
elected President and Alexander H. Stephens, 
Vice President. They were soon after elected 
permanently for six years. The permanent consti- 
tution was modeled substantially from that of the 
United States. The following summer the seat of 

• Draper s History of the A meriean Civil U ~ar /., 517. 



government was removed to Richmond and their 
Congress opened its first session in that city, July 
20, 1 86 1, the day previous to the battle of Bull 
Run. 

The people of the South, deluded with the as- 
sumption of their vast superiority over those of the 
North, did not believe that the latter would offer 
any great resistance to secession, much less attempt 
to coerce them ; and the people of the North weie 
equally deceived as to the real intent of the former, 
believing that secession was not meditated then, 
but only employed as a means to extort further con- 
cessions. Not, however, that they failed to per- 
ceive the ultimate issue of the threatening antago- 
nism of the times, but that it was hoped — believed, 
that an amicable adjustment would be reached. 

Wm. H. Seward, in referring to this subject in 
1S58, said: "Shall I tell you what this conflict 
means ? They who think it accidental, unnecessary, 
the work of interested or fanatical agitators, and 
therefore ephemeral, mistake the case altogether. 
It is an irrepressible conflict between opposing and 
enduring forces." Notwithstanding, the South did 
not fail to make extensive preparation for a forced 
separation. In this they were aided by their long- 
continued control of the Federal government, both 
in its executive and legislative branches. When 
war became inevitable, and the North found it nec- 
essary to prepare for it, the Federal treasury was de- 
pleted ; the army — a large portion of it — was sta- 
tioned in the distant State of Texas, where it was 
surrendered with all its equipments to the Confed- 
erates ; the navy was dispersed to distant foreign 
stations, so that when the war broke out there was 
only one war vessel on the whole northern coast, 
and not a gun on the Mississippi and its great sys- 
tem of waters ; the material of war was distributed 
throughout various places in the South, where, as 
was contemplated, it was seized, together with 
mints, arsenals and fortifications, by the authorities 
of the seceded States, and appropriated to the uses 
of the Confederates. Many of the officers both in 
the army and navy treacherously deserted to the 
Confederacy; as likewise did the legislators of the 
seceded States, not, however, until they had done 
their utmost to embarrass the Federal authorities, 
and to procure legislation to the detriment of the 
Union and in the interest of their confederates, so 
that when the North awoke to the realities of war, 
they found their enemy abundantly supplied with 
the materials of war, and with an army already in 
a well-advanced state of discipline ; while they, 
though seriously crippled to furnish these, were ut- 



136 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



terly destitute of both. Their efforts to supply 
these, as well as their early military movements, 
were long embarrassed by spies in the persons of 
government employees and the host of secession 
sympathizers who abode in Washington. 

The delay of Virginia saved to the Union the 
stronghold of Fortress Monroe, the most important 
of our southern coast defenses. 

During the night of December 26, i860, Major 
Robert Anderson, who was then in command of 
the insignificant government forces in Charleston, 
and stationed in Fort Moultrie, one of the weaker 
works in that harbor, after repeated entreaties for 
aid from the authorities at Washington, removed 
his force to Fort Sumter, which is built on an arti- 
ficial island, made of stone chips from the quarries 
of New England, and had cost the government a 
million of dollars. This act Major Anderson be- 
lieved to be warranted by his instructions from the 
President, which were to the effect that while he 
" must carefully avoid every act which might need- 
lessly provoke collision, if attacked, he must defend 
himself to the last extremity." He was also au- 
thorized, if attacked, or if he had tangible evidence 
of a design of that kind, to put his command into 
either of the forts he might think best. It never- 
theless greatly surprised the President, who had 
" carefully abstained from increasing the force in 
that harbor, or taking any measures which might 
add to the public excitement there," and filled the 
impetuous South Carolinans with indignation and 
rage. The latter immediately took possession of 
Castle Pinckney and Fort Moultrie, the guns of 
which had been spiked and carriages burned by 
Anderson before leaving it, and hoisted over these 
and the government buildings in that city the pal- 
metto flag. They also forcibly seized the government 
arsenal in Charleston, which through the careful 
providence of the traitor, Floyd, while Secretary of 
War, was well-supplied with the material of war, 
the munitions contained therein being estimated to 
be worth a half million of dollars. 

An attempt was made to rtenforce and provis- 
ion Fort Sumter, and on the 5th of January, the 
unarmed steamer Star of the West left New York 
for that purpose. The Confederate authorities at 
Charleston were apprised of her departure, (which 
it was designed should be kept secret,) by Mr. 
Thompson, of Mississippi, who was then Secretary 
of the Interior, and present at the Cabinet meet- 
ing which made provision therefor. She was fired 
upon from a battery on Morris Island and struck, 
and an attempt was made to cut her oft" by two 



steamers and a schooner. She returned to New 
York without having accomplished her object. 

South Carolina, immediately after passing the 
ordinance of secession, sent commissioners to Pres- 
ident Buchanan to negotiate for the transfer of the 
public property within her borders and establish 
amicable relations with the Government in her 
sovereign capacity. Compliance was, of course, 
promptly declined. So, likewise, were similar pro- 
positions made to President Lincoln, March 12, 
1861, by representatives of the Confederate gov- 
ernment. 

Failing in this, South Carolina immediately com- 
menced a systematic organization of her troops and 
the construction of works for the reduction of Fort 
Sumter, which she continued for several months 
unmolested. By April, fourteen batteries with 
thirty heavy guns and seventeen mortars were 
completed ready for this object, and on the 10th 
of that month, Gen. Beauregard, who was placed 
in command of Charleston, was instructed to de- 
mand the immediate surrender of the Fort, and on 
refusal, to reduce it. He made the demand the fol- 
lowing day, and compliance being declined, he 
commenced the bombardment on the morning of 
the 1 2th. Fort Sumter made no reply for nearly 
three hours. The first shot in defense of the 
Union was fired at 7 o'clock, a. m., of that day, 
by Capt. Abner Doubleday. The Fort was sur- 
rendered on the 13th, and on the 14th, Anderson, 
without the loss of a man, marched out with his 
command, consisting of thirty-five artillerists, nine 
officers, thirty laborers, and fifteen musicians, and 
left on the steamer Isabel for New York. The ex- 
ample thus set by South Carolina was quickly fol- 
lowed by the other seceding States, until they had 
possessed themselves of nearly every one of the 
southern coast defenses. 

The firing upon Sumter put an end to the hope 
which largely prevailed in the North that the dif- 
ferences between it and the South could be ad- 
justed by peaceful arbitration. The Administra- 
tion, which had studiously abstained from any act 
which might prejudice an amicable settlement — a 
means which the South, though fully determined 
to apply force if necessary, would gladly have ac- 
cepted — were now convinced that the application 
of force was necessary. It was a relief to many 
who were clamorous that secession should be op- 
posed as promptly and vigorously as was nullifica- 
tion, and who chafed under the diplomatic restraints 
with which the Administration surrounded itself in 
the hope of promoting a peaceful solution of the 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



137 



difficulties. The London Times, which represent- 
ed, and in no small measure manufactured, public 
opinion, not only in Great Britain but also through- 
out Europe, in referring to this period, ungenerous- 
ly or unwittingly said : — 

" The secession of South Carolina is to them 
what the secession of Lancashire would be to us ; 
it is treason and should be put down. But the 
North is full of sophists, rhetoricians, logicians and 
lawyers ; it has not a man of action. Mr. Seward 
can tell us what will not save the Union, but not 
what will. He looks upon secession as ideal and 
impossible. While he is dreaming the Confede- 
racy is strengthening. The Union seems to be 
destined to fall without a struggle, without a 
lament, without an epitaph. Each individual 
State finds numberless citizens ready to lay down 
their lives for its preservation ; but for the Union, 
the mighty firmament in which those stars are set, 
and which, though dark itself, lends them their 
peculiar lustre, nothing is done." 

But how different is this from the real picture ! 
On the 15th of April, two days after the fall of 
Sumter, President Lincoln called on the several 
States for 75,000 men to suppress the uprising, 
which was then regarded, even by those in the best 
position to judge, as little more than an evanes- 
cent entente. The proclamation also called an ex- 
tra session of Congress to be convened on the 4th 
of July. On the 19th of April he established a 
blockade of the forts of South Carolina, Georgia, 
Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tex- 
as; and on the 27th of that month extended it to 
those of Virginia and North Carolina. 

The people were ready and promptly responded 
to the call of the President. Had the prescience 
of the governmental authorities been equal to the 
readiness and willingness of the common people, 
in all probability we should have been spared much 
of the bitter fruitage which early lassitude com- 
pelled us to reap. "To an eye-witness," says 
Draper, in referring to the response of the North, 
" there was something very impressive in the action 
of the people. A foreign observer remarked, 
' With them all is sacrifice, devotion, grandeur and 
purity of purpose — with the poor, if possible, even 
more than the rich.' In the large cities great 
meetings were held, in which men of all parties 
united. Party lines vanished. There was none of 
that frantic delirium which was manifested in the 
Slave States, but a solemn acceptance of what was 
clearly recognized to be a fearful but unavoidable 
duty — 'Faint not, falter not; the republic is in 
peril' "* The Livingston Union, of Mt. Morris, in 
referring to secession, in an editorial under date of 

* Draper's History of the A merican Civil IKir, J/., 7y. 



March 20, 1861, says: — "* * * it can no 
longer be treated as a brief malady whose virulence 
will subside under the influence of careful nursing 
and soothing mixtures. Its cure, if possible at all, 
will require the greatest wisdom — the most self- 
sacrificing patriotism." Such it proved. 

On the day after the proclamation was issued 
some Pennsylvania companies reported for duty in 
Washington, just in time to frustrate a plot for the 
seizure of that city.* Within four days Massachu- 
setts had despatched four regiments, and in less 
than a week her whole quota was far in advance 
towards Washington. The passage of the Sixth 
Massachusetts through Baltimore on the 19th of 
April was resisted by an infuriated mob, which 
assailed it with guns and revolvers, and with 
bricks, stones and pieces of iron thrown from the 
upper windows of the houses. The regiment sus- 
tained a loss of three killed and eight wounded, 
and killed eleven and wounded four of the assail- 
ants. Maryland and others of the border slave 
states endeavored to observe an "armed neutrality" 
between the North and South — a means by which 
they hoped to secure immunity from attack them- 
selves, while they would be able to aid the South 
by prohibiting the passage of Northern troops 
through their borders, and by giving her direct 
material succor under this guise. 

New York, instead of filling the requisition on 
her for seventeen regiments — between 13,000 and 
14,000 men — for three months, for which the 
75,000 were called, raised 30,000 men for two 
years and added a war loan of $3,000,000. Many 
other states acted in like manner ; Rhode Island 
not only instantly sent her quota and added a loan, 
but her governor, Sprague, went at the head of her 
troops. Within fifteen days 350,000 men had 
offered their services. 

The South, by years of anticipation and covert 
preparation, were in a better state of readiness 
than the North, and were thus able to precipitate 
events with astounding rapidity. The conviction 
of the extent of that preparation, the magnitude of 
the struggle, and the means necessary to oppose it, 
forced itself only gradually on the minds of the 
authorities at Washington, who repressed rather 
than stimulated a popular uprising. 

It soon became evident that the time of the 
75,000 three months' men would expire before 
they could be fully armed and equipped. On the 
3d of May, 1861, a call was issued for 42,034 vol- 
unteers for three years, and provision made to in- 

* Ibid 11, 7* 



138 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



crease the regular army by 22,714 men and the 
navy by 18,000 men, for five years. On the 1st 
of July two hundred and eighty regiments had been 
accepted. Congress met July 4th and July 22, 
1861, voted $500,000,000 and 400,000 more men, 
of which New York's quota was 25,000 men, who 
were called for on the 25th of July, four days after 
the disastrous battle of Hull Run, which was fought 
mi Sunday, July 21, 1861, mostly with three months' 
men, whose time was then expiring. July 29th the 
addition of 25,000 men to the regular army was 
authorized. 

Livingston county's contributions to the quotas 
under these early calls were both prompt and gen 
erous. Public meetings were held in various parts 
of the county and eloquently addressed by able 
speakers. Each village and hamlet became the 
(enter of an organized effort in this interest, and 
as these measures were mostly prosecuted by the 
several towns in their independent capacities, they 
will be noticed more in detail in connection with 
the several towns. Six hundred volunteers were 
raised in the county for the first thirty-eight two- 
years' regiments. In Dansville, seventy-seven men 
were recruited by Captain Carl Stephan, and be- 
came Co. B of the 13th regiment; for which a 
second company (G) was raised there by Captain 
Ralph T. Wood in the summer and fall of 1861. 
During the winter a third company was raised for 
this regiment in Dansville and Rochester, by Job 
C. Hedges and Albert S. Lema, of Dansville, and 
Lt. C. S. Benjamin, of Co. A in that regiment, who 
opened an office in Rochester. Enough men for 
another company were raised in Avon, Lima, Li- 
vonia, Geneseo and Caledonia, and were distributed 
through that regiment. Captain James Perkins 
recruited eighty-five men in Lima, and Captain 
Charles E. Martin, eighty-eight men in Mt. Mor- 
ris, for the 27th regiment, the former becoming Co. 
G and the latter Co. H. Captain Wilson B. War- 
ford recruited seventy-four men in Geneseo, and 
Captain James M. McNair, seventy-seven in N'unda, 
for the 33d regiment, the former becoming Co. E 
and the latter Co. F. Both these towns subse- 
quently sent forward recruits to fill the depleted 
ranks of their companies. A large number of young 
men of this county enlisted in various cavalry and 
artillery regiments — the 19th. 2 2d and 24th cavalry 
and 14th artillery. 

The 13th Regiment was raised in Rochester, by 
Col. Isaac F. Quimby, and in April, 1861, and on 
its organization in F.lmira, May 6, 1861, Captain 
Stephan, of the Dansville company, was chosen 



Lieutenant-Colonel, George Hyland, Jr., who was 
formerly First Lieutenant of his company, became 
its captain. The Dansville band joined this regi- 
ment in F.lmira. May 20th. It was the first regi- 
ment which passed through Baltimore after the 
Sixth Massachusetts was assaulted in the streets of 
that city by a mob. It served two years with 
marked distinction and was mustered out on the 
14th of May, 1863. It participated in the follow- 
ing battles, as detailed in the Dansville Advertiser 
of February, 12. 1863: — 

Cub Run, July 18, 1861. 

Bull Run, " 21, 1861. 

N 1 irktown, April 5, 1 862. 

Siege of Yorktown till May 4, 1862. 

Hanover Court House, " 27, 1862. 

Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862. 

Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 

Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862. 

Manassas, August 30, 1862. 

Shepardstown, Sept. 1 7, 1862. 

Antietam, " 19, 1862. 

Fredericksburgh, ... Dec. 13, 1862. 

The 27th Regiment was organized at F.lmira, 
May 21, 1 86 1. It was composed, besides the 
companies from this county, of Capt. Adams' com- 
pany from Lyons, Capt. Chambers' company from 
White Plains, the companies of Capts. Bartlett, 
Rodgers and Jay, from Binghamton, of Capt. Ar- 
chilles, from Albion, of Capt. Gardiner, from An- 
gelica, and Capt. Wanzer, from Rochester. Henry 
W. Slocum, of Syracuse, a graduate of West Point, 
and for eighteen years in the regular service, hav- 
ing participated in the Florida and Mexican wars, 
was chosen Colonel ; Joseph J. Chambers, of 
White Plains, Lieutenant-Colonel ; and Joseph J. 
Bartlett, of Binghamton, Major. As it was cus- 
tomary to give the early regiments names in addi- 
tion to their numeral designation, this was denomi- 
nated "Union Regiment." 

It was mustered at Elmira, for two years, July 5, 
1861, ami the next day set out for Washington, 
where it arrived on the nth, and was assigned to 
the First brigade, (Col. Andrew Porter,) of the 
Second division, (Gen. Hunter.) It left Washing- 
ton on the 16th and on the 18th encamped near 
Centerville. At two o'clock on the morning of 
Sunday, July 21, 1 861, it marched to the field of 
Bull Run, where it first encountered the 27th Vir- 
ginia regiment, which fell back. It next met the 
8th Georgia, which fell back till reenforced, when 
the 27th was repulsed and took refuge under a hill. 
It was soon ordered to charge a battery stationed 
on a knoll, which it did under a heavy fire which 
told fearfully on its ranks. Col. Slocum was 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



*39 



wounded, the color guard reduced from nine to 
two. The movement was abandoned. It retired 
from the field in good order, but on reaching the 
road its ranks were broken and it participated in 
the confused retreat to Washington. August 14th 
it encamped near Alexandria, where Col. Slocum 
was promoted Brigadier-General, and Lieut.- 
Colonel Chambers resigned. Major Bartlett was 
made Colonel, Captain Adams, Lieut.-Colonel, 
and Capt. Gardiner, Major. Sept. 12th the regi- 
ment, having been assigned to Slocum's brigade, 
with the 1 6th New York and Franklin's division, 
commenced the construction of Fort Lyon, and on 
the 14th of October went into winter quarters four 
miles north of it. 

March 13, 1862, the Division with which it was 
connected was attached to Gen. McDowell's (1st) 
corps. April 16th the divisions of Generals 
Franklin and Smith were detached from Mc- 
Dowell's corps, and May 7 th, were organized as 
the 6th corps, under Gen. Franklin, Gen. Slocum 
succeeding Franklin in command of the Division. 
This arrangement was not subsequently changed 
during the term of service of the 27 th, although 
the officers in command were changed, Gen. 
Bartlett succeeding to the command of the brigade, 
Gen. Brooks, to that of the division, and Gen. 
Sedgwick, to that of the corps. 

April 12, 1862, the division to which the 27th 
belonged embarked on transports, and on the after- 
noon of the 23d sailed to Fortress Monroe. On 
the 24th it encamped on the Peninsula about seven 
miles from Yorktown, in the siege of which it par- 
ticipated. May 5th, the day succeeding the evacu- 
ation of Yorktown, it went with other forces to the 
head of navigation on York river and landed under 
cover of the gunboats, which dispersed the rebel 
cavalry and infantry skirmishing on the shore. 
The 27th were the first to land, and as the enemy 
was near, six companies were deployed as skirm- 
ishers, the others acting as a reserve. Picket firing 
was opened and continued during the night. The 
regiment lost several in killed and wounded, and 
captured a few prisoners. On the morning of the 
7th the enemy surprised the Union troops while at 
breakfast, but were repulsed after a sharp engage- 
ment with the loss of one of their batteries. 

On Thursday, the 2 2d of May, a reconnoissance 
was made in which the 27th participated; and 
from this time until June 29th it was actively en- 
gaged, most of the time in skirmishing, in connec- 
tion with McClellan's peninsula campaign. On 
the afternoon of the 27th, the second of the Seven 



Days' Fight, it crossed the Chickahominy to the 
support of Gen. Porter, who was strongly pressed 
by an overwhelming rebel force, and took part in 
the desperate encounter of Gaines' Mill. The 27th 
went into action about 5 i». m., on the extreme 
right of Porter's corps, drove the enemy from his 
position by a bayonet charge, and captured a large 
number of prisoners. They held their position till 
dark, when Porter withdrew his forces and joined 
in the retreat towards Harrison's Landing. The 
regiment lost in this engagement 179 men in killed, 
wounded and missing. At Charles City Cross 
Roads, on the 30th of June, it skirmished and sup- 
ported batteries; and at Malvern Hill, July 1st, 
was early sent into action on the right of the army 
to prevent a flank movement. 

The regiment remained at Harrison's Landing 
till about the middle of August, when, McClellan 
having been ordered to withdraw his army to the 
support of Gen. Pope in repelling Lee's sortie 
through Maryland, it retraced its steps down the 
Peninsula, and embarked at Newport News for 
Alexandria. Thence it was sent to the support of 
Pope, and arrived at Centerville on the night of 
the 30th of August, in time to cover Pope's retreat 
from the second battle of Bull Run, but too late to 
affect the issue of that desperately fought contest. 
It followed the retreat and went into camp at Fort 
Lyon. 

The regiment was engaged in the battle of South 
Mountain, Sept. 14th, acting as skirmishers and 
routing a rebel battery; and in that of Antietam, 
with its horrible carnage, three days later, but, 
though supporting batteries and being under heavy 
fire all day, suffered no loss. It join ed in the pur- 
suit of Lee, and on the 13th of December, shared 
with the army under Burnside, who superseded Mc- 
Clellan in command Nov. 8th, in the terrible dis- 
aster at Fredericksburgh. The 27th was the first 
regiment to cross the Rappahannock in the left 
grand division of the army. Burnside withdrew 
his army from this memorable field on the 15th, 
and the 27th spent the winter in camp at White 
Oak church. In the latter part of April it was 
again engaged at Fredericksburgh, under Sedgwick ; 
and on the 3d of May, in the disastrous defeat at 
Chancellorsville, under Hooker. From this time 
it guarded Bank's Ford till the expiration of its 
term of service. May 13, 1863, General Sedgwick 
directed their muster out, which took place at 
Elmira, May 31, 1863. The order contained the 
following allusion to their services : — 

"The general commanding the corps congratu- 



■4° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



lates the officers and men of the 27th N. Y. Vols, 
upon their honorable return to civil life. They 
have enjoyed the respect and confidence of their 
commanders and companions. They have illustra- 
ted their term of service by gallant deeds and have 
won for themselves a reputation not surpassed in 
the Army of the Potomac, and have nobly earned 
the gratitude of the Republic." 

The 33d Regiment, composed, besides the 
companies from this county, of two companies 
from Seneca Falls and one each from Pal- 
myra, Waterloo, Geneva, Canandaigua, Penn Yan 
and Buffalo, was organized at Elmira, May 21, 1861, 
and Robert F. Taylor chosen Colonel. It left that 
rendezvous on the 8th of July, and like the 27th, 
with which its military career was nearly a parallel, 
shared the varying fortunes of the Army of the Po- 
tomac, participating in the battles of Yorktown, 
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Lee's Mill, 
Second Bull Run, Antietam and Fredericksburg]], 
besides other minor engagements, and at the expi- 
ration of its term of service, being connected with 
the command of Gen. Sedgwick, received from him 
the same complimentary notice as the 27th. The 
regiment was mustered out June 2, 1863. 

Livingston County raised 750 two years' volun- 
teers between June 1, 186 r, and July 1, 1862 ; and 
1,500 three years' volunteers from July 1, 1862, to 
July 1, 1863, making a total of 2,850 up to the 
latter date. Some portion of these were connected 
with the 75th and 89th regiments. The second 
company of volunteers from Mt. Morris, which was 
raised by Capt. C. W. Burt, and left for Elmira 
September 13, 1861, was attached to the latter 
regiment which was commanded by Col. Fairchild 
and left Elmira for Washington, December 6, 
1 86 1. It sailed with Burnside's Expedition, and 
was left at Fort Clark, Cape Hatteras, where the 
men were drilled. 

Sept. 24, 1861, a regimental camp was formed at 
Gcneseo, under Col. John Rorbach, for recruiting 
the 104th Regiment, or " Wadsworth Guards," a 
name it received in honor of General James S. 
Wadsworth, who was desirous that Livingston 
county should be represented in the service by a 
complete regiment, and first suggested its organiza- 
tion. Recruiting for it was general throughout 
most of this county and in a portion of Wyoming 
county. Sept. 30, 1861, Capt. Henry G. Tuthill, 
with sixty men, arrived in Geneseo, with the first 
company for this regiment. It afterwards became 
Co. A. The second company of about forty men 
reported three or four days after. These two com- 
panies were quartered in the hotels of the village 



until barracks for their accommodation were built 
soon after, on the old camp ground at the head of 
North street. To this rendezvous, which received 
the name of Camp Union, the men were sent as 
fast as they arrived. By the 24th of January, 1862, 
ten companies had been recruited to the minimum 
number and on that day were mustered into the 
United States service by Capt. E. G. Marshall. By 
the close of February the regiment had been re- 
cruited to 683 enlisted men and 20 commissioned 
officers; and on the 25th of that month it left Gen- 
eseo, "amid the cheers and tears of thousands, who 
had assembled to bid them ' God-speed,' " for Al- 
bany, where it was formed into seven companies, 
and consolidated with a skeleton regiment of about 
300 men, under command of Col. John J. Viele, 
then in cam]) at Troy, which became Companies 
H, I and K of the 104th, the seven companies 
from Geneseo being lettered from A to G, inclus- 
ive. The regiment thus formed contained 1,040 
men, and the following js a roster of the field, 
staff and commissioned officers, as taken from the 
order organizing the regiment, issued March 8 
1862:— 

Colonel — John Rorbach. 

Lieut.-Colonel — R. Wells Kenyon. 

Major — Lewis C. Skinner. 

Adjutant — Frederick T. Vance. 

Quarter-Master — Henry V. Colt. 

Surgeon — Enos G. Chase. 

Asst- Surgeon — Douglas S. Landon. 

Chaplain — Daniel Russell. 

Company A — Captain, Henry G. Tuthill ; First 
Lieutenant, ; Second Lieutenant, Al- 
bert S. Haver. 

Company B — Captain, Lehman H. Day; First 
Lieutenant, Henry A. Wiley; Second Lieutenant, 
Homer M. Stull. 

Company C — Captain, Stephen L. Wing; First 
Lieutenant, Henry Runyan ; Second Lieutenant, 
Nelson J. Wing. 

Company D — -Captain, Zophar Simpson ; First 
Lieutenant, Jacob H. Stutt ; Second Lieutenant, 
George H. Starr. 

Company E — Captain, H. C. Lattimore; First 
Lieutenant, Wm. F. Lozier; Second Lieutenant, 
Wm. 1 .. Trembley. 

Company F — Captain, Gilbert G. Prey; First 
Lieutenant, Luman F. Dow; Second Lieutenant, 
W. J. Hemstreet. 

Company G — Captain, James A. Gault ; First 
Lieutenant, John P. Rudd ; Second Lieutenant, 
John R. Strang. 

Company H — Captain, James K. Selleck ; First 
Lieutenant, E. B. Wheeler ; Second Lieutenant, 
Thomas Johnston. 

Company I — Captain, John Kelley; First Lieu- 
tenant, J. J. McCarffey; Second Lieutenant, Chas. 
W. Fisher. 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



141 



Company K — Captain, John C. Thompson ; 
First Lieutenant, John H. Miller; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Wm. C. Wilson. 

The regiment left Albany on the 20th of March, 
and late in the evening of the 22d arrived in Wash- 
ington, where for the first time the men had the 
experience, so common in after years, of sleeping 
upon the open ground, or the still more filthy de- 
pot floor. The next day it went into camp at 
Kalorama Heights, three miles from the Capitol, , 
and there remained about three weeks, during 
which time arms (Enfield rifles) and accoutrements 
were issued to the men, and ceaseless drill went on. 

Early in April it was attached to Gen. Abram 
Duryee's brigade, which also contained the 97th 
and 105th New York and 107th Pennsylvania reg- 
iments. After a month spent at Alexandria in 
drill, in which the 104th excelled, it advanced to 
Catlett Station, Va., to be in position for the for- 
ward movement by McDowell from Fredericks- 
burgh. Here the regiment was presented with a 
magnificent stand of colors, gurdons, etc., by Mrs. 
Gen. James S. Wadsworth, in recognition of the 
compliment paid her gallant husband in naming 
the regiment the " Wadsworth Guards." 

On the 24th of May, the 104th was detached 
from its brigade and proceeded by rail to Thorough- 
fare Gap to join the command of Gen. Geary, 
who was then confronting Gen. Jackson in the 
Shenandoah Valley. It arrived in time to partici- 
pate in a hasty and toilsome retreat to Manassas, 
in which it lost its tents, stores and equipage which 
could not be carried on the person. On the 28th 
of May, it returned to Catlett Station, where it re- 
mained three weeks as an independent command, 
picketing all the adjacent country. About the 
middle of June, Gen. Duryee, who had withdrawn 
during the temporary absence of the regiment, re- 
turned with the rest of the brigade to Catlett Sta- 
tion. The camp of the 104th was removed to a 
low marsh, which resulted disastrously to the health 
of the regiment, diarrhea and a low type of mala- 
rial fever becoming very prevalent. Several lives 
were thus sacrificed and about one hundred were 
sent to general hospitals, many of whom never re- 
turned to duty with the regiment. 

July 5th the brigade moved to Warrenton, and 
on the 2 2d to Waterloo, where it was attached to 
Rickett's division of McDowell's corps. August 
5th Gen. Pope, who was assigned to the consoli- 
dated commands of Fremont, Banks and McDow- 
ell, designated the Army of Virginia, June 26, 
1862, commenced a diversion in favor of McClel- 



lan, who was operating on the Peninsula, which 
eventually brought on him the combined and over- 
whelming forces of Lee and Jackson, and forced 
his dispirited columns, shattered in the fierce con- 
flicts on the plains of Manassas, within the defenses 
of Washington. The first contest occurred at 
Cedar Mountain on the 9th of August. The T04th 
reached the field of battle on the evening of that 
day, but too late to take any special part in the en- 
gagement. It was for a time, (the first time,) under 
a sharp artillery fire, but sustained no loss. His 
communications being threatened, Jackson, though 
the victor in this encounter, retired across the 
Rapidan, whence Pope's retrograde movement 
commenced on the 18th. Pope took post behind 
the north fork of the Rappahannock on the 19th, 
where the 104th held a position near the railroad 
bridge crossing that stream, and was exposed to a 
sharp artillery fire, during a feigned attempt of the 
enemy to cross the river to facilitate Jackson's 
flank movement by Thoroughfare Gap, on the 
right of Pope's army. The regiment was detached 
with its division to intercept Jackson's retreat 
through Thoroughfare Gap, but met the enemy in 
such force as to compel a retreat to Manassas, 
where it arrived on the evening of the 29th, after 
an exhausting march of nearly thirty miles. The 
men slept on their arms, and at early dawn the 
next day relieved some troops who were holding 
a piece of woods through which ran an unused 
railroad embankment. The line was advanced 
across this embankment under a sharp musketry 
fire from the enemy concealed in the dense under- 
growth beyond. The regiment sustained a loss of 
several in killed and wounded, including one officer, 
Lieut. John P. Rudd. The line retired behind the 
embankment, which it held, notwithstanding a 
fierce attempt was made to dislodge it. About 
noon the brigade was removed to a new position, 
from which it was forced back about 4 p. m., by 
an overwhelming force of the enemy, retreating in 
haste and some confusion, in common with the 
rest of the army, to Centerville, which was reached 
during the night. The loss sustained by the 104th 
was five killed, forty-one wounded and forty-eight 
missing, most of the latter of whom were taken 
prisoners. 

During the succeeding night the retreat was con- 
tinued to Fairfax Court House, and on the after- 
noon of Sept. 1st, the 104th was hurried toward 
the field of Chantilly, where, during a terrible 
thunder storm, a second attempt to turn Pope's 
flank by Jackson was defeated by Gen. Kearney, 



I 4 2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



who, together with Gen. Stevens, were killed in 
that action. 

Then followed the retreat to Washington, the 
retirement of Gen. Pope, the return of McClellan 
to the chief command, and various other changes, 
including the substitution of Hooker for Mel >owell 
as the corps commander of the 104th. 

After a halt of only four days in the vicinity of 
Washington, began the Maryland campaign, in 
which the first note-worthy event was the battle of 
South Mountain, which occurred on the 14th of 
September. While Reno's attack was progressing, 
Rickett's division pressed up the mountain about 5 
p. m., and reached the crest in time to participate 
in the engagement. Duryee's brigade, of which 
the 104th led the advance, occupied the right of 
the line, and forced its way through fields and 
tangled underbrush, and over steep and ragged 
rocks, with great impetuosity. The 104th escaped 
with the loss of only one man wounded, the fire of 
the enemy passing over their heads owing to the 
steepness of the ascent. 

On the evening of the 16th, position was taken 
upon the field of Antietam. At early dawn of the 
following day, Hooker, who occupied the right of 
McClellan's line, made a furious attack, and drove 
Jackson's brigade, with severe loss, upon his 
reserves, who, after an infuriated struggle, checked 
Hooker's advance. Duryee's brigade, which had 
been designated as a reserve the night previous, 
now found itself upon the front, without any reserve. 
Advancing steadily in a position absolutely without 
shelter, they were met with a terrific storm of iron 
and lead, which at last rendered it beyond the 
power of mortal man to advance farther, and the 
men lay down for temporary shelter. Twice they 
were driven sullenly back, but rallying again, 
each time with desperate energy, they again ad- 
vanced, and held their line until the arrival of 
reinforcements about 10 a. m., when they were 
withdrawn. " The antagonists," says Draper, " fight- 
ing in a cloud of sulphury smoke, almost extermi- 
nated each other." The loss of the 104th in 
this engagement was nine killed and sixty-seven 
wounded. 

To this succeeded the inactivity of camp life at 
Mercersville, Md., till the 26th of October, when 
the army crossed into Virginia, and on the 7th of 
December the regiment was on the banks of the 
Rappahannock, a few miles below Fredericksburgh. 
During these marches Burnside had superseded 
McClellan in command of the army ; Maj.-Gen. 
John F. Reynolds was now the corps commander; 



Brig.-Gen. John Gibbon, in command of the 
division, and Col. A. R. Root, of the brigade; 
while Major Skinner succeeded Col. Prey in com- 
mand of the regiment. 

The 104th crossed the river on the 12th and on 
the 13'th went into action below Fredericksburgh, 
participating in the assault of Gen. Franklin on the 
left of the line, which broke through the enemy's line, 
and gained the heights, but being unsupported was 
forced back. The brigade with which the 104th 
was connected, having been in reserve, was ordered 
to drive the enemy from a sunken railroad track, 
which they did by a gallant bayonet charge, cap- 
turing about 200 prisoners and driving the enemy 
far into the woods beyond. The right, under 
Sumner, who was principally engaged, was the 
scene of a terrible carnage. The 104th lost in this 
ill-starred encounter 5 killed, 45 wounded, and 3 
missing, of the latter of whom two were afterwards 
ascertained to have been killed. During the night 
of the 15th Burnside quietly withdrew his army to 
the north side of the river without loss, and the 
104th went into winter quarters near Belle Plain, 
Va., where it remained till near the 1st of May 
following, the quiet of winter being only once inter- 
rupted by that episode known as "Burnside's Mud 
March." 

On the 28th of April the regiment left its winter 
camp and advanced first to Fredericksburgh, and 
thence to the field of Chancellorsville, but was not 
actively engaged in that disastrous conflict. It 
again went into camp at White Oak church, anil 
there remained until the middle of June, when it 
participated in those movements which culminated 
at Gettysburgh, the battle of the war, at which 
place the 104th arrived July 1st. On the morning 
of that day, Buford's cavalry met and engaged the 
enemy to the westward of Gettysburg, holding him 
in partial check till Reynolds reached the scene of 
action, with Wadsworth's division in advance. Al- 
most with the first dash of the infantry forces came 
the great disaster of the day — the death of Gen. 
Reynolds, who commanded the corps to which the 
104th belonged. Our forces gained a temporary 
advantage, Wadsworth's division driving the ene- 
my some distance, and capturing numerous prison- 
ers, among them Gen. Archer. But, though How- 
ard had come to their support with the nth corps, 
the rapidly increasing disparity in their numbers 
compelled them to give way. With a persistence 
and tenacity worthy of all praise the 1st corps clung 
to the line of Seminary Ridge, prolonging the line 
of battle to the right by utilizing all the reserve, 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



143 



until at last the whole corps was in one. line of bat- 
tle, the 104th being upon the extreme right, and 
resting upon the Cashtown road, at some distance 
beyond which, with quite an interval between, were 
deployed two divisions of the nth corps. All 
along this line from 10 a. m., until about 3 p. m., 
waged a hotly contested battle. 

During the last hour of this time the loss of the 
104th was very severe, as it was exposed to a mur- 
derous enfilading fire at short range. The arrival 
of Ewell's forces from York and Carlisle, forced 
back the divisions of the nth corps with confusion, 
and gave easy access to the flank and rear of the 
1st corps, which fell back slowly and sullenly 
on the city, in the streets of which it became a 
broken and confused mass. They were closely fol- 
lowed by the enemy, who poured in their fire with 
deadly effect and secured a good many prisoners. 
They soon reached Cemetery Hill, where Gen. 
Howard, by a happy inspiration, had posted his 
third division, with three batteries of artillery, and 
behind these the shattered corps withdrew to re- 
form its ranks. Three officers and forty-three men 
of the 104th alone answered to the first roll-call. 
On the morning of the next day the number had 
increased to ninety. 

During the rest of the battle the first corps was 
held in reserve, brigades and regiments being de- 
tached to strengthen weak points hard pressed by the 
enemy. Thus it happened that the brigade to 
which the 104th was attached took part in the 
fierce struggle on the evening of the 2d of July, 
when Sickles' corps was almost overwhelmed ; and 
again on the 3d were called on to occupy succes- 
sively several distinct points where danger seemed 
to be great, finally taking part in the repulse of 
Pettigrew's division in the afternoon, and being in 
plain sight of the wonderful charge made by Pick- 
ett's division on that memorable day. 

The casualties in the 104th were 15 killed, 86 
wounded, and 94 missing, (mostly taken prisoners,) 
at least nine-tenths of which occurred on the first 
day. 

Lee was feebly pursued into Virginia, and various 
counter movements ensued without, however, 
bringing on an engagement. During the succeed- 
ing fall about 250 recruits were infused into the 
shattered ranks of the regiment ; but as a large 
number of these were substitutes and men who had 
enlisted to make money by the operation, and took 
the first opportunity to desert, not much more than 
half that number was a real addition to its strength. 
The brigade to which the 104th belonged, then 



composed additionally of the 16th Maine, and the 
13th and 39th Massachusetts, was removed about 
the 20th of December, 1863, to Mitchell's Station, 
in the immediate vicinity of the battlefield of Cedar 
Mountain, where it did out-post and picket duty, 
far in advance of the rest of the army, until the 
opening of the spring of 1864. During the winter 
113 men of this regiment who had served two 
years, reenlisted for three years. They received a 
thirty-days' furlough, and were designated by gen- 
eral orders "veteran volunteers." During this 
time also a reorganization of the Army of the Po- 
tomac was effected. The 104th was attached to 
the 5th corps, to the command of which Major 
General G. K. Warren was assigned. 

On the 4th of May, 1864, the Army of the Po- 
tomac, now commanded by Gen. U. S. Grant, com- 
menced a vigorous advance movement, the 5th 
corps taking the lead. The enemy was encoun- 
tered on the 5th in the " Wilderness," and then com- 
menced a series of battles and movements, which, 
from the stupendous losses they inflicted on our 
army, were without a parallel in the history of the 
war. The 104th took an honorable part in the 
battles of the Wilderness, and the several engage- 
ments at Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna 
River and Bethesda Church. In the forty-three 
clays which elapsed between the crossing of the 
Rapidan and the James, there were but five in 
which the regiment was not under fire. The total 
losses during this period were 6 killed, 37 wounded 
and 3 missing. 

The regiment crossed the James on the 16th of 
June and were hurried forward to the front of Pe- 
tersburg, the heights to the south of which had 
been carried the previous day by Gen. \V. F. 
Smith. On the 18th, to the 104th New York and 
1 2th Massachusetts was assigned the task of cap- 
turing the Petersburg and Norfolk railroad, which 
they did in splendid style, in the face of a heavy 
artillery fire at short range, "the charge of the 
104th on that occasion," says Col. John R. Strang, 
to whose history of the regiment we are mainly in- 
debted for these facts, "being, in my opinion, the 
most brilliant achievement of their whole service. 
Not content with capturing the railroad, they 
pushed forward to a considerable distance beyond, 
and then deploying as skirmishers, drove the rebel 
skirmishers inside of their earthworks, and for a 
time, by picking off the exposed artillerymen, 
silenced the battery which had so annoyed them 
during the charge, enabling our line of battle to 
take possession of the railroad track without loss." 



M4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



On the 26th of June it moved to the Jerusalem 
Plank Road, where the brigade constructed and 
garrisoned Fort Warren, afterwards officially desig- 
nated Fort Davis, and was constantly engaged in 
picket and skirmish duty until about the 18th of 
August. On the morning of that day it made a 
long detour to the southwest, struck the Weldon 
railroad a few miles north of Ream's Station, and 
took possession of it for several miles with but little 
opposition. Up to the commencement of this 
movement, from the time of crossing the James 
river, the casualties in the regiment were 6 killed, 
32 wounded and 2 missing. It then numbered less 
than 300; but of these about 100 were recently 
arrived recruits, who were unarmed and did not 
accompany it. 

This movement on the Weldon railroad left a 
gap between Warren's corps, (the 5th,) which was 
engaged in it, and the troops on his right, and into 
this, on the 19th of August, Lee thrust Mahone's 
division, taking 2,000 prisoners, but being event- 
ually driven back into his lines. The division to 
which the 104th belonged, then commanded by 
Gen. S. W. Crawford, occupied the right of War- 
ren's line, and the brigade to which it belonged, 
the right of that division. Suspecting that such an 
attempt would be made, the 107th Pennsylvania 
was ordered to deploy as skirmishers to prevent 
surprise from that quarter ; but a vigorous attack 
now being made on their front that regiment was 
unable to execute the movement, and the 104th 
were ordered from their hastily constructed trenches 
for that purpose. After proceeding about one- 
fourth of a mile through a dense forest filled with 
underbrush, the regiment suddenly and unex- 
pectedly encountered Mahone's division, by which 
it was almost immediately surrounded. After a 
few minutes' sharp lighting, in which a few were 
wounded, every commissioned officer and nearly 
every enlisted man, were captured and sent into 
the rebel lines, where many of them died in rebel 
prisons, and most of the remainder were so en- 
feebled by exposure and starvation as to be wholly 
unfit for further service. Few ever returned to the 
regiment, which was thus left without a single field 
or line officer present for duty, and so remained 
during the entire fall and winter following. Its 
ranks were increased by recruits until it again num- 
bered about 250 enlisted men. Capt. Graham, of 
the 39th Massachusetts, was assigned to its com- 
mand, and it was ordered on duty at corps head- 
quarters, where it remained until after Lee's sur- 
render. Col. Strang, who was wounded and taken 



prisoner at the Weldon railroad, returned to the 
regiment April 5, 1865. 

About the last of April, 1865, the regiment was 
restored to its former brigade, and accompanied 
the army on its return to the vicinity of Washing- 
ton. It was mustered out at Flmira, July 17, 
1865, and paid off and finally discharged on the 
29th of that month. 

The following tabulated statement presents a 
general summary of the total number of officers 
and men who were ever connected with the regi- 
ment, and the disposition of them : — 





















n 


























































rt 










a 


















Q 


■P. 










£ 








1 




E r. Z 
O .2 U 




1 


3 

- 








6 

■j 


5 






z 


O 




& o< 




S 


>■ 

— 


-3 


u 


- 








z 


.= 


■a 

-a 
- 


1 from 

d from 
sing ii 


S /8 3 

ri = g 
— « c 


u 
r 

B 


Si-S 1 -h M 

^ 2 = = 


•0 



c 

3 









1 
1 




19 


3 a s 
2 1 .. 


.— .- 
P.XZ 

:v'4 1 


3 

6 


2 £ 2 £ 


■i 


i ' nis'ned On 


S4 


10 


Non-conimis'ed Staff. 


17 






6 








... 7 •• ' 


i 


Company 


A .... 


■ 5i 7 




4 14 


07 








8 i 15 10 


»s 




B 


l6q 8 


• ■ 


2 16 . 


57 








11 2 40 l| 


10 


" 


c ... . 


154 5 




5 ■; 


78 








12 J 10 9 


■7 


'* 


11 


l?6 6 


• 


4 16 1 


so 








9 1 II 6 


26 




E 


160 4 




; 11 .. 


6o 








10 2 ji IS 


20 


'• 


F 


158 4 




'4 S 


72 








6 J 17 16 


2i 


" 


1; .. . 


H»l 1 




j 10 1 


66 








■1 2 )2 5 


M 


*■' 




■68 4 




5 .. 


46 








1 I 72 2 


28 


" 


I .. .... 


• >*, 4 




S 8 2 


S6 








7 * 45 7 


1! 


" 


K 


■ SS 4 




S 6 


6 


54.- 






7 * 


32 19 


11 


Tol lis. 




1704 51 


H« 


15 "6 


IJ647'»4 


! 


(> 


10 it 


v.- 10 


260 



The serious losses sustained by the Federal 
armies in the early campaigns of 1862, inducec. the 
President on the 2d of July of that year, to call 
for an additional 300,000 men, to serve for three 
years or during the war ; and to facilitate and sys- 
tematize the labor of raising them, and equalize 
the burdens to be borne, military districts were 
formed, and committees appointed to represent the 
various counties embraced therein. Under this 
call, and the succeeding one on the 4th of August 
following for a like number, the 130th and 136th 
regiments were formed. 

July 7, 1862, the State was divided into military 
districts corresponding with the Senatorial districts. 
Geneseowas designated the recruiting rendezvous 
for the 30th district, which then comprised the 
counties of Livingston, Allegany and Wyoming, 
and the following named persons were constituted 
the military committee for the district: Hon. Clias. 
Colt, chairman, Amos A. Hendee, Walter F. Lau- 
derdale, Geneseo; W. S. Fullerton, Sparta; James 
Faulkner, Alonzo Bradner, Dansville; McNeil Sey- 
mour, Mt. Morris ; Alfred Bell, Nunda ; Martin 
Grover, Wilkes Angel, Angelica ; M. B. Champlin, 
Cuba ; John B. Halsted, Castile ; L. W. Thayer, 
H. L. Comstock, Warsaw ; John B. Skinner, 2d, 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



'45 



Attica. Gen. W. S. Fullerton of Sparta, was se- 
lected as the Commandant of the military depot for 
this district, which, pursuant to the request of the 
committee was soon changed to Portage, and there 
barracks were erected for the accommodation of 
recruits who rapidly congregated there. 

With a view to stimulating enlistments, the follow- 
ing enactments were passed by the general gov- 
ernment : — 

" War Department. ) 

"Washington, D. C, June 21, 1862. )" 

"Pursuant to a joint resolution of Congress to 
encourage enlistments in the regular army and vol- 
unteer forces it is 

" Ordered, That a premium of two dollars shall 
be paid for each accepted recruit that volunteers 
for three years or during the war ; and every sol- 
dier who hereafter enlists, either in the regular army 
or the volunteers for three years, or during the war, 
may receive his first month's pay in advance upon 
the mustering of his company into the service of 
the United States, or after he shall have been mus- 
tered and joined a regiment already in the service. 
This order will be transmitted to the Governors of 
States and recruiting officers. 

" Edwin M. Stanton, 
" Secretary of War." 

" War Department, ) 

"Washington, D. C, July 2, 1862. j 
"Ordered, That out of the appropriation for 
collecting, organizing and drilling volunteers, there 
shall be paid in advance to each recruit for three 
years, or during the war, the sum of $25, being 
one -fourth of the amount of bounty allowed bylaw ; 
such payment to be made upon the mustering of 
the regiment to which such recruits belong into the 
service of the United States. 

" Edwin M. Stank in, 
" Secretary of War." 

In addition to the government bounty of $100, 
Governor Morgan offered a State bounty of $50, 
to be paid at once to each private soldier who 
should enlist thereafter into the United States' ser- 
vice. > 

Enlistments were stimulated by these induce- 
ments, and in various parts of the county meetings 
were held to promote that object. July 25, 1862, 
an order was granted for raising the 130th Regiment, 
and such was the energy displayed that its ranks 
were filled within five weeks. An enthusiastic 
meeting was held at Scottsburgh, in the town of 
Sparta, July 28th, under the auspices of A. T. 
Slaight, Supervisor of the town, who energetically 
put his shoulder to the wheel, issuing stirring ap- 
peals to the patriotic Spartans to rally to the call 
of country. The M. E. church of Scottsburgh was 
filled to repletion, and stirring speeches were made 



by Drs. Jackson and Hurd and Prof. Porter of the 
Dansville Water Cure, Dr. Jocelyn, Capt. Smith 
and Lt. Lancey of Mt. Morris, and A. T. Slaight, 
Wm. Scott and Col. McNair of Scottsburgh. A 
committee was appointed to raise funds for the sup- 
port of the families of those who enlisted. Another 
meeting was held at the same place on the first of 
August. 

These were but samples of the energetic efforts 
put forth throughout the county. Lockwood L. 
Doty, then Private Secretary to Governor Morgan, 
offered a premium of $100 to the first ten men 
recruited in Groveland, his native town, in which 
also a bounty of $50 was offered to the first com- 
pany recruited in the district to the maximum stan- 
dard. Generous bounties were also offered by the 
several towns. Prof. Smith of the Academy in Mt. 
Morris, took hold of the business of recruiting with 
a will, to raise a company of which he was to be 
Captain, and Rev. S. H. Lancey, (who had seen 
service in the army as chaplain,) Lieutenant. 
Springwater, which had already done more than 
any other town in the county of its size, held a 
mass meeting July 31st. 

In Geneseo, Sidney Ward of the firm of Ward, 
Abbott & Wilkinson, opened a recruiting office, 
and gave zealous and efficient aid to the great 
work. In Avon, Capt. Orange Sackett, Jr., a young 
man well and favorably known in Livingston 
county, raised a company for the regiment to be 
formed in the district. In Conesus a well-attended 
and spirited meeting was held in the hotel of John 
McVicar on Saturday, July 26th, and a bounty of 
$30 voted to each volunteer from the town. The 
quota under the call was thirteen. In Dansville 
a highly enthusiastic meeting was held on Wednes- 
day, July 30th, and enlisted the earnest efforts of 
many of its ablest citizens. The town sent one 
full company (K.) under Capt. Leach, and another 
for the 136th, under Lt.-Col. L. B. Faulkner. 

In West Sparta Prof. D. F. Brown was the soul 
of the movement, spending his whole time in dis- 
tributing circulars and haranguing the people. A 
meeting of the citizens of that town was held in 
the M. E. church one mile north of Byersville, 
Thursday, August 6th, for the purpose of enrolling 
the names of volunteers. L. B. Fields, Supervisor 
of the town, was also active. At Canaseraga Hall. 
in Dansville, Tuesday evening, August 5th, Capt. 
Leach's war meeting was held in conjunction with 
Russell's War Panorama, and great enthusiasm pre- 
vailed. The meeting was addressed by O. W. 
West. G. H. Read, B. T. Squires, S. N. PL 



146 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



J. H. Jackson and F. W. Hurd of Dansville, and 
A. E. Crittenden, recruiting officer for the town of 
Burns. At Springwater Capt. Leach held a war 
meeting on Monday, August 4, 1862, which was 
addressed by Dr. James C. Jackson. J. W. Smith 
1). W. Noyes and L. B. Proctor. A meeting was 
held the same evening at South Livonia and ad- 
dressed by Capt. S. Ward, 0. W. West, E. K. 
Scott, A. A. Hoyt and others. The meetings in 
Dansville were followed by others on the 8th and 
1 1 th of August, and stirring addresses were made 
by D. W. Noyes and S. Hubbard. York and Cal- 
edonia paid each one of their recruits $100. Sat- 
urday, August 9, 1862, a war meeting was held at 
Read's Corners, and was addressed by Lieut. West, 
Charles S. Hall, G. H. Read, B. T. Squires and 
William Hamsher. It was the first meeting held 
there and a great deal of enthusiasm was mani- 
fested. 

Other portions of the county made equally noble 
and strenuous efforts to fill the quotas without re- 
course to a draft, which was ordered to take place 
to supply deficiencies on the 15th of August. The 
1.30th was sent to the seat of war September 6th, 
1, 044 strong; and beforeit was completed the 136th 
was under way. The latter left for Washington 
with 874 men under Col. James Wood, October 
20th. 

For these two regiments Livingston county fur- 
nished about 1,200 men. Between August 11, 
1862, and Dec. 31, 1862, there was raised by tax 
and paid by the county for bounties to volunteers, 
$76,929; and by subscription, in 1862, $4,000. 

The 130th Regiment, afterwards the 1st N. Y. 
Dragoons, was composed of men from the three 
counties comprising the district. Companies B 
and K were from Livingston county, G and I, from 
Livingston and Allegany counties, C and D from 
Wyoming county, E, F and H, from Allegany 
county, and A, from Allegany and Wyoming 
comities. The following constituted its organiza- 
tion : — 

Colonel — William S. Fullerton.* 

Lieut. -Colonel — Thomas J. Thorpe. 

Major — RufuS Scott. 

Adjutant — George R. Cowee. 

Quartermaster — A. B. Lawrence. 

Surgeon — B. F. Rneeland. 

Company A — Captain, J. F. Bills; 1st Lieu 
tenant, ]. P. Robinson ; 2d Lieutenant, C. L. 
Daily. 

• Resigned before die regiment left the comity ; and Sept. 6, 1862, was 
succeeded by Alfred Gibbs, who had had twentj pears' expel ience in the 
regular army, and at West Point was in the same class as McClellan, at 
whose suggestion he was appointed. 



Company B — Captain, Howard M. Smith ; ist 
Lieutenant, S. Herbert Lancey ; 2d Lieutenant, Saul 
C. Culbertson. 

Company C — Captain, R. P. Taylor; ist Lieu- 
tenant, O. R. Cook ; 2d Lieutenant, S. V. Waldo. 

Company D — Captain, Jacob W. Knapp; ist 
Lieutenant, Leonard Wilkins; 2d Lieutenant, Jared 
M. Bills. 

Company E — Captain, Wheeler Hakes; ist 
Lieutenant, S. F. Randolph ; 2d Lieutenant, Flias 
Horton, Jr. 

Company F — Captain, Jeremiah Hatch; ist 
Lieutenant, S. A. Farnam ; 2d Lieutenant, A. K. 
Thorp. 

Company G — Captain, Alanson B. Cornell; ist 
Lieutenant, C. L. Brundage; 2d Lieutenant, G. 
Wiley Wells. 

Company H — Captain, Joel Wakeman ; ist 
Lieutenant, Ira Sayles; 2d Lieutenant. E. S. Os- 
good. 

Company I — Captain, James Lemen ; ist Lieu- 
tenant, R. A. Britton ; 2d Lieutenant, F. S. Adams. 

Company K — Captain, Andrew J. Leach; ist 
Lieutenant, James O. Slayton ; 2d Lieutenant, 
Edmund Hartman. 

The regiment was mustered into the United 
States' service Sept. 3, 1862, and three days there- 
after left its quarters at Portage for the seat of war, 
followed by the well-wishes of a vast throng of 
spectators who had gathered from all parts of the 
district to witness its departure. On the 13th it 
arrived at Suffolk, Va., where it remained until 
the following summer, performing the duties of an 
advanced garrison, and suffering the inconvenience 
of a malarial district contiguous to the I Hsmal 
Swamp. 

While in this position it participated in an expe- 
dition which repulsed a force under Gen. Roger 
A. Pryor, who was advancing on Suffolk, losing 
in the engagement about thirty men killed and 
wounded. It left the camp at midnight of the 29th 
of January, with a force of 3,500 infantry, 12 pieces 
of artillery, and Spear's cavalry, the whole com- 
manded by Corcoran, and about 4 o'clock on the 
morning of the 30th, encountered a similar force 
of the enemy midway between Suffolk and Black- 
water. For two hours it lay in support of and 
immediately behind the artillery, exposed to a 
galling fire. Col. Gibbs ventured to remonstrate 
with Corcoran at this disposition, and suggested 
that the infantry be placed on the flanks of the 
artillery, but for his temerity he was placed under 
arrest and deprived of his sword. Corcoran's 
brigade, which was still farther to the rear, was 
soon thrown into confusion, and broke into pre- 
cipitate retreat. Corcoran was obliged to retire 
and join in the effort to rally them. The artillery 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



147 



withdrew, and the infantry supports lay in front of 
the enemy without direction. The cry to advance 
without orders was raised and passed quickly along 
the line. The three regiments composing the sup- 
port dashed forward and drove the enemy before 
them, until recalled by Corcoran, who, after re- 
forming his brigade, resumed the pursuit, but only 
succeeded in overtaking a small rear-guard. Col. 
Gibbs, though under arrest, and destitute of horse 
or sword, joined in this impetuous charge, and 
seizing the flag of the regiment, heroically led the 
advance. 

April 3, 1863, Gen. Longstreet invested their 
position in force, and on the 17th of that month, 
the 130th, with two other regiments, made a bril- 
liant sortie, for the purpose of developing the 
enemy's strength. They drove the enemy from his 
rifle pits and first line of works, compelling him to 
disclose the main body of his force, and could with 
difficulty be induced to retire. The loss of the 
130th was only eight or ten killed and wounded. 
The siege was raised on the ist of May and the 
130th joined in the pursuit. 

After participating in some minor operations on 
the Peninsula, the regiment was ordered to join 
the Army of the Potomac, which it did at Berlin 
on the 19th of July, and with it proceeded to 
Warrenton, Va., where, July 28, 1863, it was 
changed to a cavalry organization and designated 
the 1st New York Dragoons. At Manassas it was 
instructed in the cavalry drill, and in September 
was mounted. After a few days' mounted drill it 
resumed active duty, making a reconnoissance on 
the 1 2th of October through Thoroughfare Gap, to 
ascertain if the enemy were threatening the rear of 
the Union army, which was then being pressed 
back by Lee from the Rapidan. Having proceed- 
ed to Salem without finding the enemy, it returned 
and joined the army near Catlett's Station. From 
thence it guarded the approaches on the left flank 
of the retreating army to Centerville, whence it 
re-crossed Bull Run on the evening of the 16th, 
and engaged in a skirmish on its recent camp 
ground. On the evening of the 17th on the 
plains of Manassas, it charged a brigade of rebel 
cavalry and, single-handed, drove them to near 
Bristow Station, with considerable loss, continuing 
the pursuit until night, and resuming it the follow- 
ing day to the Rappahannock, but without further 
engagement. 

It was engaged in picket duty at Morrisville and 
Bealton till November 8th, when it made a rapid 
advance with the cavalry column, crossing the 



Rappahannock at Sulphur Spring, and attacked 
the enemy in flank as they were retreating through 
Culpepper on the 9th, inflicting severe punishment, 
but sustaining no loss. The following day the 
pursuit was continued to the Rapidan. The regi- 
ment soon after went into camp near Culpepper, 
whence, in several important reconnaissances, it 
engaged the enemy, on one occasion capturing a 
signal station on Slaughter Mountain, and on an- 
other developing the full strength of the enemy in 
its works at Rapidan Station. On the 23d of No- 
vember, in aid of the contemplated operations at 
Mine Run, in connection with other forces, it 
crossed the river at Ely's Ford, occupied the heights 
beyond, and raided the country to and beyond 
Chancellorsville, returning to Culpepper on the 
abandonment of the movement. The regiment 
soon after went into winter quarters near Mitchell's 
Station, and was occupied during the winter in 
picketing the Rapidan. 

May 4th, 1864, it was again in active service on 
the left of Grant's army. It was engaged in the 
Wilderness, and on the afternoon of May 7th, it 
attacked a greatly superior force of the enemy on 
a small run near Todd's Tavern, maintaining the 
unequal contest till far into the night, twice re- 
forming its line, broken by the desperate assaults 
of the enemy, who were each time compelled to 
relinquish their temporary advantage, and pressed 
far back into the woods towards Spottsylvania. 
The night was spent in burying the dead. In the 
morning, before it was yet light, the contest was 
renewed, and the enemy forced steadily back to 
their infantry lines, where it was relieved by the 
5th Corps. The regiment sustained a loss of 104. 

After a day spent at Aldrich's Tavern, to replen- 
ish their supplies, they joined Sheridan's Cavalry 
in a raid on Lee's line of communication. At 
Beaver Dam Station, on the evening of the 9th, 
they burned Lee's supplies, captured several trains 
of cars, pierced the locomotives with cannon-balls, 
and destroyed the track. The following day they 
proceeded towards Richmond, and encamped at 
night beyond Squirrel Bridge. The ist Dragoons 
brought up the rear, which was twice attacked by 
Stuart's cavalry, who were repulsed each time with 
loss. At early dawn the next day an attack was 
made at the point where the ist Dragoons was 
encamped. Leaving every fourth man to saddle 
the horses, the rest of the regiment charged the 
assailants, who were slowly forced back; when, 
returning hastily to their horses, they mounted and 
filed out after the main column, just as the enemy 



148 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



again got in range, and opened on them without 
effect. Major Scott was wounded in the thigh in 
this charge. 

In the afternoon the 1st I >ragoons, supported on 
either side by regular regiments, dislodged Stuart's 
cavalry, who had gained a threatening position to- 
wards the front, sustaining a loss of twenty men; 
and although it was near night when the action 
ended, the troops continued the advance towards 
Richmond, and got within its first line of defenses. 
Turning to the left they proceeded down the 
Chickahominy between the lines amid exploding 
torpedoes, and about dawn the advance was en- 
gaged with the second line of defenses. They es- 
sayed to recross the Chickahominy at Meadow 
Bridge, but the passage was disputed by Stuart's 
cavalry. The enemy had gathered in large force 
in their rear. While engaging these, a division 
was massed to force the passage of the river, 
which was accomplished after a hot dismounted 
fight. The bridge was repaired and the 1st Dra- 
goons crossed in advance of the mounted troops. 
They charged the enemy who tied in every direc- 
tion. 

The 1st Dragoons led in the advance to Me- 
chanicsville. During the noon bivouac pickets 
were thrown out in every direction. On resuming 
the march to Cold Harbor, the brigade to which 
the 1st was attached took the lead, but the regi- 
ment was delayed by drawing in its pickets. It 
pushed rapidly by the moving column to overtake 
the advance, which was already engaged with the 
enemy, and was met by an orderly who was sent to 
accelerate its movements. Proceeding at a gallop, 
the rest of the brigade was met flying in wild con- 
fusion before the closely pursuing and exultant foe. 
The battery, which stood in column, seemed 
doomed. As the head of the regiment came 
abreast of the battery, Col. Thorpe, who com- 
manded, shouted the order " forward into line ! 
Prepare to fight on foot !" Each man designated 
to fight on foot, as he reached the line, leaped from 
thesaddle and pressed forward, firing as he went. In 
ten minutes, without the loss of a man, the enemy 
was put in full Sight and fifty of their men were left 
prisoners in our hands. 

After various movements with Sheridan's com- 
mand, the Dragoons joined in the race with Lee 
to Richmond. On the morning of the 26th they 
dashed across the Pamunkey at Hanovertown and 
during that and the succeeding day drove the ene- 
my some distance beyond Hawes' Shop. On the 
28th, the enemy in force attempted to dislodge this 



advance, and there ensued for several hours one of 
the most hotly contested battles of the war. The 
I ir.igoons led the advance in a flanking party to 
the right, and were met with a shower of grape and 
cannister from a battery posted beyond a deep and 
seemingly impassable gulf. They dismounted, and 
sending their horses to the rear, plunged into it out 
of harms way, for the guns of the enemy could not 
be depressed to reach them. Capt. Knapp led the 
charge up the opposite bank and the enemy were 
quickly put to flight. Turning to the left they at- 
tacked the remaining force, which tied precipitately, 
leaving their dead on the field. On the 30th, at 
Old Church, Custer's brigade and the 1st Dragoons 
drove the enemy back, with considerable loss, on 
Cold Harbor, before which the Union forces en- 
camped for the night. 

The next day the contest was renewed for the 
possession of that point, and an attempt was made 
to carry the formidable earthworks by direct assault. 
Tin." Dragoons charged through a shower of iron 
and lead over an open field, broken by swells, halt- 
ing in each successive depression for a fresh start. 
In the last of these, within five rods of the enemy's 
works, they paused to make preparation for the 
final assault, which they carried to within twenty 
feet of the enemy's line ; but the fierce fire which 
swept the field and rapidly thinned their ranks, was 
more than poor human nature could endure. They 
were forced back to their cover, where they opened 
a straggling fire. The bugle advance of Custer 
was heard on the left above the din of conflict. As 
his line swept up to the Dragoons they rose the 
crest together and charged. Another fierce but 
short conflict ensued, and the enemy were driven 
from their works with loss and confusion. The loss 
of the Dragoons was sixty men. The ground was 
held against repeated and desperate assaults till 
about noon, when they were relieved by the 6th 
corps and Smith's command from Butler's army. 
During the two succeeding days, while the further 
scenes in this bloody drama were being enacted, the 
Dragoons, with two divisions of cavalry under 
Sheridan, watched the lower crossing of the Chicka- 
hominy at Bottom's Bridge, and covered the base 
of supplies at the White House. 

On the 7th of June they accompanied Sheridan 
with the cavalry divisions of Torbert and Gregg, in 
an expedition against the Virginia Central Rail- 
road, which, it was expected, would facilitate 
('.rant's passage of the Chickahominy and James, 
by withdrawing Stuart's cavalry from Lee's army, 
anil enable Sheridan to effect a junction with Hun- 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



149 



ter's forces and return with them to the Army of 
the Potomac. On the nth and 12th of June, at 
Trevillian Station, where Gregg encountered 
Hampton's cavalry division, the Dragoons were 
again hotly engaged and Col. Thorpe was wounded 
and taken prisoner. Returning they crossed the 
James with the main army on the 25th. 

On the afternoon of the 26th of July, having in 
the interval enjoyed a period of rest, the regiment 
with a large force of cavalry and the 2d corps were 
thrown across the James, and in conjunction with 
the force under Butler, the next day, after an all 
night's march, drove the enemy from his entrenched 
position at Darbytown. The next day, the enemy 
having been heavily reenforced, made an unsuc- 
cessful effort to recover the lost ground. In a 
charge made on the first day by a squadron of the 
1 st Dragoons Gen. Wade Hampton and his staff 
barely escaped capture bythem; and on the second 
day the regiment maintained the only unbroken 
portion of the line, repelling repeated assaults. 
But the movement having failed in its object, which 
was the cutting of the enemy's railroad from near 
Richmond to the Anna River, and thus endan- 
gering Early's position in the Shenandoah Valley, 
the regiment recrossed the James on the evening 
of the 28th and returned to its old position in front 
of Petersburgh. 

On the 1st of August the regiment was ordered 
to the Shenandoah Valley, up which, on the 9th, 
it moved with other cavalry to aid in operations 
against Early by the Army of Virginia, to the com- 
mand of which Sheridan was appointed August 
7th. On the 10th it took part in an encounter at 
White Post, where it drove a rebel force from be- 
hind a stone wall and with but little loss made im- 
portant captures. On the 1 ith, while on a recon- 
naissance to Newton, it met the enemy's infantry 
and cavalry a half mile from that place and five 
miles from the main body of Sheridan's army, 
maintaining a fierce and desperate contest unaided 
for an hour and a half, and holding its position till 
the arrival of the main force, though too late for 
the operations of that day. In this engagement 
the regiment suffered severely. The enemy with- 
drew in the night and the hospital records found 
in their abandoned camp contained the names of 
men wounded in that action from thirty-three 
different regiments. At Smithfield and Kearns- 
town on the 25th, 26th and 28th of August it was 
hotly engaged and lost heavily, brave Lieutenant 
Alfred being killed and many officers wounded. 

On the 19th of September, in the desperately 



fought battle of Opequan, the regiment bore a 
conspicuous part. It routed the enemy's cavalry 
and charged his infantry, capturing twice its num- 
ber of prisoners and three battle flags. Among its 
losses was the gallant Capt. Thorp, who was killed 
in the charge on the enemy's cavalry. The regi- 
ment joined in the pursuit of Early, who escaped 
in the night with the wreck of his army and tied 
to Fisher's Hill, from which he was driven on the 
22d with the loss of 1,300 prisoners and 21 cannon. 
During the following night the regiment led in the 
further pursuit. On the 24th it drove the enemy's 
cavalry and by threatening his flank compelled him 
to abandon his position on the bluffs of Mt. Jack- 
son. On the 26th, being still in the advance, an 
unsuccessful attack was made between Port Re- 
public and Brown's Gap. October 9th, at Tom's 
Brook, it was engaged in turning Early's cavalry 
and capturing their trains and artillery. 

Sheridan posted his army in echelon behind the 
bold bluffs which form the north border of Cedar 
Creek, and proceeded to Washington to consult 
with the Secretary of War respecting the return of 
the 6th corps to that city. Early, whose original 
strength had been restored by the addition of Ker- 
shaw's division, crossed Cedar Creek on the night 
of October iSth, and early the next morning sur- 
prised and routed the 8th corps, which occupied 
the left of the Union line. In this battle the 1st 
Dragoons more than sustained its reputation. 
During the demoralization which prevailed in the 
early part of that day, its organization was kept in- 
tact, and by its coolness and courage aided to re- 
trieve those early misfortunes and secure the 
glorious victory which eventually crowned the 
Union arms, and put an end to rebel raids into the 
North through the Shenandoah Valley. 

In November the regiment participated in an 
expedition to Loudon Valley, which, by common 
consent, was styled the "bull raid," from the nature 
of the captures made; and in December it consti- 
tuted a part of the force which advanced from 
Winchester to Gordonsville, making a gallant 
charge at Liberty Mills on the night of the 2 2d, 
capturing two pieces of artillery and about thirty 
prisoners, but suffering greatly from the intense 
cold, many of the men having their feet frozen. 

February 24, 1865, Sheridan, with a force of 
10,000 cavalry, including this regiment, left Win- 
chester and arrived at Staunton in four days. He 
defeated and captured the remnant of Early's forces 
at Waynesboro, crossed the Blue Ridge at Rock- 
fish Gap, turned and destroyed the Virginia Cen- 



*5° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



tral railroad from Frederick's Hall to Beaver Dam, 
and won the memorable and decisive victory at 
Five Forks, April i, 1865. From this time until 
the surrender of Lee's army on the 9th of April, 
1865, the cavalry were daily in action, inflict- 
ing on the rebel army the blows which so rapidly 
crippled it and brought on its final catastrophe. 

During its term of service the regiment cap- 
tured 1,533 prisoners, 19 pieces of artillery, 21 
caissons, 240 artillery horses, 40 army wagons and 
ambulances, 160 animals of draught and 4 battle 
flags. It lost in killed 4 officers and 155 enlisted 
men ; and in wounded. 24 officers and 204 en- 
listed men. One officer and 80 enlisted men died 
of disease. 

The 136th regiment, like the 130th, was raised 
in the counties composing the 30th Senatorial Dis- 
trict, through the efforts of Col. James Wood, Jr., 
of Geneseo, aided by the patriotic endeavors of the 
community at large. Five companies, B, C, F, G 
and I, were recruited in Livingston county: two, 
A and K, in Allegany county ; and three, D, E 
and H, in Wyoming county. Capt. Augustus 
Harrington reported at Portage with the first com- 
pany for this regiment, August 29th, 1S62, having 
recruited his company in eleven days. Within a 
month from the date of its authorization the entire 
regiment was in camp at Portage. The regiment 
was organized September 8, 1862, and mustered 
September 25, 1862. The following is a roster of 
its officers: — 

Colonel — James Wood, Jr. 

Lieutenant-Colonel — Lester B. Faulkner. 

Major — David C. Hartshorn. 

Adjutant — Campbell H. Young. 

Quartermaster — John T. Wright. 

Surgeon — B. L. Hovey. 

First Assistant Surgeon — Edwin Amsden. 

Second Assistant Surgeon — Charles F. Warner. 

Quartermaster Sergeant — Richard W. Barney. 

Commissary Sergeant — J. S. Galentine. 

Chaplain — Alvin T. Cole. 

Company A — Captain, A. T. Cole; First Lieu- 
tenant, M. M. I.oyden ; Second Lieutenant, John 
M. Webster. 

Company B — Captain, Fdward H. Pratt ; First 
Lieutenant; John J. Bailey; Second Lieutenant, 
Nicholas Y. Mundy. 

Company C — Captain, A. A. Hoyt ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Wells Hendershott; Second Lieutenant, 
Emerson J. Hoyt. 

Company D — Captain, Augustus Harrington ; 
First Lieutenant, Myron E. Bartlett ; Second 
Lieutenant, Russell G. [ ludley. 

Company E — Captain, Henry B. Jenks; First 
Lieutenant, James G. Cameron; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Seth P. Buell. 



Company F — Captain, J. H. Burgess; First 
Lieutenant, John Galbraith ; Second Lieutenant, 
Charles H. Wisner. 

Company G — Captain, Sidney Ward; first 
Lieutenant, Orange Sackett, Jr.; Second Lieu- 
tenant. Kidder M. Scott. 

Company H — Captain. E. H. Jeff res; First 
Lieutenant, Fdward Madden; Second Lieutenant, 
Anson B. Hall. 

Company I — Captain. H. L. Arnold; First 
Lieutenant. Frank Collins; Second Lieutenant, 
George M. Reed. 

Company K — Captain, A. F. Davis; first 
Lieutenant, George H. Eldredge ; Second Lieu 
tenant, George Y. Boss. 

The regiment left Camp Williams at Portage on 
the 2d of October ; received arms and equipments 
at Flmira ; and on the 4th of that month proceeded 
to Camp Seward, on Arlington Heights, \ a. 
from thence, Sunday, Oct. 12, 1862, it went to 
Fairfax Court House, Ya., where it was attached to 
the 2d brigade (Yon Steinwehr's) of the nth 
corps, (Sigel's,) retaining this connection until 
April 14, 1864, when it became a part of the 3d 
brigade, 3d division, 20th corps. It left Fairfax 
Court House, Dec. 14th, and proceeded to Bank's 
Ford, where it was occupied in picket duty on the 
advanced line of the army, and suffered the hardships 
incident to the sudden change from civil to military 
life, its ranks being much depleted by sickness. 

Early in November, McClellan, by reason of 
his failure to reap the legitimate fruits of Lee's defeat 
.1! Antietam, and his subsequent dilatory move- 
ments, was superseded in the command of the 
Army of the Potomac by Burnside, who in the 
reorganization of the army which followed, gave 
Sigel the command of a grand division, which 
formed the reserve, and to which the 136th 
belonged. Dec. 1 oth, Burnside crossed the Rap- 
pahannock with his army to attack Fredericks- 
burgh, and the same day the 136th left its camp at 
(iermantown in aid of that movement. The regi- 
ment was reduced in numbers, but those who re- 
mained had become inured to the duties of a sol- 
dier. When the regiment reached Falmouth, the 
army, which had assaulted the enemy's works 
behind Fredericksburgh on the 13th and been 
repulsed with great disaster, was recrossing the 
river, and it went to Banks' Ford where it did 
picket duty in the face of the enemy. Burnside 
projected another advance movement the succeed- 
ing January, but the march was scarcely begun 
before it was arrested by a sleet-storm, which 
turned the roads into quagmires, and rendered 
movement impossible. The project was aban- 



WAR OF THK REBELLION. 



151 



doned, and the troops ordered back to their old 
camps. 

From Banks' Ford the regiment went into camp 
at Stafford Court House, Va., where it remained 
till the last of April, when it crossed the Rappa- 
hannock at Kellogg's Farm, and moved to the 
disastrous field of Chancellorsville. In the mean- 
time (Jan. 26, 1863,) Hooker had succeeded Burn- 
side in command of the army. The brigade to 
which the 136th belonged made a reconnaissance 
to the right of the nth corps under Gen. Francis 
C. Barlow, and captured nearly a thousand pris- 
oners, but while so engaged, the nth corps had 
been driven from the field, and the guards and 
camp equipage left behind by the regiment, fell 
into the enemy's hands. On its return, the brigade 
took position in rear of Gen. Sickles' command, 
and witnessed the fierce conflict between it and 
the Confederate force under Stuart, in which the 
position of the latter was taken and retaken repeat- 
edly. 

From the field of Chancellorsville the 136th 
returned to its old quarters at Stafford Court 
House, where it remained until, on the 3d of June, 
Lee commenced another sortie into the Northen 
States through the Shenandoah valley, which cul- 
minated in the disaster at Gettysburg. Hooker 
followed the numerically superior rebel army down 
the valley, interposing between it and Washington, 
till both had crossed the Potomac, Lee making the 
passage at Williamsport and Shepardstown on the 
26th, and Hooker, at Edward's Ferry, the same 
day. On the 27th Hooker resigned the command 
of the army, and on the following day was succeeded 
by Meade. 

On the 30th of June the Union army extended 
from Manchester to Emmettsburgh, the nth 
corps forming a part of the left flank. The Con- 
federate army was at Chambersburg, where Lee 
tarried to consort with copperheads in the North. 
Meade purposed fighting on the defensive in a 
position he had selected on Pipe creek, about 
fifteen miles south-east of Gettysburg. The left, 
consisting of the 1st, nth and 3d corps, under 
Reynolds, was sent as a mask toward Gettysburg 
to screen this movement. 

At 5 p. m. on the 1st of July, the 136th, which 
had been detached a short time at Hagerstown, 
left that place for Gettysburg, thirty-eight miles 
distant, and arrived there at 1 1 a. m. on the 2d. 
The enemy had been met the previous day, first 
by Buford's cavalry, who encountered him on the 
Chambersburg road, two miles westward of Gettys- 



burg, and were forced back to Seminary Ridge, 
where they were supported by K eynolds, who was 
then in Gettysburg with the 1st corps, and was 
killed in the early part of the action. Howard 
arrived on the field with the nth corps at 
11:30 a. m., and having forwarded two of his 
divisions to the support of the troops engaged, 
posted his third division, with three batteries 
of artillery on Cemetery Hill on the south 
side of the town. Heth's division of Hill's 
corps, which was the first engaged of the enemy's 
forces, was heavily reenforced, and the Union 
forces driven with loss and confusion through the 
streets of Gettysburg, took refuge at night behind 
Howard's position. Here the 136th was posted 
on its arrival the following day. 

Meade, who was at Taneytown, planning his de- 
fensive line on Pipe Creek, on hearing of the battle 
at 1 p. m., sent Hancock to take command. That 
officer, perceiving the advantages of the position, 
advised Meade to bring on the whole army, which 
he accordingly did, arriving himself soon after mid- 
night. All his corps, except that of Sedgwick, 
which was thirty-two miles distant, arrived during 
the night, and were posted on Cemetery Ridge, 
prolonging the line to the rear of Howard's posi- 
tion, along the crest of the ridge. Sedgwick's corps 
arrived at 2 p. m. on the 2d, and was posted on the 
left, at the terminus of the ridge, behind the Round 
Tops. Reynold's corps, commanded by Newton, 
was in reserve, and was within thirty minutes' march 
of any part of the line, which was compressed into 
an area of about three square miles. Lee's army 
— which, numerically, was about equal to that of 
Meade — each being then about 80,000 strong — 
was posted along Seminary Ridge, in the form of 
a huge crescent, five miles in length, its concavity 
facing his antagonist. Meade had the advantage 
of position and the further advantge of acting on 
the defensive. Thus was commenced the memor- 
able battle of Gettysburg. 

The Union losses during the three days' fight 
were 23,210, of whom 2,834 were killed, 13,733, 
wounded, 6,643, missing; those of the Confederates 
were 36,000, of whom 5,000 were killed, 23,000 
wounded. 

Soon after this decisive victory, which sent Lee 
back into Virginia, the 136th was called to other 
not less trying duties. After his defeat at the battle 
of Chickamauga, Sept. 19, 1863, Rosecrans with- 
drew the army of the Cumberland to the defenses 
at Chattanooga, and was succeeded in the com- 
mand by General Thomas. Here Bragg followed 



[ 5 2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



them and invested them so closely that they were 
threatened with starvation, or a disastrous defeat if 
the evacuation of the place was attempted. In this 
extremity General Grant was assigned to the com- 
mand of that army, which was reenforced by Sher- 
man with the Army of the Tennessee, and by 
Hooker, with the nth and 12th corps from the 
Army of the Potomac. In comformity with this 
arrangement the 136th left the latter army on the 
23d of September, and in seven days was trans- 
ferred from the Rapidan to Stevenson, Alabama, a 
distance of 1,192 miles. 

I )n the 27th of October, Grant had restored the 
interrupted communication with Chattanooga ; but 
Bragg, who had lost control of the roads by a sur- 
prise, did not submit to the result without a strug- 
gle. He determined to recover what he had lost 
by a night attack. He observed from Signal Rock 
the situation of Geary's weak division encamped in 
the Lookout Valley near VVauhatchie and ordered 
Longstreet to assail it on the night of the 29th. After 
a three hours' conflict the enemy were repulsed 
with great loss. Gen. Howard, hearing the heavy 
firing, proceeded to the aid of Geary, but was in- 
terrupted by a force of the enemy posted on the 
heights west of Lookout Creek, who announced 
their presence by a sheet of fire from their crest. 
Though the slope was heavily wooded and the 
ground entirely unknown, the 136th, the 73d Ohio 
and 33d Massachusetts, charged the enemy and 
drove them from their entrenched position, but with 
heavy loss. 

The 136th now crossed the Chattanooga and 
joined the command of General Thomas, which 
occupied the center of Grant's line in the battle 
of Chattanooga, and with it participated in the 
assault on Bragg's position on the 25th of 
November, which terminated a three days' con- 
flict, and drove his army from Chattanooga back 
into Georgia. 

As soon as the battle of Chattanooga was won 
('.rant detached Sherman with a portion of his 
army, including the 1 ith corps, to the relief of Burn- 
side, who was beleagured at Knoxville, Tenn.; but 
before they, arrived Longstreet raised the siege, 
having on the 29th of November twice attempted 
to carry the works by assault, being each time re- 
pulsed. The hardships endured on this march of 
eighty-four miles are indescribable. The weather 
was severe, and many of the men marched on 
frozen ground with feet nearly bare and with insuf- 
ficient clothing and food, having to subsist on the 
country. The regiment then returned to the Wau- 



hatchie Valley and went into comfortable winter 
quarters. 

In the spring a reorganization of the army was 
effected. ( Irant having been appointed Lieutenant- 
General and taken charge of the army of the Po- 
tomac, Sherman was assigned to the command of 
the Military Division of the Mississippi, comprising 
the armies of the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland 
and Arkansas. In this change, on the 14th of April, 
1864, the 136th was attached to the 3d brigade, 
3d division, 20th corps, the latter commanded by 
Hooker. April 20, 1864,' Col. James Wood, Jr., 
of the 136th was assigned to the command of the 
3d brigade, which comprised in addition to the 
136th, the 55th and 73d Ohio, 33d Mass., and 26th 
Wis. The command of the regiment thus devolved 
on Lieutenant-Colonel Faulkner. 

After turning the strong position of Dalton by a 
detour through Snake Creek Gap and compelling 
its evacuation on the 12th of May, Sherman di- 
rected his forces against Resaca. At 1 p. M. on the 
1 4th an attempt was made to break the enemy's 
line and force him from an elevated position in the 
immediate front. 

Johnston retreated during the night of the 15th 
after a sharp struggle. This, to the 136th was the 
most destructive of all its engagements. The 3d 
brigade was a part of the storming party and was 
exposed to a murderous fire of musketry and artil- 
lery. The loss of the 136th was 82 in killed and 
wounded — 12 enlisted men killed, and 3 officers 
and 67 enlisted men wounded. 

Johnston was closely pursued, forced across the 
Etowah, and his position at Allatoona Pass turned 
by a circuit toward Dallas, Hooker having the ad- 
vance, and having some sharp encounters at New 
Hope Church, in which the 136th was again 
engaged. 

Sherman drove Johnston across the Chattehoo- 
chee and forced the passage of that stream with his 
army, which he posted in proximity to Atlanta on 
the general line of Peach Tree Creek and across 
the Augusta Railroad. Here, on the afternoon of 
the 20th, he was attacked in force by Hood, who 
had superseded Johnston in command of the Con- 
federate forces in Georgia. The blow was unex- 
pected and its weight fell mainly on Hooker's corps, 
which was unprotected by works, and fought in 
comparatively open ground. After a very severe 
battle it was repulsed. During this action, while 
the Union troops were moving to repel a charge, a 
rebel color-bearer advanced in front of his regi- 
ment and confronted the 136th whose color- 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



•53 



bearer at once advanced to meet him, and 
the two stood defiant in view of the two armies. 
The bold rebel was immediately shot, and his colors 
captured and flaunted in the face of the foe. A com- 
rade avenged him by the death of his slayer and 
recovered the colors, but was himself slain while 
bearing away the trophy, which was retaken. This 
thrice captured flag now hangs among the war 
trophies in the Military Bureau in Albany. 

The 136th participated in the brilliant successes 
which followed: — the capture of Atlanta Sept. 1st, 
1S64; the march from "Atlanta to the sea," Nov. 
16 — Dec. 21, 1S64; and the terrible northern 
march through the Carolinas in mid-winter to 
Goldsboro which was reached March 21st, 1865, 
after a journey of five hundred miles of toil and 
suffering. 

On the 14th of April, 1865, Sherman received a 
letter from Johnston, inquiring the terms on which 
he might surrender. An interview was had, and 
terms such as were accorded to Lee on the 9th of 
that month offered, which he was constrained on 
the 26th of April to accept. 

This ended the military service of the 136th, 
which continued the march through Virginia to 
Washington, and was mustered out Jan. 13, 1865. 

October 15, 1862. the members of the District 
Senatorial Committee residing in Livingston county 
and the Board of Supervisors met at Geneseo to 
arrange the lists of volunteers, and make provision 
generally preparatory to the draft, which was ordered 
to take place November 10th. The Supervisors 
were called upon to furnish lists of the men who 
had volunteered since July 2d, and thereby the 
deficiency of the county for the 600,000 was 
arrived at. Below are the quotas and lists claimed 
by Supervisors : — 

Towns. Quota. No. Reported. 

Avon 90 52 

Caledonia 62 62 

Conesus 45 46 

Geneseo 93 78 

Groveland 48 49 

Lima 86 85 

Livonia* Si 

Leicester 62 64 

Mt. Morris 122 140 

North Dansville 116 122 

Nunda 89 85 

Ossian 39 35 

Portage 46 36 

Springwaler 75 66 

Sparta 39 40 

West Sparta 46 37 

York 85 79 

* No report ; said to be full. 



Hon. R. P. Wisner, of Mt. Morris, was em- 
powered by the Governor to superintend and aid 
enlistments, to fill up the quota with nine months' 
volunteers. 

March 3, 1863, Congress authorized the raising 
of additional troops to take the place of the two 
years' men whose terms were about to expire, and 
otherwise strengthen the army. President Lincoln 
issued a conscription proclamation on the 8th of 
May to carry that law into operation. 

The draft for the district comprising the comi- 
ties of Livingston, Ontario and Yates commenced 
at the Town Hall in Canandaigua, on Saturday, 
July 25, 1S63, and continued on the 28th, 29th, 
30th and 31st. The following is a list of the num- 
ber in the several towns who were exempted and 
held to service. Most of the latter, however, paid 
the commutation of $300, in accordance with the 
provisions of the law: — 

Drafted. Exempted. 
Avon 85 70 

Caledonia 54 42 

Conesus 31 26 

Geneseo 86 74 

Groveland 42 32 

Leicester 49 41 

Lima 81 64 

Livonia 78 61 

Mt. Morris 107 89 

North Dansville no 94 

Nunda 54 41 

Ossian 25 21 

Portage 24 19 

Sparta 37 34 

Springwater 74 67 

West Sparta 31 31 

York .... 76 64 

October 17, 1863, another call for 300,000 men 

was issued. The substitutes furnished and com- 
mutations paid were as follows : — 

Substitutes. Commutations. 

Avon 2 19 

Caledonia o 22 

Conesus o 13 

Geneseo 6 23 

Groveland o 10 

Leicester o 17 

Lima 2 1 1 

Livonia 1 25 

Mt. Morris 3 29 

North Dansville 3 11 

Nunda 1 n 

Ossian 1 5 

Portage o 9 

Sparta 1 12 

Springwater 2 21 

West Sparta 2 10 

York 1 - 7 

The quota undei this call in Livingston county 
was 537. 



iS4 



HISTORY OF LIYINGSTON COUNTY. 



During the summer and fall of 1863, H. R. Cur- 
tis was recruiting for the 13th New York Artillery, 
the nucleus of which was composed of the remnant 
of the 13th New York Infantry, under command of 
Col. E. G. Marshall. Lieut. S. H. Draper was 
also recruiting for the Griswold Light Cavalry. 
Both were organized in Rochester. 

February 1, 1864, a call was issued for 200,000 
men, and immediately thereafter recruiting agents 
were appointed in the respective Assembly Dis- 
tricts. February 11, 1864, the Supervisors ex- 
tended to the volunteers under this call the pro- 
visions of an Act passed by them December 11, 
1 863, authorizing the Supervisors of the several 
towns to draw on the County Treasurer for $300 
for each volunteer furnished by his town until its 
quota was filled. 

But the generous contributions thus far made 
by Livingston county were not the full comple- 
ment of what was required of her. Two further 
calls were issued — one July 18, 1864, for 500,000 
men, and another December 19, 1864, for 300,000 
men. In August, of that year, the Supervisors 
concluded to offer a bounty of $300 for three 
years' men; $200 for one year's men, and $25 
premium for the expenses of each recruit. Persons 
furnishing substitutes were entitled to receive the 
bounty. Messrs. Beckwith. Hampton and Lau- 
derdale were appointed a committee to disburse 
the county fund. For the purpose of filling the 
county quota, John Hyland, of Dansville, and 
S. E. W. Johnson, of Avon, were sent South to 
recruit there. There, however, the competition 
was sharp, and high bounties were paid to recruits. 
A telegram from John Hyland, dated August 23, 
said they could do nothing, as other agents were 
offering $500 bounty for one year men. This 
foreign market for recruits produced a laxness in 
the efforts at home. Says The Livingston Repub- 
lican in August, 1864: — 

"So far as we can learn comparatively little is 
being done in the several towns toward filling the 
quota under the last call. There are various 
causes for this. The season of the year is un- 
propitious — for the last three years there has been 
a constant drain on the people, until laborers in 
every branch of industry are scarce and are in 
great demand at almost unheard of wages. The 
farmers also engage their help in the spring for the 
season and the time of these men does not expire 
before October or November, ami another cause in 
this county is the quite prevalent opinion that the 
quota of the county can be tilled up by the agents 
sent south. * * The finance committee of 

the Board of Supervisors held a meeting at this 



place [Ceneseo] on Tuesday and they report that 
there is no trouble in obtaining from the people of 
the several towns on county bonds all the money 
needed to pay bounty." 

Sept. 2, 1864, the Supervisors authorized each 
town in the county to increase its bounty to a sum 
not exceeding $1,000, and the County Treasurer 
was authorized to issue county bonds as each 
Supervisor might call for them. Most of the towns 
ol the county found it necessary to increase the 
bounties largely to fill the quotas in the hope of 
avoiding a draft. 

In the early part of 1865, an additional stimulus 
became necessary. The local bounty system had 
worked such gross injustice and been subjected to 
such outrageous abuses that the Legislature pro- 
vided for a State bounty of $300, $400 and $600, 
to one, two and three years' men, and prohibited 
payment of all local bounties. This was at least an 
approach to a healthier system, but its injustice 
differed only in degree. 

In addition to the large sums paid for bounties, 
considerable amounts were also generously paid for 
the support of the indigent families of soldiers. 
In 1861, not less than $16,000 was contributed by 
towns for this purpose; and to July 1, 1863, 
$33,000 was paid by the county for the same 
object. 

The troops raised in this county under the later 
calls were distributed through the various organiza- 
tions, generally but a few in each, whose history we 
have not the space even to epitomize. Many, 
however, went to fill the depleted ranks of old 
organizations. The quotas of the several towns 
under the last three calls are given below : — 

Call of Call of 

Feb. I, '64. July iS, '64. Dec. ■ '.. '4 " 

Avon 23 66 49 

Caledonia iS 35 n 

Conesus 12 35 25 

Geneseo 25 57 43 

Groveland 13 29 16 

Leicester 14 44 3 1 

Lima 23 53 36 

I ,ivonia 24 54 31 

Mt. Morris 31 88 64 

North Dansville. ..32 91 45 

Nunda 18 58 45 

I >ssian 6 30 7 

Portage 9 24 23 

Sparta 3 2 2 5 

Springwater 22 6r 52 

West Sparta 12 35 27 

York 23 59 51 

* These quotas are assessed with reference to all deficiencies or ex- 
cess undei pro 5 calls of years of service, reducing everythingto a 

threi years' basis,and representing the claim againsteach town Dec.19, 

1864. 



NORTH DANSVILLE. 



155 



CHAPTER XV. 
History of the Town of North Dansville. 

NORTH DANSVILLE was formed from Sparta, 
Feb. 27, 1846, and like the town to which it 
originally belonged,* and the village of the same 
name, derives its name (Dansville ) from Daniel P. 
Faulkner, an early settler, who, for a few years, was 
conspicuously prominent in its affairs, and was re- 
ferred to by Capt. Williamson, the agent of the 
Pultney estate, as the head of the settlement in 
1798. A part of Sparta was annexed in 1849. It 
lies upon the south border of the county, east of 
the center, and is bounded on the north by Sparta, 
on the east by Wayland, Steuben county, on the 
south by Dansville, Steuben county, and on the 
west by Ossian and West Sparta, in this county. 

It lies at the head of the Genesee Valley, or 
rather the flats so designated, which are terminated 
by the convergence of the east and west hills, 
whose summits rise to the height of six hundred 
to eight hundred feet above the valleys. These 
flats are continuous and mostly of uniform width 
from a point a few miles above Rochester to Mt. 
Morris, where they diverge from the Genesee, and 
gradually contracting, follow the course of Canase- 
raga creek to Dansville, where, after expanding 
and gradually rising in beautiful table lands, they 
are suddenly terminated by a succession of promon- 
tories overlooking the village, on one of which is 
located the beautiful Greenmount Cemetery, not 
unlike, in general appearance the equally beautiful 
Mt. Hope, at the northern terminus of the valley. 
They form in the immediate vicinity of the village 
a tract of some three thousand acres of choice lands, 
with a warm and productive soil. The hills, though 
steep, are generally tillable to their summits. 

Its streams are Canaseraga and Great and Little 
Mill creeks, which emerge through narrow gorges 
from the highlands in the south and east portions 
of the town. The latter two unite near the south- 
ern limits of the village, and discharge their united 
waters into the former near the west bounds of the 
village. They are small but rapid streams, making a 
descent of some sixty feet within a mile and a haif 
in the town, and furnish numerous mill seats and 
an abundant and constant water power, which is 
only partially utilized, though the manufacturing 

* It originally comprised the north-west quarter of township 6, range 6, 
of Phelps and Gotham's Purchase, and as such was set off from 
Dansville, Steuben county, and annexed to Sparta, Feb. i?, 1S22, its nat- 
ural affiliations with the inhabitants of Livingston county being greater 
than with those of Steuben county, from which it is in a measure barred 
by the conformation of the surface of the country. 



interests of the town equal, if they do not exceed, 
those of all other towns in the county combined. 

The Canaseraga enters the valley through a nar- 
row pass called " Pogue's Hole,"* through which, 
climbing along a steep aclivity, and then descend- 
ing to a level with the stream, passes the Hornells- 
ville road. On the opposite side from the road 
through the whole length of the pass, is a perpen- 
dicular ledge of rocks a hundred feet in height. 
Beyond this pass the valley widens out occasionally 
into small areas of intervale, but ranges of high- 
lands rise in near proximity on either hand. 

The town is wholly underlaid by the rocks of the 
Portage group. Quarries have been opened in 
both hills and valuable building and flagging stones 
obtained. A good quality of bituminous coal was 
recently discovered in the east hill, in a seam larger 
than is usual in tliislocality.f The soil in the valleys is 
mostly alluvion and superior bottom timbered lands, 
and these, with much of the hills,- where a mixture 
of clay and gravel prevails, produce excellent wheat. 
Fruit, especially grapes, thrives well upon the hill- 
sides. Upon the flats adjacent to the village, the 
nursery business has become an important indus- 
try, and engages the attention of various firms, 
among whom are E. H. Pratt, Sweet & Morey 
Bryant Bros., S. P. Williams, E. P. Clark, William 
Wilkinson, Uhl & Rhoner and Herndeen & Stone, 
besides several others who are less extensively en- 
gaged in it. 

The Erie and Genesee Valley railroad, extend- 
ing by its charter from Mt. Morris to Burns, ter- 
minates in this town at Dansville village; likewise 
the abandoned Dansville branch of the Genesee 
Valley canal. The canal, so far as State enter- 
prise was concerned, terminated at Faulkner's 
dam, a half mile from the business part of the vil- 
lage on Main street. To better accommodate the 
business of the village, in 1844 a branch canal, 
terminating within about thirty rods of Main street, 
was constructed by private enterprise, at a cost of 
about $6,000, though the project was attended with 
intense local excitement. The completion of the 
canal gave a great impetus to business, especially 
the lumber trade, which was immense for many 
years, the principal operators being Coleman, of 
Troy, William Hollister, H. Southwick, Peter 
Myers and B. R. Streety. The streets of the vil- 

* This name is variously spelled ; but we have adopted the 01 
phy of James McCurdy, who says it derives its name from Benjamin 
Kenyon, who located at Dansville village in i afte: ward in this 

narrow valley. "He was a desperate character," and was nicknamed 
"Capt. Pogue, signifying the devil." Recollections of James McCurdy, 
in the Dansville Advertiser ol v 

t See Subject of Geology, Chapter VIII. 



i56 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



lage were thronged with lumber teams from Per- 
kinsville, Wayland, Loon Lake and Ossian. In 
1836, there were sixty saw-mills within a circle of a 
tew miles of this place.* In 1S44 there were 10. 372 
barrels of salt brought here, on each of which a 
dollar was saved in the item of transportation 
charges as compared with former rates, t During 
the four years from 1841 to 1844, it is said that 
450 new buildings were erected in Dansville. + 

The citizens of Dansville were interested at an 
early day in the subject of railroads, for in 1S32 a 
charter was granted for the construction of a road 
from Rochester to Dansville ; § but for thirty-nine 
years they awaited the fruition of these early hopes. 
Ground was broken for the Erie and Genesee Val- 
ley railroad July 20, 1869, and the first passenger 
train rolled out of Dansville at 10:24 A - M - De- 
cember 12. 1 871. || 

The population of the town in 1880 was 4,181 ; 
the number of dwellings, 903 : and the number of 
families, 937. It is the most populous town in the 
county. In 1875 the population was 4,061 ; of 
whom 3,403 were natives. 658. foreigners; 4.054. 
white. 7. colored; 1,903, males, and 2.15S, fe- 
males. In area it is by far the smallest town in the 
county, and one of the smallest in the State. In 
1S75 it contained 4.425 acres;" of which 3.578 
were improved and 847 woodland. The cash 
value of farms was $406,100; of farm buildings 
other than dwellings, $46,300; of stock, $33,039; 
of tools and implements. $1 1.787. The amount 
of gross sales from farms in 1S74 was $32,898. 

There are six common school districts in the 
town. The number of children of school age re- 
siding in the districts Sept. 30, 1880, was 1.344. 
Daring the year nine teachers were employed at 
the same time; the number of children residing in 
the districts who attended school was 70S ; the 
average daily attendance during the year was 269 ; 
the number of volumes in district libraries was 232 ; 



• Gordons Gazetteer of Xevj York', In iS;c, the number had in- 
creased to ico within a circle of two miles. — The Dansville Advertiser 
of May 1, 1861. 

t History oj .' Vo. i, in The Journal of the Fair, to raise 

funds for the establishment of St. Patrick's School, Dansville, October 

J A O. Bunnell, in The Dansville A dvertiser of April 26, 1877. 

§ It has been erroneously stated that this was "the second railroad 
charter ever granted in this State." There were seventeen railroads 
chartered previous to 1S3:. and twenty-four in that year, six of which 
were prior to the "Dansville and Rochester." — State Engineer s Report 
on Railroads. 

A O. Bunnell, in The Dansville Advertiser of April 16. 1877. 

■ I he published Proceedings 0/ the Board of Su- 

pervisors of Livingston County in 1S70 state the number of acres to be 
5,560, the equalized assessed value .of which was $1,167,173, ot 
per acre, far exceeding, notwithstanding its diminutive size, any other 
town in the county. 



the value of which was $191; the number of 
school houses in 1877 was six, five frame and one 
brick, which, with the sites, embracing seventy- 
nine rods, valued at $575. were valued at $7,775 ; 
the assessed value of taxable property in the dis- 
tricts in 1877 was $1,794,523, and in 1880, 
$1,428,993. 

In 1877 there were 11 private schools, attended 
by 147 pupils. This sufficiently indicates the 
character of the public schools, which in the vil- 
lage are lamentably poor. 

The Indian village of Kanuskago or Ganuskago 
occupied the site of the present village of Dans- 
ville. Though it had once been a village of con- 
siderable magnitude and importance, it was nearly 
deserted when the first white settlers came in, only- 
fifteen or twenty huts then remaining, though 
several Indian families lingered in the neighbor- 
hood for several years.* Their presence here was 
of incalculable advantage to the first settlers ; for, 
says one of them, "we could hardly have lived here 
the first year had it not been for the Indians, who 
were exceedingly friendly.''t This beautiful anil 
romantic portion of the famed Genesee valley was a 
favorite haunt of theirs, and was regularly visited 
by them from their settlements on the Genesee 
during their annual hunting excursions, for these 
hills abounded in deer and other game, which were 
taken in large quantities. A favorite camping 
ground, says one of the oldest living pioneers, was 
on the deep gulch on the creek, at the upper end 
of the village, at what is now called the California 
House, as the bank, under which they built their 
huts, protected them from the win 

We have no means of knowing at how eaily a 
period this Indian village was established, though 
it has been supposed by modern writers to be of 
modern origin. It may have existed at the time 
of M. de Denonville's invasion in 1687, though 
no specific mention is made of it. That Governor, 
in his report of this expedition, regretted that 
sickness, extreme fatigue and uneasiness of the 
savages, prevented his visiting other villages. 
When we reflect that that expedition was directed 
especially against the Senecas, it is fair to presume 
that the villages referred to were Seneca villages. 
There are other circumstances, however, which 
incline to the supposition that its origin was either 
subsequent to that event, or that the Indians 

• Recollections of Conrad We'ch. a son of the pioneer Jacob Welch, 
in Turner's Pioneer History of Phelps and Gorhains Purchase, J59- 

t Recollections of James McCurdy, in The Dattsvi/le Advertiser of 
August 9, 

i Dansville as I found it, by Dr. James Faulkner, at the Pioneers' 
gathering at Dansville, Jan. n, 187J. 



NORTH DANSVILLE — EARLY SETTLERS. 



'57 



residing here, though it was denominated the "door 
of the Six Nations," in ''the most remote parts of 
the Senecas' country," did not hold important 
diplomatic relations with the English and French 
colonial governments. 

These Indians had an extensive burying ground, 
covering some two or three acres. The main 
street in Dansville village passes directly through 
it. Numerous remains and relics of this interest- 
ing people have been exhumed in making excava- 
tions in that part of the village adjacent to the 
public square. 

There is a tradition that before the Revolution 
a battle was fought on a hill a few miles distant 
from the village of Dansville between the Canisteo 
and Kanuskago Indians, in which a renowned 
chief of the latter tribe was killed. He was in- 
terred in this old burial place, near the site of the 
German Evangelical Lutheran church in Dansville 
village, which is said to occupy the site of an 
ancient Indian mound, and its pulpit to rest over 
the remains of a noted Indian chieftain. The spot 
where he fell was marked by a large excavation, 
made in the form of a man lying prostrate, with 
his arms extended, and was quite discernible when 
the first white settlers came here. It was near an 
Indian trail, and the depression was kept free from 
forest debris by the passing braves, who also reared 
to him a monument of loose stones, brought from 
a hill a mile distant, each as he passed casting 
upon the accumulating heap his tribute of affection, 
"after the manner of the ancient Caledonians." 
These stones are said to have remained in their 
monumental form until 1825, when they were used 
in the construction of the foundation walls of the 
edifice before referred to.* 

Local authorities do not entirely agree as to who 
was the first settler within the limits of the present 
town of North Dansville, and this is not surprising 
in view of the many territorial changes affecting it. 
It may not be possible at this day to definitely de- 
termine the fact ; yet, from inquiries made and a 
careful analysis of conflicting statements in reference 
to this matter, we see little reason to doubt that 
the credit rightly belongs to William McCartney, 
who was born in 1771, at Kirkcudbright, in the 
county and on the bay of the same name on the 
south coast of Scotland, whence he came to this 
country at the instance and as the clerk of Charles 
Williamson, on the latter's assuming the agency of 

* From Turner's Pioneer History of Phelps andGorham's Purchase* 
JS9> (note) which copies from the manuscript of W. H. C. Hosmer ; and 
contributions to the local press, especially fhe Dansville Advertiser of 
August 12, 1880. 



the Pultney estate. Reaching Philadelphia in 1791, 
early the following year he came to Bath, which 
Capt. Williamson made his home. Thence, after 
a few months, he came to Sparta, which then em- 
braced the present towns of Groveland, Spring- 
water, West Sparta and the major portion of Cone- 
sus, and subsequently North Dansville. In com- 
pany with Andrew Smith, who accompanied him 
from Scotland, he occupied a log-house erected by 
Capt. Williamson on the west bank of Canaseraga 
creek, on what is known as the McNair farm in 
West Sparta, three miles north of Dansville. Both 
McCartney and Smith were young single men, and 
there they kept bachelor's hall for about two years, 
when Smith, who was suffering from fever and ague, 
removed to and settled at Bath. McCartney moved 
further up the creek, and built on 209 acres purchased 
in 1793, on the flats in the locality of Comminsville, 
including that site, but lying mostly north-east of 
it, a log-house which stood about thirty rods east 
of the Canaseraga and about a hundred rods north 
of Comminsville. 

July 14, 1796, William McCartney married Mary 
McCurdy, (a step-daughter of Cornelius McCoy, 
the pioneer settler on the site of Dansville village,) 
who, says Dr. James Faulkner, is remembered as 
a girl and woman of great beauty. The ceremony, 
it is supposed, was performed by Rev. Samuel J. 
Mills, of Groveland, from whom the Millses of Mt. 
Morris are descended, who occasionally extended 
his labors in this direction at an early day. This 
was the first marriage contracted in the town. He 
continued to reside on his farm in this town till his 
death, February 9, 1831. He was one of the original 
members of the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, 
three miles north of Dansville, and one of its ruling 
elders. He was the recipient of various official 
trusts, irrespective of party. He was for twenty- 
seven years Supervisor of the town of Sparta, and 
for several years, during anti-masonic times, was 
the candidate of both parties. For a number of 
years he went to Canandaigua to attend the meet- 
ings of the board. He was for several years a Jus- 
tice of the Peace. He represented Ontario county 
in the Assembly in 1819, and declined a re-nomi- 
nation. He served on the Niagara frontier during 
the war of 1812. He was one of the most promi- 
nent pioneer settlers in this section. His wife sur- 
vived him many years. She died Sept. 5, 1864. 
They had thirteen children, eleven of whom lived 
to maturity, and most of whom settled in this 
locality. Six are still living: — Maria, wife of 
Charles R. Kern, Hugh, Matthew and Sarah A., a 



iss 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COL'NTY. 



maiden lady, in I )ansville village ; David, in Ster- 
ling, 111.; and James F., in Dansville, Steuben 
count}-. 

It is generally conceded that Cornelius McCoy, 
familiarly called " Neal" MCoy, made the first set- 
tlement on the site of the village of Dansville, and 
it is also urged that he was the first settler in the 
town, which is probably true of the quarter section 
of three miles square which originally composed it. 

Cornelius McCoy was a native of the North of 
Ireland and married in county Antrim, Mary Mc- 
Curdy, whose first husband, John McCurdy, died in 
1784. The McCurdys were natives of Scotland. 
In 1788, soon after his marriage, McCoy immi- 
grated to this country with his wife, two step-sons — 
David and James McCurdy — and a step-daughter, 
named Mary McCurdy, who contracted the first 
marriage in the town with William McCartney. 
They landed at Wilmington, Delaware, in the 
spring of that year, and proceeded to Buffalo Val- 
ley, Northumberland county, Penn., where they 
resided seven years. In June, 1795, they removed 
thence to this town, locating in the south-west part 
of the village of Dansville. Our route from Penn- 
sylvania, says, the late James McCurdy, " was 
through a wilderness most of the way until we 
reached Painted Post in this State. There we 
found a store and tavern. Mr. Thomas McBurney 
settled there about that time. Twelve miles from 
there we found Mr. Tolbert located at the mouth 
of Mud creek. At Bath the principal settlers were 
Capt. Charles Williamson, Andrew Smith, Dugald 
Cameron and Daniel Cruger, senior, tavern-keeper. 
Eight miles from there Mr. Thomas McWhorter had 
settled at a place now called Avoca ; at Liberty, 
Mr. Bevins; at Blood's Corners, Mr. Hooker. 
From there to Havens's through the Springwater 
valley there was no settlement. The object of our 
coming this roundabout way was, there was no 
wagon road by what is now the ordinary road to 
Bath."* The journey from Painted Post occupied 
five days. The first night they stayed at Bath ; the 
second they encamped in the woods near Liberty 
Corners, in the the town of Cohocton ; the third 
was also spent in the woods, near the Conesus 
Lake inlet ; the fourth at Darling Havens's, in the 
present town of Sparta ; and by the fifth they 
had reached their destination. There was then a 
small surveyor's hut where Conrad Welch after- 
wards resided, on Ossian street. "At this time 
there was no white inhabitant in what is now the 

* Reminiscences of James McCurdy, in the Dansville Advertiser of 
August 9, 1877. 



town of Dansville ; on the south, none nearer than 
Arkport." 

McCoy took up the half of a 300 acre lot, the first 
lot, says Dr. James Faulkner, surveyed in this locality. 
"The first summer," says Mr. McCurdy, " we or 
most of the family had the fever and ague, but in the 
fall of the first summer, my step-father, McCoy, and 
myself made out to chop logs enough to build a 
log-cabin 18 feet by 14, which we thought a very 
large house ; the next thing was in our opinion the 
hardest part of all about our log-cabin, that was to 
get it raised. But we found no trouble in that, as 
we gave notice of our raising day. We had hands 
enough and more than we wanted, for the hands 
came mostly the day before, and we got our build- 
ing up and shingled in one day with basswood bark 
which we had prepared in the summer."* This 
log-house stood near a fine spring a little north of 
the residence of the widow of David McNair, (a 
grand- daughter of McCoy's wife,) on land now 
owned by Mrs. Alexander Fdwards. A second 
log-house, clap-boarded, and standing nearer the 
road, was afterwards built and occupied by the 
family. It stood until about 1870, and was then 
taken down. Here McCoy resided till his death, 
which occurred May 8, 1809. at the age of 46 
years. His wife survived him many years. She 
died in 1835, in her 93rd year. She had only one 
child by her second marriage — a daughter, who 
died in infancy. 

During the first winters they needed no hay as 
the cattle preferred rushes which were abundant 
along the Canaseraga, which gave it the name of 
Rushbottom. Of these rushes, Mr. McCurdy says, 
the cattle were extremely fond; they grew as much 
in one winter, he says, as in two summers; horses 
did well on them in the winter, but not in the 
spring. There was no grist-mill nearer than the 
outlet of Conesus lake. This family and others 
purchased meat of the Indians, at a settled price. 
The rate of exchange with this family was settled 
by Mrs. McCoy. * * The price of a good 

hind quarter of venison was two pumpions, six 
turnips, or two quarts of Indian meal. This was 
so perfectly understood, and so satisfactory to both 
parties, that there was no demurring: the Indian 
threw down his venison and took his pumpions or 
turnips without speaking, and all was right. 

The McCurdys — David and James — step-sons of 
McCoy, were young lads when they came here in 
1795, being aged respectively sixteen and thirteen 
years. They took up the remaining half of the lot 

• Miniature of Dansville Village, J. W. Clark. 



NORTH DANSVILLE — EARLY SETTLERS. 



'59 



on which McCoy settled. The latter, at his death, 
gave one-half of his farm to his nephew, James D. 
McCurdy, who, says Dr. James Faulkner, was 
called "Little Jimmy," to distinguish him from 
James McCurdy, McCoy's step-son, who, for a 
like reason, was called "Big Jimmy." The other 
half went to McCoy's wife. David McCurdy after- 
wards settled in Ossian, and about 1825-30 removed 
to Indiana, where he became very wealthy. He 
died there in the fall of 1859, aged eighty years. 
James McCurdy, his brother, who was born in the 
parish of Billy, county Antrim, Ireland, May 10, 
1782, married May 3 ; 1808, Sarah Gray, a native 
of Lancaster, Penn., her father having been one of 
the pioneer settlers of Almond, Allegany county. 
He succeeded to the homestead farm, eventually 
acquiring the whole original 300 acres, and both 
he and his wife resided there till their death. They 
became one of the wealthiest and most respected 
families in the town. Mr. McCurdy was Super- 
visor for many years. He died November 16, 
1864, and his wife, February 5, 1S64. They had 
nine children, seven of whom — four sons and three 
daughters — lived to maturity. They all settled in 
this locality, and all are now living in this town, 
viz: — William G., Mary Ann, wife of Samuel Stur- 
geon; Margaret, widow of David McNair; John; 
Hugh F.j Elizabeth G, wife of Alexander Edwards, 
and James. 

Several families moved into the town during this 
and the two succeeding years, among whom were 
Amariah Hammond, Alexander Fullerton, David 
Sholl, the Faulkners, the Porters, the Van De- 
Venters, Samuel Stillwell and Thomas Macklen. 

Amariah Hammond came here in 1795 on a 
prospecting tour, and "during his first visit to this 
place slept two nights under a pine tree, on premises 
which he afterwards purchased. ' I put a bell on 
my horse,' said he, ' that he might not stray beyond 
hearing;' but it was unnecessary, as the horse 
came as often as every hour to where he lay and dis- 
turbed his sleep ; the horse seemed sensible of his 
lonely situation, and fearful in view of it."* He 
took up land on the main road to Geneseo, about 
three-fourths of a mile from the center of the vil- 
lage, where Henry Hammond now resides, and 
during that season put up a log house, into which 
he removed his family from Bath the following 
April. His family consisted of his wife and infant 
child, who made the journey on horseback. 

Mr. Hammond afterwards acquired that portion 
of the Fullerton farm lying east of Main street. 

• Miniature of Dansville Village. 



He was the successful farmer of North Dansville, 
and though uneducated, was sagacious and made 
money and became influential. He was the first 
Supervisor of the town of Dansville, which was 
formed in March, 1 796. Mr. Hammond used to re- 
late as one of the embarrassing incidents of pioneer 
life, that when his first grass needed cutting he had 
to go to Tioga Point to get scythes. He pur- 
chased two, which, with the expenses of the jour- 
ney, cost him eleven dollars. He continued to 
reside where he first settled till his death. He was 
born June 24, 1773, and died November 5, 1850. 
He was twice married. His first wife, named 
Catherine, died May 3, 1798, aged twenty-two. 
His second wife, named Elsie, died April 26, 1842, 
aged sixty-seven. Mrs. Fannie Bradner, of Dans- 
ville, widow of Lester Bradner, is a daughter of 
his, and the only one of the children left here. 
Another daughter became the wife of the venerable 
Dr. James Faulkner, who is still living in Dans- 
ville, in his ninety-second year. 

Lazarus Hammond, a brother of Amariah Ham- 
mond, came here soon after him and lived in a log 
house below him till 1806, when he sold to Har- 
man H. Harttnan, who came here from Pennsyl- 
vania about that year. Lazarus Hammond was 
the first Clerk of the town of Dansville. Harttnan 
died here June 1, 181 1, aged 53. He left numer- 
ous descendants, principally in Dansville and its 
vicinity. 

Alexander Fullerton, who was born of Scotch 
parents in Chester county, Pennsylvania, removed 
thence to this town and located in the north part 
of the village, near the residence of Jonathan B. 
Morey. He also sold to Harman H. Hartman 
and removed to the town of Sparta, where he died. 
He was something of a military character in his 
native county, and was the father of Gen. \Vm. S. 
Fullerton, of Sparta, who represented Livingston 
county in the Assembly in 1846-7. 

David Sholl came here from Pennsylvania like 
many of the pioneer settlers. He was a mill- 
wright and was engaged in that capacity by Capt. 
Williamson. He built the first saw-mill and grist- 
mill in Dansville for the Pultney estate, the former 
in 1795 and the latter in 1796.* The saw-mill, 
says one authority, stood on the site of the plan- 
ing-mill belonging to the Jesse Angell estate, and 
operated by Geo. W. DeLong. It went to decay 
many years ago — about 1824-6. The grist-mill 
occupied the site of the Readshaw mill, on the 
corner of Gibson and Main streets. It was burned 

• French's Gazetteer of the State of Xe.v York. 



i6o 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



soon after, before it was entirely finished,* but 
was immediately rebuilt by Slioll. The frame of 
the second structure is a part of the present one, 
which was enlarged to its present size by Benj. F. 
Readshaw, the present proprietor. Sholl was 
living in 1797 in a pine plank house, opposite the 
Readshaw grist-mill, which he afterwards pur- 
chased. He was a man of moderate capacity, but 
industrious and careful. He disposed of the mill 
property to Nathaniel Rochester and afterwards 
removed to Mt. Morris, where he built the pioneer 
grist-mill of that town. He subsequently went to 
Michigan, where he died. 

Solomon Feustermacher was born at Northamp- 
ton, Perm., April 1, 1789, and came here from that 
State in 1805. Says a local writer: "He built 
'Solomon's temple,' a large three-story building, 
the largest structure in Livingston county at that 
time, and so a great curiosity. Himself and his 
brother Isaac built a great part of early Dansville." 
He died Feb. 5, 185 1. 

There were three Faulkners f — brothers — Daniel 
P., Samuel and James. The former, if not the 
most worthy, seems to have been the most active 
and enterprising. Daniel P. and James Faulkner 
came here from Milton, Northumberland county, 
Pa., in 1795. The former, who brought with him 
$10,000, the proceeds of the sale of lands on the 
present site of Troupsburgh, Steuben county, pur- 
chased, in conjunction with three others, the west 
half of township No. 6, range 6, (including the 
original town of North Dansville,) and infused into 
the budding settlement an energy and enthusiasm 
characteristic of the man. 

Daniel P. Faulkner settled on the site of the 
First National Bank of Dansville, and there erect- 
ed a plank house. With his acquisitions of land in 
this neighborhood he also became the owner of a 
saw-mill, which stood on the site of the well-curb 
factory about a mile above the Readshaw grist 
mill. He was lavish of his money and not a 
prudent business man. He possessed a taste for 
military display, and organized and became captain 
of a grenadier company numbering thirty men, 
whom he gaily uniformed at his own expense,:}: and 
" so beautiful a company," says a contemporary of 
his, " I [have] never seen since." This was Dans- 



* Turner says : "'1 lie mill was burned clown soon after 1S00, after 
which, before rebuilding, the neighborhood had to go to Bosley's mills,'' 
at the foot of Conesus Lake. Pioneer History of Phelps &? Gotham s 
Purchase, _^s s . 

t For a more extended account of the Faulkner family, and esp i til) 
of Dr. James Faulkner, see biographical sketch of the latter at tin I lose 
of this . ha 

t Statement of liis nephew, Dr. James Faulkner of Dansville. 



ville's first military company, and was highly cred- 
itable to the infant settlement and the enterprise of 
its ambitious projector. Mr. Faulkner brought the 
first store goods to Dansville by sleigh from Albany. 
Hut his injudicious enterprise was terminated by 
his failure in 1798. He then returned to Pennsyl- 
vania. He came back, however, in 1802, ami died 
in the frame house erected on the site of his plank 
one by his brother Samuel, who came here from 
Washington county in 1797. This village and two 
towns perpetuate his name. 

James Faulkner was an educated man and a 
graduate of Rush College, and was the pioneer 
physician of Dansville. He was, says McMaster, 
" an eminent physician, and a public man of saga- 
city and eccentricity." He lived near the Roches- 
ter paper-mill, built in 1809-10, and erected there 
in the fall of 1796 what is supposed to have been 
the first frame house in town, though there is doubt 
about this, as the frame house built by Cristopher 
Van DeVenter was erected about the same time. 
Neither of these were immediately finished, how- 
ever, it appears. Robert S. Faulkner, proprietor 
of a feed store in Dansville is a son of his. 

Samuel Faulkner, who, as we have said, came 
here in 1797, bought several village lots of his 
brother Daniel P. Faulkner. He built for his resi- 
dence a two-story frame house which stood a little 
south of the Clinton house, near the vacant spot 
south of that house. It was the first frame house 
in the village that was finished. In this he com- 
menced keeping tavern in the fall of 1797. It 
has been erroneously stated that he was the pioneer 
tavern keeper of Dansville. He was preceded, 
though but a short time, by John Van De Venter, 
who kept tavern in a small one-story plank house 
with two rooms, which occupied the site of Grant's 
store, across the way from the National Bank. 
This house of Faulkner's was destroyed by fire in 
the winter of 1 79S, and nearly everything in it con- 
sumed. Mr. F'aulkner then removed to the Daniel 
1'. Faulkner residence, on the site of the National 
Bank, where he also kept tavern till 1801, when he 
removed to Geneseo and there continued that vo- 
cation till his death May 3, 1805. He had only 
two children — Jonathan Dorr and James. The 
former was an officer in the Commissary Depart- 
ment during the war of 181 2, with the rank of 
captain, and died in LeRoy in 18 15, from disease 
contracted by exposure in the army. James was 
an early physician and a prominent business man 
in Dansville during nearly the whole period of its 
existence, and is still a resident of that village. 



NORTH DANSVILLE — EARLY SETTLERS. 



161 



Capt. Nathaniel and William Porter, brothers, 
came here from New Jersey, under the auspices of 
Daniel P. Faulkner, in 1796. Nathaniel died the 
following year in a log house known as the " Cas- 
tle." It stood a little west of the German Lutheran 
church in Dansville village, and is supposed to have 
been built by the surveyors. All the early settlers 
in the vicinity of the village occupied it tempora- 
rily. Capt. Porter's death, which occurred March 
12, 1797, at the age of 54, is said to have been 
the first in the town. This is probably the fact, as 
it is the earliest date preserved by the monuments 
in the village cemeteries. At least three others 
died the same year.* Capt. Porter's wife — Char- 
ity — died March 19, 1813, aged 64. They had a 
large family — James, the pioneer blacksmith, Peter, 
John, Matthew, William, David C. and Richard 
were sons of theirs, and all were then young men. 
One of their daughters was the wife of Daniel P. 
Faulkner ; a second became the wife of her cousin, 
Richard Porter, son of William Porter; a third, the 
wife of Frederick Covert ; and a fourth, of James 
Koogan. Not one of them is living ; the last, 
David C, died in the fall of 1879, aged over 90. 
William Porter, brother to Nathaniel, settled where 
Matthias Kershner now lives, on the south line of 
the corporation of Dansville, and died there March 
11, 18 16, aged 77. Ann, his wife, died in Novem- 
ber, 1798, aged 54. 

Christopher Van De Venter was another of the 
New Jersey settlers. He came in 1796, and settled 
in the village, where Charles Shepard now lives. 
He died of the Genesee fever, August 25, 1798, 
aged 67. He was the pioneer tanner, and built the 
first tannery on a small stream at the point where it 
crosses Perine street. His sons likewise were all 
tanners. They were John, Isaac and Christopher. 
John opened the first tavern in town, on the site 
of Timothy B. Grant's hardware store, opposite the 
National Bank, and kept it till his death,! which 
occurred Dec. 31, 1797, at the age of 27. 

Samuel Stillwell settled first in North Dansville, 
but afterwards removed to Sparta, where he was a 
Justice of the Peace for a number of years. 

Thomas Macklen, a Scotchman, who came from 
New Jersey, following the Faulkners, previous to 
1797 — probably one of the New Jersey settlers of 
1796. He was the first school teacher, and taught 
here as early as 1798. The pioneer school house 

•These were Ann, daughter of RichardW. Porter, Aug. jo, 1797, aged 
J; John Van De Venter, Dec, 31, 1797, aged 27; and Catharine, wife ot 
the latter, Sept. 12, 1797, aged is- 

t Statement of Dr. James Faulkner, who is unquestionably the best 
living authority, and who would not be likely to bestow upon another an 
honor which others have conferred on his father. 



stood on the road to Geneseo, about a mile north 
of the center of the village of Dansville, just below 
and on the opposite side of the residence of Henry 
Hartman. Mr. Macklen was Dr. James Faulkner's 
first school teacher. In the winter of 1798, says 
the latter gentleman, "he had ten or twelve schol- 
ars. Gaylord had ten or twelve scholars in 1799.'' 
Macklen bought a farm on the Canisteo road, 
about three miles from Dansville village, in the 
town of Dansville, Steuben county. He married 
into the McCurdy family, and taught school here 
for many years. He died April 22, 1822, aged 54. 
Alexander Rea, a surveyor, was an early teacher 
here, but for only a short period. He was then a 
young single man, and made his home at the tavern 
of Samuel Faulkner in Dansville. He married a 
sister of Horatio Jones, the distinguished Indian 
interpreter, and was for many years engaged in 

j surveying for the Holland Company. He was a 
Member of Assembly from the joint counties of 
Allegany, Geneseo and Ontario in 1807 ; a State 

! Senator from the Western district in 1808-11 ; and 
Jan. 27, 1809, was appointed a member of the 
Council of Appointment. 

Other early settlers in North Dansville previous 
to 1800 were Jacob Welch, Jacob Martz, Geo. 
Shirey, Frederick Barnhart, Wm. and Jno. Phenix, 
James Logan, Jared Irwin and Wm. Perine, and 
among the first, but in what year they came we do 
not know, were Jonathan Rowley, John Haas, 
Thomas McWhorter, Samuel Shannon, James 
Harrison, Daniel Hamsher, Matthew Dorr, and 
Oliver Warren, a nephew of Dr. Warren, of Revo- 
lutionary memory. The Fronks were also early 
settlers. One, a son of the pioneer, is still living 
on the crest of the east hill, aged 97 years. 

William Perine, who served in the Pennsylvania 
line during the Revolution, came from Cambridge, 
Washington county, in 1797, and located at the 
ancient village of Williamsburgh. Two years after, 
in 1799, he removed to Dansville, and settled at 
the foot of the east hill, at the head of Perine 
street, which derives its name from him. He took 
up three sections and sold out at a small advance 
all but about 150 acres, which has since been 
known as the Perine tract. The house standing 
on Health street, facing Perine street, was the 
Perine homestead. It is now owned by the heirs 
of his grand-daughter, the late Mrs. Charles S. 
Hall, who died four years ago. Mr. Perine was a 
farmer by occupation, and continued to reside 
there till his death in 1847, at the advanced age of 
93 years. He had ten children, only one of whom 



162 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



is left — Peter Perine, of Dansville, wlio is 81 years 
old. He is a native of Dansville, and is believed 
to be the oldest native resident of the town. He 
is the father of Dr. Francis M. Perine, of Dansville. 
William I'erine's children mostly settled in this 
locality, but many of them subsequently scattered 
over the Western States. His sons William and 
Robert continued to reside in the vicinity till their 
death, the former for a time in I lansville, Steuben 
county, and the latter in West Sparta. Mrs. Rob- 
ert Thompson, of Dansville was a daughter of his. 
The family evinced remarkable longevity, all the 
children living to be from 75 to 85 years old, 
except one, who died of pneumonia at the age 
of 40. 

Jonathan Rowley was an early landlord in Dans- 
ville. He erected for a tavern the first brick house 
in the village,* and died here childless July 22, 

1833, a g ed 6o - 

Col. Nathaniel Rochester, though not as early a 
settler as many, was a prominent character during 
the short period of his stay here and gave a great 
impulse to the commercial and manufacturing 
interests of the village. As early as 1800, he, in 
company with Charles Carroll and Col. William 
Fitzhugh, all of Hagerstown, Maryland, visited this 
country in quest of an eligible town site contiguous 
to a water power. Rochester took up his residence 
in Dansville in 1809, and purchased a large tract 
of land, embracing most of the water power within 
the village, including the mills built by Daniel 
Sholl for the Pultney estate. He added to the 
other mills a paper mill, which was the pioneer of its 
kind in Western New York. In 1S14 he disposed 
of his property in Dansville, in part to Rev. Chris- 
tian Endress, of Easton, I'enn.. and in part to 
Jacob Opp, from the same place. Mr. Endress 
resided in Dansville but a year, when he returned 
and resumed charge of a German Lutheran church 
at Easton ; but two of his sons, Judge Isaac L. and 
Dr. Samuel L. Endress, were for many years dis- 
tinguished residents of Dansville. He sold his 
Dansville property, a tract of land and the paper- 
mill, to Dr. James Faulkner. He died in Lan- 
caster, Penn., in 1827. Jacob Opp's purchase, which 
embraced the present Readshaw mill and site, was 
made in January, 1814, and in May of that year 
he moved his family here from Easton. He con- 
tinued his interest in the mill property till about 
1840, and died in Dansville in 1847, aged 84 years. 
Henry B. Opp is the only one of his family left 
here. 

• Pioneer History vf riielps and GorhanCi Purchase, 3&o- 



This town was for some years the place of resi- 
dence of Major Moses Van Campen, a character 
whose eventful life, replete with daring enterprises 
and thrilling adventures, has made his name familiar 
in all this section of country, and associated him 
with such notorious frontiersmen as Daniel Boone, 
Simon Girty, Lew Wet/el, Kenton, Timothy or 
"Big Loot" Murphy anil others of that ilk. During 
his residence here he lived in the house now oc- 
cupied by [ohn Schubmehl, which was removed 
from the site of the Star blacksmith shop on 
Ossian street ; and here he buried his second wife, 
Mary, the widow of Jonathan Stout, who died 
March 8, 1845, aged 78. A narrative of the life 
of this remarkable man was published in 1842, and 
from it the following facts were mainly condensed. 

Moses Van Campen was the oldest of ten chil- 
dren, whose father was Cornelius Van Campen, a 
respectable farmer of Hunterdon county, N. J., 
where Moses was born Jan. 21, 1757. His mother, 
whose name was Depue, was descended from a 
family of French Protestants, who tied from re- 
ligious persecution at home to find refuge in the 
State of Pennsylvania, to which State his father 
moved soon after Moses' birth, to land purchased 
on the Delaware, a little above the famous Water 
Gap, whose charming scenery has since filled with 
admiration numberless travelers. He early be- 
came expert in the use of the rifle; and by his 
father's removal in 1773,10 atract of land on Fish- 
ing creek, eight miles above its mouth, he was 
brought in contact with the Indians, who came 
from the waters of the Genesee, and hunted for 
weeks at a time in this region, which abounded 
with deer, wild turkey and other game. He thus 
acquired a familiarity with Indian character, and 
an experience which fitted him lor the distinguished 
services rendered in the impending struggle of the 
Revolution. 

In 1776, Van Campen was appointed ensign in 
a regiment raised in Northumberland county, de- 
signed to join the Continental army under Wash- 
ington, who was then stationed in the vicinity of 
Boston, but he was prevailed on to resign his com- 
mission and remain on the frontier, where it was 
thought his services could be more advantageously 
used. He accordingly joined the regiment of Col. 
John Kelly, which was ordered up the river to 
Reid's Fort, opposite Big Island, from which point 
scouting parties were sent out to gain information 
of the movements of the Indians. In 1778 he was 
appointed Lieutenant of a company of six months' 
men raised for the protection of the frontier. With 



NORTH DANSVILLE— MOSES VAN CAMPEN. 



163 



twenty men he went up the north branch of the 
Susquehanna and erected a fort, to which the peo- 
ple might rly in case of danger; and scarcely was 
it finished before it was attacked, but the defense 
was so effectual that the Indians were compelled to 
retire. A month later, in May, the attack was re- 
newed. Van Campen shot the leader and the 
assailants retired in a panic. Various exciting 
events occurred during the year, among which was 
the capture of a band of lurking tories in a bar- 
ricaded log house, by Van Campen and five men. 

In 1779, Van Campen was assigned to the army 
under Gen. Sullivan, and during the preparations 
of that officer for the campaign which was so im- 
portant in its results in this section of country, he 
was arduously engaged in the capacity of Quarter- 
master in the collection and distribution of military 
stores. 

In 1780, Van Campen was taken prisoner by a 
party of Indians who invaded the vicinity of his 
old home on Fishing creek, and killed his father, 
a little brother, an uncle and cousin. He was 
bound, and by assuming an indifference he did not 
feel, caused the savages to desist tormenting him. 
He was soon after joined by another captive 
named Pike, whose wife and child was spared and 
reported the news at Wyoming on the 30th of 
March. On the journey they passed a spot where 
five Indians had been killed by two captives named 
Hammond and Bennett, the former of whom was 
an uncle of Amariah and Lazarus Hammond, early 
settlers in this town. They were afterwards joined 
by another captive named Peter Pence. Van 
Campen and his fellow-prisoners concerted a plan 
of escape, the origin and execution of which, 
mainly, were due to the former. It was arranged 
that Pike and Van Campen should use tomahawks, 
and Pence such guns as he was able to seize. 
About midnight, Van Campen cut the cords which 
bound himself and companions with a kniie drop- 
ped by one of the savages, and which he had dex- 
terously concealed with his foot. The guns and 
other weapons were removed. Just as they were 
ready to strike, two of the savages assigned to Pike 
to dispatch awoke, and were getting up. Pike 
proved a coward; but at this critical juncture Van 
Campen killed these two, and turning to the 
three assigned to him killed them before they were 
aroused. Just then Pence used the rifles with 
good effect, killing four. The only remaining one 
started up with a bound and went for a gun. Van 
Campen pursued and intercepted him, striking him 
in the back of the neck with a tomahawk, aimed at 



his head. The Indian fell, and Van Campen 
slipped and fell also. The two clinched and strug- 
gled for the mastery, till Van Campen, while under 
the Indian, succeeded in getting his toes in the 
latter's belt, and threw him off. They rose togeth- 
er, and the Indian escaped by taking to the woods. 

Years after Van Campen was visited by this 
same Indian, whose name was Mohawk, and who 
exhibited the scar from the ugly wound inflicted 
on his neck. 

In 1 78 1, Van Campen was again made a Lieu- 
tenant, and in the fall his company was sent in con- 
junction with other troops to guard prisoners at 
Reading. In the spring of 1782, he returned with 
his company to Northumberland, and from thence 
marched to Muncy, where he built a fort. While 
on a scout up the river with twenty men, he was 
surprised by a Tory, named Nellis, at the head of 
eighty-five Indians. A desperate fight ensued, in 
which nine of Van Campen's men were killed. 
Three escaped and the rest were made prisoners. 
These, Van Campen among the number, after a 
consultation among the Indians, in which it was 
decided that enough blood had been shed, were 
taken to Caneadea, on the Genesee, to the old 
council-house which now adorns the grounds of 
Hon. Wm. P. Letchworth, at Glen Iris, at the 
upper falls of the Genesee. Van Campen was 
deeply solicitous lest it should be discovered that 
he was the one who had killed so many when pre- 
viously captured. At Pigeon Woods, on the upper 
Genesee, he was for the first time accosted by 
Capt. Horatio Jones, who, himself a prisoner, 
quietly informed him that he and another, a Dutch- 
man named Housen, were the only ones who knew 
of his former exploit, and doubtless saved Van 
Campen's life by a timely admonition to Housen. 

At Caneadea, the captives were compelled to 
run the gauntlet, a common mode of Indian pun- 
ishment, and one which sealed the fate of many a 
weary captive. The distance to be run was forty 
yards : the goal of safety, the door of the council- 
house; but to reach it they had to pass between 
two lines of men, women and children, armed with 
knives, hatchets, sticks, stones, or any other con- 
venient offensive weapon, each of whom was at 
liberty to strike as often and severely as he or she 
pleased until the goal was reached, when all fur- 
ther demonstration ceased until the chiefs in coun- 
cil decided on the ultimate fate of the captive ; and 
so highly was personal valor and bravery esteemed 
in a foe by these untutored savages, that the man- 
ner in which the prisoner bore himself during this 



164 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



ordeal often affected the final judgment as to his 
fate. 

Just before the word was given, Van Campen 
saw two young squaws with whips in their hands 
coming leisurely from the village to join in the 
sport. He was as active in mind as in body, and 
at once decided to make them the objects of his 
especial interest. When the word " joggo" was 
given he directed his course toward them, avoid- 
ing as best he could the blows aimed at him by the 
motley assailants. He passed swiftly over the in- 
tervening distance, though his hands were tied, 
and just before he reached the two who awaited 
with upraised whips, he gave a quick spring, and 
by two well-directed blows with his feet, sent them 
sprawling on the sod, himself falling with them. 
Regaining his feet, he again started for the goal, 
which he reached in safety. This piece of strategy, 
skillfully executed, so delighted the chiefs, that they 
rolled upon the ground convulsed with laughter ; it 
won for Van Campen a light judgment. 

In company with other captives he was taken to 
Fort Niagara, when he was adopted into the family 
of Col. Butler, to make good the loss of his son, 
who was killed on the Mohawk. The Indians soon 
after required intelligence from Mohawk himself of 
Van Campen's former exploit in the massacre of 
his captors, and sharply interrogated Capt. Jones, 
who had been long enough a prisoner to gain their 
confidence and esteem, as to his knowledge of the 
fact ; but he concealed his knowledge with evasive 
answers. They resolved however to punish Van 
Campen. They repaired to Niagara and demanded 
him of Col. Butler, promising fourteen other pris- 
oners in his stead. Col. Butler sent an adjutant to 
ascertain the facts, and after some hesitation Van 
Campen boldly related them ; but he at the same 
time claimed protection as a prisoner of war. Col. 
Butler proposed, as the price of his freedom, 
that he accept a commission in the British army, 
a proposition which was subsequently renewed 
by the wife of a British officer, who proved to be a 
former acquaintance and school-mate. But the 
brave Van Campen, though remembering the cruel 
fate of Lieut. Boyd on the Genesee flats, indignant- 
ly spurned the offer, saying, " No, sir, no ! Give me 
the stake, the tomahawk or the knife, sooner than 
a British commission." He was placed on board a 
vessel and sent to Montreal. After a few months 
imprisonment he was paroled, and returned to 
Northumberland in January, 1783. 

In the spring he was exchanged. He again 
entered the service and was sent to take charge of 



a fort at VVilkesbarre, where he remained for some 
time after peace was declared, to protect the fron- 
tier from the still hostile Indians. He received 
before leaving the service a Major's commission. 

S i after being relieved from military duty he 

married a daughter of James McClure, a wealthy 
farmer of Northumberland. In 1 795 he removed 
to Angelica, and being a surveyor, was for some 
years employed in that capacity by Capt. William- 
son and Philip Church. In 1807 he was appointed 
Judge of Allegany county. He was Treasurer of 
that county by appointment fifteen years ; and was 
Loan Commissioner till 183 1. when he removed to 
Dansville village. He participated in the cere- 
monies attending the removal of the remains of Lt. 
Boyd and his unfortunate comrades, who were cut 
down by the Indians in the ambuscade in Grove- 
land, Sept. 13, 1779, and in a few words surren- 
dered their honored remains for re-interment in 
Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester. He returned to 
Angelica soon after the death of his wife, and died 
there Oct. 15, 1849, at the ripe age of 92 years and 
9 months. 

Town Officers. — The first town meeting was 
held at the house of G. C. Taylor, on Tuesday, 
April 7, 1846, and the following officers elected : — 
Sidney Sweet, Supervisor ; Peter S. Lema, Clerk ; 
Thomas Roming, Joseph Enos and John Haas, 
Justices ; Aaron Brown, Ebenezer B. Brace and 
Thomas Roming, Assessors ; Cyrus Jones, John 
Hartman and Benjamin Stone, Commissioners of 
Highways; Bleeker L. Hovey, Superintendent of 
Common Schools ; John C. Williams, Solomon 
Hubbard and Geo. G. Wood, Inspectors of Flec- 
tion ; Jason H. Stone, and Jarvis T. Beach, Over- 
seers of the Poor ; Wm. Mc Vicar, Collector ; Wm. 
McVicar, Gabriel Shult, Harmon Howe, Consta- 
bles ; John Smith " of Lyons," Sealer ;* Joseph 
Kidd, Wm. Curtiss, Paul Knouse, Thomas Mc- 
Whorter, Merritt Brown, Henry Hartman, Mat- 
thew Porter, Jr., Isaac Dexter, Samuel Fisk, Wm. 
Kershner, J. T. Lewis, Seth Foster, Conrad Welch. 
David Shult, Wm. Foote and Cyrus B. Cook, Path- 
masters. 

The following have been the Supervisors and 
Clerks from 1S46 to 1880: — 

Supervisors. Clerks. 

1846-7. Sidney Sweet. Peter S. Lema. 
1848-9. " Charles A. Thompson. 

1850. John Goundry. C. E. Lamport.! 

1851. Henry Hartman. O. T. Crane. 

"Though this officer was elected in 184ft, not until 185 J was the Super- 
visor authorized to procure the proper standards of weights and mea lures 
1 1 1. T. 1 Irane was appointed < llerk, Nov. 3, 1850, vice Lamport resigned. 



VILLAGE OF DANS VILLE — OFFICERS. 



165 



1852. 
1853-4. 

1855-8. 

1859-61. 

1862. 

1863-4. 

1865-6. 

1867-9. 

1S70. 

1871-2. 

1873- 

1874-5- 
1876-8. 

1879. 



E. B. Brace.* O. T. Crane. 

Alonzo Bradner. " 

Matthew Porter, Jr., Timothy B. Grant. 

Joseph \V. Smith. " 

Lester B. Faulkner, t " 

Samuel D. Faulkner. " 

Joseph W. Smith. " 

John A. Vanderlip. " 

" Thomas E. Gallagher. 

Jas. Faulkner, Jr. James Krein. 

J. J. Bailey. 

Le Grand Snyder. 



Geo. 
L. B. 



A. Sweet. 
Faulkner. 



C. Joseph Wirth. 
Le Grand Snyder. 



Dansvili.e. 



Dansville is a handsome, thriving and enterpris- 
ing village of 3,632 inhabitants, beautifully situated 
at the head of the Genesee Valley, and deriving a 
valuable water power from the streams flowing 
through and adjacent to it. It is not only the 
most populous village in the county, but its com- 
merce and manufactures far exceed any other. It 
contains many fine business blocks and private 
residences, which add to the attractiveness of its 
handsomely shaded streets. It has a goodly sup- 
ply of churches, which are well supported ; but is 
sadly deficient in the matter of public schools, a 
defect, however, which is in a measure compen- 
sated for by excellent private schools. The main 
street runs parallel with and at the base of the east 
hill, which rises above it with a good deal of ab- 
ruptness to the height of over eight hundred feet, 
presenting a succession of cultivated fields and 
woodlands, which form a most picturesque land- 
scape. At the foot of the opposite hills winds the 
Canaseraga, which, with its affluents, control so 
many of the industries of the village. It is con- 
nected by rail with Mt. Morris, Geneseo, Avon and 
Rochester, being distant forty-five miles by high- 
way from the latter city, and eighteen miles from 
Geneseo, the county seat. It is also connected by 
daily stage with Burns on the Hornellsville di- 
vision, and Wayland on the Buffalo division of the 
Erie railroad. 

It contains eight churches.^ the Dansville Sem- 
inary, a district school, several private schools, two 
newspaper offices, ?' two banks, (one national and 
one private,) three hotels, a popular and thriving 
water cure, various manufacturing establishments, 

* Appointed, .is no choice was made by 

t Samuel D. Faulkner was appointed Supei 1 B. Faulknei 

resigned. 

t These are Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, I 
Lutheran, German Lutheran, German Catholic and Irish Catholic. 
§ See Chap. XII. tor History of the Pn ' ion County. 



which will be enumerated under the head of manu- 
factures, nearly seventy stores of various kinds, 
and the various mechanics' shops incident to a 
village of its size. 

The village was incorporated May 7, 1S45. 

The first corporation meeting was held at the 
American Hotel, kept by G. C. Taylor, June 16, 
1846, and the following officers were elected: 
Trustees, Sidney Sweet, Jason H. Stone, Samuel 
L. Endress, Chester Bradley, Win. Foote; As- 
sessors, Ebenezer B. Brace, Aaron Brown, YVm. 
Curtiss ; * Fire Wardens, Peter S. Lema, Philip 
Hasler, Russell H. Winans; Clerk, Barna J. 
Chapin ; Treasurer, Samuel W. Smith ; Collector, 
Harmon Howe. At the first meeting of the Board 
of Trustees, June 20, 1846, Chester Bradley was 
elected President. 

The following have been the Presidents and 
Clerks of the village from 1846 to 1880: — 

Presidents. Clerks. 

846. Chester Bradley. Barna J. Chapin. 

847. Sidney Sweet. 

548. Harman Jones. 

549. John Haas. 
850. Ebenezer B. Brace. 
851-2. M. H. Brown. 

853. George Hyland. 

854. Harman Jones. 
855-6. Abram Lozier. 

857. John Haas. 

858. Mat. McCartney. 
Charles R. Kern. 



George H. Bidwell. 
Charles E. Lamport. 

"t 

Osman T. Crane. 



»59- 

860. 

861. 

86 2. 
863. 
864. 
865. 
866. 
867. 



J. F. Howarth. 
Frank Eschrich. 



Timothy B. Grant. 

George Hyland, Jr. 

Carl Stephan. 

Timothy B. Grant. 

Andrew J. Leach. 



Charles B. Mitchell. 



D. Cogswell. 

Hugh McCartney. " 

Charles R. Kern. " 

Oliver W. West. 
9. John N. Lemen. Jesse B. Prussia. 

870. J. B. Morey. John Hyland. 

871. Hugh McCartney. Jesse B. Prussia. 

872. W. J. La Rue. 

873. Jos. C. Whitehead. William Kramer. 
874-5. " Jesse B. Prussia. 
S76-7. Geo. A. Sweet. Le Grand Snyder. 

878. John Wilkinson. Patrick O'Hara. 

879. (ames Krein. Le Grand Snyder. 

880. Jas. Faulkner, Jr. " 

The following Democratic ticket was elected 
Feb. 8, 1 88 1 : Trustees, James Faulkner. Jr., 
Resolved Wheaton, James Krein, Dennis Foley, 
James E. Crisfield ; Treasurer, Timothy B. Grant ; 
Clerk, LeGrand Snyder; Collector, Thomas 

* June z>, 1846, Matthew McCartney was appointed in place of Curtiss, 
who refused to act. 
t Nov. :^, 1850, 1 teWitt C Bryai 
E. Lamport, who resigned. 



1 66 



HISTORY OF LIYINGSToN COUNTY. 



O'Mera; Assessors, Thomas Earls, Joseph J. 
Welch, Frank Schubmehl. 

I >ansville developed slowly previous to the open- 
ing of the canal. Spafford <lescribes it in his 
Gazetteer of 1S13, as having " a post-office, a num- 
ber of mills, and a handsome street of \\ miles in 
length, occupied by farm houses, &c," and in his 
Gazetteer of 1824, the description is not varied in 
the least. " In 1830," says a local writer, " Dans- 
ville was a vast pine plain. Get off from Main 
street and you were in the woods directly. The 
Maxwell nursery and Hartman farms were covered 
with young second-growth pines so thick a dog 
could hardly squeeze through, while the taller giant 
pines reared their feathered tops majestically up- 
ward into the sky, making good resting places for 
the hawks and crows. It was the same thing on 
the southern side, only the pines were taller and 
denser,"* 

In 1836 it contained three churches, (Presby- 
terian, Lutheran and Methodist,) and a society of 
Episcopalians, four paper-mills, each having a 
double engine, using together a ton of rags per day, 
five grain-mills, three of which were "large and of 
superior fabric," a clover-mill, which had prepared 
in one season 1,500 bushels of seed for market, one 
blast furnace, two trip hammers, five tanneries, three 
carding and cloth-dressing establishments, three saw- 
mills, four taverns, six stores, one printing office, 
issuing a weekly paper, and about 220 dwellings.! 
In 1842 it contained about 1,600 inhabitants, 250 
dwellings, two Presbyterian, one Methodist, and one 
Lutheran churches, one bank, two hotels, twenty-five 
stores, four extensive paper mills, two large flouring 
mills, two furnaces and a tannery.! In 1850, it is 
described as "a large, thriving and busy village" of 
1,800 inhabitants " extensively engaged in manufac- 
tures," the principal of which were " paper, Hour, 
leather, iron, cloth, and lumber in large quantities."; 
In 1S60, it had a population of 2,879, and con " 
tained nine churches, the Dansville Seminary, two 
printing offices, a bank, a water cure, five flouring 
mills, three paper mills, two furnaces, a plaster mill, 
machine shop, pail factory, sash and blind factory, 
distillery, two tanneries and five breweries. || In 
1872, the population had increased to 3,600, and 
it contained eight churches, the Dansville Semi 

* RecolUctioni oj a I Hi - «, inthe Dansville A.' ol \ugiisl 2, 

1877. 
t Gaxetteer of New York, by Thomas I . Gordon. 
\ y . Distitrncir 5 Gazetteer of the Stale of New ) 

\l History of New York, by J. H. Mather and I P 
Brock, tl \1 1 > 

Historical <i>j<i Statisii ] by J. H 

Trench. 



nary, two printing offices, two banks, a banking of- 
fice, a cure, five flouring mills, three paper mills, 
one furnace and plow factory, two plaster mills, a 
machine shop, pail factory, two sash and blind facto- 
ries, a distillery, two tanneries, and five breweries.* 
Thus we see a steady and rapid increase in popula- 
tion, and the number and magnitude of its sub- 
stantial enterprises and industries and social insti- 
tutions since the opening of the canal. 

Merchants. — Daniel P. Faulkner was the first 
merchant in Dansville. His Inst stock of goods, 
which was small, he brought in from Northumber- 
land county. Pa., in 1796. The following year he 
built a one-story frame house in front of his plank 
shanty on the site of the National Bank, in which 
he traded. In January, 1797, he brought in three 
loads of goods from Albany. He kept the store 
'ill his failure in 1798, when he returned to Penn- 
sylvania to retrieve his fortune by resuming his 
former occupation of tavern keeping. 

Jared Irwin was Mr. Faulkner's successor. He 
was originally from Pennsylvania but came here 
from Painted Post as early as 1798. He opened 
a store about midway between the bank and the 
Wing tavern, and also kept tavern, continuing both 
till his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 1813, at the 
age of 45, ami resulted from a \ indent disease called 
the "war fever," which was then prevalent all over 
the country. In 1804, Mr. Irwin became the rep- 
resentative of his brother, James Irwin of Painted 
Post, in the Daniel P. Faulkner property, which 
was purchased by James Irwin in 1802 or '3. and 
sold soon after to Jonathan Rowley, who was also 
from Painted Post. John Metcalf was contempo- 
rary with Mr. Irwin and was trading here at the 
hitter's death. 

Joshua Shepard, who was born in Plainiield, 
Conn., in 1780, came here from Bloomfield in 
in 1813. bringing with him a stock of goods. He 
soon after became associated with Lester Brad- 
ner, who came about the same time from l*ti< a, 
where he had served an apprenticeship with Watts 
Sherman, a prominent merchant of that place. 
Shepard was a carpenter and joiner, and Bradner 
an educated merchant ; both had been hucksters 
on the Niagara frontier during the war. Bradner 
fust started a distillery three miles below the vil- 
lage, and subsequently engaged in trade. Fearing 
to come in competition with Bradner, whose ex- 
perience placed him at a disadvantage, Shepard 
shrewdly proposed a copartnership. Their store 

tteerof the state of New J 'ork, by Franklin B- Hough, A. M., 

\1 D 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — EARLY MERCHANTS. 



167 



occupied the site of Timothy B. Grant's hardware 
store. They continued to trade in company till 
the death of Shepard in September, 1829. Brad- 
ner continued till His death. He was also interested 
with his brother Alonzo in a store established about 
1816 or '17 in a two and a half-story frame build- 
ing on the site of the National Bank, in which 
Dr. James Faulkner was a silent partner. This 
business was closed out at Shepard's death. Alonzo 
Bradner traded here till 1836, and went to New 
York city. 

Samuel W. Smith, a native of Caledonia, came 
here about 181 4 or '15 and traded for many years 
in opposition to Shepard. His store stood on the 
northeast corner of Main and Exchange streets. 
He afterwards removed to the stand now occupied 
by T. Carpenter, and traded here till within a few 
years of his death. Luther Melvin, from Vermont, 
was associated with Samuel W. Smith in the mer- 
cantile business, and afterwards with Dr. Wm. H. 
Reynale in the hardware business. He continued 
till about 1840 or '45 and returned to Vermont. 
Lamport & Eastwood succeeded Smith and traded 
till about 1845. Lamport went to St. Louis; 
Eastwood continued business in another place for 
three or four years, associated with Endress Faulk- 
ner, when he went to New York. 

Samuel Shannon was a druggist here from about 
1820 to 1840. He continued his residence here till 
his death, May 28, 1849, aged 58. He was a Justice 
of the Peace for a number of years. Willis F. 
Clark, who was born August 21, 1786, sold drugs 
and dry goods from about 1820 to about 1835 or 
'36. He was a physician, and after his failure prac- 
ticed medicine here more or less till his death, Oct. 
5, 1858. 

Merntt H. Brown,* who was born in Benning- 
ton, Vt., Oct. 20, 1806, came to Dansville with his 
father's family in 1818. In 1827 he engaged 
in mercantile business with his father, Merritt 
Brown, continuing some four years. In 1839 
he returned to Dansville and resumed the hard- 
ware trade. In the spring of 1846 he associ- 
ated himself with Timothy B. Grant, under the 
name of Brown & Grant, and added a general line 
of hardware to his stock, which had until then con- 
sisted chiefly of stoves, sheet iron and tin ware. 

John Betts was engaged in business here some 
fifty years, continuing till within a few years, first as 
a tanner and afterwards as a dealer in boots and 
shoes. He still resides in the village, aged eighty 
years. George Hyland, a native of Ireland, came 

* See biographical sketch at close of chapter. 



to Dansville from Canada in 1830, and in com- 
pany with John Wildey, whose interest he after- 
wards purchased, opened a hatter's establishment, 
which he continued till about 1865. He was also 
engaged in mercantile business, which he con- 
tinued till his death, in the spring of 1880, at which 
time, it is said, he had been longer engaged in 
mercantile business than any other man in Liv- 
ingston county. 

James and David McCartney, both natives of 
North Dansville, of which town their father, Wil- 
liam McCartney, was the pioneer settler, com- 
menced business as tanners at Comminsville about 
1S31. They sold out in 1835, anc ^ tne building was 
soon after used by Warren Commins as a foundry 
and machine shop. In the spring of 1836 they 
engaged in mercantile business in company with 
George Bradner, under the name of Bradner & 
McCartneys, purchasing the business of Alonzo 
Bradner. 

David J. Wood, originally from New Jersey, 
came here from Burns, Steuben county, and was 
a prominent merchant from about 1845 till his 
death, May 16, 1855, at the age of 48 years.* Tom 
E. Leman was his partner for a few years, till 
1854. Leman was associated in trade with George 
Hyland from June, 1854, to July, 1855, and after- 
wards till his death with L. H. Puffer. Leman 
was born March 22, 1824, and died May 5, 1862. 
Mr. Puffer continues the business at the present 
time. Robert S. Faulkner, who is now keeping a 
flour and feed store in Dansville, commenced 
mercantile business here about 1847 or '8, and 
continued till about 1857. 

The merchants and traders at present doing 
business in Dansville are : Hinds & Bunce, pro- 
duce dealers ; John Blum, boots and shoes; Wm. 
Veith, tobacconist; Crowe & Enwright, boots and 
shoes; Charles Leonard, tobacconist; Samuel 
Johnson, grocer; Thomas Earls, grocer; W. J. 
Rose, jeweler; William Pfuntner, boots and shoes: 
Robert S. Faulkner, flour and feed; Owen Gal- 
lagher, flour and feed ; George and John Hyland, 
dry goods ; Manly Walker, grocer and confectioner ; 
Richard Wiley, grocer ; Henry Byer, boots and 
shoes; Fielder" & Olney, dry goods ; Spinning, Uhl 
& Co., dry goods ; Fritz Durr, clothier ; G. G. 
Fowler, dry goods; H. Hubertus, clothier; Nich- 
olas Johantgen, clothier ; Mrs. J. C. Prussia, mil- 

» The death ol Mi. Wood, followed in .1 Uu weeks 1 1 that ol h 
attended with like symptoms, awakened uspicions ol foul play. The 
bo i. were disinterred, the stomachs submitted t" chemical anal; 
traces of poison found. Circumstances implicated Mr. Wood's brother, 
who was arrested, coo ll . aml nun S »< 

Geneseo July <;, 1S5S. 



1 68 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



liner; Miss Landers, fancy goods ; Kramer Bros., 
clothiers; Wm. H. Dick, boots and shoes ; Win. 
Krein, grocer; Austin & Clark, dry goods ; Joseph 

Holconib, Hour and feed; Nicholas Grim, baker; 
Dennis Foley, grocer ; Miss Rosetta Griffith, mil- 
liner; Chas. Gardner, confectioner; E. S. Palms, 
merchant tailor; J. W. Brown, boots and shoes; 
J. L. Matson, furniture dealer and undertaker; 
fohn I. Kennedy, liquors; Nicholas Haver, har- 
ness; H. Huver, boots and shoes; Conrad Meh- 
lenbecker, baker; George Dippy, Hour and feed ; 
Altmyer & Jones, undertakers and furniture dealers ; 
Andrew Schario, grocer; A. Lauterborn, tinsmith ; 
R. (;. Perrin, 99 cent store; T. Carpenter, grocer ; 
J. B. Prussia, milliner ; F. S. Southwick, boots 
and shoes; F. C. Walker, hardware; J. W. Bur- 
gess, boots and shoes ; L. H. Puffer, boots and 
shoes; F. J. Nelson, druggist; Dyer Bros., dry 
goods ; S. J. Taft, grocer and confectioner ; James 
Hodgmire, drugs ; H. W. DeLong, stationery; H. 
T. Gallagher, grocer; Bailey & Edwards, hard- 
ware; F. G. Rice, merchant tailor; L. G. Ripley; 
jeweler; C. W. Woolever, drugs ; A. Hall, harness ; 
Emmel Klouck, leather; T. B. Grant, hardware 
dealer and agent for the Royce reaper ; L. Per- 
hani, jeweler and news-dealer; McCartney & 
Whitehead, boots and shoes ; E. N. Parmelee, 
patent medicines; Walter Miller, Yankee notions ; 
(J. Bastian, drugs; Nicholas Fox, boots and 
shoes. 

Postmasters. — The earliest mail facilities en- 
joyed by Dansville were from the south, by way of 
Hath, to which place Capt. Williamson established 
communication by mail once a week from North- 
umberland, Pa., paying all the expenses con- 
nected therewith himself. Charles Cameron, a 
merchant at Bath, was the first postmaster at that 
place, by Williamson's appointment. An old 
Frenchman lived at the "Block house,'' on Laurel 
Ridge, sixty-five miles distant from Bath ; and 
thither Thomas Corbit, the mail rider in 1704. went 
weekly for the Steuben county bag.* Jared Irwin, 
the second merchant and first postmaster at Dans- 
ville, procured the establishment of a post route 
from Bath early in the present century. He held 
the office till his death in 1813, and was succeeded 
in that year by James W. Stout, who was then 
keeping tavern on the site of the National Bank. 
He was a tailor by trade. He held the office till 
his death, which occurred Oct. 7. 1S14, at the 
of 25. 1 >r. James Faulkner succeeded to the 

' dure, in McMaster*s History of 
Steuben COHHl 



office in 1S14 and held it till 1S41. Samuel Shan- 
non next held the office till his death, May 28, 
1 8 i'i, and was succeeded by Merritt Brown, Charles 
Shepard, Charles Lamport, Merritt H. Brown, the 
latter of whom held it till July, 1858, when Judge 
fohn A. YanDerlip was appointed and held it till 
Sept. 2. 1861, when ( ). B. Maxwell was appointed. 
He was succeeded in 1865 by Edward H. Pratt. 
George Hyland was appointed under Gen. Grant's 
administration, and was succeeded in October, 
1869, by Seth N. Hedges, who held the office till 
fan. 1, 1874, when John Hyland, the present in- 
cumbent, was appointed. 

Physicians. — The first physician to locate in 
Dansville was James Faulkner, to whom refereni e 
is made elsewhere. The second was Jonathan P. 
Sill, who came from Cambridge, Washington 
county, in 1797, but removed the same year to 
Williamsburgh, and the next year to Geneseo, 
where he practiced till his death in 1807. He was 
an estimable man, successful in his practice, and it 
was said of him by William Crossett, an Irish dis- 
tiller and a prominent man in this locality, that he 
was the only man whoever died without an enemy. 
He remained here but a short time. He married 
the youngest sister of Samuel, Daniel P. and James 
Faulkner. 

Philip Sholl, brother to David Sholl, the 
pioneer millwright, and a native of Moore town 
ship, Northampton county. Pa., came to Dansville 
in February, 1808, and fixed his habitation on the 
corner of Main and Exchange streets. He was not 
an educated physician, but he was a man of great 
ability and shrewdness, anil though an inebriate, 
had an extensive practice. No man in this county, 
says Dr. James Faulkner, had the popularity he 
acquired all through this section. Not under- 
standing the nature and uses of medicines, he re- 
sorted to simple remedies until the advent of Dr. 
F"aulkner as a practitioner in 181 2, when he in- 
judiciously administered from his stock, medicines 
of whose nature he was ignorant. He was not 
licensed, and hence formed a copartnership with 
Dr. Faulkner so as to enable him to collect his 
debts. He continued in practice here till his death, 
which occurred in 1S21 from apoplexy, while on a 
visit to his former home. 

Willis F. Clark, a native of New England, came 
here from ITtica about 1813 or '14, and practiced 
till his death, Oct. 5, 1858. Josiah Clark came 
here about 1820, and after practicing several years 
he removed to Livonia, where he was practicing in 
1842. Wm. H. Reynale was born in Quaker- 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — PHYSICIANS. 



169 



town, N. J., Feb. 27, 1794. He was a noted sur- 
geon in this section.* 

L. N. Cook was born in London, Mass., April 
5, 1791, and removed with his parents to Livonia 
in this county. He studied medicine with Dr. 
Cyrus Chipman, of Pittstown, (afterwards Honeoye 
and now Richmond,) Ontario county. He prac- 
ticed in the towns of Livonia and Richmond till 
1818, when he removed to Dansville, and in 1824, 
to Johnstown, Licking county, Ohio. In 1831, he 
returned to Dansville, where he lived and practiced 
till his death April 2, 1868, of heart disease. 

Samuel L. Endress, in 1828 removed to Dans- 
ville, and formed a co-partnership with Dr. Win. 
H. Reynale, which continued for many years. He 
continued in practice here till his death, from 
bilious pneumonia, Feb. 24, 1871. 

Edward William Patchen entered upon the prac- 
tice of his profession in Sparta, where he continued 
four years. He then removed to Livonia, and a 
year later, in 1843, to Dansville, where he prac- 
ticed till his death, Oct. 20, 1869. 

BleekerL. Hoveywas practicing here in 1842 and 
for some years thereafter. He is now a noted phy- 
sician in Rochester. Asahel Yale and Alonzo 
Cressy were practicing here in 1829; and O. S. 
Pratt, C. T. Dildine and George M. Blake, at a 
later day. A Dr. Davis and his nephew, named 
George Davis, were practicing here in 1846. The 
former was a Thompsonian physician and had an 
extensive practice all over this section of country ; 
the latter was an eclectic physician, and had agood 
professional reputation. Dr. Ripley succeeded 
George Davis and practiced two or three years. 
Louis Velder, a native of the town of Heibach, 
Austria, who had studied medicine in the best 
schools in Vienna, came to this country about 
1850, and located at Dansville. He removed to 
Elmira about 1867. George H. Preston was born 
in Dansville, Sept. 1, 1819. In 1854 he located in 
Dansville, and in 1855 he removed to Rochester. 
From there he went to Brantford, Province of On- 
tario, from whence, in 1864, he returned to Dans- 
ville, where he practiced till his death, Nov. 1 4, 
1872. Dr. Blakesley located in Dansville in 1859, 
but how long he remained here we are not advised. 

The present physicians are G. W. Shepherd, 
Zara H. Blake, Francis M. Perine, Wooster B. 
Preston, James E. Crisfield, Ben P. Andrews and 
Charles W. Brown. 

G. W. Shepherd was born in Albany, Sept. 28, 
1816, and received an academic education at Al- 

• His biography and portrait appear at lliu close of tlie chapter. 



bany and Hamilton. He commenced the study of 
medicine in 1835, witn Dr. Guasque, in George- 
town, S. C, subsequently pursuing his medical 
studies with Dr. T. T. Everet, of Batavia, and Dr. 
Morgan Snyder, of Fort Plain. He attended medi- 
cal lectures at the South Carolina Medical College 
in Charleston, and was licensed by the Genesee 
County Medical Society, August 6, 1842. He com- 
menced practice in the fall of 1842 in New York, 
continuing there some six months, when he removed 
to Orleans, Ontario county, and thence, in 1S46, 
to Dansville. 

Zara H. Blake was born in Livonia in this 
county Oct. 23, 1821, and educated in the semi- 
naries at Dansville and Herkimer. He commenced 
the study of medicine in 1840, with Dr. S. L. En- 
dress, of Dansville, and attended medical lectures 
at the University of Buffalo, where he graduated 
in 1847, in which year he established himself in 
practice in Dansville. 

Francis M. Perine, a grandson of William Perine, 
one of the pioneer settlers of this town, was born 
in Dansville, March 27, 1831, and received an 
academic education in his native village. He com- 
menced the study of medicine in 185 1, with Dr. 
S. L. Endress, of Dansville, and graduated from 
the Buffalo Medical College in February, 1855. 
He entered upon the practice of his profession at 
Byersville, in West Sparta, in the spring of 1855, 
and removed there after six years to Dansville, 
where he has since practiced. 

Wooster B. Preston was born in Wellsboro, N. 
Y., March 3, 1845, and educated at the High and 
Grammar School of Brantford, Ontario, where his 
father, Dr. Geo. H. Preston, with whom he com- 
menced the study of medicine in 1863, was then 
practicing. He attended lectures at the Eclectic 
Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he 
graduated Feb. 12, 1867, in which year he engaged 
in practice in Dansville, in company with his father, 
till the death of the latter, Nov. 14, 187J. 

James E. Crisfield was born in Lodi, N. Y.. 
August 6, 1 85 1, and educated at Genesee College 
and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. He 
studied medicine with Dr. John W. Cray, of Avon, 
and attended lectures at the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons in New York, where he graduated in 
the spring of 1872. He practiced four months of 
that year in the town of York and then removed to 
Dansville, where he has since practiced. 

Ben P. Andrews was born in Preston, N. Y.. 
August 19, 1855, and commenced the study of 
medicine in 187; with Dr. R. E. Miller, of Oxford. 



170 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



He attended a full course of lectures at the New- 
York Homeopathic Medical College, where he 
graduated in March, 1877. He established himself 
in practice at Dansville in August of that year. 

Charles W. Brown was born in Caton, N. Y., 
Sept. 5, 1848. He commenced the study of med- 
icine in 1870, with Dr. Seeley, of Elmira, and 
attended lectures at the Hahnemann Medical 
College of Chicago, where he graduated in 1873. 
He commenced to practice that year at Hornells- 
ville, removed to Hammondsport in 1875, and to 
Dansville in 1877. 

Lawyers. — The first lawyers to locate in Dans- 
ville of whom we have any information were James 
Smith and John Proudfit, who were practicing here 
prior to 1840. Both were regarded as good law- 
yers, but the latter was somewhat dissipated. lie 
was a man of considerable ability, and died in 
New York City. His father was a Presbyterian 
clergyman at Salem, Washington county. Ben- 
jamin C. Cook was practicing here in 1842, and 
continued some fifteen years. He devoted him- 
self more to other business than to his profession, 
in which he was not regarded very proficient. 

Isaac Lewis Endress, brother to Dr. Samuel L. 
Endress of this village, was born at Easton, Pa., 
Sept. 14, 1810, and a graduate of Dickinson Col- 
lege, at Carlisle, Pa. His father, who was a dis- 
tinguished Lutheran clergyman, designed him for 
the ministry ; but the bar presented superior attrac- 
tions, and in 1827 he entered the office of Judge 
Ewing at Trenton, N. J. In the fall of 1828 he 
removed to Rochester, where he pursued his legal 
studies with Daniel D. Barnard and Isaac Hill, of 
that city. He was admitted to the bar in October, 
1 83 1, and in February, 1832, opened an office in 
Dansville, where he practiced till 1856, when he 
went South for the health of his wife, visiting 
Havana, Cuba and Key West. He returned in 
1857. He was appointed Associate Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas about 1839; was Presi- 
dential Elector and Secretary of the Electoral Col- 
lege in 1856; and a Delegate to the Constitutional 
Convention in 1867. He died here Jan. 22, 
1870. 

John A. Van Derlip was born in Jackson, Wash- 
ington county, N. Y., Jan. 27, 181 8, and was edu- 
cated at Washington Academy, in Salem, in that 
county, and at Union College, graduating at the 
latter institution in 1838, in which year he com- 
menced the study of law with Pearson & Davis, in 
Troy. He afterwards pursued his legal studies 
about six months in Cherry Valley with David H. 



Little, afterwards State Senator, and completed 
them in Rochester, with Judge Moses Chapin. 
He was admitted at Rochester in October, 1841, 
and the following January established himself in 
practice in I lansville, where he has since continued. 
In 1846, he was appointed Associate Judge of the 
Common Pleas Court by Silas Wright and per- 
formed the duties of that office till the Constitu- 
tion of that year took effect. Judge Van Derlip is 
an able lawyer, and stands to-day at the head of 
the Livingston County Bar. 

Benjamin F. Harwood was born in Hornby, 
Steuben county, N. Y.. August 10, 1819. He was 
admitted to practice in the State courts in July, 
1839, and in the fall of that year located at Dans- 
ville, where he acquired some prominence, but 
more by his political affiliations than by his law 
practice, though he was not wanting in professional 
talent. In 1848 he was a Presidential Elector; 
and in 1855, was elected Clerk of the Court of 
Appeals. He died at Albany, March 30, 1856, 
while in discharge of the duties of that office. 

John R. Hickox was practicing here in 1842. 
He was a Justice, and did pretty much all the 
Justice's business during the four or five years he 
subsequently remained here. 

Endress Faulkner, son of Hon. James Faulkner, 
was born in Dansville, March 25, 1818. He (ire- 
pared for college at Canandaigua Academy, and in 
July, 1837, entered Yale, where he graduated in 
1841. He immediately engaged in the study of 
law, was admitted to the bar in January, 1843, and 
in that year entered upon a brief but brilliant 
professional career in Dansville, associated for a 
time with the late Hon. Cyrus Sweet of Syracuse, 
and subsequently with Judge Solomon Hubbard, 
now of Geneseo. He died of consumption Nov. 
12, 1852. He possessed a keen intellect and 
unusual forensic powers. 

Solomon Hubbard practiced herefrom 184410 
1S64, when, having been elected County Judge the 
previous year, he removed to Geneseo, to perform 
the duties of that office.* 

John Wilkinson was born in Sparta, Nov. 24. 
1808. His father, Gawen Wilkinson, emigrated 
from Shulthwaite, Cumberland county, England, 
to North Dansville, about 1800, and about 1804 
removed to the present town of Sparta, where he 
resided till his death. John Wilkinson was admitted 
in 1834, and in that year entered upon a practice 
in Dansville which he has since continued. 



• For further mention "i Judge Hubbard, see the subject of lawyers in 
connection with Ihe villagi ol Geneseo 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — LAWYERS. 



171 



Lucian B. Proctor* was born at Hanover, N. 
H., March 6, 1823, and removed with his parents 
when about ten years old to Auburn. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar of the Supreme Court in October, 
1843. 

Joseph W. Smith f was born near Bath, Steuben 
county, in 1821. 

Adoniram J. Abbott practiced here ten years 
from 1848 to 1858, immediately after his admis- 
sion, when he removed to Geneseo, where he is 
now practicing, and in connection with which town 
further mention of him is made. 

Job C. Hedges:}: was born in New York city in 
June, 1835. 

Samuel Dorr Faulkner, son of Judge James 
Faulkner and brother of Endress Faulkner, was 
born in Dansville, November 14, 1835. He com- 
menced his classical education at home under the 
instruction of an accomplished private tutor, and 
completed his preparation for college at Berkshire, 
N. Y. He entered Yale in 1855 and was gradu- 
ated in the class of 1859 with distinguished honors. 
Soon after leaving college he entered the Albany- 
Law School, where he chiefly prepared for the bar, 
and was admitted to all the courts in the State in 
i860. He immediately commenced the practice 
of his profession in his native village, and his 
abilities soon won for him a place among the lead- 
ers of the Livingston county bar. In 1865, he 
was elected to the Assembly; "and was the first 
Democrat ever elected by his party in Livingston 
county to the Assembly." The following year he 
was tendered, but declined a re-nomination. In 
187 1, he was elected County Judge, and re-elected 
at the expiration of his first term of six years. But 
he, like his brother, was stricken down with con- 
sumption soon after entering upon the second 
term of his Judgeship, a position he had filled with 
distinguished ability and acceptance. 

John G. Wilkinson, son of John Wilkinson, was 
born in Dansville, October 15, 1849, and educa- 
ted at Dansville Seminary. About 1870, he com- 
menced the study of law with his father, and was 
admitted in 1872, in which year he entered upon 
the practice of his profession in Dansville, contin- 
uing till his death, December 6, 1875. 

The other lawyers now practicing in Dansville, 
are D. W. Noyes, Seth N. Hedges, Charles J. 
Bissell, Byron T. Squires, John M. McNair, Lester 
B. Faulkner, Frederick W. Noyes, Charles H. 
Rowe, Andrew J. Shafer and Robt. G. Dorr. 

* For Mr. Proctor's biography and portrait see another portion of this 
chapter 

t For a memoir ami portrait of Mr. Smith see the close of this chapter. 

t For further mention of Mr. Hedges ei the cl ise ol [hit - hapter. 



D. W. Noyes was born in Winchendon, Mass., 
September 30, 1824, prepared for college at the 
academies of Amsterdam and Galway, and gradu- 
ated from Union College in 1847. He was ad- 
mitted at the General Term at Ballston Spa, in 
January, 1850, and on the 10th of June of that 
year commenced practice in Dansville, where he 
has since continued. He was elected District 
Attorney of Livingston county in 1875 and in 
August, 1878, on the death of Judge Samuel D. 
Faulkner, resigned that office to accept the office 
of County Judge tendered him by Governor Rob- 
inson. 

Seth N. Hedges was born in Dansville, March 7, 
1839, and received an academic education at the 
seminaries at Dansville and Lima. In 1862, he 
entered the army as private in the 13th New York 
Volunteers; was afterwards transferred to the 
140th Regiment, from which he was promoted to 
First Lieutenant in the 14th New York Heavy 
Artillery. He was afterwards promoted Captain, 
and subsequently Major in the same regiment, and 
was mustered out in September, 1865. In 1866, 
he entered the law office of D. W. Noyes, of Dans- 
ville, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1868. 
Mr. Hedges was postmaster of Dansville from 
October, 1869, to January 1, 1874. 

Charles J. Bissell was born in Penn Yan, Aug. 
2 1 st, 1847, and educated in Temple Hill Acad- 
emy, Geneseo. He commenced the study of law 
while pursuing his literary studies, and in January, 
1871, entered the office of Judge S. D. Faulkner, 
of Dansville. He was admitted in September of 
that year, and commenced practice in Dansville. 

Byron T. Squires was born in Dansville, August 
19, 1836, and received an academic education in 
Dansville Seminary. In 1861, he entered the law 
office of Hubbard & Faulkner, of Dansville, as a stu- 
dent, and was admitted at Rochester, in Decem- 
ber, 1862. He commenced practice in 1863, at 
Livonia Station with Almond A. Hoyt. In 1865, 
he went to Pennsylvania to take charge of his fa- 
ther's lumber business. About 1874, after having 
been variously employed, he resumed practice in 
Dansville. 

John M. McNair was born in West Sparta, 
December 24, 184S, and received an academic ed 
ucation at Dansville Seminary. In 1S66, he com- 
menced the study of law with Judge S. D. Faulk- 
ner, of Dansville. He entered Cornell L T niversity 
in 1868, and graduated in 187 1. In 1872. he 
went to Minnesota, where he completed his legal 
Studies, and was admitted in 1873. He com- 



172 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



menced practice at St. Cloud, Minn., and after 
practicing there a year and a half, removed to 
Cannon Falls, Minn., from whence, in 1876, he re- 
moved to I lansville. 

Lester 1!. Faulkner, brother of Judge S. D. 
Faulkner, graduated at Yale in 1S59, and entered 
the Albany Law School. Immediately after his 
admission, he entered the army, joining the 136th 
Regiment, and was mustered out at the close of 
the war as Lieut. -Colonel of that regiment. Janu- 
ary 1, 1879, he formed a law partnership with 
Charles J. Bissell, which still continues under the 
name of Faulkner & Bissell. 

Frederic W. Noyes, son of Hon. D. W. Noyes, 
is a native of Dansville, and read law with Messrs. 
Noyes & Hedges. He was admitted in 1S78, and 
formed a co-partnership with his father in the 
spring of 1S80. 

Charles W. Rowe was born in Springwater, in 
this county, May 17th, 1856, and received an aca- 
demic education at Dansville Seminary and Cook 
Academy at Havana, N. Y. In 1874, he entered 
the law office of Judge John A. VanDerlip, of 
Dansville, and subsequently pursued his legal 
studies with Messrs. Noyes & Hedges. He was 
admitted in January, 1879, and commenced prac- 
tice that year in Dansville. 

Andrew J. Shafer was born in Sparta, December 
12, 1S55, and educated at Dansville Seminary. He 
read law in Dansville with John Wilkinson and 
Faulkner & Bissell, and was admitted in January, 
1880. 

Robert G. Dorr was born in Dansville, March 
21, 1856, and educated at Dansville Seminary. In 
January, 1877, he commenced the study of medi- 
cine with his father, Robert L. Dorr, who was born 
at White creek, Washington county, August 7, 
1816, and admitted to the bar June 29, 1843; 
Robert G. Dorr was admitted April 10, 1880. 

Manufactures. — With the splendid and abun- 
dant hydraulic facilities which the streams uniting 
in and near this village afford, it is not surprising 
that manufacturing enterprises should be the pre- 
dominant element in its industries. The manu- 
facture of paper and paper stock is not only the 
most important, but among the earliest of these in- 
dustries, for the pure waters of these streams early 
invited this branch of manufactures. The pioneer 
paper-mill in Western New York was, as we have 
seen, built here in 1809-10, by Nathaniel Roches- 
ter, and the old building is still standing adjacent 
to the Faulkner grist-mill, though long since appro- 
priated to other uses. From this single enterprise 



the business increased, until in 1844 there were 
four large paper mills manufacturing over $100,000 
worth of paper per annum.* There are at present 
four mills of this class, but, though adjacent to the 
village, only two are within the corporation limits. 

In 1820, Amos Bradley came here with his 
family from Hartford. Conn., and commenced the 
manufacture of writing and print paper on a large 
scale, renting for that purpose the "old Faulkner 
paper-mill," which he occupied until 1825, when he 
formed a copartnership with his two oldest sons, 
Javin and Chester, under the well-known name of 
A. Bradley & Sons, anil in the spring of that year 
erected a fine mill on the ground now occupied by 
the pulp-mill of the Woodruff Paper Co. In 1837, 
the company met their first great reverse by the 
destruction of their mill by fire. It was imme- 
diately rebuilt. Two years elapsed and then the 
fiery element again reduced their mill to ashes. 
They immediately erected what is known as the 
"lower paper-mill." Scarcely was this mill got in 
operation, when they commenced rebuilding the 
one destroyed by fire, which was superior in size, 
machinery anil facilities of all kinds to its pre- 
decessors and to the lower mill. In 1841. the 
upper mill was again destroyed by fire. Phoenix- 
like another soon raised from its ashes, to be in its 
turn destroyed four years later by the same ele- 
ment ; but again it was rebuilt. 

About this time the firm divided, Amos and his 
sons Javin and Lucius, who had also acquired an 
interest, remaining here, while Chester and Ben- 
jamin removed to Niagara Falls, and commenced 
the manufacture of paper there. For five years 
Lucius and Javin continued the business, prin- 
cipally at the upper mill, which, in 1854, was again 
destroyed by fire, and was never rebuilt by any of 
the Bradley family. 

In 1852, Chester and Benjamin separated, and 
the former returned to Dansville and erected the 
Livingston mill, which is still in active operation, 
but under a different management. Chester Brail- 
le), wlio was born July 18, 1802, died suddenly in 
New York city, Now 1, 1853, while transacting 
business connected with his paper mill. Few men 
stood higher in public estimation than he. In 
1842, with the late Gardner Arnold, of Conesus, he 
represented this county in the Assembly. 

I, in ins Bradley, who is still engaged in the man- 
ufacture of paper in Dansville, is the only repre- 
sentative left of this family, to which Dansville owes 
so much of its prosperity. 

• Pioneer History of Phelps ami Gorham's PtmAtae, J61 (nttt.) 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE— MANUFACTURES. 



t?3 



The Woodruff Paper Co., the present represen- 
tatives of the Bradleys' manufacturing interests in 
Dansville, was incorporated Nov. i, 1S66, with a 
capital of $40,000, and was composed of the fol- 
lowing well-known gentlemen : L. C. Woodruff, 
Alonzo Bradner, D. D. McNair and Thomas 
Brown, the latter of whom retired Dec. 7, 1869, 
his stock being purchased by the remaining part- 
ners. No other change has occurred in the stock- 
holders. There has been no change to the present 
time in the official management, which is as fol- 
lows: L. C. Woodruff, of Buffalo, President; 
Alonzo Bradner, of Dansville, Vice-President ; and 
D. D. McNair, of Dansville, Secretary and Treas- 
urer. The latter gentleman is also the efficient 
General Superintendent. 

This company was organized for the manufacture 
of pulp from straw, by the process patented and 
owned by the Hydrostatic Paper Co., the Woodruff 
Paper Co. having the exclusive right for this vicin- 
ity. In 1866 the company purchased the upper 
mill property of the Bradleys, located on upper 
Main street, near the junction of Big and Little 
Mill creeks, which had been unoccupied since the 
fire of 1854. The walls of 100 by 40 feet of the 
present mill were erected by the Bradleys, and have 
withstood at least three fires. The building, which 
was then a mere shell, was fitted up and enlarged 
by an addition of 40 by 40 feet, of brick and stone, 
the character of the original building, the whole 
being two stories high. The works were got in 
readiness and operations were begun January 1, 
1868. 

The works give employment to about twenty 
persons, and consume annually about 1,200 tons of 
straw — rye straw being used almost exclusively — ■ 
about forty per cent, of which is converted into 
pulp. About one-fourth of this product is manu- 
factured into paper at the Livingston paper-mill, 
which is also the property of this company, and the 
remainder is shipped to the New England states, 
Ohio, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Straw alone 
is used in its production. 

The manufacture of print and book papers from 
straw is of comparatively recent origin, the use of 
that article having originally been confined to the 
manufacture of coarse wrapping paper. But the 
art of manipulating straw has been brought to such 
perfection that pulp is now produced perfectly 
white and with a texture almost as silken as bank 
note paper. This was the first straw pulp-mill in 
the United States, and is now the only one in this 
State. For ten years there was no competition in 



the country; and to-day there are only three others 
in this country, one each in Ohio, Michigan and 
California. 

The Livingston Paper Mill, which has been 
referred to as being the property of the Woodruff 
Paper Co., was built in 1852, by Chester, Javin, 
Lucius and Benjamin Bradley, brothers. It soon 
after passed into the hands of L. C. Woodruff, who 
sold it Dec. 30, 1862, to Isaac Butts, Joseph Cur- 
tis and John E. Morey, publishers of the Rochester 
Union and Advertiser. Oct. 3, 1872, Mr. Butts 
sold his interest to G. Cooper, Lorenzo Kelly and 
Wm. Purcell, and the name, which, from 1862, 
was Curtis, Butts & Co., was changed to Curtis, 
Morey & Co., and the business conducted under 
the name of the Daily Union and Advertiser Co., 
of Rochester. In February, 1874, it was sold by 
these parties to the Woodruff Paper Co. The 
mill gives employment to about twenty-five per- 
sons, about one-fourth of whom are females, in the 
manufacture of about a ton of printing and book 
paper per day. 

The Hollingsworth Paper Mill, situated a half 
mile south of Dansville, was built — the larger and 
rear portion of it — about eight years ago, by Capt. 
Henry Henry. About 1876, Capt. Henry's widow 
sold the building to Henry Hollingsworth, who, in 
the spring of 1880, built a front addition, raised the 
rear part one story, and put in machinery for the 
manufacture of paper. 

Mrs. Knovvlton owns a mill for the manufacture 
of brown wrapping paper, which is located about 
two miles southwest of Dansville. It was built 
some sixty to sixty-five years ago by Matthew 
Porter. 

O. B. Johnson's carding-mill was built about 
1826, by Samuel and Jonathan Fisk. cousins, and 
operated by them until about 1S38, when Samuel 
acquired Jonathan's interest and continued the 
business till his death in 1841, when O. B. John- 
son purchased the machinery. In the spring of 
1868, he in company with W. L. Stewart, bought a 
building which stood on the site of the Dansville 
Woolen Mills, and removed the machinery to that 
building, which was burned March 24, 186S. 
They rebuilt on the same site, within sixty days, 
the Dansville Woolen Mills, where they continued 
business till the spring of 1876, when Mr. Johnson 
sold his interest to John E. Phillips. Messrs. 
Stewart & Phillips did business two years, till 1S7S, 
when the latter sold his interest to Peter Craig, 
who. in company with Stewart, operated the 
mills till the fall of 1879, since which time the)' 



174 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COU.NTV. 



have not been in operation. In 1876, Mr. John- 
son resumed the wool carding and cloth exchange 
business in the building originally erected by the 

Fisks, and has since continued it. I le has two sets 
of custom cards, operated by water from Little Mill 
creek, which has a fall of about twelve feet. 

The grist-mill owned by Benjamin F. Readshaw, 
on the corner of Gibson and Main streets, to which 
reference has been made in connection with the 
earl_\ settlement of the town, occupies the site of 
the grist-mill built in 1796 by David Sholl for the 
Pultney estate. It was soon after burned and 
rebuilt by Sholl, who eventually became its owner, 
and was succeeded in possession of the property 
by Col. Nathaniel Rochester, the founder of the 
city of Rochester. In January, 1814, Mr. Roch- 
ester sold it to Jacob Opp. who owned it till about 
1840. The mill contains three runs of stones, 
which are propelled by water from Little Mill 
creek, with a fall of thirteen and a half feet. 

The Faulkner grist-mill, on South street, was 
built in 1830, by Dr. James Faulkner, who has 
since owned it. It occupies the site of the saw 
mill built by David Sholl for Nathaniel Rochester, 
which was torn down by Mr. Faulkner about the 
time the grist-mill was built. It contains four runs 
of stones, which are propelled by water from Mill 
creek, with a head and fall of twenty-nine feet. 
The mill has been rented for the last thirty odd 
years to John C. Williams, and is often called the 
Williams mill. 

The Stone Mills (grist) were built about 1844 
by Elihu Stanley, and occupy the site of the old 
foundry operated by Curtis & Tousey about 1836. 
Stanley was succeeded in its ownership by Cady 
Richardson, of Rochester, and Jesse Angell, the 
latter of whom owned it till his death, since which 
time it has belonged to his heirs, who rent it to the 
present proprietor, W. II. Boyd. The mill con- 
tains three runs of stones, which are operated by 
water from Little Mill creek, which has a fall of 
fourteen feet. 

Lockling Bros.' Agricultural Works were estab- 
lished in 1836, b) Nathan Lockling, who conducted 
them till 1871, with exception of one year, about 
1852, when John Gill owned them. In 1871, L. 
E. Lockling, son of Nathan, bought the establish- 
ment, and was succeeded in 1876 by his sons 
Louis N. and A. C. Lockling, who carried on the 
business under the name of Lockling Bros., till the 
death of A. C. Lockling. Feb. 23, 1879. Louis 
N. Lockling continues the business, which con- 
sists in the manufacture ol agricultural implements 



under the same name, and employs two persons 
besides himself. 

The Dansville pail factory was established about 
forty years ago by E. Shelley, who carried on the 
business some ten years, and sold to George Hy- 
land, who continued it till his death in the spring 
of 1880, since which time his son, John Hyland, 
has carried on the business, which gives employ- 
ment to six persons in the manufacture of pails, 
tubs and butter packages. The motive power is 
furnished by Big and Little Mill creeks, which 
unite at this dam, and give a fall of seventeen feet. 

The Ossian street foundry was established in 
1842, by F. and M. Gilman, for conducting a gen- 
eral foundry business. Alter doing business some 
four years F. Gilman withdrew, and F. B. Gilman, 
another brother, became a member, at which time 
the name was changed to Gilman Bros., and re- 
mained such until 1875, when F. B. Gilman sold 
out to his brother, who continued the business two 
years. E. 1!. Gilman then purchased the establish- 
ment and associated with himself his brother, A. J. 
Gilman. The business has since been conducted 
under the name of E. B. & A. J. Gilman. 

In 1854. Mr. DeLong came to this place and 
formed a co-partnership with Richard Young, who 
was then engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors 
and blinds on this privilege, in a building which has 
since been torn down, and the timbers of which 
were used in the construction of the residence of 
Mr. Asa Bunnell. At the expiration of a year Mr. 
DeLong purchased the interest of his partner and 
has since carried on the business alone. The busi- 
ness gives employment to four persons. 

The steam planing-mill owned by Messrs. Fisk, 
Son & Co., was built in i86r, by J. C. I'isk, who 
carried on the business for twelve years, when his 
son, Henry E. Fisk, became his partner. Messrs. 
Fisk & Son conducted the business till 1876, when 
James Wood became a member of the firm, the 
name of which was changed to Fisk, Son & Co. 
The firm also do a machine repairing business, the 
machinery for which was put in in 1878, and manu- 
facture sash, doors and blinds. They employ two 
persons in addition to themselves. 

N. Klauck & Sons' tannery was started in 1865, 
by Nicholas Klauck and his son Joseph, in a build- 
ing which was formerly used as a blacksmith shop, 
and now forms the front portion of the present tan- 
nery, which is located on the upper part of Main 
street. The addition, 4S by 24 feet, was built in 
1868. The tannery gives employment to five per- 
sons, contains twenty-two vats and three leaches: 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — BANKS. 



'75 



and tans annually 1,200 to 1,400 sides of upper 
leather, and about 500 kip and 600 calfskins. 

The Genesee Valley Wine Co., of which Dr. 
Francis M. Perine is sole proprietor, commenced 
the manufacture of wine from grapes in 1870. The 
Doctor has a fruit farm of 225 acres in this town, 
25 acres of which are devoted to grape culture. He 
makes from 8,000 to 10,000 gallons of wine per 
year, principally Catawba ; though his stock in- 
cludes Delaware, Diana, Concord, Port and Sherry. 

The Dansville Plow Works were established in 
November, 1878, by Moses Gilman and C. H. 
Sanford, who bought the Jemison wagon shop and 
removed it to its present location. They do a gen- 
eral iron founding business, but make a specialty of 
F. Wiard's latest improved plow of 1878. This firm 
are just putting in a mill for the manufacture of 
sugar and syrup from the Minnesota sugar cane. 
They planted one acre the present year, (1880,) 
which yielded eighteen to twenty tons of cane. 
The enterprise thus far is merely tentative, as it is 
new to this locality, though the African sorghum 
was raised here twenty years ago. 

The manufacture of trunks now carried on by 
A. Lozier was commenced in 1874 by Carl Ste- 
phan & Co. Carl Stephan subsequently acquired 
the interest of his partner, Mr. Weeks, and in 1876, 
sold the establishment to A. and Frank Lozier, 
brothers, the latter of whom sold his interest to his 
brother, A. Lozier, in the spring of 1880. The 
business gives employment to two persons. 

Banks. — The Bank of Dansville was incorpor- 
ated June 10, 1839, under the general banking 
law of April 18, 1838. The first Directors were: — 
Lester Bradner, Justus Hall, James McNair, Joel 
W. Clark, John Hartman, John Gilman, Thomas 
C. Grover, James Faulkner, Josiah Wendell, Ben- 
jamin C. Cook, Isaac L. Endress, Richard W. Por- 
ter and Salmon Gates. The first officers were: — 
James Faulkner, President ; Justus Hall, Vice 
President; A. A. Bennett, Cashier; David D. 
McNair, Teller. The capital was $150,000, se- 
cured by bonds and mortgages, with no cash paid 
in. The bank commenced business under favor- 
able auspices. It procured $50,000 in stocks of the 
State of Michigan, and $25,000 of the State of 
Alabama, for which a premium was paid. These, 
with an equal amount of bonds and mortgages 
were deposited with the Bank Commissioners, and 
$150,000 of circulating notes procured. 

"Then commenced the discounting. Very soon 
the discounted debt was swelled to its utmost ca- 
pacity and the trouble began. Neither of the offi- 



cers understood the first rudiments of banking, and 
it required but a short period to get the bank into 
inextricable confusion. The stocks of the State of 
Michigan were repudiated ; Alabama's went down 
to sixty per cent. The cashier, Bennett, left the 
country for the country's good and was never heard 
from. The President resigned his position, and 
proclaimed to the Board that the bank must go by 
the board ! The Directors, more plucky than their 
head officer, feeling all the responsibility of their 
position, their own farms being mortgaged for the 
public security, declined to surrender without an 
effort."* 

They cast about, and, acting under the advice 
of Governor Hunt and Thomas H. Rochester, in- 
vited L. C. Woodruff to accept the cashiership, 
which he did. Mr. Woodruff arrived in Dansville 
on the 31st of December, 1839. An examination 
of the condition of the bank revealed the fact that 
within the four short months business had been 
conducted, $54,000 had been wasted or lost; but 
he applied the heroic remedy, and saved it from 
the ruin which seemed inevitable. Within seven 
years he made up the lost capital, built up a first 
rate credit, and for seventeen years thereafter gave 
the stockholders liberal dividends. 

In 1868, the bank surrendered its Charter, as 
authorized by Act of the Legislature, divided up 
its capital, and has since been conducted as a pri- 
vate institution under the same name. 

There were originally about fifty stockholders. 
Only two of them survive — Erhard Ran and James 
Faulkner. They are fast approaching their cen- 
tennial, and with their death the curtain falls upon 
the last of the corporators of the Bank of Dansville. 

Perhaps no bank in this State has encountered 
so many violent, malicious attacks from envious 
enemies, who were jealous of its success. It has 
withstood them all, defied them all, and has main- 
tained its credit and standing through a period of 
forty years with signal honor. It has survived its 
founders and bids fair to outlive another genera- 
tion. 

First National Bank of Dansville. — The bank- 
ing business of which this is the outgrowth was es- 
tablished in 1849, by Sidney Sweet and Endress 
Faulkner, who soon after associated with them- 
selves James Faulkner and B. S. Chapin, with 
change of the original name — S. Sweet & Co. En- 
dress Faulkner died November 12, 1852. "Sep- 
tember 23, i8(>3,"t it was organized as a National 

* Statement of I ' w Iruff, ol Buffalo, th< I 

Bank, Novembet to, 1880. 

t This is the date given by tlie Bank offit ials. It should probably be a 
year later, as tbe "Act to provide currency, secured by a 

pledge ol United States 1 ds, and to prot 

1- not approved Until June j, 1S64. 



HIS TORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Bank, with the following stockholders: — James 
Faulkner, Sidney Sweet, James Faulkner, Jr.. B. S. 
Chapin and S. I ». Faulkner. The capital stock 
was $50,000, and still remains at that figure. It 
was one of the pioneer National banks, the first in 
this State west of Cayuga Bridge. It was No. 
in the State, and No. 75 in the United States. In- 
deed, the State had not yet recognized or sanc- 
tioned the authority of the United States to regu- 
late the conditions of banking within its borders, 
and the Bank Superintendent, jealous of the 
State's interests and privileges, forbade the mana- 
gers to organize and transact business as a Na- 
tional bank.* 

The first officers were: — Dr. James Faulkner, 
President, an office he has held to the present 
time; Sidney Sweet, Vice President, an office he 
still holds; B. S. Chapin, Cashier; James Faulk- 
ner, Jr., Teller. Chapin was succeeded in the 
office of cashier by James Faulkner, Jr., who still 
retains it. James Faulkner, Jr., was teller from 
the organization of the bank till his election as 
cashier, and was succeeded in the office of teller 
by Leonard Kuhn, who was appointed assistant 
cashier in January, 1875, an office he still holds. 
F. T. Brettle succeeded Mr. Kuhn as teller, and 
still holds the office. 

S. Sweet & Co., commenced business in the Ex- 
press Building block. The present building, on 
the corner of Main and Ossian streets, was erected 
for their accommodation in 186 1-2, and occupied 
April 1, 1862. 

Hotels. — The Hyland House occupies the site 
of the old American Hotel, a wooden building, 
which was purchased by George Hyland about 
1S45, and burned in the spring of 1854. The south 
part of the present building was erected in 1859-60, 
and the remaining or main part, in 1873-74. It 
was opened in the spring of 1874. George Hy- 
land owned the property till his death, when he was 
succeeded by his son George, who has kept the 
hotel during the intervals when it was not rented. 
The present proprietor, Smith Newman, took 
possession July 1, 1SS0. 

The Allen House was built in 1871-72, by S. C. 
Allen, who rented it to George Swick, afterwards 
to M. Yorks, and subsequently kept it himself for 
three years, till January, 187S, when he rented it to 
I). B. Voorhees, the present proprietor. 

The Clinton House, originally known as the 
Dansville House, was built by Joseph Feuster- 

* January 17, 1865, the Legislature passed an Acl enabling thebank s 

ut tin- State to become assn, iations i"t tin-' purpose <>i banking, under the 
law .'I tlie United States, of June 3, 11*04. 



macher — the front part about forty years ago, the 
rear part earlier. It was first kept by Milton 
Morey. The present proprietor, Wendell Fngel, 
purchased it about 186S. It has been kept the 
past three years by Harris Wing. 

Our //owe Hygienic Institute was established in 
1853-54, by Dr. Bingham, who erected in those 
years the south half of the present main building 
for a water-cure. Abram Pennell, of Honeoye 
Mats, soon after succeeded him in the proprietor- 
ship, and it was occupied by his son-in-law, Dr. 
Stevens, for whom it was purchased. But Dr. 
Stevens and his successor, Dr. Blackhall, occupied 
it but for a short time, not more than two or three 
years at most, for the building was never finished 
above the second floor until Dr. Jackson took 
possession, Oct. i, 1858. The building had then 
been vacant about a year, and was fast going to 
destruction. 

In 1858, Dr. James C.Jackson, in company with 
his son, Giles E. Jackson, Miss Harriet N. Austin 
and F. Wilson Hurd leased the building for one 
year for the insurance thereon. A copartnership 
was formed by F. Wilson Hurd, Giles E. Jackson 
and Miss Harriet N. Austin, under the style of F. 
Wilson Hurd & Co., and Dr. James C. Jackson 
was employed to take general supervision of the 
cure. Dr. Jackson came from the town of Sem- 
pronius, in Cayuga county, and was one of the 
founders of the Glen Haven Water Cure on the 
shore of the beautiful Skaneateles lake in that town. 
Miss Austin, who had been a member of the medi- 
cal corps of that institution, and Dr. F. Wilson 
Hurd were associated with Dr. Jackson in the med- 
ical supervision of this institution, which was first 
named "Our Home on the Hill Side," from its 
location on the side of the beautiful east hill in the 
village of Dansville. 

When Dr. Jackson landed at the foot of the hill 
with his family and effects from Capt. Henry'sstage. 
on the 1 st of October, 1858, there was no road 
to the building which a team could travel, and they 
were obliged to carry their trunks, etc., up the hill 
by hand. " For possession of the house during the 
first few days," says Dr. James H. Jackson, " we 
fought a battle with the wasps, bats, flies and rats, 
coming off victorious and establishing our right to 
place and property." From that period improve- 
ments began which have brought the buildings and 
grounds connected with them to their present status 
— making them a real gem in the fine rural land- 
scape of the village. The buildings consist of a 
main wooden, four-story structure, with chapel at- 



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FE^Dansville, Livingston Co. N.Y. 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — GAS LIGHT COMPANY. 



i77 



tached, having a frontage of over 350 feet, and 
seven detached ornate cottages, some of them of 
quite large size. The chapel, which is 65 by 32 
feet, and was erected in 1863-64, is connected with 
the third-story of the main building by means of a 
corridor. It is denominated Liberty Hall, and is 
used for public meetings, lectures, worship, and 
amusement. These buildings are located on the 
east side-hill, from 130 to 200 feet above the main 
street in the village. 

On the death of Giles E. Jackson, June 29, 1864, 
his mother Lucretia E. Jackson, and brother, 
James H. Jackson, became members of the co- 
partnership, and the following year the name of the 
firm was changed to Austin, Hurd & Co. In the 
fall of 1868, Dr. Hurd's interest was purchased by 
the remaining partners, and the name changed to 
Austin, Jackson & Co. In 1872, the institution 
was incorporated as a stock company under the 
name of Our Home Hygienic Institute of Dans- 
ville, N. Y., with Miss Harriet N. Austin as Presi. 
dent and James H. Jackson as Secretary. 

Dr. Jackson brought his reputation and patients 
from Glen Haven, the latter coming as fast as 
rooms could be fitted for their accommodation, 
in a few weeks numbering fifty or sixty. A 
steady increase in the number of patients was main- 
tained, and since i860 there has never been less 
than 100 patients, while as many as 300 have been 
treated at one time. At present (September,) 
1880,) there are 250 patients, who represent every 
state and territory in the Union. They have had 
patients from South America. Canada and Nova 
Scotia, especially the Province of Ontario, have 
contributed largely in this respect. There are five 
physicians in attendance, viz : — Dr. James C. Jack- 
son, Physician-in-Chief ; Harriet N. Austin, M. D. ; 
James H. Jackson, who has been connected with 
the institution as superintendent and general busi- 
ness agent since 1861 ; Kate J. Jackson, M. D., 
wife of Dr. James H. Jackson, and Elisha D. Lef- 
fingwell, M. D. 

The Laws of Life and Journal of Health, a 
monthly medical publication, established at Glen 
Haven, by Dr. James C. Jackson, in 1857, has 
been published continuously at the " Home" to the 
present time. 

The water used at this Institution is supplied by 
a spring, issuing from a shaly seam in the rock 
which forms the hill on whose site it is located, 
about 420 feet above the valley, and discharging 
about 3,000 barrels per day. This spring, which 
is called "The All-Healing Spring," burst forth 



from its imprisoned cavity through the hill-side in 
the spring of 179S. This singular phenomenon 
was attended with great violence and rent a chasm 
eighteen inches to three feet in width, extending 
for a mile along the hill, and about 700 feet above 
the valley. About 200 to 300 feet above this 
spring is the entrance to the " devil's hole ;" while 
about twenty feet above and forty feet to the south 
of it, is an orifice from which in rainy seasons the 
water issues with great force, forming a stream 
some six inches in diameter. 

Dr. James Faulkner, in remarks made at an 
anniversary celebration of " Our Home," said, in 
referring to this '"freak of nature," it "occurred in 
the morning, and was preceded by a loud and 
rumbling noise distinguishable in the village and 
somewhat similar to heavy thunder. The noise 
greatly excited and alarmed the few inhabitants 
who then peopled Dansville. The force and vio- 
lence of the rushing waters were so great as to up- 
root large trees in its course and carry them far 
down the hill-side. For a few hours the flow of 
the water was both rapid and copious. It gradu- 
ally subsided and finally settled down to about its 
present dimensions, and has remained so for about 
eighty years. The little water course was, before 
it received its present name, called the Break- 
out. The water has always been singularly clear, 
pure and sparkling, when undisturbed by the ele- 
ments." 

The Dansville Gas Light Co. — As early as 
1856, the project of lighting the village with gas 
was discussed, and on the 3d of April of that year 
the village trustees conferred certain rights and 
privileges on Messrs. Sabbatons & Co., of Albany, 
who had applied to them for permission to erect 
works and lay pipes for the purpose of lighting the 
village with gas. March 8, i860, this exclusive 
privilege was extended to a period of twenty-five 
years from March 1, i860, and the personal prop- 
erty of the company was exempted from village 
taxation for three years. The company were 
required to commence operations within one year 
from the granting of this privilege, and to have the 
works in operation within six months from tin.- time 
they were commenced. August 15, i860, these 
privileges were revoked, and conterred on George 
Gratton, of Syracuse, ami those who might be 
associated with him. ami he was required to have 
the works erected and in successful operation 
within that year. March 1, 1861, the time for com- 
pletion was extended lour months from Jan. i. 
1861. 



. 7 8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The Dansville Gas Light Co. was organized in 
New York, May 18, 1861, with a capital of 
$25,000, and Mr. Schaner as President. George 
Gratton was sent from Syracuse to construct the 
works. About the time they were completed 
Schaner failed, and no election of directors was 
held for several years, though the manufacture of 
gas was continued by Nicholas Schu. George 
( rratton became the Treasurer and Superintendent 
of the company, and October 4, 1861, submitted 
a proposition, to furnish gas for street lamps and 
public buildings for $3.50 per thousand feet, which 
offer was accepted by the village trustees Oct. 9, 
1861. 

The affairs of the company had become very 
much disarranged and its stock was bought up by 
Sidney Sweet and Judge James Faulkner, who 
afterwards associated with themselves Timothy B. 
(Want, J. B. Morey, George A. Sweet, Laura J. 
Morey, M. O. Austin, George Hyland, Hugh 
McCartney, and O. B. Maxwell, who compose the 
present stockholders, Mr. Maxwell's interest, since 
his death, being represented by his estate. The 
present officers are J. B. Morey, President, and T. 
B. Grant, Secretary and Treasurer. 

In 1877, J. M. Lowe leased the works and soon 
after associated with himself William Humphrey, 
who subsequently acquired Lowe's interest in the 
lease. 

( ras was first made from coal, next from naptha 
vapor, then from gasoline, subsequently from oil, 
and at present from naptha. 

Water Works. — Various efforts were made 
from time to time to secure an appropriation for 
effectually supplying the village with water for fire 
purposes, but not until 1873 was the question sat- 
isfactorily disposed of. August 20, 1873, the elec- 
tors resolved to issue bonds of the village 
in the sum of $25,000, for the construction 
of water works, payable, with interest annually at 
seven per cent, per annum, in installments of 
$2,000 per year. The water works were completed 
in the spring of 1874. The reservoir consists of a 
pond formed in Mill creek by the construction of 
a dam above the " California House," at an eleva- 
tion of about 1S2 feet above the lower end of Main 
street. The water is drawn from a stoned well 
sunk within the pond thus formed. May 22, 1875, 
George Hyland, Jr., was appointed Superintendent 
of Water Works, a position he still holds. 

I (ansville Fire 1 )epartment. — The first village 
charter authorized the appointment of one or more 
companies of firemen, of twenty members each, 



and one hook and ladder company of fifteen mem- 
bers, and designated one member of each as fore- 
man thereof. Section 24 provides that firemen, 
while they continue to be such, shall be exempt 
from military duty. The amended charter of May 
9, 1846, limited the number of fire companies to 
one of thirty members for each lire engine procured 
by the village. At the first corporation meeting, 
June 16, 1846, it was resolved to raise by tax $800 
to purchase a fire engine, the necessary hose and 
other apparatus therefor, hooks and ladders and 
the necessary apparatus for a hook and ladder 
company, to erect or hire a suitable place to keep 
such engine and apparatus, "to pay the expense ol 
procuring the same and other needful and proper 
expenses of the corporation," and "to dig public 
wells, sewers and drains and make aqueducts, cis 
terns and reservoirs in said village for the use of 
the inhabitants thereof, and procure pumps and 
other necessary fixtures for the same in such man- 
ner and at such places as the said trustees may in 
their discretion order or determine." 

August 5, 1846. Wm. C. Bryant, B. J. Chapin, 
C. R. Kern, Wm. G. Thompson, Samuel M. 
Welch, J. L. Boon, C. W Dibble, G. C. Wood, 
M. McCartney, L. P. Williams, John Nares, C. E. 
Lamport and H. Howe were appointed Engine 
Co. No. 1. September 9, 1846, the Board of Vil- 
lage Trustees approved the by-laws and officers of 
" Phoenix Engine Co. No. 1," and O. B. Maxwell, 
R. Williams, Wm. H. Southwick * and Wm. Hol- 
lister were appointed members of that company. 
James H. Parker, J. U. Pike, Charles Rumley, K. 
Miles, M. Halstead and L. H. Colborn* were 
added to the company November 10, 1846; and 
Elias Geiger, G. H. Rice, John (J. Wallis, Charles 
U. Heening, James M. Smith. J. V. Taft, J. H. 
Freeland and Charles McElvany, January 12, 1847. 
December 11, 1849, Julius A. Reynolds, J. H. 
Conrity, T. B. Goodrich, L. W. Reynolds, Wm. 
Brown, Jr., G. F. Shannon, J. G. Shepard, N. Schu, 
H. Brewer, Charles Heidacker, S. L. Barrett, J. 
W. Merriman, B. Lewis Brittan, Jonathan Doty, 
N. Bavenger, D. Shafer. H. O. Reynale, A. N. 
Barto, Charles Stephan and Joseph Hallaner were 
constituted Engine Co. No. 2. 

April 28, 1857, H. C. Payne and twenty others 
were, at their request, organized as Phoenix Fire 
Co. No. 1. June 21, 1858, Deforest Lozier and 
eighteen others were, at their request, constituted 
Hope Fire Co., No. 2, and DeForest Lozier was 

• Withdrew from (lie company and returned certificates January 12, 

iS47- 



VILLACxE OF DANSVILLE — THE SQUARE, THE SEMINARY. 



179 



appointed its foreman. December 15, 1858, H. 
Henry was appointed Chief Engineer of the Fire 
Department. 

May 4, 1863, thirty-four persons were consti- 
tuted " Engine Co. Canaseraga," and Nicholas 
Schu was appointed foreman ; twenty-five others 
were constituted " Engine Co. Phoenix," with James 
Faulkner, Jr., as foreman ; to take charge of the 
new engines then recently purchased by the village. 
August 3, 1864, "Genesee Fire Co. No. 3" was 
organized, composed of thirty-one members. This 
company and the hose company connected with it 
were disbanded July 25, 1866. April 27, 1867, J. 
H. Rumpff and others were constituted a hook 
and ladder company, with J. H. Rumpff as fore- 
man, and were authorized to increase the number 
to twenty-four. 

January 26, 1876, the following, on their peti- 
tion, were constituted a " Protective Fire Co." ; 
James Porter, Foreman; James Keenan, 1st Assist- 
ant-Foreman ; Charles V. Patchin, 2d Assistant- 
Foreman ; H. K. VanNuys, President ; Wm. H. 
Dick, Vice-President ; Geo. M. Blake, Secretary ; 
James F. Bryant, Treasurer; Ed. Moody, C. S. 
Snyder, F. T. Brettle, Joseph W. Burgess, C. B. 
Casterline, B. H. Oberdorf, W. J. Lee, Ed. Wood- 
ruff, Charles Rowe, Wm. Krein, W. C. Bryant, Jr., 
L. B. Grant, L. G. Tilden, A. A. Oaks, F. E. Kin- 
ney, F. S. Miller, Wm. C. Croll, C. C. Hartley, H. 
F. Beyers, A. W. Pease and A. B. Lindsay ; and 
the following, on petition, were constituted a hook 
and ladder company : James Hoover, President ; 
J. Kramer, Jr., Vice-President; Baldise Foot, Treas- 
urer ; F. Schubmehl, Jr., Secretary; A. C. Lock- 
ling, Assistant-Secretary; D. K.Price, Foreman; 
Martin LaForce, Assistant-Foreman ; Conrad 
Kramer, 2d Assistant-Foreman ; Adolph Huber, 
Steward ; Peter LaForce, H. Steinhardt, F. S. 
Schubmehl, M. C. Hirsch, Fred. Fridle, E. C. 
Klauck, A. Sourbeer, J. Storm, G. Fesley, Peter 
Geiger, Conrad Yochtim, S. Schwan, A. Lauter- 
bom, Wm. Thomas, Jr., F. Gregorious, Jacob 
Foot, T. Eschrich, J. Hubertus. B. Shafer and 
Peter J. Deitsch. May 3, 1876, the trustees con- 
sented to the incorporation of the Union Hose 
Co. of Dansville, pursuant to the Act of May 2, 
1873 ; and August 9, 1876, to the incorporation of 
the Protectives, and March 28, 1877, to Fearless 
Hookand LadderCo., underthesame Act. These 
constitute the department as at present organized. 
The equipment consists of the apparatus of the 
Protective, hose, and hook and ladder companies, 
a Babcock fire extinguisher, and about 2,000 feet 



of hose, all serviceable. Since the completion of 
the village water works in 1874, they have amply 
supplied the water needed for fire purposes, with- 
out the use of fire engines. There are forty-five 
hydrants. The water pressure is ninety-five pounds 
to the square inch, and the force sufficient to throw 
a stream over the highest building in the village. 
H. Huver is foreman of the hook and ladder com- 
pany ; James McC. Edwards, of the hose com- 
pany ; and F. W. Krein, of the Protectives. 

The Square. — In 1810, Nathaniel Rochester 
deeded to the "Union Society" some four acres 
of land, known as the village square, which is 
now used for church and school purposes, and 
the old cemetery grounds adjacent to it. These 
grounds possess a historic interest from their asso- 
ciation with the Indian tribe who once dwelt here, 
and should be kept inviolate as public grounds. 
As the Society to which they were deeded never 
had a legal existence, no absolute conveyance was 
made. The question of title was submitted to that 
eminent lawyer, John C. Spencer, who decided that 
it never passed from Mr. Rochester, and that at 
his death it rested in his heirs. As the citizens 
were opposed to buying grounds for a school-house 
site, this square was used for that purpose. The 
old building is still standing, having been removed 
from its original location a little north of the Epis- 
copal church. This square was successively 
occupied by the Methodists, Presbyterians, Epis- 
copalians, Lutherans and Catholics, each of whom 
have built churches upon it, though the former is 
now abandoned, and lastly by the village for a 
lock-up, engine house and gun house.* 

The Dansville Seminary was incorporated by 
the Regents, Jan. 14, 1858, and opened in Septem- 
ber of that year, under the auspices of the East 
Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, in a building rented for the purpose and 
now occupied by L. G. Ripley as a residence. 
The next year the school was removed to the second 
story of the large, unsightly brick building on the 
corner of Ossian and Spruce streets, which now 
forms the district school-house in the 2d school dis- 
trict. There it was continued until Jan. 1, i860, 
when the seminary building — the brick structure — 
charmingly situated on the east hill-side, was so 
far completed as to admit of its occupancy, and it 
was removed to it. 

The first principal was Rev. Schuyler Seager, a 
member of the East Genesee Conference. His 



•Statement of L. B. Proctor of Dansville 
futfrofAugust '-, 1SS0. 



tit! The Dansville Adver- 



i8o 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



successors have been Rev. John J. Brown, now a 
Professor in Syracuse I'niversity, Rev. Joseph 
Jones, Rev. Mr. Crumb, Henry Sanfonl, Albert 
Lewis, who was a graduate of McGill College. 
Montreal, and the last of the Conference ap- 
pointees, J. C. Foley, now practicing law in New 

York city, , Samuel H. Goodyear, 

who retired at the close of the academic year in 
June, 1880, and G. S. Miller, the present incum- 
bent. 

Since the conference withdrew its patronage, the 
Seminary has been conducted by individuals who 
in five the tuitions as their compensation, and 
until the close of the last year, the faculty have 
paid the interest on the Seminary indebtedness, 
which, as reported in 187 1, the latest report at 
hand, was $500. Notwithstanding the laxness 
which has prevailed in its management, the Semi- 
nary has been maintained on a highly creditable 
basis. Its patronage is drawn largely from the 
village and surrounding country, the neglected 
condition of the village public school making it an 
acceptable substitute. The present attendance 
(September, 1880,) is about 100, which is less than 
the average of former years by 30 to 50, and is only 
about one-half the attendance which has been 
reached. The school has always been under the 
visitation of the Regents. 

The boarding hall connected with the Seminary 
was built in 1S76. The corner-stone was laid June 
22, 1876. It is a wooden structure, and will well 
accommodate 200 students. The original cost of 
the property was about $20,000. 

The prime movers in the projection of the Sem- 
inary were Dr. B. L. Hovey, Judge and Hon. S. 
Hubbard, Matthew McCartney, Charles Shepard, 
Hon. Isaac L. Endress, and Orville Tousey. 

The Livingston Circulating Library, of 
Dansville, is the result of a project which was set 
on foot in the fall of 1872. Dec. 7, 1872, the pre- 
liminary work having been done by a number of 
energetic and public spirited persons, principally 
ladies, a meeting was convened at the residence of 
Mrs. E. Youngs, on Elizabeth street, for the pur- 
pose of organizing the forces which should there 
muster for the establishment of a village library. 
Jan. 13, 1873, the library was incorporated under 
the above name, the incorporators being : D. W. 
Noyes, I. H. Dix, F. fielder. A. O. Bunnell, M. 
M. Durkee, J. C. Foley, H. F. Dyer, A. D. Beach, 
S. N. Hedges, Thomas F. Gallagher, Mrs. E. M. 
Knowlton, Mrs. D. W. Noyes, Mrs. S. N. Hedges, 
Mis. Sarah Baldwin, Mrs. H. F. Dyer, Miss 1). B. 



Bunnell, Eittic Bissell, Grace Hedges, Augustus 
Kern, Mary F. Bunnell. Ada H. Smith and Sallie 
McCurdy, who met at the residence of Daniel \V. 
Noyes, in Dansville. and organized under the A.i t 
ot June 17, 1853. Daniel W. Noyes, James H. 
Jackson, Frank fielder, George A. Sweet, I. H. 
Dix, A. O. Bunnell, Thomas E. Gallagher, H. F. 
Dyer and Samuel D. Faulkner were named in the 
charter as the trustees for the first year. The cap- 
ital stock was $25,000, divided into 5,000 shares. 
The library was opened on Saturday evening, July 
18, 1874, with Miss A. P. Adams as Librarian, a 
position she efficiently and acceptably tilled some 
eighteen months. Her successor in that office is 
Mrs. M. L. Brayton, who was chosen January 1 2, 
1876. The library now numbers 1,150 volumes of 
well selected literature. 

Churches. — Just when and by whom the first 
church in Dansville was organized is a matter 
which is made obscure and uncertain by the various 
and unauthentic statements concerning it. The 
only authentic statement relative to it is the in- 
definite one contained in the letter of James Mc- 
Curdy, published in Clark's Miniature of Dans- 
ville, which says : "The first established preacher 
and founder of a church among us, was the Rev. 
Andrew Gray." We are left to conjecture, or at 
best to subsidiary evidence, to determine the time 
and place. Rev. Geo. K. Ward, who prepared a 
history of the Presbyterian church of Dansville in 
1876, concludes that the Rev. Mr. dray was settled 
here about 18 12. But there is nothing to indicate 
directly the extent and result of his labors. 

"The primitive settlers of Dansville," says Tur- 
ner, "were mostly Lutherans, or Dutch Reformed. 
The first meetings were held from house to house ; 
Frederick Barnhart or Adam Miller, usually taking 
the lead. The Rev. Mr. Markle, a Lutheran 
preacher from Geneva, occasionally visited the 
place, as did Elder Gray. The first located minis- 
ter was the Rev. Mr. Pratt. The Rev. Mr. Hub- 
bard, a son-in-law of Moses Van Campen, was an 
early settled minister."* "The early settlers of 
Dansville," says the Rev. Mr. Ward, before quoted, 
"were mainly of Presbyterian origin ; the McNairs, 
Perines, McCurdys, McCartneys, Faulkners, Brad- 
ners and Hammonds were all of this stock, and 
hence it was quite in the natural sequence of events 
that the first religious body of importance should 
have been of this denomination." Hotchkin, who 
does not mention an earlier one, says a Presby- 
terian church denominated Dansville and Sparta, 

• Piotui r History of Phtlp& and GorhanCi Purchase, 360. 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — CHURCHES. 



rSi 



was organized in 1819, or the early part of 1820. 
It was afterwards called Sparta First church, and 
was received under the care of the Presbytery of 
Ontario, Feb. 8th, 1820."* This probably has 
reference to the church three miles north of Dans- 
ville, which undoubtedly accommodated the Pres- 
byterians in this vicinity, as the churches in the 
sparsely settled country at that early period drew 
their members from a wide extent of territory. 
This supposition is confirmed by the fact that a 
Presbyterian church was formed in this village in 
1825, and strengthened by the additional testimony 
of Hotchkin. who, in referring elsewhere to this vil- 
lage and its immediate vicinity, says : " The settlers 
were Yankees, Pennsylvanians and Germans, be- 
tween whom there was very little affinity, and the 
institutions of religion were for a long time almost 
totally neglected, and irreligion prevailed." t 

The Presbyterian Church of Dansville was or- 
ganized March 25, 1825, by the following mem- 
bers of the Presbytery of Bath : Rev. James H. 
Hotchkin, Robert Hubbard and Stalham Clary, 
and was received under the care of that Presbytery 
August 30th of that year. The constituent mem- 
bers were eleven in number, nine of whom were 
members of the First church in Sparta, and 
two from the church in Buffalo. They were : — 
YVyllis F. Clark and Charity his wife, Samuel 
Shannon and Sarah his wife, Calvin E. Clark and 
Harriet his wife, Mrs. Mary Rowley, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Pickell, Nancy Pickell, Stephen Franklin and Sarah 
his wife. The church was placed under the care 
of Rev. Robert Hubbard, of Angelica, as stated 
supply. June 2, 1826, it was transferred by Act of 
the General Assembly to the Presbytery of Ontario. 
At that period it numbered thirty-two members. 

The society worshipped in an old school-house 
which stood on the west side of Main street, on the 
vacant lot south of the Dansville house, and was 
afterwards removed to the rear of the Catholic 
church on Dutch street. It was the place of wor- 
ship of the Catholic society before, their church edi- 
fice was erected, and was subsequently used by 
them as a parochial school, but is now converted to 
and used as a barn. The Presbyterians afterwards 
found a convenient place of meeting in the new 
school-house which occupied the site of the Epis- 
copal church, and occupied it for some time after. 

At this time Joshua Shepard generously donated 
td the society the lot now occupied in part by the 
post-office, and a thousand dollars toward erecting 

* Hotchkius History of U'estc, . 584. 

t Ibid. $84 



a church thereon. A church was accordingly built 
on that site and completed at a cost of $3,500. It 
was dedicated in 1831. 

In 1834, Rev. Mr. Hubbard resigned his charge 
over this church and took charge of a church in 
Fowlerville. Rev. Elam H. Walker, in September, 
1834, was ordained and installed pastor. In 
the early part of 1840, disaffection arose, 
and resulted in the formation of a separate 
church, which, by way of distinction, was denomi- 
nated the First church. The church was nearly 
equally divided, 56 remaining with Mr. Walker at 
the old church, and 66 separating and occupying 
what was termed the brick church, (an upper room 
in the Stevens block,) until they could build a new 
edifice, which was finished in 1842, at a cost of 
$4,000, and occupied until the reunion was effected 
Jan. 15, 1861, at the solicitation of the Presbytery, 
when the reunited church was given its former dis 
tinctive name " The Presbyterian Church of Dans- 
ville." 

Rev. I. N. Hubbard supplied for the first six 
months the pulpit of the church formed by the 
seceding members, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Leveret Hull, who continued his labors as stated 
supply about two years. In November, 1842, Rev. 
D. N. Merrit was installed pastor and continued 
his labors till April, 1844. Rev. Joel Wakeman 
next supplied the pulpit for a few months. In the 
fall of 1844, Rev. W. F. Curry was installed pastor, 
and continued in that relation till March, 1849, 
when he was succeeded by Rev. C. L. Hequem- 
bourg, who was installed pastor and occupied the 
pulpit until July, 1853, when Rev. I. N. Hubbard 
was invited to supply the pulpit and continued his 
labors for four years. Rev. S. M. Campbell suc- 
ceeded hirn and supplied the pulpit one year, to 
1858, when Rev. Dr. Seager, then principal of 
Dansville Seminary, was invited to supply the pul- 
pit, which he did till the winter of 1S59, when Rev. 
Mr. Ford began his labors as stated supply and 
continued in that relation till i860. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Samuel Jessup, who was installed 
pastor in 1861, and during whose labors the re- 
union was effected. 

Rev. Mr. Walker continued his labors with the 
other branch until his death, which occurred Jan- 
uary 11, 1849, at the age of 50 years. From the 
time of Mr. Walker's death until 1855, the pulpit 
was supplied by Revs. Powell, Parker, Ray and 
Hequembourg, each of whom labored about a year. 
March 31. 1854, their church edifice was destroyed 
by fire. Fora time they occupied Canaseraga Hall, 



182 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and continued to hold their meetings there and at 
the Lutheran church until 1855, when Mr. Hequem- 
bourg's services closed. From that time to 1861 
they had no regular pastor or preaching. B\ thi 
reunion both branches were brought under the pas- 
toral care of Rev. Mr. Jessup, who continued his 
ministrations until the spring of 1872. Mr. Jessup's 
administration was marked by a large and gratify- 
ing degree of prosperity. In 1867 he was permit- 
ted to behold the consummation of a project for 
which he had labored with untiring zeal and en- 
ergy — lne building of a neat and commodious 
chapel for social, prayer and praise meetings, and 
the enlargement of the church edifice. 

During the autumn and winter of 187 1-2, Mr. 
Jessup laid aside his pastoral cares. In his absence 
the pulpit was very acceptably filled by Rev. 
Charles Ray, now publisher of the Moravia Citi- 
zen. Immediately after Mr. Jessup's resignation 
the pulpit was supplied for three months by Rev. 
Geo. K. Ward, who was succeeded by Rev. John 
Jones, D. D., of Geneseo, who labored as a supply 
for five months. Rev. John H. Brodt, formerly of 
Brooklyn, was then invited to fill the pulpit, which 
he did with universal acceptance for four months. 
The present pastor, Rev. Geo. K. Ward, entered 
upon his ministry the first Sabbath in May, 1873, 
and was ordained and installed June 4th of that 
year. The church numbers at present 317 mem- 
bers. In 1876, the church, which stands upon the 
square, was repaired at an expense of about $2,000 ; 
and in 1878, the chapel, which had before been de- 
tached from the church, was enlarged and brought 
into it, by an addition of about half its size, which, 
including furnishing, was completed at a cost of 
about $2,000. The Society are just arranging to 
purchase a parsonage, which the generosity of Mrs. 
Joseph W. Smith enables them to consummate. 
The old parsonage was sold many years ago. The 
Sabbath School was organized in June, 1820, and 
has been faithfully sustained to the present time. 
Dr. W. F. Clark was the first Superintendent, and 
served in that capacity for sixteen years.* 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Dansville. 
— The early records of this church have not been 
preserved, and there is not one of the old members 
left whose memory can be trusted to give a con- 
nected history of it. A few fragmentary facts only 
can be given, and these, mainly, are only the rec- 

* This sketch is prepared mostly from Hptchkin's History of Western 
New York; Turner's Pioneer History of Phelps <in<l Gorham's I'm 
chase; and, mainly, from a history of the church prepared in 1866, by Cal- 
vin E. Clark, one of the eleven persons wl ganized it. and supple- 

mented in 1876, by Rev. Geo. K Ward. 



ollections of individuals. I >r. James Faulkner says 
there were Methodists in I >ansville as early as 181 1. 
The first Methodist meeting he knows of was held 
in the house where John Galbraith lives. Robert 
Parker preached occasionally in Peter Rutin's 
neighborhood as early as 1812, '13 and '14 ; though 
there were but few Methodists here then. The 
first great impulse to the growth of Methodism in 
Dansville seems to have been given by the family 
of Merritt Brown, who came here in the fall of 
1818, and, says Dr. Faulkner, did more than al- 
most any body else for the church when it was first 
built. He pays a high tribute to the worth of Mr. 
Brown and his wife, and says of the latter, " if she 
is not happy in the other world I would not give 
much for any one's chances of happiness there." 

After Mr. Brown came here, he and others were 
active in getting up a subscription for a church. 
All denominations were very generous. But sev- 
eral years elapsed before their efforts were rewarded. 
Occasional meetings were held at Mr. Brown's 
house by Revs. Thomas Magee and Mr. Nash. I n 
1 8 19 Rev. Micah Seager was preaching here. 
Commencing at Sparta, he preached every day in 
the week, his circuit of two weeks extending south- 
erly. Mr. Seager was the uncle of Rev. Dr. 
Schuyler Seager, the first principal of the Dansville 
Academy. He was assisted in his labors by Rev. 
Chester B. Adgate, who was afterwards the presid- 
ing elder of the district. They held meetings from 
time to time in the old log school house on Main 
street. " They would come," says Rev. Mr. Ward, 
" without a moment's warning, give notice of a 
meeting to be held a few hours later, and when the 
appointed hour arrived the house would be full of 
eager listeners." Mr. Adgate continued his labors 
two years and was followed on the circuit in 1821 
by Rev. James Gilmore, who was succeeded by 
Rev. Mr. Prindle. In 1825, the Rev. Mr. House 
preached on this circuit, and in January of that 
year Rev. Gideon Stoddard held the first quarterly 
meeting in Dansville. Rev. Mr. Williams preached 
here in 1827. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert 
Parker, during whose labors $Soo were raised by 
subscription to build a church, which was com- 
menced in 1828, and finished and dedicated in 
1829. The dedication sermon was preached by 
Wilbur Hoag. It was erected and still stands on 
the square,* but was abandoned by the Methodists 

* ''The old M, K- Church which has stood tor over fifty years on the 
publit square, was sold last week for Jjoo to Burns brothers of this place, 
who will move it from the present site to the lot adjoining Bradley and 
Pfunter's marble shop, and fit it up for .1 carriage manufactory." — Dam- 
ville Advertiser, March 24, [881. 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — CHURCHES. 



183 



when their present fine house was finished in 1S77. 
It was built over once or twice. About this time 
the Society was incorporated. The first trustees 
were Merritt Brown, Wm. Curtice and Benjamin 
Pickett. Mr. Parker was succeeded to the pastor- 
ate by John Copeland, now insane, and in iSjr, 
by Thomas Carlton and Wm. D. Buck. 

During the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Coe, in 
1876-7, the splendid brick edifice on Chestnut St., 
in which the Society now worship, was erected. The 
church was opened on Thursday, September 13, 
1877. The cost aggregated $18,000, of which 
$8,000 was then unprovided for, but $6,000 of the 
amount was raised during the meetings of that day. 
To-day, the church numbers about two hundred 
and sixty members. The present pastor is Rev. 
J. T. Gracey, who has served them two years. 

Moses George, who is probably the oldest mem- 
ber of this church, is the last survivor of the war 
of 1S12, in Dansville. He entered the army at 
the age of eighteen and served three years. He 
was wounded, and carried on his body for about 
sixty-one years the bullet which inflicted the wound. 

The German Evangelical Lutheran Church. — 
We are not advised when this church was organ- 
ized, but it was among the earliest in the village, 
and was the first to erect a house of worship, the 
corner-stone of which was laid on the 4th of July, 
1826. The ceremony attending it was participat- 
ed in by the Masonic fraternity of the village and 
surrounding towns, a military company and a large 
concourse of people. "Abraham Vrooman was the 
master builder, and in the eyes of the people," says 
the facetious historian of this church,* "a great, 
momentous undertaking was committed to him." 

Late in November, 1826, the church was dedi- 
cated, under the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Martin, 
a young man, whose talents, piety and energy 
joined to many amiable traits of character, ren- 
dered his ministry useful and profitable. After 
preaching several years he accepted a call from a 
German Lutheran Church at Harrisburgh, Pa., 
where he died. After the retirement of Mr. Martin, 
the church had no settled pastor for two or three 
years, but the pulpit was occupied most of the 
time by Rev. Dr. Wells and Rev. Mr. Barnhart. 
The next minister in charge of the church, of 
which there is any record, was the Rev. David 
Iester, a gentleman of ability and great activity in 
the sphere of his ministerial duties. Prominent 
among the clergymen who have had charge of this 
church, in addition to those mentioned, were Revs. 

* Lucian B. Proctor, Esq., of Dansville. 



Messrs. Strover, Selmser, Rev. Dr. Miller, Stern- 
berg, Lautz, Klein, Strobel, Borchard, Rumpff, 
Boyer and the present efficient and highly-respect- 
ed pastor, Rev. Paul L. Menzel, who commenced 
his labors in connection with this church Septem- 
ber 18, 1874. 

During the ministrations of the eloquent and de- 
voted Wm. T. Strobel, who was pastor of the 
church from March 12, 1859, to May 18, 1863, the 
church edifice passed into the hands of the present 
congregation, the right to transfer the same having 
been given by decree of the County Court, Septem- 
ber 16, 1861. December 2, 1861, a deed of the 
church property was given by John Shutt, George 
Zerfass, Benjamin Kidd, James Kiehle and R. 
Steffy, a majority of the trustees of the two con- 
gregations aforementioned, to William Schwendler, 
John G. Engert and Jacob Schwingle, trustees of 
this church, for the almost nominal sum of $800. 

A few years after the dedication of the church, a 
fine pipe-organ was placed in it. As it was the 
first of its kind ever brought to Dansville. it was 
an object of curiosity and admiration. There was 
then no regular organist in the village, and an ac- 
complished performer named Snyder, residing at 
Avon, was hired to take charge of it on the Sab- 
bath. He traveled from his place of residence to 
Dansville every week for a long time. When Mr. 
Selmser resigned his pastorate, he purchased the 
organ, which had become an object of contention 
in the troubles which beset the church, and re- 
moved it to Lockport. 

In 1876, the church underwent extensive repairs. 
It was re-dedicated August 6, 1876, service being 
conducted both in German and English, the former 
by the pastor, Rev. Paul L. Menzel, and the latter 
by the Rev. P. A. Strobel. 

The church now numbers one hundred and 
twenty members. It belongs to the United Ger- 
man Evangelical Synod of North America — the 
only one in the county belonging to that Synod — 
and is connected with the German Evangelical 
Lutheran Church of Perkinsville, Steuben county, 
of which Mr. Menzel is also pastor. 

The English Lutheran Church of Danszillc, an 
off-shoot from the German Lutheran Church of 
this village, was organized in 1S46. Their house of 
worship was built in 1847, and dedicated Decem- 
ber 25th of that year. Among the prominent 
members at the organization of the church were 
Dr. S. L. Endress, John Haas, S. Jones, Henry 
Hartman, Elias Geiger, Conrad Welch, Daniel 
Ingersoll, William Haas, Dr. C. H. Patchin, Wil- 



184 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Ham Wildey, John Littles, John Haas, Jr., R 
Pickett and George C. Drehiner. The Building 
Committee were John Hass, William Wildey and 
Frederick House. The first officers, elected Jan- 
uary 11, 1848, were: — Daniel Ingersoll, Trustee; 
John Kohler, Elder; George C. Drehmer, Deacon; 
Shepard Jones, Clerk ; John Haas, Treasurer. 

The church now numbers about one hundred 
members. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that 
the church has never been in debt beyond its im- 
mediate ability to provide for. 

The following have been the succession of pas- 
tors : — 

Rev. John Selmser* 1845- 185 4. 

Rev. F. W. Brauris 1 854. 

Rev. C. H. Hersh 1855-1857. 

Rev. L. L. Bonnell 1858-1859. 

Rev. D. Swope 1859-1863. 

Rev. M. I. Stover 1864. 

Rev. Albert Waldron 1 865-1 867. 

Rev. John Selmser (2d term) 1S68-1873. 

Rev. E. H. Martin 1S73-1S75. 

Rev. P. A. Strobel 1875-1880. 

St. Mary's Church, (Catholic,) e/ Dansville. — 
German Catholics found their way to Dansville as 
early as the beginning of the present century, and 
it has been asserted that a Catholic was among the 
very first settlers. Later a few Irish Catholics 
came in with the needy surplus population which 
Europe poured into this country, but Catholicity 
did not have a visible existence here for more than 
a generation after the town was first settled. 

In 1836, the Catholic families residing in this 
neighborhood were visited by Rev. Father P. 
Prost, a redemptorist missionary from Rochester, 
and a German by birth, who was afterwards sent 
as a missionary to Ireland. He gathered the few 
Catholics then located here in divine worship, and 
administered the holy sacraments of the church. 
He was followed in 1S37, by Father Schackert. 
Two years later, in 1839, Rev. Father Sanderl 
began to come here semi-annually. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Benedict Bayer. These labors 
were continued until 1844, when the Catholics 
purchased the school house in the west part of the 
village and converted it into a house of worship. 
From that period they were visited more regularly 
than hitherto, by Father Bernick. 

The church occupied the school house as a place 
of worship but a short time, for in 1845 the corner 
stone of the present church was laid by Father Ben- 
edict Bayer. When the congregation commenced 
to worship in the new church, the old school house 

•Mr. Selmser was pastor of the church before the division occurred, 
commencing his labors June Jo, 184;. 



was converted into a parochial school and used as 
such until the present fine school building was 
erected in 1876. 

Father Bernick was succeeded by Fathers P. 
Hobzer, P. Tappert, Alexander Cyait Koviz, A. 
Jenkins and Andrew M. Schweiger, redemptorist 
fathers, the latter of whom was the first resident 
pastor, in 1849. Rev. Aloysius Somoggi, D. D.. 
succeeded Father Schweiger in the pastorate as 
early as 1851, and continued till May, 1852. In 
1852, Father John M. Steger was the pastor. 
Father Somoggi again served them until January, 
1854. He then made a journey to Hungary, 
whence he came, and was absent eight months, 
during which time Father John M. Steger offici- 
ated. < )n his return, Father Somoggi again min- 
istered to them for four months, till January, 1855. 
Rev. N. Arnold, D. D., succeeded Somoggi and 
remained five months. After that there was no 
priest until October, 1855, when Father Steger 
again became the pastor, continuing as late as 
March, 1S57. Revs. John N. Koenig and Peter 
Seibold both officiated in 1857, Seibold continuing 
till 1859, when Rev. J. Rosswig became the pastor. 
He was succeeded in i860 by Rev. F. R. Marshall; 
in 1861, by Rev. Christopher Wagner; and in 
1862, by Rev. Sergius de StchoulepuikofF, a Rus- 
sian priest, who finding the church too small to 
accommodate the parishioners, had an addition 
built to it. He also purchased the high altar and 
bell during his short pastorate of twenty lyionths. 
In 1864, Rev. Joseph Albinger came here and con- 
tinued his ministrations until 1S75, "'hen Rev. 
Henry F.gler assumed the pastorate. He was 
succeeded July 13, 1S79, by the present pastor, 
Rev. Frederick R. Rauber. 

During the pastorate of Mr. F.gler, in 1S76, the 
present parochial school connected with this church 
was erected. It was formally opened and dedicated 
on the 5th and 6th of June, 1876. The building for- 
merly used for that purpose, standing in the rear of 
the church, is now used as a barn. The parochial 
school, which is attended by about 150 pupils, is 
taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph, of Rochester, 
four in number. The church edifice is a wooden 
building, located on Franklin street, in the west 
part of the village.* The present number of mem- 
bers is about Soo. The church property is valued 
at $15,000. 

• History of St. Patrick's Church, in The Journal of the Fair, Oc- 
tober ■ unl November, 1S80, prepared by the pastor, Rev. Father Simon 
vhich, and a History of St. M I rch, prepared by 

■ pa tor, and published in the same journal, and to the recordsol the 
latter church, ue are indebted for the history of Catholicism in Dansville. 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — CHURCHES. 



185 



St. Patrick's Church, Dansville. — The history 
of this, so says our informant, " dates from twenty 
years after the settlement of the town of Dansville." 
The first priests who visited this locality ministered 
alike to the German and Irish Catholics. The 
first Irish priest who found his way hither, of whom 
there is any record, was Rev. Bernard O'Reilly, 
but when he came, how frequently he visited Dans- 
ville, and how long he continued to do so, is a mat- 
ter of uncertainty. From the time of Father 
O'Reilly, priests visited Dansville at regular inter- 
vals, and the number of Catholics increased to such 
a degree that larger accommodations were needed, 
and under Father O'Connor, the successor of 
Father O'Reilly, the people assembled at the town 
hall to assist at mass. 

In 1847 the western portion of this State was 
formed into a diocese by the late lamented pontiff, 
Pius the Ninth. Buffalo was made the episcopal 
seat and Rt. Rev. John Timon was the first bishop. 
Within a couple of decades of years dating from 
the first appearance of permanent Catholicity in 
Dansville, the number of Catholics had increased 
to such an extent as to warrant Bishop Timon in 
sending them a priest to reside amongst them. 
All the historical records agree as to the name of 
the first resident pastor, but none give the date of 
his arrival. His name was Rev. Edward O'Flaherty, 
and it was under his administration that the foun- 
dation of St. Patrick's church was laid, at the head 
of the public square, where the church now stands, 
at the corner of Liberty and Church streets. Some 
traditions which seem sufficiently reliable mention 
the names of Father McEvoy and Father Carroll, 
who paid occasional visits from Rochester to the 
Catholics in Dansville, but beyond the fact of their 
visiting as missionaries little seems to be known. 
Before the erection of any church in Dansville, the 
town-hall — the property of Charles Shepard — was 
used as the place of divine worship. Father 
O'Flaherty ministered to the wants of the German 
as well as Irish nationality, and according to one 
account, in the year 1849, according to another, in 
the year 1850, laid the foundation of St. Patrick's 
church. The church structure, which was com- 
pleted in 1851, at a cost of $1,500, was about half 
its present size. Father O'Flaherty was succeeded 
immediately by Rev. Charles Tierney, and one ac- 
count gives him the credit of having completed the 
church, the foundation merely being laid by Rev. 
Father O'Flaherty. 

We find Father Tierney recording a baptism in 
the church register as late as May, 1852, and Rev. 



John Donnelly recording his advent in June of the 
same year. Father Donnelly remained but a short 
time, for we find him succeeded by Rev. Joseph 
McKenna on the 1st of May, 1853. Father Mc- 
Kenna's stay was of even shorter duration than that 
of Father Donnelly, for his autograph does not ap- 
pear in the church registries later than August of 
the same year (1853). He was succeeded by Rev. 
Aloysius Somoggi, who, it would appear, took 
charge of both Catholic churches, St. Mary's and 
St. Patrick's, during his stay. His signature ap- 
pears upon the records for the first time on October 
5th, 1853, and the last baptism recorded by him 
was administered in December of the same year. 
From that time until October, 1855, we find the 
names of Rev. Terence Kernan, Rev. Daniel Dolan 
and Rev. Michael Casey, in the order given. 

In the month of October, 1855, Rev. Michael 
Steger took charge of St. Patrick's congregation as 
well as St. Mary's. His latest signature is that of 
December 2d, i860. Rev. M. Steger was suc- 
ceeded immediately by Rev. J. A. Marshall, who 
remained only a few months, and was in turn suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Chrysostom Wagner in June, 1861. 
His stay seems to cover the time from June, 1861, 
to April, or May, 1862, when Rev. Sergius de 
Stchoulepuikoff, a Russian by birth and a Catholic 
by conversion, assumed the pastoral charge. 
There were few among the many priests who re- 
mained in Dansville for any length of time who 
made such a lasting impression on St. Patrick's 
congregation as S. de Stchoulepuikoff, and many 
a heartfelt and warm tribute is to-day paid to his 
zeal and energy. His name disappears from the 
records after January, 1864, when Rev. Joseph 
Albinger assumed the pastorate. Father Albinger 
took charge of both congregations from his arrival 
until the 5th of July, 1871. Rev. Michael Biggins 
succeeded him on the 5th of July, 187 1. 

Father Biggins labored amongst the Irish Cath- 
olics of Dansville for six years, and was transferred 
to the Catholic church at Clyde, in August, 1877. 
He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. S. 
Fitzsimons.* 

St. Peter's Church, Protestant Episcopal. — The 
parish of St. Peter's church, Dansville, was organ- 
ized April 13, 1831. At the meeting for organizing, 
the Rev. William W. Bostwick, "missionary of 
Bath, Steuben Co. and parts adjacent," presided, 
and the following gentlemen were elected wardens 
and vestrymen, viz : — 

* From the historical sketch by Rev. Father Fitzsimons before referred 



1 86 



HISTORY OF LIVlNCxSTON COUNTY. 



Wardens, William Welch, Amos Bradley ; Ves- 
trymen, Justus Hall, James Smith, Sedley Sill, Benj. 
C. Cook, Alonzo Bradner, George Hyland, David 
Mitchell, Horatio G. Taggart. 

It was, however, several years before a resident 
clergyman was secured, and divine service regularly 
celebrated every Sunday. For some twelve years 
the parish was either associated with St. Paul's 
church, Angelica, or left with only occasional mis- 
sionary services. But in 1842 several active young 
churchmen having removed to the growing village, 
vigorous measures were adopted to place the parish 
on a more permanent basis. At a special parish 
meeting, held on the 14th of November, in that 
year, the following officers were elected to serve 
until the ensuing Easter, viz : — 

Wardens, Benjamin Bradley, William Welch ; 
Vestrymen, John C. Williams, Ralph T. Wood, 
Edward O'Brien, Isaac L. Endress, John A. Van- 
Derlip, Lauren C. Woodruff, Peter S. Lema, Geo. 
G. Wood. 

Mr. Lauren C. Woodruff, was elected treasurer, 
and Mr. John A. Van Derlip, clerk of the vestry, 
ati office continuously held by him from that date 
till the present time. 

In April of the following year, the Rev. Nathan- 
iel F. Bruce, M. U., who had of late officiated oc- 
casionally in the parish, in connection with St. 
Paul's, Angelica, was elected rector and removed 
to Dansville. Measures for the erection of a 
church edifice were about this time adopted, and 
with L. C. Woodruff, Benj. Bradley and Isaac L. 
Endress, for a building committee, the work was 
vigorously prosecuted. 

In the autumn of 1846, the present neat church 
edifice of wood was completed, at a cost of some 
$3,000, and on the 25th of May, 1847, was conse- 
crated by Bishop DeLancey. 

Down to 1846 the congregation hud worshipped 
in "The School House on the Square," — a building 
now venerable for use and years, that once stood 
on the N. W. corner of the public park, but was 
moved to its present site, to give place to St. Peter's 
church. 

On the istof July, 1846, about the time the new 
church was completed, the Rev. Mr. Bruce resigned 
the care and was succeeded by the Rev. Mason 
Gallagher. In the summer of 1848, Mr. Gallagher 
in consequence of failing health, was granted a 
leave of absence by the vestry, and the Rev. T. F. 
Wardwell engaged as a supply. The following 
December Mr. Wardwell accepted an election to 
the care of Grace church, Lyons, and the services of 



the Rev. O. F. Starkey were temporarily secured. 
In the spring of 1849 the Rev. Mr. Gallagher's 
resignation was accepted, and in July following the 
Rev. O. R. Howard, now of St. Thomas' church, 
Bath, was elected rector. 

The rectorate of Rev. Dr. Howard continued 
until 1857, and covers the era of greatest prosperity 
both of the parish and the village. 

Since the resignation of Dr. Howard and his 
removal to Bath, the following clergymen have suc- 
cessively had ministerial charge of the parish, viz : 
The Rev. Thomas G. Meachem, the Rev. V. Spald- 
ing, the Rev. J. C. L. Jones, the Rev. Robert C. 
Wall, the Rev. L. D. Ferguson, the Rev. L. H. 
Strieker, the Rev. Joseph Hunter, the Rev. James 
B. Murray, D. D., and the present incumbent, the 
Rev. A. P. Brush, who has been rector since Nov. 
1, 1878. 

In spite of these successive, and sometimes not 
desirable changes, the parish has grown from both 
numerical and financial weakness, to its present 
condition of comparative strength, including as it 
does some sixty families and about one hundred 
communicants. 

From 1831 to 1881, the changes have been many 
and marked. Of the original vestry none survive, 
while of the vestry of 1842, only three are living, 
and only one, the Hon. John A. Van Derlip con- 
nected with the parish. 

The present parish officers are : Rector, the Rev. 
A. P. Brush ; Wardens, Mr. A. T. Wood, Mr. 
Luther Grant ; Vestrymen, Hon. John A. YanDer- 
lip, Mr. Alonzo Bradner, Dr. Z. H. Blake, Mr. L. 
G. Ripley, Mr. James Lindsay, Maj. Edwards H. 
Pratt, Mr. Ceo. A. Sweet, Mr. A. Y. McNeil Sey- 
mour ; Clerk, Hon. J. A. Van Derlip ; Treasurer, 
Luther Grant.* 

The Dansville Baptist Church was organized 
Oct. 23, 1850, at the house of Barnett Brayton. 
The Rev. B. R. Swick, of Bath, was chairman of 
the meeting held for that purpose, and M. R. Mar- 
cell, secretary. The constituent members were : 
Aaron W. Beach and Mary Ann his wife, Barnett 
Brayton and Olive his wife, Martin R. Marcell and 
Emily his wife, Nancy Filer, Ann Brayton, Maria 
Bates, Joseph Palmer. Elijah Hill and Judith his 
wife. They were recognized by a council convened 
in the Lutheran church in Dansville November 6, 
1 850, and composed of delegates from the churches 
in Mt. Morris, Bath, Wayne, Almond, South Dans- 
ville, Avoca, Burns. Barnett Brayton and Aaron 
1 leach were chosen deacons November 8, 1850. 

* This skeu h was kindly furnished by the Rector, Rev. A. P. Brush. 



VILLAGE OF DANSVILLE — SOCIETIES. 



187 



At a meeting held at Dansville Academy, their 
usual place of worship, December 10, 1850, the 
following trustees were elected: Paulinus Cook, 
George Hovey, Barnett Brayton, Martin R. Mar- 
cell, Lemuel J. Swift and Charles L. Truman. 

January 12, 1851, it was resolved to call Howell 
Smith, of Perm Yan, to the pastorate, at a salary 
of $500. The call was accepted, and Mr. Smith 
commenced his labors the first Sunday in March 
following. June 24, 185 1, the church united with 
the Livingston Baptist Association. 

Mr. Smith closed his labors as pastor March 1, 
1855. He was succeeded by Rev. O. I. Sprague, 
who commenced his labors May 5, 1855, and closed 
them April 1, 1858. Edwin S. Walker, of Roches- 
ter Theological Seminary, entered upon his labors 
as supply in April, 1858, and July 8, 1858, was 
called to the pastorate. He commenced his labors 
as such August 1, 1858, and was ordained Septem- 
ber 16, 1858. He closed his labors in the spring 
of i860, and was followed in November of that 
year by Rev. J. Wilson, who remained only 
about two months. Rev. I. W. Emory of Cana- 
seraga, supplied the pulpit from the spring of 186 1, 
and April 14, 1861, was given a call to the pastor- 
ate for one year from April 1, 1861. He was dis- 
missed April 4, 1S63. His successors have been, 
Rev. George W. Baptis from September 3, 1864, to 
June 24, 1865 ; Elder M. Barker from June 6, 

1866, to ; Rev. E. L. Crane, from December, 

1870, to September 24, 187 1; Rev. R. J. Reynolds, 
from September 3, 1873, to September 4, 1874; 

Rev. C. B. Read, from October 10, 1875, to ; 

Rev. L. Q. Galpin, the present pastor, who com- 
menced his labors January 9, 1S78. The present 
number of members is 112. 

The Advent Christian Chunk in Dansville was 
organized by William Brown, Sr., Daniel Cogswell 
and ten others, " believers in the speedy and per- 
sonal coming of the Lord Jesus Christ," who met 
at Dansville, December 23, i860, and adopted a 
church covenant and articles of association, drawn 
and presented by Elder Daniel T. Taylor. We 
have no further information respecting this church, 
but believe it is not now in existence. 

Societies. — Dansville Royal Arch Chapter No. 
91 was chartered February 2, 1825. The charter 
officers were ; Merritt Brown, High Priest ; War- 
ren Patchin, King ; Paul C. Cook, Scribe. The 
Chapter was organized March 31, 1824, under a 
dispensation granted February 21, 1824, by the G. 
R. A. Chapter. The officers elected in addition to 
the three above named were : Timothy Atwood, R. 



A. C. ; Moses Conn, CofLL. ■ Wm. McPherson, 
P. S. ; James Conn, M. of $d. V. ; Anson Dela- 
mater, M. of 2d V. ; N. Boyden, M. of 1st V. ; 
Thomas M. Bowen, Secretary ; Samuel Stilwell, 
Treasurer ; Henry Burley, Guard. The mem- 
bers present at that meeting in addition to those 
named were Andrew Prindle and Jacob Thorn. 
The Chapter numbered 41, October 5, 1880 ; and 
meets in the Maxwell Block the 2d and 4th Tues- 
days of each month. 

Phoenix Lodge No. 115 F. 6- A. J/, was insti- 
tuted April 15, 1S46, and chartered August 18, 
1846. The charter officers were : — Merritt Brown, 
Master ; John Culbertson, S. W. ; Javin Bradley, 
J. W. The lodge numbers about 95, and meets 
the 1st and 3d Tuesday evenings of each month in 
the same room as the chapter. 

Canaseraga Lodge No. 123 / O. O. P., was or- 
ganized Sept. 15, 1844, and chartered Nov. 4, 1844. 
For more than half the period of its existence it was 
the sole representative of Odd Fellowship in Living- 
ston district. The charter members were: — John 
A. VanDerlip, John B. Smith, Wm. (',. Thomson, 
P. S. Lema, L. C. Woodruff, H. Kingsbury and 
John C. Williams. The lodge numbers 83 mem- 
bers, and meets Friday evening of each week in the 
Maxwell Block. 

Dansi'ille Union Equitable Aid Union No. 24 
was organized Oct. 29, 1879. The charter mem- 
bers and first officers were : — L. G. Ripley, Presi- 
dent ; J. M. Edwards, V. P. ; C. W. Brown, Sec- 
retary and Accountant ; M. W. Haviland,* Chan- 
cellor; Henry Feustermacher, Auxiliary; A. P. 
Burkhart, Advocate: H. P. Updike, Treasurer and 
Chaplain ; J. H. Campbell, Sentinel ; D. L. Sweet, 
Warden ; Henry Schwingle, Watchman ; Anton 
LaBoyteaux, E. J. Betts, H. A. Fairchild, L. Per- 
ham, H. P. Updike, D. L. Sweet, Henry Schwingle, 
W. C. Bryant, Jr., and Henry Feustermacher. The 
L T nion numbers 36 members, and meets the 2d 
and 4th Monday of each month in Odd Fellows 
Hall. 

COMMINSVILLE. 

Comminsvilleis a hamlet of 1 26 inhabitants, lying 
in the north-west part of the town, on Canaseraga 
creek, a little below the north bounds of Dansville 
village, and derives its importance from being the 
seat of the manufacturing establishment of Sweet, 
Faulkner & Co. It derives its name from Warren 
Commins, who, with his son Moses A. Commins, 
established there in 1839, a furnace anil machine 

•Haviland and the officers succeeding him were elected Nov. II, 
is-';, at which tune also E. II Readshaw was initiated- 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



shop on the site of the present works, in the old 
tannery building occupied by the McCartney Bros, 
from 183 1 to 1835. They continued the business 
till 1842, when Sidney Sweet purchased the interest 
of Warren Commins, and in company with the tat- 
ter's son continued it under the name of Sweet & 
Commins until 1845, when George Sweet and John 
Gill purchased the establishment. 

In 1869, after several intermediate changes the 
name was changed to and has since remained 
Sweet, Faulkner iV- Co. 

Previous to 1858, the business consisted of gen- 
eral machine work, principally the manufacture of 
steam engines and threshing machines. In that 
year the manufacture of mowers and reapers was 
begun and has been continued to the present time, 
having now become the exclusive business. The 
Royce Reaper and the Dansville Mower, an inven- 
tion of George Sweet's, are the articles manufac- 
tured. 

The works require a capital of about $35,000, 
and give employment to from twenty to thirty per- 
sons, the number at present employed being 
twenty-three. 

Stone's Falls. 

Stone's Falls is a hamlet located on Mill creek, 
in the south-east corner of the town, two miles 
south-east of I (ansville village. It derives its name 
from Rufus Stone, who came here with his family 
from Pompey, Onondaga county, June 3, 1816, 
having been here the previous year to prospect. 
He took up a tract of land in the locality of Stone's 
Falls, and was the first to utilize the water power 
here. He built in 1816, on the site of his son's 
wagon-shop, a saw-mill which was in operation till 
about 1840, and went to decay. In 1825, he 
built an oil-mill and made flaxseed-oil, operating it 
till within two or three years of his death, which 
occurred in Ohio, March 2, 1842. His son Ben- 
jamin succeeded him to the ownership of the oil- 
mill, and continued the business till his death, 
March 8, 1852, at the age of forty-two, when it 
was discontinued. 

Benjamin Stone built a saw-mill on the site of 
the original oil-mill, about 1842 or '43, having, 
about 1840, built a second oil-mill to take the 
place of the first. After the death of Benjamin 
Stone the mills were sold to Capt. Henry Henry, 
who took down the oil-mill, the timbers of which 
were used in the construction of the Brewster 
House in Dansville village. Capt. Henry owned 
the saw-mill till his death in 1872, when his widow 



sold it to John White, the present proprietor. I lur- 
ing Capt. I [enry's occupancy the mill burned down. 
It was rebuilt by him immediately after. He had 
occupied the upper story for a flax-mill. 

Broton S. Stone established his wagon manufac- 
tory at this point in 1S48, and has carried on the 
business since that time. He does a general 
wagon business, but makes a specialty of lumber 
and farm wagons. He employs on the average 
about six persons, and makes some fifty to sixty 
lumber wagons per year. The motive power is 
furnished by Mill creek, which has a fall at this 
place of about thirty feet. 

Dansville Grange, No. 178 P. of H., whose 
headquarters are at this place, was organized April 
14, 1874, with the following members: — B. F. 
Kershner, Master; R. K. Stone, Secretary; Henry 
A. Kershner, Lecturer; B. S. Stone, Overseer; 
J. B. Lemen, Steward ; G. C. Stone, Assistant 
Steward ; James F. McCartney, Chaplain ; Fred 
Driesbach, Treasurer; Henry Driesbach, Gate- 
keeper ; E. M. Driesbach, Ceres ; Eliza L. Kersh- 
ner, Pomona; M. E. Stone, Flora; Emma J. Le- 
men, Lady Assistant Steward; B. S. Stone, Win. 
Hartman and B. F. Kershner, Executive Commit- 
tee ; L. A. Palmer, Honeoye Falls, J. H. McCart- 
ney, Henry Hartman, Wm. Hall, Ora R. Stone, 
Mrs. B. F. Kershner, Mrs. J. B. Lemen, Mrs. B. 
S. Stone, Mrs. Frederick Driesbach, Mrs. J. H. 
McCartney, Mrs. R. K. Stone, Mrs. J. F. McCart- 
ney, Mrs. G. C. Stone, Mrs. Henry Driesbach, 
Mrs. William Hall. It was chartered July 6, 1874. 

The organization was effected and the meetings 
for nearly four years were held in the upper part 
of B. S. Stone's wagon shop, the use of which was 
given by Mr. Stone free of expense. 1111878, the 
Grange built here a fine commodious hall, at an 
expense of about $2,000, and here the meetings 
have since been held. Gratuitous services were 
rendered thus greatly reducing the money cost of 
its construction. The land on which it stands — 
about three-fourths of an acre — was donated for 
the purpose by George C. Stone; so that with the 
amount actually expended, the land donated and 
the gratuitous services rendered, the Grange is put 
in possession of a hall worth about $3,000. 

The California House is a name applied to a 
locality a half mile south of Dansville village, 
where are located two hotels, the Hollingsworth 
paper-mill, a cooper shop and an unoccupied 
brewery. Kramer's Hotel, known also as the 
"California House," has been kept since 1S70 by 
John Kramer. It occupies the site of the old 





Mr. & Mrs. William Warjman. 
WILLIAM HARTMAN. 



William Hartnian was boru iu tlie town of Sparta, now 
North Dausville, Livingston county, N. Y., January 30th, 
1820. He is a son of John and Mary (Longnecker) Hart- 
man. The former was a native of Northumberland 
county, Pa., was born in 1782 and died in North Dansville 
February 19th, 1845. The latter was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 17!>2 and died on the same day that her husband 
died, and both were buried in the same grave. They 
died of a contagious disease known as malignant erysipelas 
that carried off many citizens of North Dansville during 
its prevalence. Harmon Hartman and his wife Susannah, 
the father and mother of John Hartman, were among the 
early settlers of the town of Sparta. They came iu and 
settled near where the village of Dansville is located, in 
1807. John, the father-of our subject, was then twenty- 
five years of age. He was the eldest of a family of thir- 
teen children, eight by the first wife and five by the sec- 
ond. In the year 1815 he married Mary Longnecker, 
who was then residing here with a married sister. Her 
parents were living in Cayuga county, N. Y. John fol- 
lowed farming and kept tavern many years. They had 
nine children, viz : Angeliue. married J. W. Brown, of 
Dansville : Henry, now- residing on the old homestead ; 
William, our subject ; John, now living in Groveland, 
Livingston county, a farmer by occupation ; Endress, 
living at Clarksburg. W. Va.; George, living on a part of 
the old homestead farm: Jacob and Laban died iu infancy, 
and Samuel Frederick, now a resident of Lancaster, Erie 
county, N. Y.. and connected with the Buffalo Courier es- 
tablishment in Buffalo, N. Y. 

At the time of the death of the parents the children 



were all living at home except Angeline, who married Mr. 
Brown and was living in the village of Dansville, and they 
operated the farm until 1 848, when the estate, then con- 
taining ")79 acres, was divided. The share that fell to 
William was 09 acres. He then moved on to a five acre 
lot that he purchased of the heirs of Susannah Hartman, 
his grandmother, where he lived and carried on farming 
until 18.10. Iu that year, April 25th, he married Catha- 
rine Driesbach, the daughter of Henry and Lydia (Hart- 
man) Driesbach. She was born November 24, 1827. 

Mr. Hartman continued and has always followed farming 
and has been eminently successful. By his energy, econ- 
omy and enterprise he has acquired a large property and 
is ranked among the leading agriculturists of the county. 
His advantages for an education were such as were afforded 
by the commou schools of his town and the academy at 
Dansville. 

He has never been an office seeker nor an active politi- 
cian. He gave his allegiance to the Democratic party until 
1800, when he voted for Abraham Lincoln, and voted for 
the candidates of the Republican party from 1 800 to 1 S72, 
when he voted for Horace Greeley. Since that time he 
has voted for whom he has considered the best man, re- 
gardless of party. 

Mr. Hartman has never united with any religions de- 
nomination, but attends, as does his family, the English 
Lutheran church at Dansville. There have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Hartman three children, namely : William 
Henry, born Sept. 30th, 1851 ; Mary L., bom July 10th, 
1853; and Emma C, bora Nov. 14th, 1856, all residing 
at home with their parents. 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



[89 



"California House," and was built about twenty- 
four years ago, by Nicholas and Frank Schu. The 
Schus had also a small brewery, which is now used 
as a cooper shop by Adam Kramer. Kramer's 
brewery, located on the opposite side of the road, 
was built by John Kramer in 1870 for the manu- 
facture of lager beer. Brewing was discontinued 
in 1875. The Farmer's Hotel located here is kept 
and has been for several years by Michael 
Weynand. 

There are various other manufacturing enter- 
prises carried on in the town aside from those 
located in the village, but none of great magnitude. 
Among these are the Grove grist-mill, located on 
the west bank of Canaseraga creek, a mile west of 
Main street, in Dansville village, which was built 
in 1816-17, by Thomas McWhorter and his son 
John. Curtis & Tomkinson now operate it. The 
mill contains three runs of stones, operated by 
water from Canaseraga creek, with a fall of eight 
feet. In Pogue's Hole is a grist-mill, owned by 

John Hartman, and built by Porter. It is 

located on Canaseraga creek, about a mile south- 
west of Dansville village, and contains two runs of 
stones. The fall at this point is about twenty feet. 
The Morey grist-mill, owned by John Morey, and 
located on Canaseraga creek, about two miles 
northwest of Dansville, was built at an early day. 
It contains three runs of stones, and has a fall of 
seven feet. On Mill creek, about one and one- 
half miles above Dansville village, is a saw-mill 
owned by Mrs. Dr. Zara H. Blake. It was built 
at an early day by Mrs. Blake's father, Samuel G. 
Dorr, who also had a carding-mill. The saw-mill 
has been rebuilt two or three times. The property 
has always remained in the Dorr family. H. E. 
Hubbard is engaged in the manufacture of horse 
pokes, well-curbs, well buckets, leather straps for 
well-curbs, rubber buckets, pumps, etc., about a 
mile and a half above Dansville, on Mill creek, 
which furnishes the motive power, with a fall of 
eighteen feet. The business was established in 
1862, by Henry Hubbard, father of the present 
proprietor, in George Fiske's planing-mill, at the 
foot of Washington street in Dansville, and was 
continued there fourteen years, when it was re- 
moved to Capt. Henry's building, now the Hol- 
lingsworth paper-mill. Dec. 5, 1876, Mr. Hub- 
bard sold the establishment to his son, H. E. 
Hubbard, who erected the building he now oc- 
cupies in the fall and winter of 1879, and occupied 
it for manufacturing purposes about March 1st, 
1880. 



War ok the Rebellion. — -We cannot give as 
definitely as we would like the action of this town 
during this trying period, and for the reason that 
the records here, as in other towns in the county, 
have been only partially preserved, the most im- 
portant one giving a complete summary of the re- 
sult of this action, being among the lost. Enough, 
however, has been gleaned from the files of The 
Dansville Advertiser of that period to sufficiently 
indicate the generous nature of her response to the 
repeated calls made on her resources ; and that 
early and most interesting, because most spon- 
taneous action is there faithfully and fully re- 
corded. 

The first public meeting in North Dansville in- 
cident to the war was held at Canaseraga Hall, in 
Dansville, Saturday evening, April 20, 1861, and 
was then regarded the largest in-door meeting that 
had taken place in the village. The meeting was 
called to order by L. B. Proctor; the Hon. James 
Faulkner was chosen chairman, and Dr. F. Wilson 
Hurd, secretary. S. Hubbard, Dr. James C. 
Jackson, Sidney Sweet, G. Bulkley, John A. Van 
Derlip and M. H. Brown were appointed a com- 
mittee to draft resolutions. D. W. Noyes read, by 
request, the Governor's proclamation and the order 
of the Adjutant-General. Addresses were made 
by L. B. Proctor, L. B. Faulkner, S. D. Faulkner, 
Joseph W. Smith and Dr. Jackson. 

Subscriptions were then given to the amount of 
$1,972, to be distributed by a committee consist- 
ing of Charles Shepard, James Faulkner, Sidney 
Sweet, J. C. Jackson, I. L. Endress, A. Lozier and 
A. Bradner, " to assist the families of such persons 
of this village and vicinity as may desire it, who 
shall be received into active service in defense of 
the Stars and Stripes and the enforcement of the 
laws." The Dansiille Advertiser, of Thursday, 
April 25, 1 86 1, says: "Lieutenant Carl Stephan 
issued a call this week for volunteers under the 
$3,000,000 act, which is being heartily responded 
to. Yesterday there were 63 names on the rolls. 
Volunteers who come from abroad will be pro- 
vided for by the citizens of Dansville until they are 
called into the service of the State." "An election 
of officers was held at the armory yesterday and re- 
sulted " as follows : — 

Captain — Carl Stephan Dansville. 

First Lieutenant — George Hyland, Jr., " 

Ensign — Ralph T. Wood " 

First Sergeant — -Henry R. Curtis 

Second " — George W. Hasler ... . " 

Third " —Mark J. Bunnell 

Fourth " — Duane D. Stillwell 



190 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



First Corporal* — George B. Dippy... 

Second " — George M. Morris.. Conesus. 

Third " — Wm. H. Drehmer. . 

Fourth " — A. J. Hartman Dansville. 

The following are the names of the enlisted 
men : — 

Adams, James, Wayland. 

Allen, Samuel, Dansville. 

Alverson, Edward C, Dansville. 

Arwin, Charles A., South Dansville. 

Ash, Jacob, " " 

Avery, Charles F., Wayland. 

Bean, Charles Y., ( Jroveland. 

Brownell, Hiram, Rogersville. 

Carpenter, A. \V., I )ansville. 

Conklin, Munroe, Conesus. 

(Onrad, Philip, Perkinsville. 

Cook, Daniel, Haskinville. 

Cook, Orrin H., Dansville. 

Corbin, A., Wayland. 

De Forrest, ( George, 1 )ansville. 

Deiter, John T., " 

Demerit, Charles, South Dansville. 

Dipple, C. W Dansville. 

1 hiteher, C. Wellington, " 

Kasterbrook, Stephen, Wayland. 

Eldridge, John, Springvvater. 

Feustermacher, Endress, Dansville. 

Fitch, M. Harlo, " 

France, William, Ossian. 

Freed, Solomon, Sparta. 

Galbraith, Fat, Groveland. 

Goodwin, William, Dansville. 

Hatch, David ( 1 Conesus. 

Johnson, John, West Sparta. 

Jones, Edward, Dansville. 

Jones, John R., Sparta. 

Jones, Thomas, Dansville. 

Kemp, George < >., " 

Ketchum, George F., Rogersville. 

Ketchum, Richard, " 

Kinney. A., Sparta. 

Lauterborn, M., 1 )ansvil!e. 

Eerts, F. G., Groveland. 

Lookins, George, Dansville. 

Lozier, D. P., " 

Maginley, Henry, Sparta. 

Mitchell, N. A., Springvvater. 

Moose, Merritt, Sparta, 

Morris, Joseph, " 

Morris, Fester 1!., " 

Opp, Jacob, Dansville. 

Phelps, Fester, " 

Prentice, Charles, " 

Prentice, Warren, " 

Richardson, A., " 

Roberts, F. M., 

Roberts, Sidney E. Sparta. 

Root, Charles, South 1 lansville. 

Scott, Henry C, Dansville. 

Seyler, Charles, Jr., " 

" In a published list 0!" ihe members of this company May i, 1861, the 
name ol B. D. Richardson, of Dansville, appears as First, and that of 
M Morrison, of South Dansville, as Third Corporal. 



Shafer, Samuel, Dansville. 

Slate, John, 

Snyder, James F Springwater. 

Stanley, George B., I lansville. 

Steffy, Joseph, . Sparta. 

Steflfy, William Byersville. 

Stout. Charles I lansville. 

Tiffany, W. C, 

Toles, George C, " 

Wellington, E., South 1 lansville. 

Werth, J Springwater. 

Westerman, Louis, Wayland. 

Wilson, George, South Dansville. 

Wright, Miles" ()., Dansville. 

Wright, N., Ossian. 

Capt. Stephan's company left for Elmira on Fri- 
day, May 3, 1 86 1, going by wagons to Wayland, 
where they were transferred to the railroad. 

During the summer and fall of 1861, Capt. Ralph 
T. Wood recruited in Dansville a second company 
to fill the depleted ranks of the 13th regiment, of 
which this became Co. G. The company left 
Dansville. Oct. 29th, carrying with them a flag pre- 
sented by the ladies of the village. At this time 
enough scattering recruits had been raised to fill 
two additional companies. 

In November, 1861, the raising of a third com- 
pany for the 13th was begun by Job C. Hedges 
and Albert S. Lema, of 1 lansville, the former of 
whom had done yeoman service in the raising of 
Capt. Wood's company — services which were rec- 
ognized in the offer of a commission in the com- 
pany to be raised. The company was to be 
recruited in Rochester and Dansville, and Ft. C. 
S. Benjamin, of Co. A, 13th regiment, opened an 
office simultaneously in Rochester. Enlistments 
were not as rapid as formerly, but by Dec. 26, 
1 86 1, the company was recruited to eighty men, 
and left for the seat of war Jan. 6, 1862. 

Owing to the disasters which attended our arms 
in the summer of 1862, the president was induced 
to call for an additional 300,000 men July 2d of 
that year, and on the 4th of August following for a 
like number of militia for nine months. Pursuant 
to the former call, on Wednesday, July 30th, a war 
meeting was held at Canaseraga Hall, in Dansville, 
at which Judge R A. Wilson presided. Lieu- 
tenant S. H. Lancey, of the Mt. Morris com- 
pany, stated briefly the object of the meet- 
ing, and was followed by stirring appeals from 
Dr. J. C. Jackson, Hon. R. F. Hicks, Dr. J. 
M. Blakesly, G. H. Read and Rev. I. W. Emery, 
after which a call was made for volunteers. There- 
upon Maj. J. T. Beach offered $10 for the first 
man, but before the offer was made three men 




PIiolo. by Betls, Dansville. 




Colonel Job Clark Hedges was born in the city of New 
York, June 12th, 1835. He was the son of John and Per- 
melia C. Hedges. His father was born at Woodstock, 
Oxfordshire, England. His mother was a native of 
Springfield. N. J., and a descendant of Abraru Clark, one 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His 
parents removed to Dansville in the year 1838, where 
they still reside ; and while they are not pioneers of that 
village, they are among its early residents, identified with 
its interests and substantial contributors to its growth and 
prosperity. 

The subject of this sketch was the oldest of a family 
of six children. Major Seth N. Hedges, his youngest 
brother, is also distinguished for his military service. He 
entered the ranks as a private soldier, in the 13th New 
York Volunteers, won his way to a Captaincy in the 14th 
Now York Artillery Volunteers, and was breveted Major 
for gallant and conspicuous service. He continued in 
the army uutil the close of the war, and is now engaged 
in the practice of law at Dansville, the place of his 
birth. 

Col. Hedges' wife nee Elizabeth Elmer, to whom he 
was married in 1SG0. still survives him. His only sou, 
Job Elmer Hedges, is a student at Princeton College, and 
gives ample evidence that he has inherited the talents 
and virtues of his heroic father. 

In his early youth, Ool. Hedges exhibited all those 
qualities of mind and heart which in after years won for 
him distinction in his profession and fame as a soldier. 
After a thorough preparation at the seminaries of Alfred 
and Lima, in this State, and in the private school of Mr. 
David H. Pierson, at Elizabeth N. J., he entered Prince- 
ton College, where his education was completed. Having 
adopted the legal profession, he entered the office of 
Hastings & Newton at Rochester, N. Y., and under the 
direction of these accomplished lawyers, prepared for the 
bar, and in October, 18.38, was admitted to practice as 
attorney and counsellor at law. Subsequently he was 
associated with Ferris, dishing & Squires, a prominent' 



law firm of New York city. Offei-s of co-partnership 
upon the most flattering terms were tendered him, 
but he preferred to practice his profession independently 
and alone. Yielding to the solicitations of friends, he 
returned to Dansville, opened an office, and there com- 
menced a professional career, which, but for the vicissi- 
tudes of war, would snrely have led to legal eminence. 
But in the midst of his bright professional prospects the 
civil war broke out. He immediately abandoned his pro- 
fession and entered the military service as First .Lieuten- 
ant of the 13th N. Y. V. He was soon promoted to Adju- 
tant, and in that position served the term of his regiment 
with distinction. 

A letter to his father dated Nov. 10, 1862, closes as fol- 
lows: "Good night, father and family. The camp fire 
burns brightly, and in its brightness I see visions of home 
and family, and wife and child ; but I am a soldier and 
my fate uncertain." 

Iu the official report of the 13th Regiment, referring 
to a critical period in the battle of Malvern Hill, July 1st, 
1802, his commanding officer said : " Of the conduct of 
Adjutant Job C. Hedges at this time I cannot speak too 
highly. Fearlessly advancing under a destructive fire, he 
executed his orders with a cheerfulness and promptitude 
which fully entitle him to special mention." 

And again, referring to the battle at Fredericksburg, 
December 13th, 18(i2, the same report continues: "Ad- 
jutant Job C. Hedges, although suffering from a painful 
wound in his right arm, continued with his regiment, 
and rendered very efficient aid to General Barnes, com- 
manding the brigade, until taken to the rear by order of 
Lieutenant Colonel Schoeffel, too weak to walk without 
assistance." 

Iu the month of May, 1863, his regiment was honor- 
ably mustered out of service, and he returned with his 
weary comrades to receive the well-deserved honors of 
their fellow citizens. And here he might well have 
rested. The hero of seven hard fought battles and 
eighteen months of arduous service, who could say that 



COL. JOB CLARK HEDGES. 



be had not sen ed bis country well and enough ? But his 
country was --till in danger ; las military talents were de- 
manded, and he could not resist the appeal Scarcely 
In I the torn battle flag <>f the old I3tb been furled when 
its gallant commander, Col. E. G. Marshall, and his no 
llaul Adjutant were commissioned to organize the 
11,1, x. v. II Artillery. 

T'|io:i the completion <>f that regiment, young Hedges 
was commissioned Major. In the spring of 1864 the 
command was ordered to the front, and joined the 9th 
army corps at Annapolis Junction. Oro lii the Rapi- 

l on the i'.th day of May, the regiment was constantly 
in the mosl active s rvice, and participated in all the 
Littles of the Army of the Potomac to the surrender of 
Lee at Appomattox. 

On the 3ddayof May, 1865, Major Sedges sent this 
parting salutation to Ins friends at I te: "My regi- 
ment is in the !lth Corps- Major General Burnside. I 
trust we will be successful ; one thing iscertain, whatever 
may be my part in the fight, I will try to do credit to you 
and niys If or stay here." 

In all the weary inarches and Moody battles which fol- 
lowed, he was conspicuous for his bravery and efficiency. 
l li.it he fully appreciated the desperate nature of the 
struggle in which tiny wen- engaged and the personal 
dangers to which he was exposed, appears in the follow- 
ing letter, dated -May 30th, 1864, the last one written to 
his parents. The presentiment as to his own fate adds 
lustre to Ins bnv. e acts. 

" Once moiv on the Peninsula. We crossed the Pa- 
muukey night before last. I am anxious to read the his- 
tory of this campaign. I am still more anxious to know 
the" rexulU. The army is ready to do all that mi n can do. 
The men sleep constantly with their muskets and our 
horses are rarely unsaddled. Night In ■fore last the march- 
ing was so severe that several men died along the road. 
several of them of our own regiment. * * * But we 
shall not complain if the results shall only equal the pri- 
vations we endure. God grant that we may succeed. I 
thought I had s. en something of the horrors of war. but 
1 nad not J et seen our wounded left on the field without 
care and without food. For my part I do not wish to be 
wounded. To be killed at once would be preferable. * 
* * * * You may be certain if we ever take Rich- 
mond we must dig them out. ***** However, 
any way, I cave not * * * | little expect to survive 
this campaign. Every soldier must have a last battle. 
Everyday 1 bar of some old companion in arms who 
has drawn his last ration, but I am ready and willing to 
do anything for success, anything that will stop by force 
the suffering and pain that I see every day around me." 

On the 17th day of June. 1864, Major Hedges was 
instantly killed while leading his battalion in a charge 
upon the enemy's works. This was the famous charge of 
Ledlie's Division, and the last of that series of bloody 
contests commenced at the Wildi mess, and w hich demon- 
strated the correctness of young Hedges' judgment that, 
•• It we ever take Richmond we must dig them out." 

It is illustrative of the bravery and daring of the young 

Major that just before the charge he called the officers of his 
I,, iii iimn about him, and, pointing in the direction of the 

rebel line, said cheerfully.' "We are ordered to take 
those works. We can do it, but every man must do Ins 
dutv. Some of us may fall, but if it must be let us die 
bravely," and he gave minute directions as to the method 

i,i attack, the care of the colors, and t lie-disposition of his 

men. 

The circumstances attending his death are well de- 
scribed in a letter from an offi :er of that regiment, pub- 
lished shortly after in thi Rochester Daily Democrat. He 
said: "The I Ith Regiment New York Artillery is by 
no means the same Tegiment that left New York Harbor 
two months ago. Out of 1,800 strong and healthy men 
who then mad ■ up one of the finest regiments that has 
entcre 1 the held during the war only 600 are now reported 

for duty, and most of them are worn out and disable,! by 

fatigue and hardship. * * * In the met 'able charge 

of the 17th, the regiment suffered si vere loss in both 
officers and men. * * * In this charge Major Job C. 



Hedges, one of the most gallant and intrepid officers yet 
sacrificed on the altar of his country was killed. Un- 
daunted by the screeching of shells or the rattle of mus- 
ketry, he rushed forward with his men until the colors of 
his battalion were planted upon the works of the enemy. 
Just as the works were reached the Major fell pierced 
with grape shot. His death has cast a gloom not only 
over our regiment, but the whole brigade. Fearlessly 
brave and vigilant in the discharge of his duty, he was 
always at the head of his com man, I in the hour of danger. 
His name and memory will always be cherished by those 
with whom he shared the dangers and hardships of the 
field." 

General Marshall, then in command of the brigade, al- 
though himself suffering from a severe wound, immediately 
wrote the widow : " It is with a sad heart 1 address you. 
Your husband has fallen at the head of his battalion, while 
gallantly leading it in a charge upon the enemy. His 
virtues both as a citizen and soldier were well known to 
me. Both in the old 18th N. Y. V. and the 14th N. Y. H. 
Artillery, he was with me in many a battle and always 
performed his duty gallantly and intelligently. All were 
his friends." 

General Ledlie rode up to brigade headquarters, where 
the wounded Marshall lay, at d by the side of whose tent 
lay the dead soldier, and the voices of these officers 
choked with emotion as they spoke of the bravery and 
intelligence of the deceased. 

The remains were borne from the battle field by his 
brother, then Lieut. Hedges, who had shared with him 
the hardships and dangers of the campaign. At Eliza- 
beth. N J , a halt of a day occurred, to allow his friends 
and relatives there to pay him funereal honors. 

At Wayland Depot the dead hero was met and escorted 
to the village by a procession of the leading citizens of 
Dansville and the surrounding country. Places of busi- 
ness were closed, and the most solemn and grateful 
honors were paid the slain soldier, who had (,'oue out 
from among them in the pride and beauty of his young 
manhood to defend his imperilled country. Resolutions 
of respect were adopted by the Living-ton county bar, 
and eulogistic addresses were delivered by its leading 
members. 

The survivors of the gallant old 13th also adopted reso- 
lutions expressive of their love and admiration for their 
dead comrade. 

There stands to-day in Greenmonnt Cemetery a beauti- 
ful monument, perpetuating the name and deeds of the 
gallant hero. It is surmounted by the emblemshe loved : 
the flag of the Union, showing beneath its gracefully 
carved folds the sword and bell of the soldier, and, 
crowning all, the laurel wreath that fame had woven for 
his brow. 

Upon the shaft are inscribed the mimes of the nine- 
teen battles in which the brave soldier had participated, 
viz: — 

"Siege of Yorktown, April fith to May 4th, 1862 J Han- 
over Court House, May 27th, 1862; Mcchanicsville, June 
26th, 1862 ; Gaines' Mills, June 27th, 1862; Turkey Bend, 
June 30th, 1862 ; Malvern Hill, July 1st, 1862; Fredericks- 
burgh, December i:;th. lsr.'j : Wilderness, May 5th and 
8th, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 12th and 15th, 1864; 
North Anna River, May 24th, 1864 : Tolapotomoy Creek, 
June 1st, L864; Shady Grove. June I'd, 1864; Bethesda 
Church, June 3d and 4th, 1864 : Cold Harbor, June 5th 
and 12th, 1864 : Petersbnrgh, June 17th, 1864." 

He was breveted by the President "Lieutenant Colo- 
lei," I,, rank from June 5th, 1864, " for gallant and con- 
spicuous conduct at Cold Harbor." and "Colonel" "for 
gallantly leading his regiment in front of Petersburg!) on 
tie enemy's works, on the 17th of June, 1864, where he 
fell at the head of bis column." 

It is titling that his memory should be embalmed in 
the History of Livingston County. Both the regiments 
which he served largely represented the intelligence and 
patriotism of the county : he was the only lawyer of the 
county whose life was sacrificed for his country in battle 
in tin- war of 1861, and he was a brilliant example of the 
calling, career and valor of the citizen soldier. 



WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



191 



were on their way to the stand to enlist. As soon 
as they reached the stand Dr. Jackson offered $10 
apiece to the other two men. Miss Dr. Austin 
then offered $ 1 o apiece to the next two men ; Miss 
Katie Johnson, $10 to the next; James H. Jack- 
son $10 to the next, and Dr. F. W. Hurd $10 to 
the next. H. Beyer offered $5 and H. Southwick 
$20, to be used as the committee saw fit. Dr. 
Blakesly offered to be one of twenty to give $25 
apiece to the first twenty volunteers. The offer 
not being taken the Doctor proposed to give his 
share. The recruits enlisted were taken into Lt. 
Lancey's company. 

The war meeting of Saturday evening following 
was one of the most enthusiastic assemblages Can- 
aseraga Hall ever witnessed. At an early hour 
the house was crowded with the first citizens of 
Dansville, a goodly portion representing its pat- 
riotic women. Judge John A. VanDerlip was 
chosen President, Hon. James Faulkner and J. C. 
Jackson, M. D., Vice Presidents, and B. S. Chapin 
and O. B. Maxwell, Secretaries. Spirited and pat- 
riotic speeches were made by the President, A. 
Bradner, S. Hubbard, L. B. Proctor and others. 
It was resolved to raise by subscription a sum suf- 
ficient to pay a bounty of $25 to each volunteer 
from this town entering Capt. A. J. Leach's com- 
pany, and $5 to those volunteering under him out 
of town. L. B. Faulkner, George Sweet, Charles 
Shepard, Orville Tousey and M. McCartney were 
appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions and 
disburse funds. James Faulkner and A. Brad- 
ner, two members of the Senatorial Military Com- 
mittee, were appointed ex-officio members of that 
committee. The attorneys of the place were re- 
quested to aid Capt. Leach in recruiting. John 
O'Hara, S. W. Warren, Daniel Carpenter, Joseph 
Newton and John Dorman volunteered at this meet- 
ing and $587 were subscribed. 

At an adjourned meeting the following Tuesday 
evening the committee on subscriptions reported 
the total amount subscribed to be $1,030.50. Elo- 
quent speeches were made, but the key note was 
sounded by J. W. Smith, who thought the most 
effective eloquence which could be displayed on 
the subject of volunteering would be by the one 
who should enlist. The speech was loudly ap- 
plauded and the call for volunteers responded to 
by James O. Slayton, who was followed by William 
McNice, James M. Squires, Edmund Hartman, 
George R. Beach, Harrison E. Allen, Henry Wil- 
liams, Pat Welch and George Rouber, who were 
sworn in by Charles P. Jones, Esq. After stirring 



music by the band, Charles J. McGuire and Wm. 
R. Monroe promptly responded. Major Beach 
now offered $5 for the next man. Dr. Jackson, in 
behalf of Miss Dr. Austin, offered $100 if twenty 
men were sworn in during the evening. This gen- 
erous offer was followed by one of $50, on like 
conditions, from Major Beach. Miss Katie John- 
son offered $5 for the second man. Charles P. 
Squires now accepted Major Beach's offer. Wen- 
dell Lauterborn offered a pair of fine sewed boots 
to the next man. S. P. demons made alike offer. 
After the rendering of a patriotic poem by Rev. J. 
Pearsall, "the Bard of Canaseraga," Robert Cam- 
eron enrolled his name. Mrs. Dr. Blakesly, hav- 
ing no sons to send, added $5 to the pair of boots 
to the first man who should enlist, and $5 to the 
next pair of boots for the second man. Wm. P. 
Cook promptly responded to this offer. After an 
earnest and eloquent speech by S. D. Faulkner, 
which was vociferously applauded, Wendell Lau- 
terborn offered to be one of twenty-six to enlist 
under Gen. Sigel, and to deed his house and lot to 
be shared equally by those going with him. A call 
for six more men to make up the twenty was re- 
sponded to by John Hill and Nathan Hill. Griffith 
Goodrich offered $5 more for the next man. 
Another offer of $5 each was made for the next four 
men to complete the twenty by Samuel VV. Smith. 
S. P. Williams offered a pair of boots to the next 
man, and Patrick Finn accepted the offer. He 
also had $5 slipped into his hand by L. B. Faulk- 
ner, of which no announcement was made. Wm. 
H. Libby offered $5 additional bounty to the next 
man, and David Langee accepted the offer. Dr. 
P. B. Bristol offered $5 each to the remaining two 
needed to make up the twenty, which was re- 
sponded to by W. C. Dutcher and Patrick Rogan, 
$5 more being quietly slipped into the hand of the 
latter by L. B. Faulkner. This filled up Capt. 
Leach's company to 44 men. 

At a meeting held at Byersville, Monday night, 
August nth, and addressed by G. Bulkley, G. H. 
Read, O. W. West, I. C. Lusk, Charles S. Hall, 
D. Blanchard and others, several recruits were ob- 
tained for Capt. Leach's company, which departed 
on the packet May Fly, by canal, for the military 
depot at Portage, on Monday, August 18th, the 
departure being witnessed by a large concourse of 
people. Major Proctor, with the assistance of ef- 
ficient aids, gave them a parting salute with a six- 
pounder. 

August 14th, Adjutant Job C. Hedges, of the 
13th regiment, arrived in Dansville to recruit a 



192 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



company for that regiment. The first expression 
of response was given on the 19th at Canaseraga 
Hall. An eloquent speech was made by Lester 
B. Faulkner, who was to lead the new company in 
person. E. IT. Pratt, of the firm of O. B. Max- 
well iV Co., united with Mr. Faulkner in the effort 
to raise this company. A recruiting office was 
opened in the Stevens Block in Dansville; and 
such were the efforts put forth by Messrs. Faulk- 
ner, Pratt, Hedges and others in Dansville, that, 
under the stimulus of bounties offered and the fear 
nf the impending draft, this company was filled in 
eight days, ami was mustered August 30, 1862, as 
Co. B of the 136th regiment. 

August 22, 1862, Judge VanDerlip, in behalf of 
the ladies oi Dansville, presented Capt. Leach's 
company with a beautiful silk and satin flag, sur- 
mounted by a gilt eagle. His speech was pointed 
and eloquent. 

On Thursday. September nth, Capt. Faulkner's 
company, 1 10 strong, left Dansville for camp at 
Portage. 

Before leaving, the ladies, through Judge Yan- 
Derlip, presented the company with a most beau- 
tiful flag. 

In November, [863, Mark J. Bunnell was ap- 
pointed recruiting agent in Dansville, but, being 
subsequently appointed Captain in the Invalid 
Corps, S. G. Dorr, Jr., received the appointment 
of recruiting agent in his place, and enlistments 
progressed vigorously. In the early part of Feb- 
ruary the quota of Dansville was filled, and $300 
town bounty was paid to each of twenty-seven men, 
the number enlisted after the bounty resolution was 
passed by the Supervisors, December 11, 1863. 

February 1, 1864, a call was made for 200,000 
men. Immediately thereafter S. G. Dorr, Jr., and 
John Hyland, recruiting agents for this assembly 
district, opened offices, the former in Smith's 
Block, and the latter at G. Hyland's store, and en- 
ergetically commenced the business of recruiting. 

March 30, 1864, Supervisor S. I). Faulkner re- 
ported the following moneys received and dispersed 
for the relief of families of volunteers : — 
Cash borrowed of James Faulkner,.. .$125 
Cash received from Town Collector... 125 — $250 
Paid sundry persons as per receipt. . . 143 

Balam e on hand to credit of fund 

March 29, 1864 $107 

At a special town meeting held at the Dansville 
House. Thursday, September 15, 1864, after an 
animated discussion it was resolved to raise by tax 
and pay $600 to each volunteer or substitute, or 



to the family of each drafted man, to the number 
requisite to fill the quota of the town under the 
last call for 500,000 men. Daniel \V. Noyes, 
Charles S. Hall and Frank Fschrich were ap- 
pointed a committee to attend to the filling of the 
quota of the town. 

At a special town meeting held at the same place 
September 23, 1864, it was resolved to raise by tax 
and pay an additional sum, not to exceed $200, to 
ever) man who should volunteer or furnish a sub- 
stitute credited to the town till the quota was full. 

Several public meetings were held and about a 
dozen recruits obtained; while a committee abroad 
was working hard to fill the quota. Cp to the 
close of the second succeeding week over fifty men 
were mustered to the credit of the town, through 
the exertions of Charles S. Hall, S. D. Faulkner, 
D. W. Noyes and others ; and by the close of the 
third week more than enough men had been raised 
to fill the quota of the town. 

77u- Dansville Advertiser of March 2, 1865, 
says: J. T. Beach, Charles S. Hall, T. Carpenter, 
L. B. Proctor, S. D. Faulkner and others are en- 
deavoring to fill our quota here without drafting. 
A number of meetings have been held and Lt. 
Wortman appointed recruiting officer. At a meet- 
ing held March 7, 1865, it was voted to raise 
$3,400 on Livingston bonds of $100 each, pay- 
able in one year with interest, and $2,000 were 
raised at that meeting. Notwithstanding these ex- 
ertions a draft took place almost at the same time 
that Lee surrendered, forty-eight being drafted in 
Dansville." 

This, in the absence of fuller data, will suffice 
to indicate how nobly the town performed its duty 
in the great drama of the rebellion. Those who 
survived the vicissitudes and dangers of the bivouac, 
the march, the battle field, and returned crowned 
with the honors of their arduous service, are the 
living monuments of its glorious achievements, and 
merit the undying gratitude of those at whose bid- 
ding they went forth to dare and if need be to die. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DR. JAMES C. JACKSON. 

James Caleb Jackson was born in the village of 
Manlius, March 28, 1811. His father. Dr. James 
Jackson, was a native ot Tyringham, Mass., and 
his grandfather, Col. Giles Jackson, was a distin- 
guished field officer under Gen. Gates at the battle 




(I m* 6 &. y~ac/0 



CQi 




Photo, by Betts, Dan 



Si IS If B S IN ~W H i T 3 1VI A £1 . 



DR. JAMES C. JACKSON, REUBEN WHITEMAN. 



193 



of Saratoga. When James was twelve years of age 
his father renounced the practice of medicine and 
adopted the calling of a farmer, hence the first years 
of young Jackson's life were mainly devoted, when 
out of school, to agricultural pursuits, and in all the 
vicissitudes of his life he has never lost his love for 
that noble occupation. When seventeen years of 
age he commenced preparing for college at Manlius 
Academy, but before completing his academic course 
his father died, leaving his mother and four children 
younger than himself, comparatively under his pro- 
tection. This threw a great responsibility upon 
him, but he discharged it with that ability and un- 
ceasing energy which have characterized him in all 
his relations in life. On attaining his twentieth 
year he was married to Lucretia E., daughter of 
Judge Elias Brewster of Mexico, Oswego Co., N.Y. 
This caused him to relinquish his plan of obtaining 
a collegiate education, but it did not deter him from 
following, with rigid determination, the noblest of 
all exertions, that of self-education. Under the 
instruction of a learned and accomplished clergy- 
man, Jackson became a fine latin scholar, and a 
finished, graceful master of the English language. 
Early desiring to adopt the profession of his father, 
he devoted much time to the study of medicine and 
surgery, and in time prepared himself for admission 
to the practice of his chosen profession. When 
merely a youth he entered ardently into the field 
of politics, giving his allegiance to the Democratic 
party. But not being able to understand why 
slavery was allowed to exist in this, a free nation, 
he soon became an admirer and associate of the 
great historic champions of Anti-Slavery. In the 
year 1838, at the suggestion of one of his early and 
devoted friends, Gerrit Smith, he removed to Peter- 
boro, N. Y., and soon became so distinguished in 
the Anti-Slavery movement that he was appointed 
agent of that society of Mass., and continued in 
that employment till the spring of 1840 when he 
was made Secretary of the American Anti-Slavery 
society. In the autumn of 1842 he became a polit- 
ical abolitionist and soon gained high rank among 
those illustrious reformers whose noble acts gave 
the name of Lincoln to immortality and struck the 
shackles from the limbs of four millions of human 
beings. In the same year he assumed the editor- 
ship of the Madison Comity Abolitionist, which 
he edited one year and then it was sold out by the 
publishers and removed to Utica where it was re- 
published under the name of the Liberty Press. 
Two years subsequent to this Dr. Jackson resigned 
his position as editor of that paper and purchased 
the Albany Patriot, then the leading Anti-Slavery 
journal, and in editing this fully exhibited his re- 
markable talents as a writer and editor. From his 
earliest days the Dr. has been distinguished as a 
political orator as well as writer, having a peculiar 
manner of enforcing his views and crystallizing his 
ideas so as to put his hearers in full possession of 
them. With him, words are truly the " vehicle of 
thought." Dr. Jackson edited the Albany Patriot 
until 1847, when his health gave way and he sold 
the paper and its good-will to \Vm. L. Chaplin — a 



distinguished early abolition lecturer and writer. 
He became a confirmed invalid and a patient of 
Dr. S. O. Gleason, then of Cuba, now of Elmira. 
This was in 1847 and he remained under the care 
of the Dr. four months and then entered into a 
co-partnership with Dr. Gleason and Miss Theo- 
dosia Gilbert, with whom he left Cuba and estab- 
lished a Hygienic Institute at the head of Skane- 
ateles lake, which is widely known as the " Glen 
Haven Water Cure," and remained with them till 
the winter of 1849-50, when Dr. Gleason sold his 
interest to the two remaining parties, who contin- 
ued to conduct the cure till the fall of 1S58, when 
Dr. Jackson left Glen Haven and removed to 
Dansville, where he opened the institution which 
has since become renowned as " Our Home Hy- 
gienic Institute." The elegant and commodious 
building— the cure proper, with its tasteful and 
classic chapel, its beautiful and artistic cottages, its 
cool and refreshing fountains and streams of water, 
looks down upon the beautiful village of Dansville 
and the rich and splendid valley of the Canaseraga, 
like a little city on a hill. 

Dr. Jackson was the father of two sons and one 
daughter. His eldest, Giles E. Jackson, and the 
daughter died many years ago, leaving only Dr. 
James H. Jackson who is now house physician at 
the Institute at Dansville. 

From boyhood, Dr. Jackson has exhibited a rev- 
erence for sacred things, and believes that religion 
is rational, tending to our best interests as a source 
of happiness, and widening our range of thought, 
feeling and sensibility. In the inner circle of his 
life are inexhaustible and exceptionally happy fam- 
ily relations, rendering him a steadfast friend, kind 
and indulgent parent, and an affectionate husband. 
He is more than a successful physician, and stands 
in the front rank of medical reformers, and has 
opened new fields in the great art of healing. 



REUBEN WHITEMAN. 

Like many of the earlier settlers of Dansville, 
Reuben Whiteman was born in Lehigh county, 
Penn., May 14, 1817. His parents, Jacob and 
Susannah Whiteman, were people possessed of 
those sterling qualities, which, instilled into the 
minds of their children, rendered them respectable 
and profitable members of society. 

Reuben was the second of a family of thirteen 
children, of whom all, except one, are living. In 
October, 1823, Jacob Whiteman removed with his 
family to Dansville, and found a temporary home 
on the lands of the late Amariah Hammond, now 
owned by Hon. J. B. Morey. The next spring 
he removed to Sparta, where he resided the re- 
mainder of his life, and amassed considerable prop- 
erty. Reuben continued with his father, actively 
engaged on the farm, for several years. Owing to 
the disadvantages by which he was surrounded, he 
could devote but little time to learning, even in 



t94 



HISTORY OK I.IYINC.STON COUNTY. 



the school which was kept a part of the time in their 
neighborhood. But by applying himself to his 
books with assiduity, he acquired an education 
sufficient to enable him to fill his place in life, well 
and successfully. When seventeen years of age, 
he left his father and became an apprentice to a 
painter in Dansville, where he soon acquired suffi- 
cient knowledge of the trade to commence business 
for himself, in which he continued until he reached 
his twenty-ninth year. 

June 22, 1845, ' 1e was married to Rebecca F... 
daughter of Telemachus demons of Sparta, who 
was born at Sparta, April 17, 1824, and we do not 
hesitate to say that her prudence, industry, and ca- 
pacity and the confidence which her husband al- 
ways reposed in her judgment, advice and counsel, 
have contributed in no small degree to that success 
which has always crowned his exertions. By her 
humble but deep and true devotion to the service 
of her Saviour, by her efforts to bring the religion 
she professes, into the discharge of her duties to 
her family, her church, and to society, she has 
gained the respect and esteem of all who know her. 
Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Whiteman re- 
nounced his occupation as painter and commenced 
the life of a farmer, which occupation is pro- 
nounced the power, pride, and strong support of 
the nation. He took up a piece of wild, unculti- 
vated land containing one hundred and ten acres, 
situated in the town of Wayland, Steuben Co. 
After devoting, with considerable success, eight 
years to this life, increasing, by purchase from time 
to time, the extent of his acreage, in the year 1851 
he removed to Dansville and commenced the oper- 
ation of a lumber dealer. This proved to be the 
business particularly adapted to be conducted by 
Mr. Whiteman and was soon extended beyond the 
village of Dansville into those magnificent pine for- 
ests that then covered a large portion of the state 
of Michigan. Some of his business relations were 
conducted in connection with the late Geo. Hy- 
land, whose keen sense of honor, never-failing 
integrity, love of justice, and acknowledged mental 
powers found in Mr. Whiteman a congeniality 
which soon resulted in a life-long and pleasing 
friendship, and in highly remunerative reciprocal 
business relations. In the mutability of business 
Mr. Whiteman met with heavy losses sufficient to 
make any other man poor, but which have not in the 
least depleted the contents of his coffers. For 
many years he has been a consistent, useful and 
devoted member of the Reformed Lutheran Church 
in Dansville, and sustained it conscientiously by 
his influence and means, while his wife has been a 
member of the M. E. Church of the same place, 
and the "love of God shed abroad in their hearts" 
has united them in bonds of His sacred commun- 
ion. Mr. Whiteman has always given his political 
allegiance to the democratic party, but has never 
sought office, and it is a noteworthy fact that near- 
ly all of his employees have been republicans, and 
many of them somewhat vehement in their politi 
cal faith. Mr. Whiteman's paternal ancestors were 
Prussians. His grandfather, Jacob Whiteman, 



came to America when he was four years old, and 
was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, serving 
during the whole of that great struggle for freedom. 
After the war he settled in Lehigh Co., Penn., 
where his son and grandson were both born. Mrs. 
R. Whiteman's maiden name was Susannah 1 Hit 
ton. The purity of Mr. Whiteman's private life 
has never been questioned. He is somewhat strong 
in his opinions, and if occasion requires, often en- 
ergetic in manifesting them, and is inclined t" pul 
faith in men as he finds them, but when a man de- 
ceives him, even in a small matter, he ceases all 
intercourse with him forever. He ranks among 
the strongest advocates of temperance, and in the 
dispensation of charities is generous though his hab- 
its of personal economy are proverbial. He has had 
three children, as follows: Frederick C, born April 
9, 1846, was a young man of much promise and in 
whom were concentrated many fond hopes of his 
parents — hopes that all who knew him were united 
in saying, were justly indulged. He died August 
24, 1859. Alon/.o J. was born June 19, i860, and 
Clara J. born May 14, 1S63. Alonzo is now a 
student in Hamilton College and is soon to be 
graduated. He occupies a high rank among the 
students, and his standing in his class and collegiate 
course betokens much success in the coming years. 



WM. H. REYNALE, M. 1>. 

Dr. Reynale was one of the earliest physicians 
and surgeons of Dansville. He was born at Qua- 
kertown, Hunterdon county, X. J., Feb. 27, 1794. 
Very early in life he lost his father. His mother 
died in 1835. Soon after his father's death he was 
adopted by Henry Bidleman, a maternal uncle, 
who was an accomplished scholar, an able and dis- 
tinguished agriculturist, and highly respected for 
his courtesy and all those qualities which constitute 
a Christian gentleman. Young Reynale found in 
his uncle all those tender affections, and all that 
parental solicitude, which he had lost in the death 
of his father. He was carefully and religiously 
reared and educated; and chose the medical pro- 
fession for his future occupation. After a severe 
and critical course of medical reading, he entered 
the University of Pennsylvania in January, 181 1, 
as a medical student, and was graduated from there 
April 9, 1814. Soon after this he went to Dans- 
ville, at the invitation of Jacob Opp, a connection 
of Dr. Reynale, who was at that time building the 
well-known flouring and grist-mill south of I >ans- 
ville, which is now, and has been for several years, 
owned by Benj. F. Readshaw. But the country 
being new and sparsely populated, it afforded but 
little business for the young physician, and after 
spending a year there he returned to F'aston, Pa., 
where he practiced three years and then removed 
to Hartland, Niagara county. After practicing 
there for some time he returned to Dansville, where 
he remained until tS;r, when he removed to Lock- 



WM. H. REYXALE, M. D., JOSEPH W. SMITH. 



J 95 



port, where he devoted himself to his profession 
with unremitting energy, gaining a high reputation. 
In the winter of 1834 he again returned to Dans- 
ville, where he spent the remainder of his life and 
rose to the highest distinction, both as a physician 
and a surgeon. June 5, 1821, he married Miss 
Harriet Palmer, a lady of many attractive qualities, 
personal and mental. This marriage was the 
source of much happiness to Dr. Reynale; indeed 
he often said : "The sound advice and counsel, the 
judicious management of our household affairs, by 
my sensible, affectionate and practical wife, are a 
prominent source of my prosperity." She died in 
December, 1849, and in 1852 he married Mrs. 
House, widow of the late Frederick House, of 
Dansville. By his first wife Dr. Reynale had four 
children as follows: George, Mary, Henry and 
Joseph, all of whom are dead except Mary, now 
the widow of the late Joseph W. Smith. Dr. R. 
was a man of rare intellectual endowments, and as 
a practitioner was ready, careful, calm and thought- 
ful. In the sick room his manner and looks 
possessed a kind of panacea. In discharging his 
duties as a surgeon, the dissecting knife and 
scalpel were familiar instruments, used with a con- 
fidence and self-possession that seldom failed of 
success. Always adhering to what is known as the 
"Old School," if ever he indulged in bitter, aggres- 
sive language, it was in denouncing quacks and 
ignorant pretenders; these he never tolerated under 
any circumstances. He was of gentle, conciliatory, 
manners, and possessed a patient and persevering 
energy, which no amount of professional labor 
could fatigue or discourage. Though quick and 
hasty in his temperament and easily aroused to 
anger, compassion or sympathy, few men ever lived 
who had better control of their passions than Dr. 
Reynale, and possessing a native humor, and a 
light-hearted, sunny nature, he was ever a pleasing 
companion. In early life he united with the Pres- 
byterian church at Dansville, being one of its earliest 
members, and in his subsequent life, by a meek 
and reverential observance of the teachings of the 
gospel, became an exemplary member. He con- 
sulted conscience as reverently as an oracle of God, 
and in this way his failings were controlled and 
subjected to a singular extent. Greatly beloved 
by his family and friends, the fame he won in his 
profession was the honest reward of learning, 
ability, probity and honor. He died at Dansville, 
August 7, 1870. The universal sorrow that per- 
vaded the community on the announcement of his 
death revealed the high estimation in which he was 
held. 



JOSEPH W. SMITH. 

Joseph W. Smith was born near Bath, N. Y., in 
the year 1S21, hence at the time of his death was 
fifty-five years of age. His father was a respect- 
able farmer, who died when Joseph was yet quite 
young. He was reared principally under the 



guardianship of his brother-in-law, Jason Stone, 
Esq., now a highly respected citizen of Corn- 
ing. Too frail to endure the occupation of a 
farmer, he was early sent to the best schools 
in the country, attaining an excellent educa- 
tion. Often in his boyhood days he witnessed 
the stirring legal contests that took place at the 
court house in Bath. One of these was the first 
trial that the present Judge Rumsey, of the Su- 
preme Court, conducted as counsel. In this way 
his mind was directed to the legal profession, and 
his early aspirations were to become a lawyer. In 
this he was encouraged by his friends, particularly 
by his brother-in-law, Henry Goff, Esq., of Corn- 
ing, and another brother-in-law, Jason Stone, of 
Coming. In the year 1S42, on completing his 
education, he came to Dansville and entered the 
office of the late Benj. F. Harwood, then in the 
plenitude of his brilliant practice. He applied 
himself to his studies with great industry and per- 
severance. With a delicate constitution he suc- 
cessfully mastered the great elementary law writers. 
He delighted in studying the old metaphysical 
rules of special pleading. Bacon's Abridgments, 
with its antique phraseology, was an admirable 
instructor for him. He lingered with delight over 
the gracefully written commentaries of our own 
learned and illustrious Kent, a work that is still 
the text book of judges and lawyers in our own 
country, and it has called forth the eulogy and 
guided the labors of the learned in other climes. 
Mr. Smith always thoroughly and severely investi- 
gated the law applicable to causes submitted to 
him, and he made strong, exhaustive briefs. His 
preparatory course ended, we believe, in TS47, 
and he was immediately called to the bar. He 
commenced practice as the partner of Moses 
Stevens, who for a time was his fellow student in 
the office of Mr. Harwood. After a brief period 
this partnership was dissolved; Mr. Stevens re- 
moved to Wellsville, and Mr. Smith continued to 
practice alone at Dansville for a short time, then 
removed to Almond, Allegany Co., pursuing there 
his profession. About the time of his removal to 
Almond, in the year 1849, he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Mary E. Reynale, an accomplished 
young lady, the only daughter of the late Dr. Wm, 
H. Reynale, and a favorite in society. She sur- 
vives her husband, and is the sole survivor of a 
large, happy and refined family circle. At Almond, 
Mr. Smith entered at once upon a lucrative and 
successful practice. But in the autumn of 1849, 
through the influence of his father-in-law, Dr. Rey- 
nale, and others, Mr. Smith was induced to return 
to Dansville and there resume his practice. Here 
professional success again awaited him. After 
practicing alone some time, the well remembered 
firm of Hubbard, Smith & Noyes was formed. 
With this combination of learning and talent, suc- 
cess was an inevitable result. But for some reason 
the firm was dissolved after the lapse of a year, and 
a new firm under the name of Smith & Noyes was 
immediately formed. This business relation con- 
tinued two or three years with considerable sue- 



I 06 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



cess, when it was dissolved, each of the parties 
continuing to practice alone. In the fall of 1859 
the eminent firm of Van Derlip & Smith was 
formed. This relation continued through the long 
period of seventeen years, and was dissolved by 
the death of its junior member. Its successful 
career is too well known to the public to require 
any comment here. In the trial of a cause he 
detected with keen, quick observation, the weak 
points of his adversary, while, with an instinctive 
ingenuity and skill, he defended, disguised, or 
strengthened his own assailable points as occasion 
required. In the thrust and in the parry he was 
equally at home. When opposed by a sharp, pet- 
tifogging trickster — one who resorted to knavish 
shrewdness lor success, instead of the learning of 
his profession, or when a deep, shrewd, deceitful, 
lying witness came against him, then his sarcasm 
fell withering, heavy and effectual. With his 
brethren of the bar he was honorable, high-minded 
and courteous, and everywhere his word was his 
bond. At the bar and in the popular assembly 
Mr. Smith was a forcible, logical and persuasive 
speaker. As a politician he was bold, ardent and 
adroit, a Democrat, who never furled the banner 
of his party for the sake of policy, but always car- 
ried it aloft in triumph or defeat — like Bruce at 
Bannockburn, planting its standard on the hard 
rock. Mr. Smith represented his town in the 
Board of Supervisors several successive years. In 
the fall of 1859 he was a candidate for Member of 
Assembly. Although in his district there was an 
overwhelming Republican majority, he reduced 
the majority of his opponent, a very popular man, 
to barely thirty-five. He would have been elected 
but for some disaffection in one of the towns of the 
county. In 1872 he sustained an irreparable loss 
in the death of his only son — his only child. He 
was a young man of much intellectual promise. 
From this terrible blow Mr. Smith never recovered. 
Like a strong tree that has withstood the whirl- 
wind, though many of its green leaves have been 
swept away, among whose broken boughs the birds 
no longer warble, so he withstood this terrible 
stroke. To his friends it was plain that nothing 
could banish his lost boy from his thoughts, and in 
their confidential interviews with him, when his 
sad heart was laid open to them, as it often was, 
they felt that in his musings at his home or in his 
office, 

' t frief filled lite room up of his absent 1 hi Id, 

Laid in his bed, walked up ami down with him ; 
Put 011 his well known looks, repeated all his words, 
Reminded him of all his gracious parts, 
Stuffed out his vacant garments with his 1 ' 

But his sorrow is at an end, the valley and the 
shadow are past, he sleeps well and peacefully by 
the side of him whose loss silenced the music of 
his life. In private life Mr. Smith was a valuable 
and influential citizen. Kindness was innate in his 
nature. As he possessed a fund of pleasing anec- 
dote, set off by lively wit and sparkling repartee he 
was a favorite in the social circle. "To those who 
loved him not he was lofty and sour." and to his 
enemies who crossed his path in hatred he was im- 



placable and agressive in his resentment. In the 
death of Mr. Smith. Dansville lost one of its best 
citizens, ami the bar of Livingston county one of 
its most gifted members. 



GEORGE HYLAND. 

It is always a subject of regret when the lives "I 
prominent and useful men are permitted to end in 
influence as in duration, at the entrance of the 
grave. A long career of useful labor is an object 
of contemplation far too fruitful and suggestive to 
be suffered to pass quickly out of memory. The 
restless waves of busy human life soon erase, in 
spite of us, the most cherished recollections unless 
gathered up and crystallized into some more per- 
manent and abiding form. It is for the purpose 
of arresting, and in a measure preserving, the mem- 
ory of those whose honorable and virtuous lives 
demand reverence : whose usefulness, gratitude — 
and whose faults are forgotten in that excellence 
which challenges the action of time, that this his- 
tory of Livingston county is given to the public. 
That the long, useful and interesting career of 
George Hyland fully entitles him to honorable 
mention in these pages, none will denv ; for he was 
one of those who aided in giving Livingston county 
the proud name she bears in the history of the Em- 
pire State. 

Mr. Hyland was born in the parish of Droma 
hair, county of Leitrim, Ireland, June 21st, 180,5. 
When he was fourteen years old he emigrated with 
his father's family to America, landing at Quebec ; 
from thence he went to York — now Toronto — 
where the family became permanent residents. 
Two years later Mr. Hyland lost his father, "leav- 
ing me," he said, "all America to get my living in, 
with nothing but my hands, my natural love of la- 
bor and a determination to succeed in the world 
with which to get that living." With a cheerful' 
submission to the lot which Providence had as- 
signed him, he entered upon the duties and re- 
sponsibilities before him. For several years he 
alternately worked on the farm and attended school. 
In this way he acquired a good practical edu- 
cation. 

In the year 1820, he commenced learning the 
trade of a hatter in Toronto. He was there en- 
gaged until the year 1824, industriously and per- 
severingly devoting himself to the acquisition of a 
thorough knowledge of the calling he had adopted 
for a livelihood. 

From Toronto, after going to Prescott. Mr. 
Hyland went to Ogdensburg. When he arrived 
there he had only twenty cents in his pocket, but 
he soon found employment, and with industry ami 
economy he accumulated quite a sum of money. 
After working some time at Ogdensburg, he went 
to Bethel, N. V., where he attended school nearly 
a year, working at his business morning and even- 
ing, and in that way earning enough to defray his 
expenses. 




Photo, by Betts, Dansville 




'//m*f 





hzutfjej ^ dy^M^ 



GEORGE HYLAND, DR. JAMES FAULKNER. 



197 



In the month of May, 1829, he became a resi- 
dent of Dansville, N. Y., for the remainder of his 
life. Here he opened a hat, fur and dry goods 
store, and commenced business for himself. 

As we have said in another place, his prompt, 
energetic, industrious business habits and his in- 
tegrity, brought an abundant reward and gave him 
a high position among the business men of Living- 
ston county. To his enterprise and public spirit 
Dansville is largely indebted for its prosperity and 
beauty. Among the monuments that perpetuate 
his memory and evince his public spirit is the fine, 
tasteful and very commodious hotel edifice which 
bears his name. He was a man of much more 
than ordinary intellectual strength. His intelli- 
gence and rapid perceptive powers were proverbi- 
ally practical and always at his command. Out- 
spoken, honest, direct, and yet courteous in his in- 
tercourse with his fellow-citizens, he always had 
their confidence and esteem, subject, of course, to 
the criticism which rivalry in business always en- 
genders, but which ends with the occasion. 

In the autumn of i860 he was elected Member 
of Assembly from Livingston county. In that dis- 
tinguished body his large fund of information, his 
ready and acceptable use of language and tact in 
debate, his uncompromising honor and sense of 
right, and his independence of character gave him 
a high position among his fellow legislators, ren- 
dering his public services of great value to his con- 
stituents. 

In his political faith he was at first a Whig, and 
then a Republican. He was a zealous, untiring 
partisan ; but his zeal was tempered by a moder- 
ation and sagacity which enlarged his influence and 
usefulness. The native eloquence which disting- 
uished him often exhibited itself during active cam- 
paigns in brief, pointed and stirring addresses from 
the political rostrum, to which he was often called 
by his fellow citizens. He was never known to 
ask for an office. It is true he once held the office 
of Postmaster for a brief period, but when Andrew 
Johnson, who was then president, entered upon his 
policy, Mr. Hyland openly denounced it, though he 
knew the consequences would be the loss of the 
office he held. When elected to the Assembly, the 
position was tendered him by an unexpected and 
nearly unanimous nomination. 

In his dealing with men he was exact, and 
prompt. Having once lost confidence in a person 
it required a long probation of good conduct to 
restore it. He had strong prejudices, but they 
were balanced by equally strong and generous sym- 
pathies. This brings us to say that he was a bitter, 
aggressive enemy, but a warm and liberal friend. 
There was a sort of humorous method in his likes 
and dislikes which exhibited the lights and shades 
of his character just as the angles of a diamond 
exhibit its brilliancy. 

He was not regarded as a close man in pecun- 
iary matters. We have known repeated instances 
of Mr. Hyland's lenity to persons indebted to him, 
amounting nearly to a discharge of the demand. 

We are quite sure that there are many who are 



indebted to his relieving hand, extended in the 
hour of dark adversity, for the prosperity and hap- 
piness which they and their families now enjoy. 

Indeed, we know of several in whose eyes moist 
jewels of gratitude will gather as they read these 
lines, for his acts of kindness : — 

"Which leave upon the silent shore 
Of memory, images and precious thoughts 
That shall not die, and cannot be destroyed." 

Mr. Hyland often exhibited the generous im- 
pulses of his nature. There are many who have 
been recipients of his bounty and yet ignorant of 
the hand that gave them. 

Modest and unassuming himself, he disliked all 
attempts at display in others. A modest, unpre- 
tending man in home-spun clothes would gain his 
respect, while a conceited, meritorious person 
though in a genteel dress, was sure to meet his 
contempt. 

On August 15th, 1833, Mr. Hyland was united 
in marriage to Sarah, daughter of Maj. Tom Lemen, 
the widow of Jacob Sholl. Mrs. Hyland possessed 
all those amiable traits of character which adorn 
her sex. In her relations to society she so deported 
herself as to gain the esteem of all who knew her. 
As a wife and mother she was affectionate, consid- 
erate and faithful. She was born February 28th, 
1778, and died Sept. 1st, 1866. The death of few 
persons have been more sincerely lamented than 
Mrs. Hyland's, few persons have a stronger abiding 
place in the memory of surviving friends than she. 
It is therefore needless to add that Mr. Hyland's 
marriage was the source of much happiness to him. 
There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Hyland. One of these was a daughter who died 
very young. Col. George Hyland, a gallant officer 
in the recent war for the Union, and subsequently 
Sheriff of Livingston county — a leading and dis- 
tinguished citizen, — and John Hyland, Esq., the 
present Postmaster of Dansville — a citizen of the 
highest intelligence, generally esteemed for his high 
sense of honor, his geniality and enterprise — are 
sons of Mr. Hyland, who survive him. 



DR. JAMES FAULKNER. 

James Faulkner is nearly the sole survivor of 
that adventurous band, who, in the flush and ani- 
mation of youth penetrated the wilderness of 
Western New York — a pioneer, who made his home 
among the red men of the forest, who aided in 
erecting churches, school houses, stores and facto- 
ries where he had seen the council fires of the 
Indians light up the unbroken wilderness. Hence, 
through him one generation speaks its thoughts, 
feelings and appeals to another. The reminis- 
cences of his early days, lighted up by keen observa- 
tion and perpetuated by a remarkably retentive 
memory and an intelligent relation — his recollec- 
tion of the distinguished men who were his cotem- 
poraries, form a history as instructive as it is enter- 
taining. 



198 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



His paternal grandfather emigrated from Ireland 
to America before the Revolutionary war and set- 
tled in New Jersey. In the year 1784 he removed 
from New Jersey to Cambridge, Washington 
county, where he purchased a large trad of land 
and became a leading farmer and business man of 
that county. He was the father of several sons. 
His third was Samuel, who was the father of the 
subject of this sketch. His eldest son was Daniel 
Faulkner, who. in the year 1796, laid out the village 
of Dansville and from whom it received its name. 
His second son was Judge James Faulkner, who re- 
ceived a liberal education, entered the medical pro- 
fession, becoming an eminent physician and sur- 
geon. Immediately after receiving his medical di- 

pl i he settled at Painted Post, Steuben county, 

N. Y. His fame as a physician and surgeon, his 
rare and versatile talents, his learning, and knowl- 
edge of men and the springs of human nature gave 
him a conspicuous place in public affairs. In 
January, 1803, he was appointed First Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas of Steuben county, 
by Gen. Ceorge Clinton, then Governor of the 
state of New York. Though not bred to the bar, 
In- possessed many accomplishments that qualified 
him for the high judii i.il position to which he was 
appointed. He presided over the Steuben county 
courts until February, 1 8 1 3 , — a period of ten 
years — when he resigned his office and retired to 
private life. 

Dr. James Faulkner was born at Cambridge, 
Washington count), January 21, 1790. He is a 
son of Samuel and Catharine Faulkner. His 
father w;is a farmer, a man of intelligence, possess- 
ing great energy, industry and probity of character, 
lb- married Catherine Phoenix, the daughter of a 
highly reputable citizen of Cambridge — a woman 
greatly beloved by all who knew her — a model wife 
and mother. When James was six years of age his 
lather removed with his family to Dansville, N. Y. 
As they were leaving for this, then distant region, 
at least two hundred miles to the westward— to 
them the far West — their friends bade them a tear- 
ful farewell, under the conviction that so distant 
was their place of destination, so fatiguing and 
dangerous their journey — most of the way through 
a dense wilderness — that they would never meet 
them again in life. What a change time has 
wrought in overcoming distance. Now Dansville 
is but a few hours' distant from Washington county, 
and a journey to tin' most distant parts of the con- 
tinent can lie made in much less time than thejour- 
ney of a few hundred miles undertaken by the 
lather of Dr. Faulkner in 1796. He was ten days 
on the road, reaching Dansville, January 8th, 1797. 
In the year [801, young Faulkner became a resi- 
dent — with his father — of Geneseo, N. Y. Here 
he resided until the year 1805. when the elder 
Faulkner died. 

fudge Faulkner, whom we have described, an 
uncle of James', pleased with his intelligence and 
promise, immediately adopted him as his son, 
educated him and prepared him to enter the pro- 
fession of medicine. In the year 1810, young 



Faulkner entered the college of Physicians and 
Surgeons of the city of New York, from whence he 
was graduated in March. 1812. Immediately after 
receiving his medical diploma he returned to Dans- 
ville and commenced the successful practice of his 
profession. In June, 1812, he was united by mar 
riage to Miss Minerva Hammond, a daughter of 
Am. 111, ih Hammond, a pioneer settler.au eminent, 
respected and wealthy citizen of Dansville. 

In the year 1815 Dr. Faulkner became the pur- 
chaser of an extensive paper-mill in Dansville. and 
about the same time, he purchased a large tract of 
land, a great part of which is now within the limits 
of the village. The consideration of these pur- 
chases amounted to a large sum of money, exceed- 
ing his means by at least $16,000. The prompt 
manner in which Dr. Faulkner paid off this large 
indebtedness, is an eloquent tribute to his energy, 
ability and enterprise. But the details of his large 
and increasing business made such importunate de- 
mands upon his time that he was compelled to 
abandon his profession ; though su< h was his 
reputation as a physician and surgeon, that, for 
many years, he was frequently called to counsel 
with the physicians in the village and in the sur- 
rounding country. 

The paper-mill to which we have alluded is still 
standing on the estate of I >r. Faulkner, in the 
western part of the village, a landmark of the past 
and a monument of the early enterprise of its 
owner. For many years it was one of the princi- 
pal paper manufactories of Western New York. 
There are many still living who remember the pic- 
ture of the old mill, which embellished the thous- 
ands of reams of paper that found their way into 
most of the wholesale and retail stores of the North- 
ern States. 

This mill was operated by Dr. Faulkner, with 
great pecuniary success, until the year 1839, when 
it was converted into a large tannery. Many years 
ago Dr. Faulkner erected the large flouring- mill, 
which has been conducted with such success by his 
son-in-law, John C. Williams, that the Hour he has 
manufactured in it has attained precedence over 
all other brands in Western New York. 

Dr. Faulkner's mental qualities were combined 
with and regulated by an intelligence so rarely at 
fault, as to place him at the head of the business 
men of the county, and enabled him to am;:ss .t 
large fortune. The times and the condition of the 
country demanded men like him, to develope its 
resources. 

Another remarkable mental feature in Dr. 
Faulkner is his iron will. This, joined to his svs 
tematic mind and well-poised prudence, preserved 
him from that redundancy of enterprise which so 
often embarrass and defeat the efforts of the 
brightest business intellects. 

It would be strange, indeed, if a mind consti- 
tuted like his should remain inactive in politics. 
By the very make of his nature, and by the •■tunes 
ol the times," he was forced into the political arena 
— though he was never a place seeker. 

As his powers of organization and combination 



DR. JAMES FAULKNER. 



199 



were unsurpassed, by common consent he was a 
field officer in the battle line of politics. He en- 
tered active life a few years after the great triumph 
of Jefferson and Democracy over the great aristo- 
cratic Federal party, and his political faith was 
founded on the principles of the great apostles of 
popular rights. In other words, he has always 
been a Jeffersonian Democrat. In his political 
career he was the friend and compeer of illustrious 
men of the past, whose names are embalmed in 
their country's history. Even now, at his ad- 
vanced age, his memory of those men and the stir- 
ring events which marked their career, is clear and 
distinct, and his description of them is pleasing, 
suggestive and instructive. Martin Van Buren was 
his counsel in an important law-suit in which he 
was interested, and which terminated in that great 
tribunal of last resort — the Court for the Correc- 
tion of Errors. Dr. Faulkner's description of Van 
Buren's person reminds one of Boswell's descrip- 
tion of Wilberforce when addressing the electors 
of his district from the hustings. " I saw," said he, 
"what seemed a mere shrimp mount the platform ; 
and I wondered what he could say ; but, as I lis- 
tened to him, such was his eloquence, that he grew 
and grew, until the shrimp became a whale." 

In the spring of 1815 James Faulkner was 
elected Supervisor of the town of Sparta, which 
then embraced the territory now included in the 
towns of Dansville, West Sparta and Sparta, all of 
which then belonged to the county of Steuben. 
By nearly continuous elections he continued to 
represent Sparta in the Board of Supervisors of 
Steuben county until the year 1821, when that 
town was annexed to Livingston county. After 
this he represented the town so many years, that 
to use his own language, " I have almost forgot their 
number." 

In the autumn of 1824 Dr. Faulkner was elected 
Member of Assembly from Livingston county, 
taking his seat in that body January 4th, 1825. In 
the fall of that year he was reelected and com- 
menced his second Legislative term on the 3d of 
January, 1826. The celebrated Samuel Young 
so conspicuous in the history of the State, was 
speaker of the house. Dr. Faulkner became a 
favorite and friend of Col. Young. The 1 >octor's 
description of him is so characteristic that we can 
not refrain from giving it a place in our history. 
" He was to most people like a crab apple, sour, 
bitter and tough, — as pure as the purest ; his intel- 
lect was as keen as he was crabbed and pure. To 
his friends, however, he was as sweet and as gentle 
as a woman." No description of Col. Young that 
has ever been written exceeds this in truth. 

In the Legislative session of 1825 Faulkner 
made the acquaintance of the illustrious statesman 
and orator, Silas Wright, who was then a member 
of the State Senate from the county of St. Law- 
rence. 

The friendship that there commenced between 
himself and Mr. Wright was never changed by any 
vicissitudes of time or of changes in others. In- 
deed it grew brighter with the lapse of years. 



Among the other distinguished men who are 
enrolled on Dr. Faulkner's list of early friends are 
Gen. Erastus Root, a historic character in the 
State and Nation, William L. Marcy, the first of 
American statesman, John C. Spencer, the illus- 
trious lawyer, legislator and adviser. 

In April, 1826, Dr. Faulkner retired from his 
legislative duties to private life, and from that time 
until 1842 he devoted himself exclusively to the 
details of his business. It is a truthful saying that 
it requires more real talent, more executive ability, 
to become a successful business man than it does to 
become eminent in any of the professions. In his 
career as a business man, as we have already said, 
Dr. Faulkner stood preeminent. 

With all his assiduous attention to business, Dr. 
Faulkner continued a moving and controlling 
power in the political field. Whenever the Demo- 
cratic forces mustered, obedient to the Slogan cry 
of their party, Dr. Faulkner was foremost in the 
marching column, always leading the charge — 
always confident of victory, and if defeated always 
ready for another charge. 

In the fall of 1842, he was nominated for the 
office of State Senator from the then Sixth Senato- 
rial District, which consisted of the counties of 
Chenango, Chemung, Tioga, Steuben, Livingston 
and Allegany. After a desperate political contest 
he was elected and commenced his Senatorial 
duties January 3d, 1843. He continued in the 
Senate until April 18th, 1846, when he retired from 
public life to the duties of business, never again to 
leave those duties. 

We should have stated that in February, 1835, 
Dr. Faulkner was appointed an Associate Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas of Livingston county, 
by his early friend William L. Marcy, who was then 
Governor of the State. William H. Smith, of 
Caledonia, was the First, or presiding Judge of that 
Court, and that honored citizen of Livingston 
county, Dr. David H. Bissell, of Geneseo, was 
one of Dr. Faulkner's associates on the Bench, he 
having been appointed to that position by Mr. 
Marcy. It is no affectation to say, that the Court 
of Common Pleas presided over by Smith, Faulk- 
ner and Bissell was a tribunal that gained the 
respect of the bar and the public to an almost un- 
precedented degree. 

When Dr. Faulkner was elected to the Senate, 
he resigned his Judicial position. 

Though Dr. Faulkner never in any sense aspired 
to the role of orator, he was one of those who could 
gain influence and usefulness without much speak- 
ing, and as a legislator he left upon Jhe records of 
the Senate and Assembly indubitable evidence of 
his ability and usefulness. 

We have omitted one recognition, James Faulk- 
ner's ability as a physician and surgeon, that should 
have a place in these memoirs. In the year 1813, 
during the war with England he was appointed on 
the staff of Gen. McClure, and with that officer 
moved to the seat of war on the northern frontier. 
His associates on that staff subsequently ranked 
among the most distinguished men of their times. 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Among them was William B. Rochester, John C. 
Spencer and David Cruger. 

Such is the outline history of the more public 
life of James Faulkner. He has always been a 
strong, often a bitter partisan. For this we com- 
mend him ; for the man who is not a strong par- 
tisan is without convictions, or if he has convic- 
tions, he is false to them and to his friends. 1 >r. 
Faulkner never knew how to be hypocritical; nor 
how to apostatize ; nor how to "keep the word of 
promise to the ear and break it to the hope," 
always acting his honest convictions without fear 
of consequences. He is, however, a systematic 
hater, and has always tendered his enemies a 
square battle. With him the contest always went 
on until defeat or victory terminated it, and he 
was ever ready to give and receive blows until the 
last. He was always for a clean victory or clean 
defeat. 

Dr. Faulkner has always been retiring and un- 
ostentatious in his life and in his manners, and he 
has never sought that general acquaintance and no- 
toriety in which persons differently constituted find 
delight; but those who do enjoy his confidence 
and esteem understand that though not demonstra- 
tive his friendship is strong and enduring, and by 
such he is beloved. 

There is something like coldness and reserve in 
his exterior; but those who are best acquainted 
with him see in this a contempt of meaningless 
professions, and beneath it a generous nature and 
a warm heart. Through life lie has been the dis- 
penser of charities, most of them known only to 
himself and their recipients. In his public career, 
though long and prominent, there was nothing that 
was impure — nothing that detracted from the strict- 
est morality. 

In the fierce battle of life he has been success- 
ful, and now at a ripe old age, with his work well 
done, in the sanctity of his domestic relations the 
sun of his life is descending with pleasing mem- 
ories and an abiding hope and confidence that 
when the day of life shall close forever, another 
will dawn in a world of happy immortality. 

In his domestic relations, Dr. Faulkner has 
every reason to congratulate himself, though death 
has taken his beloved and affectionate wife and 
four of his children out of the seven who have 
been born to him. Seldom has there been a fam- 
ily of children who have reflected more honor upon 
parents than those of Dr. and Mrs. Faulkner, as a 
plain, unvarnished reference to some of them will 
show. 

Endress, born in 1819, after graduating with 
distinction at Yale College, entered the legal pro- 
fession, and after winning high distinction at the 
bar, died at the early age of t,?,- Samuel Dorr 
Faulkner, born November 14th, 1835, like his 
brother Endress, was graduated at Yale College, 
in the class of 1859. Afterwards he prepared for 
the bar at the Albany Law School and was admit- 
ted to practice in January, i860. He arose rapidly 
in his profession, and attained high distinction as a 
legal and political orator. These attainments 



gave him a high rank among the leaders of the 
Democratic party of the State — the party to which 
he gave an intellectual and abiding allegiance. 
In the autumn of 1865, he was nominated by his 
party for Member of Assembly for the Second 
Assembly district of Livingston county. He was 
triumphantly elected over his opponent, though 
supported by a heavy majority. In the fall of 
1S71 he was nominated by his party for the office 
of County Judge, and was elected over a Republi- 
can majority of at least twelve hundred. In the 
fall of 1877 he was reelected County Judge, but 
hardly had he closed the first year of his second 
Judicial term when death terminated his useful and 
brilliant career. 

James Faulkner, Jr., was also a graduate of Vale, 
in the class of 1859. Having no predelictions for 
any of the learned professions, like his father, he 
decided to adopt the avocation of a business man. 
choosing the occupation of a banker. Very soon 
after leaving college he accepted the position of 
cashier of the First National Bank of Dansville, 
which he still occupies. The manner in which he- 
has discharged his duties is attested by the high 
rank which his bank holds among the financial in- 
stitutions of the State. Generous, genial, kind and 
unassuming, he is a favorite with his fellow-citizens, 
so that we may say without extravagance that few 
young men have more friends than James Faulkner, 
Jr. He is an ardent and influential Democrat — a 
leader of his party, and yet never intruding his 
principles offensively upon his Republican oppo- 
nents. The manner in which his abilities have 
been recognized, is evidenced by the fact that he 
has repeatedly been elected supervisor of his town, 
and by the fact that in the autumn of 1874 he was 
• elected member of Assembly by the Democracy of 
Livingston county, a county where the Republicans 
have a large majority. He is the only democrat 
except his father and his brother, Hon. S. D. Faulk- 
ner, that ever was elected to the legislature from 
Livingston county. The next year he was again 
nominated and elected by his party. It is a singu- 
lar coincidence that he took his seat in the legisla- 
ture for the first time, January 4th, 1875 — j ust fifty 
years to a day after his father had taken his seat in 
the same body, and that he drew seat No. 99, the 
very seat drawn by his father, January 4th, 1825. 
During his first legislative term he was chairman of 
the Insurance Committee,— a member of the Com- 
mittee on Expenditures of the House, member of 
the Committee on Public Education. He was 
chairman also of the Assembly Committee ap- 
pointed to investigate the great Canal frauds. The 
next year the house was Republican, but Mr. 
Faulkner was honorably considered by the Speaker, 
Mr. Husted, by being placed on the Committee of 
Ways and Means, the Insurance Committee, and 
on the Committee on the Rules of the House. 

Gen. Lester />'. Faulkner is the youngest of Dr. 
Faulkner's children. Like his brothers, Endress, 
Samuel and James, he is a graduate of Yale Col- 
lege-class of 1859, a lawyer by profession, the 
senior member of the distinguished firm of Faulk- 



MEftfcfTT M. BROWN.- 



io\ 



net & iissglij of Bansvilig ; 6en ; Faulkner wen 
fflu§h distinction as an officer in the Union army; 
Hg was rapidly proitietgd frem a private t§ the rank 
of Captain and to that of Lieutenant-C'eienei: 

At the close of the Wat he returned to the duties 
of His profession. Like his father and brothers, he 
keeps the faith of the Democracy in undeviating 
belief and practice. Bold, ardent, ambitious, 



gifted and eiequent, he ha§ attained a Itate repu- 
tatien as politician. Indeed, though yet a young 
man: he i§ regarded a§ the leader of the Demo 
rratir party in the Itatg: Jn the fall ef iS^ahewas 
chosen chairman of the State Democratic Com- 
mittee. As a recognition of his ability as a political 
leader, he was re-elected to that high and responsi- 
ble position, a position which he now occupies. 



MERRITT HOLMES BROWN. 



Merritt Holmes 
Brown was born at 
Bennington, Vt., Oct. 
20, 1806. He was a 
son of Merritt Brown. 
a native of Connect- 
icut, w h o, in early 
life, removed to Ben- 
nington, and subse- 
quently in the year 
1 818, settled at Dans- 
ville, in this county. 
Here he spent the 
remainder of his life. 
He was a man of 
sterling integrity, and 
strong native good 
sense; a love of jus- 
tice and a high sense 
of honor were pre- 
vailing traits in his 
character. To these 
qualities may well be 
added that piety 
whose constant du- 
ties are enjoined by 
the dictates of con- 
science; he worship- 
ed and revered God 

in 110 noisy demon- Photo, by Belts, Dansville. 

strations but in the (merritt holmes brown.) 

fullness of moral excellence, in spiritual light and in 
true devotion, unassumingly and humbly exhibited. 

He was one of the early postmasters of the vil- 
lage. For many years he discharged, in an ac- 
ceptable manner, the duties of a magistrate of the 
town of Dansville. Though Mr. Brown bore a 
name so common in the nation, he was the only 
representative of his own family in this county, his 
ancestry having emigrated to America from Eng- 
land at an early period in the nation's history. 

Few man ever lived a more useful or a more 
blameless life in their sphere of action than Mer- 
ritt Brown. He lived at a very advanced age be- 
loved and respected by all who knew him. As 
he came to Livingston county three years before 
its present territory was formed into its present 
County organization, he was one of its honored 
pioneers — a race of enterprising men who laid the 
foundation of its present unexampled wealth and 




prosperity — whose 
toil, hardship, useful- 
ness and moral worth 
have passed into 
history. Mr. Brown 
died at Dansville. 

Merritt H. Brown, 
his son, to whose life 
these pages are de- 
voted, removed with 
his father to Dans- 
ville when in his 13th 
year. Here he re- 
ceived a good Eng- 
lish and business ed- 
ucation which ren- 
dered him fully qual- 
ified to enter suc- 
cessfully into the 
labor, competition 
and struggles of the 
business world, ami 
therefore his name is 
identified with that 
class of business men 
who gave to Dans- 
ville its high rank 
and prosperity. 

For upwards o f 
thirty-five years he 
was known as a lead- 
ing hardware merchant and manufacturer. In his 
more active life, Dansville was the most important 
business centre between Rochester and Northern 
Pennsylvania. Hence he drew customers and 
patrons, not only from the adjoining counties, but 
even from Pennsylvania. 

With such prudence, judgment, unflagging indus- 
try and success did he conduct his business that a 
handsome competency was his reward, every cent 
of which was honestly and honorably gained. 

Mr. Brown possessed qualities of head and heart 
that naturally made him many friends. His genial 
and sunny nature, his rare social qualities, acknowl- 
edged courtesy and never-failing good humor, will 
long be fondly remembered in Dansville. He had 
a kind word for all who approached him, espec- 
ially for those who, amid life's vicissitudes, were 
unfortunate. To this class he recommended him- 
self by those nameless acts of kindness and charity 






HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



unknown to the world, performed, as it were, by 
the right hand all unknown to the left. 

Like his father, Merritt H. Brown was a Demo- 
crat of the true Jeffersonian school — -whose creed 
is " the greatest good to the greatest numbers." 
These principles always found in him a zealous, but 
never a captious or troublesome advocate. 

Though strongly and ardently devoted to his 
party, he was never, in any sense, a place or office- 
seeker. His business interests were so important, 
so absorbing that he found no time to look after 
official position for himself. He felt that the life 
of a mere political office-seeker, even at the best, 
is dangerous, if not dishonorable; successful to-day 
— to-morrow disastrous and unfortunate. He was 
often solicited to accept nominations for official 
positions by his friends, but always respectfully 
and firmly declined. 

The only exceptions to this was when, at the 
request of his friends, and after much hesitation, 
he accepted the position of Postmaster of the vil- 
lage for two successive terms. 

In the year 1829 Mr. Brown was united by 
marriage to Miss Arvilla Danforth, a daughter of 
Jonathan Danforth of Saratoga, N. Y. Few mar- 
riage relations have proved happier than this. Mrs. 
Brown, who still survives him, unites in her char- 
acter those estimable qualities which in a wife and 
mother adorn the character of a true woman with 
such infinite grace and attraction. 

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown, six of whom are still living, and we assert 
fearless of contradiction, that a happier household 
than theirs was never vouchsafed to the married re- 
lation. It was a home where the love of the par- 
ents was reciprocally and tenderly blessed with 
those of the children. 

To Mr. Brown his home was his all. It was 
his empire, where was centered all his ambition, — 
all his hopes. That he should make that home as 
happy as the happiest, is a natural sequence of his 
nature and of his manner of life. As has well 
been said " he always wanted his children about 
his fireside." "( )ne vacant chair" there rendered 
him unhappy, even though he knew its occupant 
was only temporarily absent. Whatever tended to 
the educational, religious, or business advancement 
of the village, always found in Mr. Brown a liber- 
al advocate. 

Several years before his death he erected the 
large commodious brick store standing on the east 
side of Main street, occupying the north-east cor- 
ner of Main and Ossian streets, Dansville. Here 
for many years he was the senior partner in the 
well known and flourishing hardware house of 
Brown & Grant. 

In the year 1S47 Mr. Brown became one of the 
proprietors in the well known foundry and agricul- 
tural works of S. Sweet & Co., in Dansville. He 
retained his interest therein down to the time of his 
death in 1864. 

Merritt H.Brown died at Dansville on the 2 7 th day 
of June, 1864, in the 55th year of his age. To 
his family, — of which it is needless for us to add, 



he was the idol — his death was an almost over- 
whelming blow. To the village it was an irrepar- 
able loss, for it took from their business circles one 
of its prominent supporters. Alas .' how many of 
his friends, associates, and compeers in business, 
have followed him to that beautiful resting place 
where the fragrant flowers of spring, summer and 
early autumn, keep watch and ward, and whose 
pure breath is the incense which undying affection 
offers to their memory. 

.Mr. Brown's highly esteemed consort still pre- 
sides over the family mansion, where she enjoyed 
with him and her children, so many happy years, 
and where her loved husband left her and them for 
" that better land." 

On the whole we may say of Merritt H. Brown 
that his well spent, useful life, devoted as it was to 
the business interests of Livingston county, has 
appropriately prepared for him a place in its hon- 
ored historic record. 



ARCHELAUS STEYFNS. 




Pip 

' So**" 

Photo, by Bctts, Dansville. 

(ARCHELAUS STEVENS.) 

James and Affa (Hoyt) Stevens, the parents of 
the subject of this brief memoir, were natives of 
New Hampshire. The former was of English ex- 
traction, born in 1757, and brought up a farmer. 
He served his country in the war of Independence, 
under the command of Gen. Gates. His eldest 
child, Mrs. Ruth Whitmore, of Boston, is yet living 
at the great age of ninety-eight years. 

Archelaus was born in Enfield, Grafton county, 
New Hampshire, May 1, 1790. Early designed 
for the profession of medicine, he took an Academ- 
ic course at Salsbury Academy, and then entered 
Dartmouth College. After leaving there he work- 
ed on his father's farm, until finding his physical 
condition unsuited for manual labor, he adopted 



ARCHELAUS STEVENS — A. O. BUNNELL. 



2 03 



the profession of teaching. His high testimonials 
for proficiency in mathematics and English litera- 
ture, enabling him, at the early age of eighteen 
years, to obtain the confidence of the people 
wherever he taught, who considered him an accom- 
plished educator. 

In 1814, he was married to Sally, eldest daugh- 
ter of Ben Gage, of Enfield, N. H., and in 181 7 
emigrated to Pennsylvania. Remaining there four 
years, they removed to Ithaca, N. Y., where he 
followed farming and teaching for a few years, 
when the precarious condition of his health com- 
pelled him to choose some other occupation. In 
1827, he was appointed by Governor Clinton, Pay- 
master of the 183d Regiment of Infantry, and in 
1829, receiving an honorable discharge, he entered 
into partnership with a firm in Cortland, N. Y., for 
the manufacture of paper; but a prospect of fail- 
ure induced him to withdraw in time to save him- 
self from loss. In 1834 he undertook the intro- 
duction of Lyman Cobb's series of school-books 
in the vicinity of New York, and in 1836 moved 
to Dansville, where he opened a book printing 
and binding establishment, publishing Cobb's school 
books. In 1839, Mr. Stevens, in company with 
the late Dr. Reynale, erected the first three-story 
building ever built in Dansville, and in the second 
story of this, the Second Presbyterian church, of 
which Mr. Stevens and his family were members, 
held services for three years. In the fall of 1846, 
he built a second three-story building, south of the 
first one. He took an active part in all improve- 
ments of the village, and was earnest in advocat- 
ing such principles as would lead to the advance- 
ment of morality. In 1842, he published the 
Dansville Whig in company with his son, G. W. 
Stevens. Finally the publication passed into the 
hands of the latter, when it was changed to The 
Western New Yorker, and edited by Rev. John N. 
Hubbard. In 1850, Mr. Stevens moved to New 
York city and remained there eleven years, return- 
ing in 1 86 1, with his wife and youngest child to 
Dansville, where he passed the remainder of his 
life; and finally, January 8, 1876, with implicit 
trust in God, yielded up his spirit to his Maker. 

The revered wife and mother survived her hus- 
band ten years. She was an intelligent, energetic 
and prudent woman, possessing largely the Chris- 
tian graces, and contributed much hy her wise 
counsel to the success of her husband and children. 
Three of his children died in infancy, and his eld- 
est daughter, a teacher of high reputation and 
wife of Rev. James Bonsell, died in California. 
His second son, Dr. H. M. Stevens, after having 
attended three courses of medical lectures in differ- 
ent cities, with an ambition too great for his physi- 
cal organization, was stricken with disease when 
just entering on the practice of medicine, and after 
lingering several years, died in the city of New 
York, at the age of thirty-four. 

The two remaining sons emigrated to California 
in 1856. George settled in Oakland, for many 
years owned a large printing office in San Francis- 
co where he continued the business of printing I 



and publishing. William, the youngest son, settled 
in Nevada, where he laid out the town of Winne- 
mucca on the Pacific railroad. There he was 
elected to many town offices, and for several years 
was Chairman of the State Central Republican 
delegation. Through his influence the county 
seat of Humboldt county was removed to Winne- 
mucca, where he has accumulated a competency. 
Two of the daughters are still living in Dansville, 
with the only surviving grandchild of Archelaus 
Stevens, Eftie L. White. 



A. O. BUNNELL. 

A. O. Bunnell, of Dansville, N. Y., was born in 
Lima, Livingston county, N. Y., March 10th, 1836. 
His father, Dennis Bunnell, was the youngest of 
seven children of Jehiel Bunnell, of Cheshire, Con- 
necticut, one of an old and prominent family of 
that name. Jehiel Bunnell's wife was a Hotchkiss, 
also prominent in the early history of Connecticut. 
In 1819 Jehiel Bunnell came with his large family 
to Western New York, and four years later settled 
in Lima, where he died in 1844. Dennis, in his 
75 th year, is the only surviving member of the 
family which left Connecticut in 1819. 

The mother of A. O. Bunnell was Mary Baker, 
who was the daughter of James Baker, a sturdy 
pioneer woodsman and hunter. James Baker's 
wife was Mary Parker, the elder sister of the three 
celebrated pioneer Methodist circuit preachers of 
Western New York, Revs. Robert, Samuel and 
John Parker, all of whom are now dead. 

A. O. Bunnell came to Dansville with his father's 
family, in 1850, and has since resided there with 
the exception of one year at Rockford, 111., where 
he set the first type for the Rockford Register. He 
received a limited education in the common 
schools. He was obliged to leave school at the 
early age of 15 years, and at once set about win- 
ning his way by entering the office of the Danszulle 
Herald, as an apprentice. In i860 he established 
the Dansville Advertiser, which he still publishes 
and edits. He has never sought nor held political 
place, preferring a printing office above all other 
offices. Since 1868 he has been secretary and 
treasurer of the New York Press Association, and 
this honor at the hands of his fellow journalists he 
esteems above all others. 

Major Mark J. Bunnell, a younger brother of 
A. O. Bunnell, was born in Lima, N. Y., Christ- 
mas day, 1837, and came to Dansville in 1850. 
He was one of the first to enlist as a private soldier 
in April, 186 1, as a member of the "Old Thir- 
teenth New York," and was rapidly promoted in 
that regiment for gallant conduct on the field. At 
the second battle of Bull Run, in 1862, he was 
shot through both lungs and received a bullet 
wound through his thigh and a shell wound on the 
foot. In this condition he lay in the hands of the 
enemy for nine days, his only mattress the green 
grass, and his only covering the branches of a 



204 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



friendly tree. Remarkable as it may appear, he 
recovered, and to-day enjoys a fair degree of 
health and strength. His case attracted the at- 
tention of the most eminent army surgeons in 
Washington. After his recovery, Major Bunnell 
had charge of the provost guard of Washington, 
and was made personally responsible for vast 
millitary stores and for the safety of the Long 
Bridge over the Potomac. After the war, he 
spent his winters in Washington, first occupying 
a position in the Doorkeeper's department of the 
House, and afterwards as assistant to the Sergeant- 
at Arms in the Senate. The latter position he 
resigned in December, 1880, to assume the 
responsibilities of County Clerk of Livingston 
county, to which position he had been elected by 
a large Republican majority at the November 
election. 



GEORGE ZERFASS. 




(GEORGE ZERFASS.) 

George Zerfass, the subject of this sketch was 
born in Northampton county, Pa., the 28th of 
January, 1805. He was a son of Abraham and 
Hannah (Kanause) Zerfass. The former was 
born in Northampton county, Pa., the 27th of No- 
vember, 1772, and the latter was born in the same 
county January 23, 1783. The parents of Abra- 
ham were Adam and Elizabeth Zerfass. They 
came from German)- when they were quite young. 
The former was born in 1742, and the latter was 
born Feb. 11, 1746. Adam was a Captain in the 
Revolutionary army and was in the battle of 
Germantown and Brandywine, and after the close 
of the war of Independence he was engaged in 
fighting the Indians. Adam and Elizabeth died 
in Pennsylvania, in the early part of the present 
century. 

Abraham Zerfass and Hannah Kanause, were 
married the 19th of April, 1802, and came to Steu- 



ben county, now Livingston county, and located 
at Dansville in 1813. Here they followed farming 
until they died, the former Dec. 17, 1837, and the 
hater Feb. 4, 1845. They had twelve children — 
as follows : — Elizabeth, (dead,) George, our subject, 
Hannah, (dead,) Abraham, (dead,) Mary, living,) 
Saloma, (dead,) John, (living.) Vienna, (living.) 
Lydia, (dead,) Margaret, (living,) Henry, (living,) 
and Anna, (dead.) Six of these children are yet 
living and residing near Dansville, except Mary 
now residing in Wisconsin. The children all lived 
at home until they died or started out in life for 
themselves. Their education was such as could be 
obtained in the common schools of their town, and 
was very limited. George never left the parental 
roof, but remained at home assisting his father until 
the latter died, when he bought the old home farm 
and settled up with the rest of the heirs. He lived 
in the old house until 1858, at which time he moved 
into the handsome edifice he finished that year and 
which he occupies at the present time. Owing to 




(POLLY ZERFASS.) 

a paralytic shock received the 24th of April, 187S, 
he has been unable to manage his farm and since 
that time it has been operated by his brother 
Henry. 

The 1 2th of April, 1838, George was united in 
marriage with Polly Kanause, daughter of George 
and Elizabeth (Driesbach) Kanause of Dansville. 
She was born in Steuben county the 15th of Jan., 
1819, and died February 23d, 1872. In the death 
of his wife Mr. Zerfass met with a loss almost un- 
bearable. She was a careful, economical helpmeet 
and loving wife, and was respected by all who knew 
her. Mr. Zerfass cheerfully concedes that to her 
he is greatly indebted for much of his success. 
They had no children that grew up. 

Mr. Zerfass has never been an aspirant for pub- 
lic trusts, but has been elected to the office of as- 
sessor for two years, and highway commissioner 
three years. He is a life-long Democrat, but in 



GEORGE ZERFASS — LUCIAN BROCK PROCTOR. 



205 



home affairs he gives his suffrage to the man or 
men he deems best qualified for the various offices. 

In religious sentiment he is a Lutheran and was a 
member of the German Lutheran Church of Dans- 
ville many years. He was a trustee of that church 
several years and Deacon of the same six years. 

Mr. Zerfass has passed with honor through all 



the vicissitudes of life, and, has lived to see the 
County of Livingston develop from almost a wil- 
derness into one of the finest agricultural districts 
in the State. He has been successful in life and 
is enjoying in his old age a competency, the result 
of a long life of industry, economy and honorable 
dealing. 



LUCIAN BROCK PROCTOR. 



L u c i a n Brock 
Proctor, extensively 
known as an author 
and lawyer, was born 
at Hanover, N. H., 
March 6, 1823. His 
parents were Jona- 
than and Ruth Proc- 
tor, both natives of 
the Granite State — 
the descendants of a 
long line of English 
ancestry. Some of 
their more direct an- 
cestors came to 
America as early as 
1 602 and 1 6 1 o . 
Those on the pa- 
ternal side settled at 
Salem, Mass. ; those 
on the maternal at 
Concord, N. H. 

Mr. Proctor's 
mother was Ruth 
Carter, of Concord, 
a daughter of Jacob 
Carter, an eminent 
citizen of that place, 
and an officer in the 

Continental army phoio. by B c tts, Dansviiie. 

during the war of (LUCIAN brock proctor) 

the Revolution. She received, in her youth, every 
educational advantage of her times, was a woman 
of strong native intellect and the possessor of those 
admirable qualities that rendered her all that was 
requisite in a wife and mother. To her early in- 
struction, to the principles instilled into his young 
mind by her, to her as intellectual guide, Mr. 
Proctor is largely indebted for whatever mental 
strength he possesses. His father was a man of 
unassuming habits, with unsullied reputation, pos- 
sessing intelligence and cultivation which was 
modestly exhibited only to those who knew him 
best. 

Mr. Proctor's paternal grandfather and great- 
grandfather, also his maternal grandfather were in 
the battle of Bunker Hill, and at Bennington, 
where his great-grandfather was mortally wounded. 
One of Mr. Proctor's maternal uncles was the late 
Nathaniel H. Carter, for several years Professor of 
Greek and Latin in Dartmouth College. He sub- 




sequently removed to 
New York city, where 
he became an inti- 
mate friend of I le 
Witt Clinton. As 
Mr. Carter was a 
distinguished writer 
as well as scholar, he 
soon became editor- 
in-chief of the New 
York Standard and 
Statesman, then one 
of the leading jour- 
nals of the Nation. 
He was one of that 
brilliant literary co- 
terie to which Bryant, 
Morris, Percival and 
other distinguished 
personages belonged. 
He has left many 
valuable works, the 
productions of h i s 
pen, both in prose 
and poetry, among 
which is that justly 
admired poem, " The 
Burial at Sea." He- 
died at an early age 
at Venice, in Italy. 
When he was five 
years old young Proctor removed with his parents 
from New Hampshire to this State, and after a 
short residence in Oneida and Chenango counties 
settled at Auburn, N. Y., where, for several years, 
he conducted a large manufactory of edge tools. 

At a very early age young Proctor exhibited a 
love of study, making books his companions, when 
so young that he was apparently unable to compre- 
hend their contents. With these he would withdraw 
from his companions, spending hours in devouring 
their contents. 

It is related of him that when in his ninth year 
he persuaded his father to fit him up a room in his 
house for a study where he was often found at mid- 
night engaged with his books. 

About this time he commenced the study of 
Latin under the instruction of Rev. N. Gould a 
Presbyterian clergyman and a ripe scholar, and an 
apt teacher. Such was the progress of the boy that 
within a very short period, he mastered Virgil. Sal 



206 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



lust, Cicero and Horace. It is said that nothing 
ever gave him so much intellectual pleasure, as the 
Catilmarian and Yerrine Orations of Cicero, which 
even at that early age, he read in the original with 
perfect ease and correctness. When twelve years 
uld lit- entered Auburn Academy, where lie prepared 
to enter the junior class in Hamilton College. 
Hut as he intended to make the legal profession his 
future occupation in life, he decided to enter at 
once upon his legal studies, determined to continue 
Ins ( lassical Studies at the same time. This he did 
with a never-failing determination and success. 1 'o 
him solitary study has always been perfectly natural 
and he has never neglected it. 

While Proctor was at the Auburn Academy. 
Rev. Samuel H. Cox, D. D., one of the most ac- 
complished clergymen of his day, was Professor of 
Sac red Rhetoric and Belles Lettres in the Auburn 
Theological Seminary. Through the influence of 
friends, young Proi tor was admitted to the Rhetor- 
ical lectures of I )r. Cox. For over two years he 
enjoyed this rare advantage with a profit that has 
always been of great value to him. 

In those days the young man, with the view of 
becoming a lawyer, used to spend much of his 
leisure time in the office of Hon. William H. 
Seward, who was then approaching that distinction 
as a lawyer, orator and politician, which, in after 
years, rendered his name so illustrious. 

Pleased with the industry, mental qualities ami 
genial nature of young Proctor, Mr. Seward en- 
couraged him in his studies. As Seward himself 
had been an accomplished classical teacher, he 
could not avoid taking an interest in the young 
man's education. Perhaps nothing so tended more 
directly to elicit the mental powers of Proctor than 
his early acquaintance with this great statesman. 
He used to see and admire Seward in his contests 
at the bar, with such men as B. Davis Noxon, 
1 >aniel Cady, James R. Lawrence, Freeborn J. 
J en el t and other giants of the bar. 

In the autumn of 1838, young Proctor was sent 
by his preceptor to Angelica, N. Y., on business 
for him. It was on this occasion that he made the 
acquaintance of Martin drover, an acquaintance 
that continued until the splendid career of that 
eminent jurist closed in death. It is well-known 
that in his early career, and for many years, he 
dressed so regardless of good taste — we may say of 
respectability — that he was called the "ragged 
lawyer." So indifferent was he to his wardrobe, 
that on his appearance in courts where he was not 
known he would be taken for a poorly dressed in- 
truder, but the moment he began to address the 
court or jury, such was his eloquence that his dress 
was forgotten in the richness of his mental attain- 
ments. It is a singular fact that even in those days 
he was comparatively wealthy. The following ex- 
tract from Proctor's description of Grover, which 
has been extensively published in various maga- 
zines and journals, will give the reader a correct 
idea of the appearance of this singular man: — 

11 Winn I lirs! s.iw Martin Grover," says Proctor, " he was engaged 
with his law partner, the late Judge u logel, in the trial of a very 



important criminal case. They were on the defense. In the bar. 
not far from Judge Angel, sat a poorly dressed young man, whom I took 
fol a tnend <it the accused, interested in ihe case, it 1 was surprised at 
the appearance in the bar, of one SO poorly dad, 1 was p'eased with his 
high expansive forehead and his face : on which intellect and thought had 
ced their signets — it was a face over which intellect presided— a study 
tor .1 painter : hut I did not suppose he was a lawyer, until, to my a 
ishment, he arose to address the jury, I had listened to arguments of 
the ah n the State, but there was something in (Jnver's man 

oei thing mi the method in which he marshalled his language and 

his arguments, that made a deep impression on me. His address was de- 
livered in words of the plainest common sense — free from all rhetorical 
drapery, and yet tersely eloquent. The best words dropped easiK from 
p into the best places with fluency and ease. Each syllable was 
nicely adjusted to its proper place, and every sentence was full of too i , 
ted with logic and abounding in refinement of reason, and set off by 
graceful satire. At times be was one of the jurors, anxiously endeavoring 
to harmonize the deep angular lines in the circumstantial evidence in the 
case. It was a strange combination. It was intellect in its amplitude, 
eloquence approac Inn- perfection, mind in its triumph. It was Martin 
i rrover in tin- garb ot poverty in one of his most splendid and successful 
efforts at the bar." 

So pleased was young Proctor with this eminent 
lawyer, that he determined to pursue his legal 
studies with him for a time at least. Accordingly 
he soon entered the office of Angel & Grover as a 
law student. He remained with them a little over 
one year, and then entered the law office of Hon. 
I. L. Endress, at Dansville, with whom he com- 
pleted his legal studies and under whose instruc- 
tions he was called to the bar. 

In the month of January, 1843, Mr. Proctor was 
united by marriage to Miss Araminta D. Whitney, 
a daughter of Win. Whitney, Esq., of Cortland, N. 
Y. She is a lady of rare accomplishments, care- 
fully educated, of agreeable, graceful manners. ( >f 
her it may well be said : "All who know her love 
her." 

Two children were born of this marriage, — a son 
and daughter. The son is Dr. W. C. Proctor of 
Oowanda, N. Y., successfully established in the 
practice of his profession. The daughter is the 
wife of Rev. W. W. Cary of Almont, Mich. 

Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Proctor, 
attracted by his early associations with the Cayuga 
bar, removed to Port Byron and commenced the 
practice of his profession. His success was soon 
assured. He at once began to attract a large anil 
respectable clientage which rapidly increased in 
numbers and influence. After he had been at Port 
Byron five years he was attacked by the pre- 
vailing disease of that region, the ague and fever. 
So violently did the disease take hold of him that 
it seemed incurable, and he was advised by his 
physician, that a permanent cure could only be 
effected by removing from the infected district. 
Acting under this advice, in the autumn of 1849, 
he sold out all his interest in Port Byron, went to 
Dansville, intending to spend the winter there, and 
in the spring remove to Chicago and there continue 
the practice of law. 

He had been at Dansville but a few weeks when 
a wealthy Jew was robbed of watches and fine 
jewelry, valued at several thousand dollars. 

The robbery was committed by the porter at the 
hotel at which the Jew was a guest. After his arrest 
the porter confessed his guilt, implicating a young 
man of the name of Saxbury. 

Mr. l'roctor, though not then in practice was 
retained to defend Mr. Saxbury. This retainer 
changed all Proctor's plans for the future. The 
People in this highly important and interesting trial 



LUCIAN BROCK PROCTOR. 



207 



were represented by Hon. A. A. Hendee, District 
Attorney, assisted by Hon.' John. A. Van Derlip 
an eminent member of the Livingston bar. It 
was one of the most stubbornly contested cases 
ever tried in the county. After two exciting trials 
Saxbury was acquitted. This trial and its result 
brought Mr. Proctor very conspicuously before the 
public as a lawyer. Other important and profitable 
retainers followed, and he finally decided to abandon 
all thoughts of removing to Chicago, and to remain 
in Dansville. 

The records of the courts in Livingston and the 
adjoining counties bear ample testimony of Mr. 
Proctor's success as a lawyer. Though not making 
criminal law a specialty, he has been very success- 
ful in this department of practice. 

Many are the anecdotes that are related con- 
cerning his career at the bar, one of which is so 
singularly amusing that we cannot refrain from 
inserting it as we find it in a number of Harper s 
Weekly :— 

On one occasion, while attending a Circuit Court at Angelica, N. Y., 
where Judge Grover presided. Proctor was applied to by a young man 
under an indictment for grand larceny,— to defend him on his approaching 
trial. He was charged with stealing #250, in banknotes, from a fanner in 
his neighborhood. 

"I am afraid you are guilty," said Proctor, after listening to the story 
of the accused. 

" It's none of your business whether I am guilty or not. I didn't come 
to talk with you on that subject ; besides they say it don't make any differ- 
ence with you whether a man is guilty or not, that you always contrive to dig 
him out in some way. So don't talk anymore to me about guilt," said the 
fellow. 

" What about the pay?" asked the lawyer. 

u You just hold on until the trial is over, — until you earn your money, — 
give K (the complainant) hell on the cross-examination, and in sum- 
ming up, go for that cuss of a District Attorney, and you wont have any 
trouble about your pay." 

The trial commenced and proved to be both protracted and interesting. 
The prosecuting attorney, having no doubt of the man's guilt, made a 
strong and determined effort to convict him: He proved that the money 
stolen consisted of four fifty, two twenty, and two five dollar bank notes ; 
all of which was wrapped in a piece of oiled silk. 

After hearing the evidence, the arguments of the counsel and the charge 
of the judge, the jury retired and after an absence of several hours came 
into court with a verdict of not guilty. The accused greatly elated with 
the result of the trial and delighted with the efforts of his counsel, invited 
him into one of the vacant jury rooms. The moment they were alone, he 
slapped the lawyer on his shoulder, exclaiming : 

' Free as water! ain't I ? What's the use of trying a man for stealing, or 
for anvthing else when you are around? Now, 1 suppose you want your 
pay." 

^ I don't suppose you've got much to pav with," was the reply. 

" fust lend me your knife and we'll see about that " 

The lawyer startled at such a request, rather reluctantly complied. 

The fellow immediately commenced ripping and cutting away at the 
waistbands of his pantaloons. Soon producing the identical bills carefully 
rolled up in the piece of oiled silk described by the witnesses for the peo- 
ple, and throwing them on the table, said : — 

lk There, take your, pay out that little bundle 1 guess there is enough 
there to pay you tolerably well" 

" Why, you villain ! You stole that money after all 1 Do you expect 
me to take my pay out of that stolen money ?" said Proctor. 

14 Stolen money ! Stolen money ! Why, what under heavens are you 
talking about ? Didn't them twelve honest men up stairs, after hearing 
the story on both sides and after talking the matter over, say I didn't steal 
it ? What's the use of your trying to raise a question of conscience after 
twelve of the best men in Allegany county have given their opinion on the 
subject. Take your pay, man ; and ask no questions. Lawyers have got 
to live, and you've been very useful to me. So, take your pay, I say- I 
got the money easy enough, but you have worked like the devil to 
earn it." 

It is not stated how much the lawyer took, but we presume the fellow 
didn't have much change left after our friend had satisfied his conscience 
out of " it." 

Among the important criminal trials in which 
Proctor appeared for the defense was the People 
vs. Joseph Rock, for arson in the ist degree in set- 
ting a large building in Dansville on fire in the 
night time, and therefore. — under the then existing 
statute, — if convicted, his punishment would be 
death. He was brought to trial at the October 
Livingston Circuit, for 1853. Hon. Wm. H. Kel- 
sey, District Attorney, with Benjamin F. Harwood 



associated, appeared for the prosecution. The 
trial occupied nearly a week eliciting circumstan- 
ces of the most exciting nature. It resulted in the 
conviction of Rock, and he was sentenced to be 
hanged. But Proctor removed the case on a writ of 
error to the General Term of the Supreme Court and 
obtained a new trial, reversing the conviction. Af- 
ter this, under the advice of his counsel, Rock 
plead guilty to arson in the 2d degree, and was 
sentenced to State Prison for life, where he ended 
his days. He was, it is said, a singular man, with 
a history, fully known only by his counsel — full of 
interesting and thrilling incidents. 

The next year the trial of James Weldon, indicted 
for arson in the ist degree, took place at Geneseo. 
Weldon was an intelligent, well educated mulatto, 
about thirty years of age. Having taken offense 
at the late Major J. T. Beach, of Dansville, it is 
alleged that he sought revenge by burning in the 
night, a building belonging to Beach, standing 
near the Exchange Hotel on the east side of Main 
street, Dansville. Not only was Beach's building 
burned but the Exchange Hotel and several other 
buildings were consumed. Seldom has there been 
a more singular case presented to a jury than this. 
Kelsey, District Attorney and Mr. Harwood ap- 
peared for the People, and Mr. Proctor for the de- 
fense. It is said that his effort in behalf of Wel- 
don would have done honor to any lawyer however 
eminent. But his client was convicted, and sen- 
tenced to die. 

An anecdote is related with this case, which is 
worthy of repetition here : — 

Some time after the trial Proctor called on Weldon— informed him that, 
as the crime of which he had been convicted was very aggravated, there 
was no hope for him and he must prepare to die. 

" I have done all 1 can for you, Weldon. Now let me send you a min- 
ister of the gospel who will aid you in seeking forgiveness of the great 
Judge above us. " 

" Do you think, Mr. Proctor, that there is no hope for me ?" asked the 
prisoner in a voice that indicated his intense mental agony. "No hope ! 
not the least, Mr. Proctor? Don't say that there is no hope, don't !" he 
continued. 

" 1 must say so, Weldon, for there is no hope at all for you," said 
Proctor. 

14 Oh ! My God! My good God! Oh, God! Mr. Proctor," ex- 
claimed Weldon, between a shriek and a howl. "Oh! Lord! Oh! 
Lord 1 can never live through that hanging, if I try ! " 

This was too much for the lawyer, and notwithstanding the solemnity of 
the occasion, he could not control his laughter. Two weeks before the 
time appointed for Weldon's execution, Proctor applied to Hon. Horatio 
Seymour, then Governor of the State, for a commutation of the death 
sentence to imprisonment for life. In the course of Proctor's argument to 
the Governor he stated the circumstance that Weldon desired a commu- 
tation lor the reason that lie did not believe he should "live through the 
hanging." The Governor was greatly amused at the anecdote, and at the 
conclusion of the argument said, '^I will take the papers in the case and 
consider them carefully as I shall the arguments of to-day. Perhaps,'' 
he continued facetiously, "if the Executive of this State becomes fully sat- 
isfied that the man cannot live through the hanging, it will be his duty to 
interfere with a commutation." 

Whether it was this fear or some other reason that induced the Gov- 
ernor to commute the sentence we cannot say. Certain it is, that the 
sentence was changed to imprisonment in the State Prison for life. 

Some time after this, William Sutton was placed 
at the bar to undergo a trial for his life for setting 
fire — in the night time — to a building standing op- 
posite the ware-house of J. E. Titsworth, in Dans- 
ville. The circumstances of the case were most 
atrocious. So thoroughly was the public prosecutor 
of the county convinced of Sutton's guilt, that he 
made a most powerful effort to convict him. Mr. 
Proctor, the prisoner's counsel made an obstinate, 
ingenuous, and able defense, which resulted in Sut- 
ton's acquittal. 



ioS 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COCNTY. 



But tlie cases that most thoroughly tested the 
ability of Mr. Proctor, # were those of the People 
against Covert, and of the People against) Mrs. Mai \ 
M. Hess ; in both of which he was successful. In the 
first case, Mr. Proctor was assisted by Hon. Scott 
Lord. The People were represented by Hon. 
Daniel S. Dickinson — then Attorney-General ol 
the State, — assisted by Hon. J. A. Van Derlip. Co- 
vert had been indicted for the murder of his young 
and interesting wife by administering arsenic to her. 
Such was the suffering of the victim that if Covert 
did give her the arsenic, lie was a monster in hu- 
man form. He was twice tried. On the first trial 
the jury disagreed, standing ten for conviction and 
two for a verdict of not guilty. On the second trial 
he was acquitted, much to the disgust of the people, 
especially the residents of I lansville. who almost 
unanimously believed him guilty. It was said of 
Proctor that he went into the defense of Covert 
with the determination to succeed, even at the ex- 
pense of an unscrupulous defense. There are many 
persons in Dansville who will never forgive him for 
turning Covert free upon the community. 

Mrs. Hess was indicted for shooting and instantly 
killing Win. H. Lewis, of Waylaml. N. Y., and for 
mortally wounding with a pistol, one of her broth- 
ers. Mr. Proctor as her counsel interposed the 
defense of insanity and after an exciting trial suc- 
i ceded. This trial took place in March, 1871. 

Another absorbing capital case in which Proctor 
was engaged for the defense was that of Joseph 
Messner. In this case he was associated with 
Hon. H. (). Chesebro, of Canandaigua, ami Geo. 
E. Ripsom. of Rochester. Messrs. Proctor and 
Chesebro were retained to defend on December 
8, 1S69. Messner had then been tried, convicted 
and sentenced to be hanged at a Court of Oyer and 
Terminer held at Rochester in May, 1869. Mr. 
Ripsom had appealed the case to the General Term 
of the Supreme Court for a new trial, which had 
been denied. He had applied to the Governor for 
a commutation of the sentence; but this was re- 
fused. What was still more embarrassing there 
were but two days before the execution was to 
take place. The only hope for Messner now, was 
the removal of his case to the Court of Appeals. 
Was there time for this? and would a Judge of 
that Court order a stay of the execution pending 
the proceedings in that Court? It would take one- 
day to prepare the papers, and there was no Judge 
nearer than Judge Hunt, at I'tica, and Judge 
Grover, at Angelica. It was decided to make the 
application to Judge Grover, at Angelica. Notice 
was accordingly given to the District Attorney 
that the application would be made on the 10th of 
December, at 7 o'clock in the evening of that day; 
Messner was to be executed on the 11th — the 
next day. At 1 1 o'clock of the forenoon of the 
10th, the respective counsel left Rochester for An- 
gelica, which they did not reach until near 10 
o'clock in the evening. But the motion was made, 
and after close arguments on both sides, the writ 
of error, with a stay of the execution was granted. 
By the time the writ was prepared it was after 



midnight, and the party must travel twenty-live 
miles overland to reach Canaseraga, from which 
place they were to take the cars for Rochester via 
Attica. Unless Canaseraga was reached by 6 
o'clock the next morning the writ and stay of exe- 
cution would be useless; but by almost super- 
human efforts it was reached just ten minutes be- 
fore the arrival of the desired train: and by halt- 
past ten the lawyers arrived at Rochester. In the 
meantime the preparations for Messner's execution 
were completed. It was after 1 1 o'clock before the 
proper copies of the papers were ready to serve 
on the Sheriff. With these Proctor and Chesebro 
appeared at the jail a (c\\ moments before the pi" 
cession which was to move to the gallows was 
formed. They were duly served, and the execu- 
tion was stayed indefinitely. By this time the ex- 
citement in the city over the matter had become 
very absorbing. The friends of Messner were 
greatly delighted, and in the evening the lawyers 
were serenaded at their hotel — the Osborne House. 

After the expiration of a year the case was 
brought to argument before the Court of Appeals, 
which, in due time, rendered a judgment reversing 
Messner's conviction and granting him a new trial. 

Thus we have given a brief history of the capi- 
tal cases in which Mr. Proctor was the leading 
counsel. The cases where the punishment of the 
accused would be imprisonment in the State's 
prison for life, and of the important civil cases in 
which he has been counsel, are too numerous to be 
given here. His reputation as an eloquent, able 
and prominent lawyer has been well earned and 
fairly won as we have seen. 

But Mr. Proctor's most distinguished talents are 
those of a writer, particularly as a biographical 
writer. Most of the productions of his pen have 
been confined to the lives of eminent judges and 
lawyers of America. These are found in several 
works which have gained for their author an exalted 
position as a writer. In 187 1 he published " The 
Bench and Bar of New York," a work of 900 panes 
quarto. This work was so popular that the first 
edition was soon exhausted, and a revised edition 
was immediately published, and in 1874 a new or 
in fact a third edition was published. To use the 
language of The New York Tribune, "Biographi- 
cal works when properly written, reveal a man's 
character and the interior of his life with distinct- 
ness. The mere historic events are nothing — what 
we want is the man himself. And it is in this re- 
spect we find especial reason for admiring Mr. 
Proctor's work. The Bench and Bar of New York. 
William L. Marcy, John C. Spencer, Benjamin F. 
Butler, Martin VanBuren, Silas Wright, James T. 
Brady, Daniel S. Dickinson, John Young, Martin 
Grover, John B. Skinner, Luther C. Peck, and 
many other great lawyers of the past, appear in 
this work. Each character standing out distinct 
and plain, so well drawn that the mental portraits 
which the author presents are entirely true to nature." 

The press generally, with one or two exceptions, 
acknowledged in scholarly reviews, more or less ex- 
tended, the ability and literary beauty which the 



LUCIAN BROCK PROCTOR — OSSIAN. 



209 



work exhibits. Many of the biographies contained 
in this work have been republished in Europe. F. 
Erbinsteim & Co., extensive publishers in Berlin, 
Germany, have published in German, nearly the 
whole work. The Life of Brady and of Emmett have 
been republished in Dublin, Ireland. These are 
emphatic endorsements of the value of the work, 
exceedingly creditable to its author. In 1875 Mr. 
Proctor wrote "The Lives of The Chancellors of 
the State," which was exceedingly well received by 
the public. In 1877 he published "The Life and 
Times of Thomas Addiss Emmett," a work that 
added largely to the author's reputation. 

Mr. Proctor is a highly acceptable contributor 
to several leading journals and magazines. The 
remarkable frequency of the republication of these 
articles in all parts of the nation, is sufficient evi- 
dence of the ability of their author. 

One of his latest contributions to the press is his 
series of articles entitled " Is Aaron Burr Mis- 
judged?" These have found great favor with the 
reading public. His " Notes of the Bar," pub- 
lished in the Buffalo Sunday Courier, are very 
popular, especially with judges and lawyers. The 
Brooklyn Eagle, speaking of these articles, said 
" the writer of these sketches of the Bar writes 
them out of the abundance of his knowledge, with 
much economy of expression, and severe intellectual 
taste. His manner of portraying character with 
unerring truth, and with classical finish, is almost 
unequalled. This his readers all acknowledge." 

Though Mr. Proctor makes no pretension as a 
speaker, yet he occupies a respectable position 
among the orators of the day. If he can 
only have sufficient time to prepare a public 
address, he is always sure to interest and instruct 
an audience. Many of his public addresses have 
attracted marked attention for their strength and 
their beauty of diction. Among these are the eulogy 
on Daniel Webster, delivered in Canaseraga Hall, 
Dansville, Nov. 17th, 1852, and at Bath, Dec. 3d, 
1852; eulogy on Abraham Lincoln, delivered at 
Dansville, May 6th, 1865; eulogy on Martin 
Grover, delivered at Belmont, N. Y., Sept. 8th, 
[875; address delivered at Geneseo, Jan. 10th, 
1878, on presenting a portrait of Ex-Governor 
John Young to the Livingston County Historical 
Society ; and the annual address delivered before the 
same society, January 14th, 1879. His subject on 
this occasion was, The Judges and Lawyers of Liv- 
ingston County and Their Relation to the History 
of Western New York. This, perhaps, is one of 
the ablest of Mr. Proctor's productions. This is 
proved by the fact that large numbers of copies 
have been sought for by persons in every part of the 
United States and in Canada. It is a succinct, 
finely written history of the men of historic renown 
in Western New York — mental portraits of the 
men whose learning, influence, activity and enter- 
prise made that beautiful region — Western New 
York a great State in and of itself. 

In his manners, Mr. Proctor is unassuming, — 
even retiring. His conversation shows cultivation, 
refinement and knowledge of man and of the 



world. No man more readily acknowledges true 
merit and real ability wherever found, than he. He 
is, therefore, generous and liberal in his estimation 
of all men. With his friends he is genial, open- 
hearted, abounding in anecdotes and repartee. 
If need be, however, sarcasm, satire and irony can 
be called easily and effectually to his aid as has 
often been exemplified. 

He makes no efforts to conceal his faults. In- 
deed, whatever they are, they lie on the surface of 
his character rendering him easily assailable by his 
enemies. He is positive in his positions, plain and 
out-spoken in regard to them, and bold and fearless 
in maintaining them. In politics Mr. Proctor has 
always been a Republican. Though a man of un- 
doubted influence in his party, having strongly 
aided it with his pen and on the rostrum, he has 
never held any official position, from the fact that 
he has never been an aspirant for any office. He 
has, however, represented his Congressional Dis- 
trict in two or three National conventions. The 
severe mental labor to which he subjects himself, 
removes him from all the appliances by which 
office seekers gain their point, and from all desire 
for the ephemeral fame and uncertain remunera- 
tion of office holders. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

History of the Town of Ossian. 

THE town of Ossian lies in the extreme south- 
ern part of Livingston county. 

It is bounded northerly by West Sparta ; south- 
erly by Burns, (Allegany county,); on the east by 
North Dansville, and Dansville, (Steuben county,) ; 
and on the west by Nunda, and Grove, (Allegany 
county,). 

Originally a part of Angelica, Allegany county, 
it was taken from that town March n, 1808, and 
erected into the town of Ossian. For forty- 
nine years after, it belonged to Allegany county, 
when, in 1857, it was taken from that county and 
annexed to the county of Livingston. 

The township has an area of 25,086 acres, nearly 
one-third of which is timbered land. Its surface 
is hilly, nearly mountainous, some of the points 
ranging to a height of six or seven hundred feet 
above the level of the valleys. The soil on the 
hills is a sandy loam ; in the valleys a gravelly 
loam, well adapted to the culture of wheat, barley, 
corn and oats, which constitute the principal 
crops. 

At the date of its first settlement it was an un- 
broken wilderness, and it presents even now, with 
all its indications of modern improvements, the 
unmistakable signs of primeval wildness. 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COl'NTY. 



The town of Ossian was one of the sales of 
Phelps and Gorham to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 
who sold it to Robert Troup, in honor of 
whom, some thirty years ago, it derived and re- 
tained for years the name of Troupstown. The 
records relating to the earlier history of Ossian are 
quite meagre : the rugged lives and hardships of its 
first settlers, and even of their descendants, making 
the recording of historical data, if not distasteful, 
at least, impossible so far as concerned accuracy 
and method. But few now live who can remem- 
ber with any degree of certainty the dates of the 
incoming of many of its first residents, or the 
minor historical facts and reminiscences which it 
is the duty of the historian to record. The early 
days of the settlers were rugged and severe. 
Coming into what was then a new found land — a 
sort of El Dorado to the dwellers in the Eastern 
States was this far-off Genesee country — they were 
thrown absolutely upon their own resources for 
livelihood and homes. Those who now live 
on the well tilled farms in this picturesque town- 
ship, and who occupy, by right of inheritance, the 
comfortable dwellings built by the persevering 
industry of their forefathers, scarcely realize the 
difficulties which their brawn and brain had to 
meet and overcome to bring the wild forests of 
those days to the fertile farms of modern times. 
Coming from various parts of the country, over 
rough roads, and in rude conveyances, they had, 
first to build themselves homes, and then to hew 
from those forests a precarious sustenance for 
themselves and families. Their homes for years 
were uniformly of logs rudely cut into shape and 
roofed with shingles of their own make. Shingle 
making was at first the occupation which furnished 
the necessaries of life and such of the luxuries as 
they craved and could afford, and which were pro- 
cured by means of barter, money being a scarce 
commodity. 

It is related that the earliest settlers, presumably 
the squatters, were so reduced in means that they 
were obliged to cut a few bunches of shingles, haul 
them to the nearest market on sleds, and exchange 
them for codfish, meal, and molasses ; the bunches 
of shingles thus bartered were denominated " Ossian 
Bank Bills." 

So scanty were the means of the residents of 
those days, and so scarce in that region of woods 
the means of subsistence for even their meagre 
stock of cattle, that they were often compelled to 
fell the basswood trees which grew abundantly and 
let the cattle browse on the tender branches. As 



exhibiting the poor resources of the settlers a story 
is told of Abram Porter, the first white child born 
in the town. His parents had a logging bee one 
day to which the men of the neighborhood were 
invited, but having no flour in the house and Abram 
presenting too ragged an appearance to send for 
some, his mother wove from the piece in the loom 
cloth for a pair ol pants which she made, and sent 
him a mile and a quarter to mill for flour for the 
evening meal. In those days the loom was a 
power. 

The Indians were numerous in the days of the 
early settlement, but were well-disposed and kind to 
the settlers, rendering them many friendly acts. A 
tribe of Indians held their encampment one winter 
on the land of Jacob Clendennin, opposite the 
house where his son now lives. 

Among the names of these were " Tall Chief," 
" Laughing Molly" and " Yankee John ;" the latter 
a skillful hunter who used to share with the settlers 
the proceeds of the chase. 

Mr. Clendennin and family being out till late one 
night, were surprised on coming home to find that 
they could not open the door of their log cabin. 
Mrs. Clendennin, giving the door a push it flew 
open, and a heavy object fell on her giving her a 
severe fright. The object proved to be a quarter 
of venison which some one had placed above the 
door during their absence. 

She related the incident to "Yankee John" on 
the following day, telling him how frightened she 
was, which so amused him that he danced around 
in Indian fashion, throwing up his arms, and shout- 
ing between his peals of laughter, " Me ! Me !'' 
meaning it was he who had given her the surprise. 

Lumbering became from necessity the first lucra- 
tive business of the pioneers. Saw mills sprang 
up as if by magic, and the busy hum of saws betok- 
ened the advance of a civilization new to that 
region. Good pine lumber as it ran was drawn to 
Dansville, thirty years after the first settlement, and 
sold for three dollars per thousand feet in "truck," 
or barter from the stores. 

The first saw-mill was built by Nathaniel Porter 
in 1800. It has been established, with a certain 
degree of credibility, that the first settlers in the 
township were Richard YV. Porter and his brother 
James Porter, who came in 1804. They settled at 
what is now known as Ossian Centre, although the 
settlement at that point has been ascribed to 
Abram Porter in the year 1800. Among other 
early settlers were Isaac Burrell, James Haynes 
:\m\ lames Croghan, who located about 1806. 







■'' ' '.-■■ ' - 



i " - ' ■ ' ' '" 










;hc 



: Li:iw: 



SAW MILL 8c TENEMENT HOUSES- 



Residence of E.H.Geiger, : 




ian, Livingston, Co. N.Y. 



VIEW OF BARNS 225 FT. LONG. 



OSSIAN— FIRST SETTLERS. 



211 



Jacob Clendennin came in 1807 ; Heman Orton 
in 1S13. Nathaniel Porter died June 3, 1852, 
aged 73 years. Jacob Clendennin Nov. 4, 1859, 
aged 81, and James Haynes May 13, 1829, 
aged 68. Jacob Clendennin now living at Ossian 
Centre is a son of the Clendennin who settled in 
1807. Mrs. Dutcher, of Dansville, is a daughter 
of Heman Orton. Mrs. Frederick Covert, of 
Ossian, is a descendant of the Porters. 

The first frame house was built in 1830, by 
Phineas Howard on the land of James Gregory, 
now owned by the Covert family. It was a story 
and a half house, 18 by 24, and was painted red. 
The first frame barn was built by Henry Bowman 
on land of Nathaniel Porter, now owned by Oscar 
Covert. The old barn is now standing. Abram 
Porter, who, as before mentioned, was the first 
white child born in the town, dates his birth from 
1805. The first marriage was that of John Gilsan 
and Betsey Shay, in 1816. The first death of 
which any record as to name and date can be 
found, was that of John Turner, who was killed by 
the fall of a tree while chopping in 1807.* The 
first schoolmaster was named McCoy, although 
French claims Weston, who taught in 1813-14. 
The first hotel was kept by R. N. Porter in 181 7, 
who sold to Oliver Stacy soon after. The first 
merchant was Samuel Chapin, who dealt in general 
merchandise for five or six years, and then sold his 
store to Daniel Canfield, who kept it in 1824. 
Chapin moved to Michigan. The first grist-mill 
was built in 1826 by John Smith. 

The first postmaster was James Porter, but in 
what year, or when the postofrice was first estab- 
lished, could not be learned. 

The first doctor was named Hopkins;' a root 
and herb doctor, who carried his "pharmacy" in a 
saddle-bag. He practiced some eight or ten years. 
The first regular physician who began and retained 
any settled practice was Dr. Sholl, who practiced 
some ten years, but the date of whose coming or 
going is unknown. 

In the present business of Ossian lumbering 
still constitutes a by no means unimportant part. 
Numerous saw-mills are scattered over the town, 
and the remaining forests are being rapidly cleared 
up into improved farms. A few more years and 
those remains of the primitive condition of the 
town will have given place to fields of grain and 
corn, and the forests which stood wild and track- 

* Mrs. Frederick Covert, now living, tells of two deaths which occurred 
previously, — one while building a house, by the falling of a log, and the 
other by falling on a sharp stake on his ox-sled; but she could give no 
names or dates. 



less before the pioneers, will be remembered only 
in the pages of history. In 1875 there were in 
the township 9,218 acres of woodland, to 14,772 
acres of improved land. The value of farm lands 
is estimated at $961,320; of farm buildings, 
$87,395 J °f stock, $109,962. 

In 1875 there were 4,156 acres plowed, 4,913 
acres to pasture, and 3,280 mowed. The gross 
sales from farms were $48,448. 

The Supervisors and Town Clerks from 1 808, as 
near as can be ascertained, were as follows : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

808. Richard W. Porter. James Horken. 
809. 

810. " " 

811. " " 



812. 

8,3. 

814. 


tt a 


Samuel Boylan. 


Nathaniel W. Porter. 


tt tt 


815. 


Jacob Clendennin. 


tt tt 


816. 


" " 


tt tt 


817. 


ti ft 


tt tt 


818. 


tt ft 


tt tt 


819. 


tt a 


tt tt 


820. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


821. 


Merritt Brown. 


Richard W. Porter 


822. 


it it 


tt tt 


823. 


Nathaniel Porter. 


ft tt 


824. 


Richard W. Porter. 


Allied Bailey. 


825. 


" " 


tt tt 


826. 


Samuel Chapin. 


Isaac H. Consalus 


827. 


Richard W. Porter. 


Joel J. Knapp. 


828. 


tt it 


tt * tt 


829. 


a tt 


tt tt 


830. 


William R. Bennett. 


tt tt 


831. 


tt it 


Hiram Gorse. 


832. 
833- 

834- 


Samuel Chapin. 

a it 


Joel J. Knapp. 

tt tt 


James D. McCurdy. 


tt ti 


835- 


it it 


tt tt 


836. 


Isaac H. Consalus. 


Samuel Porter. 


837- 


tt tt 


tt tt 


838. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


839- 


tt tt 


Lewis A. Sprague. 


840. 


Joshua Rathbone. 


Joel F. Knapp. 


841. 


Isaac H. Consalus. 


Samuel Porter. 


842. 


Israel Canfield, Jr., 


Caleb Haws. 


843- 


tt tt 


Ira Canfield. 


84 4. 


Joshua Rathbone. 


tt a 


845- 


James Lemen. 


Corydon Hyde. 


S46. 


tt tt 


Ira Canfield. 


847. 


A. T. Wood, 


James Wilkins. 


848. 


tt ti 


Levi Walrath. 


849. 


Israel Canfield. 


John N. Lemen. 


850. 


William Gould. 


tt tt 


851. 


Isaac Hampton. 


George Voorhees. 


852. 


it 


John N. Lemen. 


853- 


Israel Canfield. 


James Voorhees. 


854- 


Isaac Hampton. 


tt tt 


S55- 


James Lemen. 


tt tt 


856. 


Samuel Porter. 


William Stapleton 



21 2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



James Voorhees. 
fonathan N. Gould. 
J. J. Hubbard. 



Austin B. Dunn. 

John McCarthy. 
Nathan Fenton. 
R. B. Rathbun. 

a it 

< (scar Porter. 
Nathaniel Shay. 



A. B. Dunn. 



1857. Samuel Porter. 

1858. 

1859. 

i860. William M. White. 

1861. fames \ oorhees. 

1862. 

1863. Isaac Hampton. 

1864. 

1865. " " 

1866. " 
1867. 

1868. " " 
1869. 
1870. 

1871. " " 
i'872. 

1873. Wilham M. White. 

1874. " 

1875. L. C. Lemen. 

1876. N. I'. Covert. 

1877. " " 

1878. Isaac Hamilton. Charles E. Hyde. 

1879. Andrew McCurdy. " ' : 
The officers for 1880 areas follows: — 
Andrew McCurdy, Supervisor. 

Isaac F. Hampton, Town Clerk. 

J. B. Prentice, Wm. R. Shay, John C. Scott, 
Justices of the Peace. 

Ambrose Shay, Commissioner of Highways. 

Stewart Milliman, Collector. 

Herman Chittenden, James Lockwood, Andrew 
Powell, Constables. 

Henry McCartney, J. B. Wilcox, Overseers of 
the Boor. 

A. Barney Clendenin, Ira J. Knapp, Boyd Run- 
yan, Inspectors of Election.* 

There are ten school districts in the town, con- 
taining comfortable frame buildings. The total 
number of children in the town of school age is 
435. Non-residents, 22. The number who attend 
school some portion of the year is 348. The aver- 
age attendance is 131 ; average attendance of non- 
residents, 7. There are four acres of land devoted 
to school sites. The value of property and sites 
is $.;,974- 

The population in 1875 was 1,143, as against 
884 in 1S65; of which 1,042 are native; 101 for- 
eign. Of this population 1,131 are white, 12 
colored ; males, 580 ; females, 563 ; aliens, 7. 

Ossian Centre. 

The town contains but two settlements. 
Ossian Centre is situated on Sugar creek, the only 
stream of importance, flowing southwesterly through 
the center (if the town, and so named because of 
the plentitude of sugar maples in early days 

•F01 i)n- abovi lisl ol Supervisors and Town Clerks, as well .is 
1,11 [ ne Pre ' nl town officers, we am indebted t.. Isaac I , Hampton, the 
present efficient Town Clerk. 



abounding along its banks. The settlement at an 
early date was called Sugar creek. It is situated 
in a remarkably fertile farming country. The val- 
ley at the centre expands into a broad plain, but 
northerly opens into a narrower valley of striking 
beauty. 

The settlement is scattering and consists of a 
town hall, built in 1880; a grocery and dry goods 
store owned by Crystal Fanning, who began busi- 
ness here some two years since ; two blacksmith 
shops, a wagon shop, a school house, two churches, 
a few saw-mills, and twenty or thirty houses. 

Aside from farming its business is lumbering. 
Three steam saw-mills are run by Isaac Hampton, 
who owns four thousand acres of land, and three 
other saw-mills by Flias Geiger, who owns two 
thousand and three hundred acres. The present 
Fostmaster is Isaac Hampton, who has held that 
office for twenty years, being appointed in Abra- 
ham Lincoln's first administration. Mr. Hampton 
lias also been Supervisor for a number of years. 

The town officers for 1880 are: — Supervisor, 
Andrew McCurdy ; Town Clerk, Fremont Hamil- 
ton ; Assessors, Freeman Covert, Charles Canfield, 
Richard Mitchell; Highway Commissioner, An- 
drew Shay ; Justices of the Beace, John Scott, 
Riley Shay, J. B. Prentiss, Blake I Hum. 

BlSBEE, 

Or Bisbeetown, as it is called by the inhabitants, 
is in the northwestern part of the town. It is a 
small settlement similar to Ossian Centre. It was 
first settled about the year 1816. Among the first 
settlers were Jesse Bagley and Heman Orton, the 
latter coming in 18 13. They engaged in farming 
and shingle making. Luther Bisbee, for whom the 
settlement was named, was a Revolutionary War 
pensioner. He came there in March, 1819, and 
built the first saw-mill. 

Bisbee consists now of two stores kept by David 
Clark and John S. Kriley; the former beginning 
four years since, the latter ten years ago; a saw 
and grist mill, run by Charles Porter; a saw-mill by 
Harvey Chittenden: two blacksmith shops by 
James Ingersoll and Washington Forrester, and a 
small collection of houses. 

The first school house was built of logs in 1820. 
The first frame school house was built in 1829, on 
land of Isaac H. Consalus. Stephen D. Murphy 
was the first schoolmaster, in what is now district 
No. 4. The first store was kept by Israel Canfield, 
in 1S40 or '42. The first meetings for religious 





Photo, by Belts, Dansville.) 



Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Hampton. 

HON. ISAAC HAMPTON. 



Hon. Isaac Hampton, son of Andrew and Mary Finch 
Hampton, was born in Canadice, Ontario county, N. Y., 
April 20, 1821. His father and mother were natives of 
Connecticut. The former was born April, 1780, and 
died June 2, 1845, aged 4 i .*> years. The latter was born 
November 30, 1707, and died September 9, 1872, aged 85 
years. Andrew Hampton left his native State at an early 
day, locating in the town of Scipio, Cayuga county, buy- 
ing a farm and residing there for several years. About 
the year 1818 he went to the town of Canadice, buying a 
farm in what was then woods. He resided there for a 
time, but through sickness and other trouble lost his farm, 
and for the balance of his life remained poor. He had 
twelve children, two of whom died in youth. Mrs. Mary 
Hampton was of English origin, and it is rumored that a 
large estate in England remains to be divided, she being 
one of the heirs. In 1835, when young Isaac, who was 
the sixth child, was in his fifteenth year, they moved to Os- 
sian. The oldest son, John, with his father, bought anew 
farm of 125 acres, making a small payment, which John 
subsequently paid for, making a home for the family. 

Young Hampton attended the district school to a lim- 
ited extent, but in a short time he was enabled to teach a 
district school, and with such success that he was engaged 
for nine successive terms, and saved enough of his salary 
to enable him to attend the Nunda Academy two terms. 
Being then about 2+ years of age, he concluded to go 
west, going to Ottawa, 111., to teach school and study law, 
but being taken down with the fever prevailing there at 
that early day, he returned home in a few mouths, but 
suffering for over a year. The three years following he 
spent in alternately teachiug winters and laboring sum- 
mers. Having accumulated a small sum of money, he 
purchased a farm, paying two hundred dollars down, and 
buying a team on credit, also some timber laud in the 
southwestern part of the town with a saw mill upon it. 
This mill has been burnt three times and each time 



promptly rebuilt, and is now in full operation. He 
bought timber land from time to time and cleared it, 
making fine farms of the land, until he had some five 
thousand acres. He has recently sold one thousand acres 
to his son Isaac F. , leaving him four thous.iud acres. 

This land is well adapted to stock raising, into which he 
has entered largely, having now about two thousand sheep, 
and other stock in proportion. From 1867 to 1875 he was 
engaged largely in the wool trade, but was obliged to aban- 
don it on account of other business. In polities he was for- 
merly a Whig. By that party he was elected Justice of the 
Peace and Supervisor for several terms. He entered the 
Republican ranks in its infancy, attending as delegate from 
Ossiau, the first Republican convention held in Western 
New York, at Angelica. He has been Supervisor four- 
teen terms and Chairman of the Board several times ; was 
elected to tbe Legislature in 1855, and received the ap- 
pointment, from Abraham Lincoln during his first term, 
of postmaster at Ossiau, which office he still holds. 

Isaac Hampton married Mary Jane Fenton, December 
8, 1840. They had nine children, as follows, in the order 
of their birth : Emma J.; Annie D. ; Isaac F. , who mar- 
ried Eva Welton, of Ossian; James B., who married 
Florence Olp. of Mt. Moms; Cora B., who married Win. 
L. Hyde, of Ossiau; Carrie_B.; Mary E ; Willie H., and 
Nellie M. Nathan Fenton, father of Mrs. Hampton, was 
one of the' early residents of the town of Leicester, her 
mother being Lucy Spellman of the same town, and both 
are now, at a ripe old age, living near their daughter in 
Ossian. In religion Mr. Hampton is a Presbyterian and 
his wife a Methodist, she having adopted the creed of her 
parents at an early day. He has long held the office of 
trustee in both of said churches, and for twenty-five 
years superintended the Sabbath school in one or both of 
said churches almost continually. He is in his sixtieth 
year. Time has left but few marks, and he promises a 
long and useful life to his family and many friends. 



OSSIAN — WAR RECORD, CHURCHES. 



213 



purposes were held in the log school house in 1820 
by the Methodists, Elder Benton first presiding. 
In 1862 a singular phantasy seized upon some of 
the residents in and about this settlement, which 
led twenty-two persons to leave their homes and go 
to Utah to join the Mormons. Among those who 
went were Israel Canfield, his wife and three 
children ; Abram Porter and his wife Marcia, and 
his sons and daughters, Luther, Nahum, Henrietta, 
Mary and Ellen ; Henry Miller, and wife and one 
child ; Augustus Canfield and his daughter Lucy, 
who became the Mormon wife of John Young, by 
whom she had two children. He afterward re- 
pudiated her and married her cousin. 

From this vicinity there went to the war of the 
Rebellion a number of brave men. But very few, 
however, of those who enlisted from Ossian were 
ever recorded so that a complete list can be col- 
lected. The records which were made and filed 
have been lost, and the town records have been 
loosely cared for. The following are the only 
names* that could be obtained : — 



Wm. H. Decker, 
John D. H. Wright, 
Milton Seymour, 
Alexander Crocker, 
Lucius C. Fenton, 
Alexander Wilson, 
Zenas Denton, 
William Smith, 
George Cowen, 
Henry Bush, 
Charles E. Pennock, 
George DeForest, 
Robert Hughes, 
William Lindsey, 
George Prentice, 
Marshall Giddings, 
Bruce Rathbun, 
Isaac Smith. 
Hiram Foster, 
Hugh Kelly, 
Lafayette Woolworth, 
Ichabod Hubbell, 
John More, 
Egbert Gorse, 
Nelson Pennock, 
Eugene Marr, 
George Thompson, 
George Swingle, 
Solomon Tierney, 
Isaac Witheral, 
Hiram B. Wright, 
John McCarthy, 
Martin Hotaling, 



Wilfred Crocker, 
John Crocker, 
Lucius A. Bisbee, 
Edwin Luce, 
Allen Luce, 
Seymour Newton, 
Thomas Sanford, 
William Libby, 
Jackson Bush, 
Elijah Frasier, 
Perry DeForest, 
Bert Price, 
Joseph Price, 
Marvin J. Magee, 
William Price, 
Barney Clendennin, 
Darius Woolverton, 
Jerome Chesebro, 
William Hopkins, 
Oliver P. Pennock, 
Joseph Hillman, 
David Utter, 
Fairfield Snider, 
Daniel Wilkins, 
Isaac More, 
James Welton, 
Amos VanDerhoof, 
Augustus More, 
Wilber More, 
Walter Witheral, 
John Barrager, 
Daniel Shultz, 
Charles Bush, 



*This list was kindly fumished by Hon. Isaac Hampton, who was 
Supervisor from 1865 to 1872, and who is undoubtedly the best authority 
attainable. In sending this he says, " I have only my memory to guide 
me, as the record made and filed is lost." 



William Gilboy, William A. Luce, 

H. C. Roff, David Clark, 

Henry Runyan, John Runyan. 

The two latter enlisted in the Wadsworth Guards, 
formed at Geneseo. Henry, who ranked as Orderly 
Sergeant, diedjune22, 1864, from wounds received 
at the battle of Petersburg. John Runyan died 
June 22, 1863, from wounds received at the battle 
of Gettysburg. His mother went alone to Gettys- 
burg at a time when there was much danger, 
searched until she found his body, and brought it 
home to be buried in Ossian. 

William A. Luce enlisted in Co. I, First New 
York Dragoons, and died October 1st, 1864, in 
the service. H. C. Roff enlisted in the First New 
S'ork Dragoons, and was killed at the battle of the 
Wilderness, June 4, 1864. William Smith was a 
corporal in the First New York Dragoons, and died 
in the service, July 7, 1864. Charles Bush, Co. 
D, 104th Regiment, was killed at Antietam, Sept. 
17, 1862. John Barrager was corporal in Co. I, 
First New York Dragoons, and died of wounds 
received in action June 2, 1864. David Clark 
enlisted at Portage in the 130th Regiment, after- 
wards mounted as the First New York Dragoons, 
under command of Capt. James Lemen. He came 
home wounded. 

It could not be ascertained in what regiments the 
others enlisted, or what became of them. 

Churches.— The Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Ossian was built about 1852. Revs. Robert Parker 
and ■ Piersall were the first pastors. The pres- 
ent pastor — 1880— is Rev. George Gibson, residing 
in Canaseraga, who has presided two years. The 
church records, unfortunately, have been lost, so 
that a fuller account could not be obtained. The 
church is situated at Ossian Centre. 

The Presbyterian Church of Ossian was formed 
in 1818 by Rev. Robert Hubbard, pastor of the 
church of Angelica, who attended by invitation. 
The names of the candidates for membership in 
the church when it was formed, were as follows : — 
James Haynes, Mary Haynes, Wm. Boyles, Esther 
Boyles, Sam'l McCray, Catherine W. Porter, Cather- 
ine N. Porter, Nancy Vorhees, John Shay, Jeremiah 
Flynn, Jonathan Haynes, John Haynes, Jane 
Haynes, Anna Conkright, John Perine, Polly Per- 
ine, Jacob Clendennin, Lucy Hurlbut, Rhoda Clen- 
dennin. The first ruling elders were chosen Nov. 
21, 18 18. They were Jacob Clendennin and James 
Haynes. Jacob Clendennin was appointed clerk. 
The church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1878. The 
present elders are Jacob Clendennin and David 



214 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



McCurdy. The church has a membership of 
about 80. The pastor for 1880 was Rev. J. L. 
Box, who has presided for three years. The build- 
ing is a large substantial structure located at Os- 
sian Centre. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. WILLIAM M. WHITE. 

The White family is of Puritan origin and trace 
their descent from Elder John White, one of the 
first settlers of Cambridge, Mass., and of Hartford, 
Conn. He came in the ship Lyon, from England, 
in 1632, to the port of Boston. 

The genealogy of the family is as follows : — 

Captain Nathaniel White, son of Elder John, was 
born in England about 1629, and came over with 
his father in the ship Lyon, being about three years 
old. 

Ensign Daniel White, was the third son of Cap- 
tain Nathaniel, and was born at Hartford, Conn., 
February 23d, 1661. 

Hugh White, son of Ensign Daniel, was born at 
Hartford, February 15th, 1691. 

Hon. Hugh White, youngest son of Hugh, was 
born in Hartford, Conn., January 25th, 1733. He 
was the pioneer of Western New York, and settled 
at Whitestown, Oneida county, in May 1784 — with 
his four sons — Daniel Clark, Joseph, Hugh and 
Ansel. 

Whitestown was organized in 1788, and em- 
braced within its limits all that part of the State of 
New York, lying westward of -a line passing through 
Utica, and reaching from the southern boundary of 
the State to the St. Lawrence river. 

Hon. Hugh White was appointed Judge and also 
held that position in the new county of Oneida. 

Hugh White, Jr., son of Hon. Hugh, was born 
at Hartford, Conn., January 16th, 1763. He ac- 
companied his father to Whitestown. Hon. Hugh 
White, son of Hugh, Jr., was born in Whitestown, 
December 25th, 1798. He located in Saratoga 
county, and was a successful business man, and 
took an active interest in public affairs. He 
served in Congress from 1845 to 1851. He died 
October 6th, 1870. He was the father of William 
M. White, the subject of our present writing. His 
mother was Maria Mills, daughter of William P. 
Mansfield, a merchant in Kent, Litchfield county, 
Connecticut. 

Mr. White was born in Waterford, Saratoga 
county, N. Y., July 8th, 1833. He graduated at 
Hamilton College in 1854, and received the degree 
of Master of Arts in 1857. In April, 1852, he 
took up his residence on his present homestead, a 
delicacy of constitution making it impossible for 



him to follow a professional life ; he turned his at- 
tention to agriculture, and by farming and an out- 
door life sought health and vigor in the mountain 
atmosphere of our "Southern tier." 

When the rebellion broke out he made three at- 
tempts to enter the army, but was prevented by 
physical causes from taking the active part in the 
war that his patriotism prompted him to take. 

He has large business interests aside from farm- 
ing, but he regards the farm as the American 
home ; the best surroundings for a family and the 
real foundation of America's greatness and pros- 
perity. 

On the 22d of January, 1863, Mr. White married 
Anna M. Pierrepont, daughter of Hon. William C. 
Pierrepont, LL. D., of Pierrepont Manor, Jeffer- 
son county, New York. They have a family often 
children, five boys and five girls. 

Mr. White was the first Republican Supervisor 
of the town of Ossian, and in 1872 he was the 
candidate of the Liberals for Representative in 
Congress, but since then he has acted with the Re- 
publican party. 

The title of Honorable has been conceded to 
him for over twenty years, his right to it resting on 
" common consent," the highest authority known 
in America. 

Mr. White is a member of the Episcopal Church, 
has been and is a lay-reader and warden of Trinity 
Church, Canaseraga, a member of the Standing 
Committee of the Diocese, Trustee of the Episco- 
pate Fund, Trustee of the General Theological 
Seminary, Trustee of Hobart College, and twice 
elected delegate to the general convention of the 
church. 

In his social matters he is social, cordial, con- 
siderate and hospitable. 

In his mental characteristics he seems magnani- 
mous, free from spite or prejudice, seeking what is 
right, advisable or desirable, and so entirely ignoring 
self as to always seem ready to do a kindness, even 
when a detriment to himself. His neighbors re- 
gard him with love and affection, placing a confi- 
dence in his wisdom and judgment, and appeal to 
him in local matters and neighborhood disputes. 
He is an active, useful, honorable man. 



CORYDON HYDE. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Livonia, 
Aug. 26, 18 1 4. He was the only son of a family 
of two children. His sister, Caroline H., married 
Wm. B. Lemen, now of Dansville. She died Feb. 4, 
18S0, aged about 59 years. Harry Hyde, the father 
of Corydon, was born in Connecticut in 1785. He 
left his native State at an early day for the then far 
west, Livingston county, settling in the town of 
Livonia, where he married Lucinda Bard. They 
came to the town of Ossian about 1835, purchasing 
a farm of 173 acres, Corydon being then in his 
twenty-first year, assisting his father in adding to 



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CORYDON HYDE — ELI AS H. GEIGER. 



"5 



his already large farm which now contains 581 
acres. His father died in 1877, being 92 years 
old and a consistent member of the M. E. Church. 
His wife, Lucinda, only surviving him one year, 
died at the advanced age of 83 years, as she had 
lived, an honored member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Corydon was united in marriage Oct. 11, 
1848, to Ann Lemen. The result of this union 
was four children as follows: Henry C, Wm. L., 
who married Cora B. Hampton of Ossian, Charles 
E., who married Jennie Shay of Ossian, and 
Lucinda Jennie who died in her youth. Mrs. Hyde 
was the fourth child of a family of twelve, eight 
of whom are now living. Her father was Tom 
Lemen who came from Pennsylvania at an early day 
and settled in Ossian, where he married Jane Boyles 
about the year 1814, and died in 1862 aged 72 
years. His wife died in 1874 aged 79 years. They 
were among the first members of the first Presby- 
terian church which was built in the town of Ossian, 
he being the first deacon, and holding that office 
during his life. His wife was a worthy member 
and adorned her profession by a truly christian life. 
Mr. Corydon Hyde was for several years afflicted 
with dyspepsia, of which he finally died, Aug. 20, 
1880, in his 66th year. He passed away peacefully 
to that land where peace and life ever-lasting is 
the reward of an honorable and upright christian 
life. 



F.LIAS H. OEIGER. 



The life of Mr. Geiger is a fine illustration of 
what energy, honesty, industry and economy, 
moved by strong common sense, and unaided by 
wealth and influence, can attain. It proves that 
every young man holds in his own hands the issues 
of success, and that the business world is made up 
largely of young men, who have improved such op- 
portunities. Elias H. Geiger was born in North- 
ampton county, Pa., Nov. 25, 1819. His parents, 
John and Mary Geiger, were natives of Mt. Bethel, 
Pa. He was the fourth child of a family of seven 
children. When Elias was seven years old he sus- 
tained an irreparable loss by the death of his father, 
which, at that tender age, cast him out upon the 
world with no one to shield him from the storms of 
adversity. But as Providence tempers the wind to 
the shorn lamb, so in this case, the child found a 
home and protector through a farmer named Rida- 
nour. He continued to reside with them until he 
was twenty years old, enjoying such advantages 
for an education as a limited attendance upon 
a common school afforded. He devoted his 
time and energies in aiding Mr. Ridanour 
in working his farm, and as he soon developed 
into a well-formed, strong and muscular man his 
services proved of great value to his employer, and 
he learned the art of agriculture well and practi- 



cally and this he never has forgotten. Through 
all his early years he evinced a strong love of mech- 
anism, which gravitated to the calling of a car- 
penter, and in his twenty-first year he apprenticed 
himself to Mr. John Levis, a carpenter of Bethle- 
hem, Pa., remaining with him two years and be- 
coming a very competent carpenter and joiner. 
Leaving Mr. Levis, he settled at Lima, attended 
school there one winter and devoting himself to 
his studies finished a good common school educa- 
tion. In the following spring he removed to Dans- 
ville, where, with great energy, he entered upon 
the duties of his occupation. For a time he was 
employed by "boss" carpenters who paid him a 
fair salary, but at length he commenced the busi- 
ness of a master builder, and in his turn employed 
men by the day. He entered largely into the 
business of building dwelling houses and then sell- 
ing them ; many of the pleasant and commodious 
dwellings of Dansville having been erected by him 
in this way. 

In r852 he erected a steam saw-mill near Ossian 
Center, and such was the capacity of the mill for 
furnishing lumber, that the great demand for it was 
fully supplied. At this time the town of Ossian 
was, to a large extent, covered with splendid ma- 
terial for building purposes. A few years later he 
formed a co-partnership with Hon. Alonzo Brad- 
ner, in the manufacture and sale of lumber, build- 
ing a large steam saw-mill near Bisbeetown in Os- 
sian, which, in 1863, they moved two miles west of 
Ossian Center on Sugar creek. This relation con- 
tinued with great pecuniary success to both parties 
about six years, when it terminated by mutual con- 
sent. Mr. Geiger's wealth continued to increase 
until he became one of the largest lumber dealers 
in the county. In 1865 he erected a large steam 
saw-mill not far from Canaseraga. This mill is 
now in successful operation, turning out a large 
amount of lumber. In 1871 he built another large 
steam saw-mill, near his present home in the town 
of Ossian. In politics Mr. Geiger is a Democrat, 
though always at his post of duty as a voter, he 
never sought office. Forty years ago he united 
with the Lutheran church at Dansville, and has 
since been an unassuming and exemplary member 
of that church. Tested by the standard of those 
the world calls learned, Mr. Geiger is no scholar, 
but tried by what people call safe, practical, and 
useful, he certainly is learned. February 22, 1844, 
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter 
of William and Susan Gilger Haas. She was born 
in Northumberland county. Pa., July 1 1, 1820, and 
moved with her parents to Dansville in 1S23, 
where she was subsequently married. This union 
has been in every sense a happy one, as Mrs. G. 
possesses all those amiable and attractive qualities 
which constitute the true, faithful and affectionate 
wife. Through all her married life she has been an 
intelligent, useful counsellor and advisor. Her 
father died in Dansville, December 8, 1873. Her 
mother is still living at the advanced age of 81 
years. Mr. Geiger's mother died at Hazelton, 
Luzerne county. Pa., in 187 1. 



2.6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVII 
History of the Town of Springwater. 

SPRINGWATER, the land of hills and valleys, 
lies in the southeastern part of Livingston 
county. It is the largest town in the county, being 
eight and one quarter miles east and west, six and 
one-half miles north and south, and containing an 
area of farm lands of 32,579 acres. It waserected 
by legislative enactment in the spring of 18 16, and 
was formed from Sparta and Naples, then belong- 
ing to Ontario county. It is bounded on the north 
by Conesus and Canadice, (Ontario county) ; south 
by Wayland and Cohocton, (Steuben county) ; on 
the east by Naples, (Ontario county) ; and on the 
west by Sparta. 

The chief streams are the inlet of Hemlock 
Lake, which flows north through the western part 
of the town, and Cohocton river, rising in the north- 
eastern part of the town and flowing southerly into 
Steuben county. 

The year 1807, memorable as the year in which the 
first steamboat sailed on American waters, was the 
year in which the settlement of Springwater began. 
To Seth Knowles is accorded the credit of being the 
first settler in the town. He was native of Massachu- 
setts, and in 1805 left his home among the New Eng- 
land hills and came to the then distant lands of 
Western New York, locating in Livonia, on what is 
now known as the " Gibbs Farm." The first and 
second season of his arrival there the crops in Livo- 
nia, and in the towns north, suffered from severe 
drought. Mr. Knowles observed that clouds nil en 
rested on the hills south of him, and that showers 
were of frequent occurrence there while no rain 
fell in his locality. He therefore resolved to make 
a prospecting trip in that direction after harvest. 
Accordingly in the fall of 1806, he and his son, 
Jared, and Peter Welch took their guns, axes, and 
necessary provisions on their shoulders, and fol- 
lowed the old Indian trail over Bald Hill, in the 
town of Canadice, to Springwater Valley. About a 
mile from the head of Hemlock Lake, they made a 
small clearing and built a log cabin on lot number 
4, now part of the farm owned by John Jennings. 

They then returned to Livonia and remained 
there during the winter. On the last day of March, 
1807, Mr. Knowles and his family came up Hem- 
lock lake on the ice and took possession of the 
cabin. Other settlers soon followed, several fami- 
lies coming in the same year, but it was not until 
ten years after Mr. Knowles' occupancy that the 
town was organized. 



Its organization took place on the first day of 
April, 1 81 7. It was suggested that the new town 
be named ECnowlesville in honor of the first settler, 
but the suggestion did not meet with general ap- 
proval. 

John Roberts then proposed the name of Spring- 
water, remarking that he never before had seen a 
place where springs were so numerous. This name 
met with instant and general approval, and the vote 
was unanimous to call the town Springwater. The 
name was well chosen ; for, in the language of 
Scripture, the town is a land of brooks of water, 
and of fountains that spring out of valleys and hills. 

Among other early settlers were Eber Watkins, 
Joshua Herrick, Hosea G rover, Peter Welch and 
Adam Miller. In 1813 there were but thirty fam- 
ilies in the township. What is now the village of 
Springwater contained but one dwelling, built by 
Samuel Story, a frame barn built by Eber Wat- 
kins, a small store built by Hosea Grover, in that 
same year, two or three saw-mills and a frame 
grist-mill. In 1817 the principal inhabitants were 
located as follows: John Roberts lived in a log 
cabin where the hotel now stands.* Hugh Wilson, 
a native of Northumberland, Pa., where A. Wiley 
lived. He also built the first grist-mill in 1813. 
It stood at the foot of the hill where the road from 
Scottsburgh enters the valley, and was a two-story 
frame building containing two runs of stones. Sam- 
uel Story erected and occupied the first frame 
house in the town. It stood between Styler's barns 
and orchard on the flat. The first saw-mill was 
also built by Mr. Story on land occupied by the 
sash factory. Hosea Grover's store was located 
between Tyler's Grove and the Corners; and near 
it was the residence of Thomas Grover, Sr. Alva 
Southworth occupied the farm now owned by Na- 
than A. Kellogg. He also built the first distillery 
in the town, distilling about twenty gallons per day 
from rye and corn. The liquor was sold by him at 
the still, and was carried away by the purchasers 
in pails, bottles and jugs. On the corner where 
John McCrossin now resides, the late Hon. John 
Wiley then lived. He had a blacksmith-shop on 
his premises and worked some at the forge him- 
self, being the first man in the town who did such 
work. He soon left the shop for the farm, and 
finally became a minister of the gospel. He served 
as Member of Assembly in 1S59 and i860. 

Jonathan Lawrence lived where Addison Marvin 
now lives. He was among the foremost of the 

* Nearly all of these settlers located on, or near, what is now the site 
of Springwater village. 



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52! 




SPRINCx WATER — EARLY SETTLERS. 



217 



early settlers who sought to establish public wor- 
ship. On the next farm north, now owned by Mr. 
Wheaton, Oliver Jennings made a small clearing 
and built a log cabin. He also built the first frame 
barn in the town. Mr. Jennings was the first Su- 
pervisor of the town, being elected to that office by 
a majority of one. Below the property of Oliver 
Jennings, on the farm now owned by Mr. Bailey, 
was the residence of John Johnson, and north of 
that was the clearing and cabin of Seth Knowles. 
Where Win. Norton now lives Phineas and Reuben 
Gilbert were located. Up the valley from the cor- 
ners the first dwelling stood opposite the Presby- 
terian church, the residence of Salmon Grover. 

On West Hill there were only two families lo- 
cated : Joseph Cady, living on the Rodman place, 
and Joseph Puss on the Totten farm. East of the 
corners, the first house was that of John Waddams. 
The next settler of the hill was Archibald Willis, on 
the place now occupied by N. Willis. Jacob Can- 
non then lived one mile east of the valley, near 
where Levi Breckway now lives. 

The first hotel was kept by Oliver Jennings in 
1815. The first physician in the town was Doctor 
David Henry, who lived on the farm now occupied 
by H. H. Marvin. 

John Culver, the first Justice of the Peace, lived 
on the Colegrove place. At that time the justices 
were appointed by the State. John Culver and 
Joab Gillett were the first so appointed. 

The first wool carding and cloth dressing mill 
was built in 182 1 by Edward Walker. 

The first piano was brought into the town by 
Parker H. Pierce, who came from Boston in 1838. 
The first sewing machine was used by Mrs. Trux- 
an Dyer, in 185 1 or '52. It is claimed that the 
first mowing machine was used by Henry Tyler 
only as late as twenty years ago. The first citizen 
elected to the State Legislature was the Hon. 
Salmon P. Grover, in 1834. 

The history of Springwater exhibits some in- 
stances of long continuance in official positions, 
professions, and occupations which are worthy of 
notice. Alvah Southworth was elected the second 
supervisor of the town and was reelected to that 
office ten years. He had been a member of the 
State Legislature before coming to Springwater, 
and in this town he was also Justice of Peace and 
Assessor for many years. It was through his ex- 
ertions and influence mainly that the post-office 
was established about 1818, and he held the office 
of postmaster which he retained thirty years, being 
appointed to that position by eight presidents. 



Eor fifty-six years Dr. Arnold Gray rode over 
the hills and through the valleys of Springwater, 
ministering to the sick. N. R. Hopkins toiled at 
his anvil the same number of years. Rev. William 
Hunter* has presided over the Presbyterian church 
forty years, and Joel Hudson served the town as 
Justice of the Peace forty-two consecutive years. 
It is believed that in no town in the state can an 
instance be shown of longer continuance in office. 

From reminiscences of Martin Hopkins, who 
located in the town two years after its organization, 
and who still lives in Springwater village, we 
abstract the following : — 

"May 19, 1819. This day arrived in Springwater. 
Came from Burlington, Vermont, with father and Ste- 
phen Walbridge. Mr. Walbridge returned to Burling- 
ton for his family, and arrived with them early in 
July. Father in a few days left here for Burling- 
ton, by way of Canada, to visit a sister living there. 
I stayed through the summer in Springwater, liv- 
ing with Russell Day. Father returned with the 
family on the second day of October in that same 
year. We moved into a house near Doctor David 
Henry's and old Daniel Day's. We soon afterwards 
built a house near D. Goff's Mills, and very pleas- 
ant warm weather we had in which to work at it. 
We moved into it between Christmas and New 
Year's day 1820. When I first saw this town from 
the top of Bald Hillf I little thought that I should 
pass so many years of my life in this place. It was 
rather hard work for a while, though, for myself, no 
harder than I have always had it ; that is, I think 
I enjoyed life as well as I ever did. In the spring 
of 1820, we started a blacksmith shop in a small 
way. I was rather the "proprietor" of it. In those 
days there was no money to be had for any kind of 
work, but we could get grain and something to live 
on. I remember that among our first jobs, we did 
work for Samuel Wood, of East Hill, to the amount 
of three dollars, for which he willingly brought us 
four bushels of as good wheat as ever grew. Dur- 
ing that summer my brother Norman and I got a 
bushel and a quarter of wheat each per day for reap- 
ing in harvest time. We worked for Elam Nor- 
throp at that rate on the west side of the valley, 
where the new burying ground now is. At that 
time Col. Oliver Jennings kept a tavern on the 
Withington farm. John Wiley also had a black- 
smith shop. David Luther was located here as a 
shoemaker. Alvah Southworth was Supervisor in 
that year. Among other settlers at that time were 
Elder John Cole, a Baptist minister. Doctor Elisha 
C. Day, who moved from Canada in the spring of 
1820, and little Luther Farwell, great for making 
fun and shingles." 

* To this much respected clergyman we are indebted for the greater 
portion of the early history of the town. We have not used in their regu- 
lar succession the notes which he placed at our disposal, but have placed 
them as the sequence of events dictated, in some instances changing the 
phraseology. Mr. Hunter's long residence here, and the position which 
lie has held, has enabled him to give quite accurately the events of the 
early history of the town. 

t Bald Hill is on the north boundary of the town in Ontario county. 



2l8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The early business was mostly lumbering and the 
manufacturing of shingles. " In the pioneer his- 
tory of the town there is but little that is note- 
worthy. It does not appear that the early settlers 
had any reason to fear the scalping knife of the 
Indian. None of them had any sanguine encount- 
ers with wild beasts, but they suffered what the 
present generation would call great privation. 
Many of them were happy if they could procure a 
little grain in exchange for a few bunches of 
shingles, — about the only exchangeable commodity 
of which they were possessed. 

It is not known that they suffered actual want. 
but they were often pinched for the necessaries of 
life. It was a time of rejoicing in many a family 
when the father came home from Bloomfield, or 
Richmond, or Jones' Settlement, with but a scant 
supply of bread-stuff. When more grain was raised 
in town than was necessary for home consumption 
it was almost impossible to dispose of it at any 
price. 

A farmer living on East Hill raised excellent 
wheat which he drew to Rochester and sold for 
thirty-one cents per bushel. These early settlers 
enjoyed but little intercourse with the outside 
world. There was general rejoicing when a mail 
route was established between Springwater and 
Geneseo. The first mail carrier was Daniel Pea- 
body, who traveled on foot, carrying the mail in a 
valise. His weekly arrival was a time of great 
interest. Nearly every man in the settlement might 
then nave been found at the house of the post- 
master. They did not have to wait long for the 
mail to be distributed, as it consisted generally 
of about three or four letters and perhaps twice 
that number of newspapers. Nearly all of the early 
settlers have passed away. A few still remain who 
are feeling the infirmities of age. In a few more 
years the mournful inquiry will be made in regard 
to all of them — ' The Fathers, where are they?' 
Respected be the memories of those hardy sons of 
toil. Their labors converted the primitive forests 
into fruitful fields, and made possible the comforts 
which surround their children to-day.* 

• From Feminist m ; of Rev. William Hunter. But few anecdotes ol 
the early settlers have been preserved. One. however, is recorded by Mr. 
Hunter, which is worth mentioning. "The ladies of those times made 
use of two articles with which the ladies of our day have nut much acquaint- 
ance; namely, the spinning-wheel and the side-saddle. Mrs. Zeddock 
Groversenl to her neighbor, Mis Gaston, to borrow a spinning wheel. 
Mrs. Gaston answered, that she did not like to have the wheel go out of 

i , but that Mrs. I irei was welcome to come and use it as much 

as she pleased. Tins did nut suit Mrs. Gi enience, and she 

regarded thi n fu al a n Nol long afti rMt Gas on 

tent to borrow Mrs ' - 1 ed a good oppor- 

tunity to pay her back in her own coin. >» Mr. Gi nedanswer 

thai ihi did no] like to have the saddle go out of the house, but that Mrs. 
Gaston was quite welcome to comi andrideonita longasshi 



In i Si 7 there stood in what is now Jacob Sny- 
der's door yard a log building which was the first 
school house, and in which the first school in the 
town was taught by James Blake, in 1813-14. 

It was in this house that the meeting was held 
for the organization of the town, in 181 7. At the 
tune of the organization every dwelling in the town 
was a log cabin in the woods, except that of Samuel 
Story. The meeting was held on Tuesday, April 
9, 1817. Solomon Doud presided as the moderator. 
The town officers elected were as follows: — ■ 

Supervisor — Oliver Jennings. 

Town Clerk — Hugh Wilson. 

Assessors — Jonathan Lawrence, Solomon Doud, 
Alexander McCoullouch. 

Commissioners of Highways — Samuel Story, 
Solomon Doud, Josiah Fuller. 

School Commissioners — Samuel Story, Solomon 
Doud, John Culver. 

( rverseers of the Poor — Henry Cole and Samuel 
Story. 

School Inspectors — Jno. W. Barnes, Ephraim 
Calkins, Thomas Grover. 

Constable and Collector — Jonathan Lawrence. 

Pound Masters — Joab Gillett and Lorin Cole- 
burn. 

About the year 1824 an effort was made to form 
a new county from the towns of Cohocton, Naples, 
and a part of Springwater. A special town meet- 
ing was held at the house of Jacob Cannon, in the 
town of Springwater, on the first day of January, 
1825, for the purpose of opposing this attempt 
At that meeting the following resolution was 
passed : — 

" Resolved, That we deem it improper, im- 
politic, unjust, and altogether against our inter- 
est that any part of this town should be made a 
part of the new contemplated county." 

A resolution was offered at this same meeting re- 
questing that the members of the Legislature procure 
the passage of a law altering the name of the town 
from Springwater to that of Yeri. This was the 
proposition of Alvah Southworth, but it was voted 
down, the people concluding it was better to retain 
the name of Springwater. 

The Supervisors and Town Clerks from and 
including the year in which town was organized, 
are as follows : — 

Super. 1 01 I 1V1 11 Clerks. 

1817. Oliver Jennings, Hugh Wilson. 

1 81 8. Alvah Southworth, 

1819-21. " " John W. Barnes. 

1822. " " Isaac C. Howe. 

1823. •' '• Martin Hopkins. 
1824-26. " Joel Hudson. 
1827. Zennos Ashley, " " 

1S28. Alvah Southworth, " " 



SPRINGWATER — TOWN OFFICERS, MILITIA. 



219 



1829-30. John Culver, Martin D. Hopkins. 

1831. Salmon G. Grover, " " 

1832-33. " Thomas C. Grover. 

1834-35. Thos. C. Grover, Horatio Dyer. 
1836. Andrew Spafford, Salmon Waterbury. 
1837-38. " " Thomas C. Grover. 

1839. " " Rufus G. Clark. 

1840. Horatio Dyer, " " 

1841. Stephen Robinson, " " 
1842. 

1843. Thomas C. Grover, " " 

1844-45. Andrew Spafford, " " 

1846. " John Ray, 

1847. Stephen Robinson, " " 
1848-49. Horatio Dyer, Salmon G. Grover. 
1850. George C. Marvin, " " 
1851-52. " " Wm. A. Robinson. 

1853. H. H. Foskett, Jerome B. Patterson. 

1854. Stephen Robinson, N. Byron Hopkins. 

1855. Moses A. Commins, " " 

1 856—57. Arnold Gray, Salmon G. Grover. 

1858-59. John S. Wiley, " " 

i860. " " Marcus (). Austin. 

1 86 1. Orson Walbridge, " " 

1862. " " James G. Morris. 

1863. Thos. M. Fowler, Marcus O. Austin. 

1864. " " " George A. Pierce. 

1865. Orson Walbridge, " " " 
1866-67. A. M. Withington, " •' " 
1868-69. Robert H.Wiley. Edward S. Coats. 

1870. ■' " " N. Byron Hopkins. 

1871. Robert H. Wiley, A.M.Brown. 

1872. " " Frank S. Grover. 
1873-74. Harvey H. Marvin, " " 

1875. E. A. Robinson, Rufus G. Clark. 

1876. John S. Wiley, 

1877. DeWitt C. Snyder, " 

1878-80. " " George M. Wells. 

The other town officers for 1880 were: — As- 
sessors, John Wilheim, Nelson Willis, Jonathan 
Howe ; Highway Commissioner, N. T. Wibbing- 
ton; Justices, R. H. Wiley, L. R. Hopkins, Orson 
Walbridge, E. J. Page; Poormaster, Charles 
Lawrence ; Constable and Collector, E. C. 
Grover. 

After the town of Springwater was organized in 
181 7, and the civil offices filled by election or ap- 
pointment by the Governor, it became necessary to 
organize a militia, and for that purpose the town 
was divided by the road and line of lots running 
east and west from the old Goff mill into two mili- 
tary departments, called the north and south de- 
partments. It has been the custom of the inhab- 
itants for a number of years to hold reunions of the 
survivors of these military companies, the last re- 
union occurring on the 6th of September, 1880. 
Captain Ebenezer Smith, now seventy-three years 
old, commanded the parade, and had prepared a 
brief history of the militia, which, on account of his 



weakness, was read by Mr. R. H. Wiley, as 
follows : — 

"It must be understood that this little history is 
almost from recollection down to a boy of ten 
years old. There has been no record kept that is 
available, and all the old rolls are lost or de- 
stroyed. 

"The first company of infantry in the south de- 
partment — being the one with which I am the 
most acquainted, and of which I shall have the 
most to say — was organized and had a parade and 
drill in 1818. Captain Daniel Herrick was in com- 
mand of the company, but at what time his com- 
mission was dated I am unable to say, or how long 
he commanded the company. He died March 22, 
182 1, and as he was in feeble health for a year or 
more before his death it is presumable that he re- 
signed in 1820. Captain Daniel Herrick was a 
man of commanding aspect ; his height about five 
feet eleven inches, and in health would weigh 180 
pounds. The next in command of the company 
was Captain William Roberts. He probably served 
under his commission three or four years. His 
successor was Captain Abijah Barnes. He died 
August 31, 1824. Captain Joab Grover succeeded 
Barnes, and, I think, had command of the com- 
pany about three years. Captain Ethan Grover 
was the next in command, and I think served a full 
term of four years. Captain George Farnsworth 
was next; David Parshall, First Lieutenant; and 
Solomon Grover, Jr., Second Lieutenant. They 
served a full term, and, without doubt, were hon- 
orably discharged. Captain William Grover took 
command of the company about 1836, and resigned 
his command in 1839. About 1836, the 260th 
Regiment was organized and the two companies 
consolidated, so that the whole town came under 
one command. My commission is dated April 24, 
1839, and the first parade I took charge of was 
held on the first Monday in September, 1839. 
Sylvanus Young was First Lieutenant and John 
Frazer Second Lieutenant under my command, 
and Harvey Farley First Sergeant. From that 
time till I resigned I fulfilled the duties of my office 
to the best of my ability. I trained the company 
four years, and never had a word of difficulty with 
any man in or out of the ranks ; everything at all 
times was peaceable and orderly. Rufus G. Clark 
was my successor; Alonzo Snyder, First Lieutenant, 
and D. C. Snyder, Second Lieutenant. He held 
the office till the old law was repealed, and by that 
means he was discharged from the duties of the 
office." 

Mr. Smith then produced his Captain's commis- 
sion, which Mr. Wiley read. It was made and 
signed in the handwriting of William H. Seward, 
then Governor of New York State, at Albany, May 
8th. 1839. His resignation and its acceptance was 
also read, which was dated May 30, 1843. 

Captain Ebenezer Smith was born in Freetown, 
Bristol county, Mass., in the year 1808. He 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



moved to the town of Springwater on the 24th day 
of March, 1816. Mr. Smith is respected as a man 
above the average in intelligence, and as an honest 
and industrious citizen. 

The next reunion was appointed for the first 
Monday in September, 18S1. 

< )n the first day of June, 1880, the population of 
Springwater was — 

White population 2,276 

Colored population 1 

Number of voters at date 663 

Number of actual resident voters 650 

The ages of the population range as follows : — 

( >ver 90 and less than 100 1 

" 80 " 90 13 

" 70 " 80 63 

60 " 70 131 

" 50 60 204 

" 4o 50 254 

" 30 4° 2S9 

" 20 " 30 402 

" 10 " 20 440 

" ? . " '° 44; 

Rorn within census year 38 

Making a total of 2,277 

Of the oldest of these, Jerusha Foster was ninety 
years old and upwards, and Joel Hudson was 
eighty-six. The above number of inhabitants are 
the members of 552 families, who reside in this 
town, in 514 dwellings. The town contains 378 
farms, 4 churches, 18 school houses, 7 stores, 1 
meat market, 8 saw mills, 3 grist-mills, 9 black- 
smith shops, 2 wagon shops, 3 cider mills, 2 cheese 
factories, one manufactory of agricultural imple- 
ments, three cooper shops, and two evaporating 
dry-houses for drying hops and fruits. 

The town has 18 school districts in which school 
houses are located, and 4 joint districts. In these 
districts there are 792 children over 5 and under 
2 t years of age. During the year 1880, school was 
taught 537 3-5 weeks, employing 19 teachers, and 
with an average attendance of 357. The number 
of children of school age attending some portion of 
the year was 641. The amount paid in wages to 
teachers was $2,801.59. The number of children 
of school age living out of the town, but attending 
school in the town was 24. Of this number there 
was an average attendance of 1 1. 

The total value of the district libraries is $105, 
and the once valuable libraries of the town are rap- 
idly deteriorating. During the year no expendi- 
tures were made for either libraries or school ap- 
paratus. The total amount expended for school 
houses, sites, fences, repairs, and furniture was 



$138.28. Total incidental expenses for the year, 
$286.55. Fhe school houses and sites — the latter 
containing an area of seven acres — have a total 
valuation of $7,600. The total valuation of the 
districts is $9,915.33- The houses are all frame 
buildings, a number of them being quite superior 
to the usual run of common school houses. 

For these statistics relating to the schools of 
Springwater, we are indebted to Mr. Ezra N. Cur- 
tice, Commissioner of the Second District of the 
county,* who has held that position six years, and 
who has proven to be a most efficient officer. Mr. 
Curtice has taken a deep interest, not only in the 
schools within his jurisdiction, but in all matters 
pertaining to the education of the young. He has 
introduced into the schools in his charge improve- 
ments in the methods of teaching; and besides 
the originality of his views, and his intelligent per- 
ception of educational requirements, is possessed 
of an additional quality valuable in public instruc- 
tors—practical common sense. The residence of 
Mr. Curtice is in Springwater village. 

It would be an instructive lesson to notice care- 
fully the gradual elevation of these schools from the 
rude log-cabins of 1S1 7, and the succeeding years, 
with their lack of educational facilities, and the 
primitive methods of instruction, to the present 
comfortable buildings with their efficient corps of 
teachers, and all the facilities for a thorough edu- 
cation which exist to-day. 

The schools of those early days were the rudi- 
mentary departments in which were drawn the 
plans for the better system of education prevailing 
now, and the progress of those schools marked, 
surely and definitely, the progress of the town. The 
result of this growth and improvement in educa- 
tional methods and facilities is seen in the intelli- 
gent prosperity of the farming community, in the 
thoroughness, aptitude, and culture of the mechanics 
and business men, and in the air of refinement and 
comfort which pervades all localities thus favored 
with the facilities for learning. 

In the last census of the State, the town con- 
tained 22,343 acres of improved lands, 5,814 acres 
of woodland, and of other land, 4,422 acres. The 
cash value of these lands was $1,332,725 ; of farm 
buildings, aside from dwellings, $166,525 ; of tools 
and implements, $5 1,042 ; of stock, $183,688. The 
amount of gross sales from farms was $123,414. 
The area plowed was 8,561 acres. 5,131 acres 
were mown, producing 6,154 tons of hay; and 

* Wllich comprises the towns of Mt. Morris, >■ ' lie, Nund.l, 

Ossian, Portage, Sparta, Springwater and West Sparta, foi which lie 
relating to Schools. 



WEBSTER'S CROSSING — SPRINGWATER. 



6,795 acres were devoted to pasture lands. It is 
noticeable that for fertilizers but $t,ii6 were ex- 
pended, which should speak well for the natural 
richness of the soil. 

Webster's Crossing. 

Webster's Crossing lies in the northwestern part 
of the town on the line of the Buffalo, New York 
and Erie Railroad. At this point there was no 
settlement of any kind until within the past ten 
years. The place derives its name from Elisha 
Webster, who had built there a saw-mill. It con- 
sists of one store kept by John Eoster, a black- 
smith shop, stave factory, E. Webster, proprietor, 
a barrel factory by Alonzo Webster, a cheese- fac- 
tory, and twenty or twenty-five houses. 

The post-office is kept by Harvey Humphrey. 

Springwater. 

On the line of the Erie road, and less than two 
miles west of the center of the town, is situated 
the beautiful village of Springwater. Nestling in 
the fertile Springwater Valley, with well cultivated 
farms crowning the slopes of the hills on either 
side and adding beauty to the pleasant low lands, 
and with an air of quiet comfort surrounding it, a 
more charming rural scene it would be difficult to 
find. 

The valley is five miles long from north to south, 
and at this point is half a mile wide. In the ear- 
lier history of the town this valley was known as 
Hemlock Valley. It was here, or in the immedi- 
ate vicinity, that the early settlers located, and the 
pioneer history of the village is naturally included 
in the history of the town. This place in 1880 
had a population of 344, and is the chief business 
center of the town. It consists of several stores, 
mechanics' shops, one hotel, the post-office, and 
three churches. 

The post-master is George A. Pierce, who was 
appointed under Grant's administration in 1S73. 

The hotel is a well conducted public house kept 
by George Smith. 

The village has also a well printed newspaper, 
The Springwater Enterprise, established in 1879, 
in connection with which is a suitably appointed 
job printing office. The editor and proprietor is 
H. J. Niles. 

Merchants. — Allen & Whitlock, dealers in dry 
goods, groceries, and clothing, began business here 
eight years ago, and have a large trade. This firm 
is also interested in the hardware trade, under the 



name of Allen, Whitlock & Humphrey, in which 
they have been engaged one year. This branch 
of their business was previously conducted for 
some two years under the firm name of Allen, 
Whitlock & Miller. 

Morris & Grover began business in dry goods, 
clothing, and general merchandise under this firm 
name six years ago. The firm was originally 
Grover & Morris, and then Morris & Withing- 
ton. James G. Morris has been engaged in busi- 
ness in Springwater twenty-two years. 

G. M. Willis, dealer in groceries and provisions, 
has been in business here five years. 

H. H. Densmore, dealer in drugs, books, sta- 
tionery and jewelry, began business here in March, 
1866. 

D. H. Grover & Son, dealers in groceries and 
boots and shoes, have been in business in Spring- 
water since 1858. 

Manufactories. — A considerable trade in man- 
ufactured goods is established here, consisting of 
agricultural implements from the manufactory of 
N. A. Kellogg ; sash, doors and blinds from the 
mill of S. Tyler ; pails and planed lumber from the 
factory of Frank Pursel; and Wiard chilled plows, 
and cultivators from the foundry of H. M. Rogers. 
Besides these are the carriage factory of H. E. 
Wilson, who has been engaged in that business 
here twelve years, and that of J. D. Hendershott, 
whose business has been established eight years. 
There is also a paint shop conducted by Hiram 
Conderman, a meat market by T. S. Wemoth, a bar- 
ber shop by F. E. DeLang, and a millinery estab- 
lishment by Mrs. J. D. Hendershott. Residing 
with Mrs. Hendershott is her mother, the widow of 
Hon. Salmon G. Grover, the first citizen of this 
town elected to the Legislature of the State. In 
1822 Mrs. Grover saved the life of Hon. William 
H. Seward. He had driven into Owasco creek to 
wash his carriage, and turning his horse's head up 
instead of down the stream, which was then very 
high and running with a strong current, he was 
swept from the carriage and born onward with the 
water. Mr. Seward, being unable to swim, would 
have drowned had it not been for the presence of 
mind of Mrs. Grover, whose attention was called 
to the scene by a crowd of persons assembled on 
the banks of the creek, none of whom attempted 
to save the drowning man. Mrs. Grover ran out, 
seized a plank which was standing against a house 
near by, and running out on a log she extended it 
toward him as the current was sweeping him past, 
which he managed to reach and was rescued. As 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



a token of his gratitude for her noble service. Mr. 
Seward afterward presented Mrs. Grover with a 
set of silver spoons, now in the possession of her 
family, bearing on one side of each the name of 
the brave lady, and on the Other the initials of the 
afterwards American statesman, "W. H. S." 

PHYSICIANS. — The present physicians in the town 
and village are 1 >r. T. D. Cannor, who has been in 
practice here twenty years. 

Dr. Irwin Woodin, two years in the town. 

Dr. Mrs. Woodin, in practice here two years. 

Dr. H. A. Whitfield, in practice three years in 
the town. 

Dr. Boone, a graduate of Buffalo University, who 
began his medical practice ten years ago, and who 
has been a resident practitioner in the village four 
years. 

Churches. — If in the early days of the town's his- 
tory one had been passing over the Canadice hills, 
he might have met a tall, stout man with a bag of 
grain on his shoulder. This man was Elder John 
Cole, the first minister who resided in Springwater. 
It is said that he often carried grain from Rich- 
mond, a distance of twelve miles, over a hilly road. 
He presided over the Baptist church, which was 
organized in 181 6 or 'i 7, laboring through the week 
and preaching the gospel on the Sabbath, usually 
holding two services, and regaling himself during 
intermission on a piece of johnnycake which he 
carried from home. 

Elder Cole was a strong man physically, preached 
strong doctrine, and, according to the custom of 
those times, did not eschew what was then called a 
n asonable use of strong drink. The church over 
which he presided has long since ceased to exist, 
anil there are no records extant whereby we can 
definitely trace its origin or dissolution. 

At that time the Methodists had a society, of 
which Phineas Gilbert, who came to Springwater 
in 1810, was the first-class leader. The organiza- 
tion of this society was mostly due to the exertions 
of Jonathan Lawrence, who may justly be called the 
father of the Methodist Episcopal church of Spring- 
water. At that early date the society consisted of a 
half dozen persons. The Methodist circuit then 
embraced Bloomfield and Springwater, and was 
supplied by Rev. Elisha House anil an assistant. 

The first quarterly meeting was held by Rev. 
Abner Chase in 1820 or '21, in the barn of Jona- 
than Lawrence, who was then class leader. 

The present church was dedicated April 3, 1834. 

The pastor for 1880 was Rev. E. M. Buck. The 
church has a membership of titty. 



Presbyterian Church. — The Presbyterian church 
was organized February 10th, 182 1. It was at first 
formed as a Congregational church, and was com- 
posed of twelve members, as follows : Alpheus 
Phelps, Jotham Dyer. Alfred Phelps. Daniel Ward, 
Nathaniel Adams. I.ucinda Ford, Esther Flanders, 
Mercy Adams, Clarissa Phelps, Nancy Brown, 
Melinda Gott, Mary Whalen. 

Previous to this organization, and while the popu- 
lation was sparse, Rev. Lyman Barrett, pastor of 
the church of Naples, Ontario county, at times 
visited the place and preached. Under his minis- 
tration the church was organized, and on the 16th 
of January, 1827, was received under the care of 
the Presbytery of Ontario. In 1843 the church 
consisted of forty-six members, the greatest number 
ever belonging to it at one time. In 1S46 the 
membership was thirty-six. 

For about five years after the organization of the 
church Mr. Barrett occasionally preached, admin- 
istered the sacrament, and acted as moderator in 
the sessions. After his departure Rev. James 
Cahoon performed similar services for three years. 
Rev. Seymour Thompson was stated supply nearly 
three years. Rev. Daniel B. Woods was ordained 
and installed as pastor September 19. 1839, and was 
dismissed from his pastoral charge August 25, 1841. 
I le was sin reeded by Rev. ffni. Hunter in October 
of the same year, who was ordained and installed as 
pastor of the church, September 25, 1844. 

The most distinguished season of revival ever 
enjoyed by the church was in 1843, as the fruits of 
which twenty members were added to the church 
by profession. 

The church was dedicated December 31, 1840. 
In 1872 it was repaired at a cost of $1,600, and 
re-dedicated, the dedicatory sermon being delivered 
by Rev. Dr. Shaw of Rochester, N. Y. 

The church edifice is fifty feet in length by thirty- 
six broad, is conveniently located on the Main 
street, and has connected with it a pleasant parson- 
age. The present membership is forty, presided 
over by Rev. William Hunter, in the fortieth year 
of his pastorate. 

The First Advent Christian Church of Spring- 
water was organized in 1871, in which year the 
society erected a neat and substantial church. It 
has a membership of between fifty and sixty pre- 
sided over by Rev. Warren J. Hobbs. 

The Christian Church is located a mile or two 
from the village. The church building was erected 
in 1839. The society numbers about forty. 

The pastor in 1SS0 was Rev. George Hibbard. 



JOHN B. NORTON — DR. ARNOLD GRAY. 



223 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN B. NORTON. 




Photo, by Betts, Dansville. 

(JOHN B. NORTON.) 

Among the pioneers of Springwater none have 
left a more honored memory than he whose name 
appears at the head of this sketch. 

Dr. John Boardman Norton was born April 21st, 
1793, at Greenville, Greene county, N. Y. His 
father resided next at Aurelius, in Cayuga county, 
and John B. attended the seminary at Auburn some 
two years. In the war of 1812 he acted a con- 
spicuous part as First Sergeant under Capt. Daniel 
Eldridge, at Sachem's Head Harbor, on Long 
Island Sound, in preventing the British stealing our 
shipping. 

Afterwards, Major Umstead ordered his com- 
pany to Buffalo, under General Peter B. Porter, 
but it arrived too late to take a part in the military 
proceedings of that place. Fort Erie or Lundy's 
Lane. At the age of twenty-two he commenced 
the study of medicine with Dr. Clary at Troups- 
ville, where he stayed one year, when he went in with 
Dr. Joseph T. Pitney at Auburn, where he com- 
menced to ride and visit patients, and after a stay 
of two years, left the pleasant little village of Au- 
burn, and on the 18th day of February, 1820, 
started for Springwater, where he arrived on the 
20th. 

At that time Springwater was almost wholly un- 
known, consisting only of a few log houses, and the 
embryotic M. D. was just the man for the position. 
Young, energetic, willing and anxious to assist in 
building up, and to be built up by the then active 
little hamlet where he had cast his lot. He first 



pitched his tent above the orchard on the present 
premises of Webster Tyler, where Hosea Grover 
started the first store ever kept in town. In 182 1 
John B. associated himself with Harvey S. Tyler, 
in the mercantile business, but his health being 
rather delicate, dissolved partnership, or rather 
sold out to Tyler, July 25, 1825, and then en- 
tered wholly into medicine. In the same month 
Dr. Arnold Gray came into town, and in August 
following they entered into partnership, which lasted 
one year. On the 8th day of June, 1823, he mar- 
ried Jane C. Marvin, by whom he had eight 
children. One daughter, Mrs. Lovinia Andrus. of 
Livonia Station, and four sons, viz : John and 
Oscar M., of Allegany county, Asher B., of Ontario 
county, and Wm. H., now the owner of the farm 
on which his father died, survived him, all of whom 
are successful farmers and business men. 

S. G. Grover, John B. Norton and others, under 
the firm name of Grover, Norton & Co., bought of 
Timothy Ryder the land on which stands the 
present store of Allen & Whitlock, and built the 
old part of the said building in 1826. They dis- 
solved soon afterwards, and Norton took thirty- 
five acres of land where the hotel and other build- 
ings stand as his share of the gains and losses. 

At different times in life he has filled the offices 
of Commissioner or Inspector of Schools, Road 
Commissioner, and others, all of which were never 
sought for by him, but which were always filled in a. 
satisfactory manner. A few years since he sold out, 
retired from practice, and purchased the farm on 
which he died. 

In his old age he retained his memory remark- 
ably well, his step was firm and elastic, and as he 
was a noted Nimrod in his youth, he still clung con- 
siderably to some of his boyish proclivities — fishing 
being a pastime in which he, during the last 
season of his life, spent many a pleasant day on the 
bosom of Hemlock Lake. He was a liberal 
Christian; was a firm friend to the system of popu- 
lar education, in the belief that general education, 
by lessening crime and imparting skill to effort, is 
an ample return for the burdens of taxation. 
Abroad he was social; at home, cheerful and 
pleasant. He contemplated the past in general 
with satisfaction, and the future he awaited with a 
tranquil mind. Ever honorable, benevolent and 
kind, he won and retained the esteem of all, and 
passed away on the 29th of August, 1878, mourned 
by a large circle of friends and kindred. 



DR. ARNOLD GRAY. 

Dr. Arnold Gray was born in Lower Canada, 
March 20, 1798. He moved with his parents to 
Washington county, N. Y., when twelve years old. 
His mother, a strong-minded Christian woman, 
took great care in the moral and religious training 
of her large family. 



224 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 







Photo, by Belts, Dansville. 

(DR. ARNOLD GRAY.) 

Dr. Gray received his medical education at Fair- 
field, Herkimer county, where he graduated in 
1824, and the same year moved to Springwater. 
He worked at home on the farm until he was 
twenty-two years old, and then prepared himself 
for teaching school. During a few years of teach- 
ing he earned sufficient money to defray the ex- 
penses of his medical education. 

In 1828, he married Frances Ackley, of Gran- 
ville, Washington county, who died in i860. He 
was again married in 1862 to Fanny Armstrong, 
of I'enn Yan, N. Y. Nature had endowed the Dr. 
with a remarkable constitution which endured the 
hardships of a new, rough and hilly country sparsely 
settled. He loved the practice of medicine, and 
his marked individuality together with a long prac- 
tice, gave him a wide-spread notoriety. His aim 
was conservative, and though taking an active part 
in political life and serving as Supervisor in the 
town for several years, he was never an office-seek- 
er. Not readily receiving new ideas, he was more 
disposed to inquire for the old ways and walk in 
old paths. With a strong will, positive opinions 
and likes and dislikes which were lasting, his na- 
ture still possessed a great deal of sunshine, and 
his ready joke and hearty laugh were frequently a 
benediction to the sick. The Doctor for more than 
thirty years was a liberal supporter, and foi half 
that time a consistent member of the Presbyterian 
church. In response to a call of the late Mr. 
liaiiier on December 8, he became so exhausted 
with the hardships of the trip as to cause his death 
January 5, 1879. He was buried in "Evergreen 
Cemetery." Dr. Gray stood high in his profession, 
and his practice was extensive not only in Spring- 
water but in several of the adjoining towns. He 
was a true friend to the poor, often rendering them 
professional services without charge. 



JOHN WEIDMAN. 

John Weidroan, the sketch of whose place, with 
portrait of himself and estimable wife, appears in 
this work, was the son of Jacob Weidman, who 
moved from Northampton county, Penn., in 1823, 
and settled in Sparta, and whose father was a 
soldier in the Revolution, he himself having fought 
in the war of 1812. 

John, the subject of this sketch, in 1S49 was 
married to Mary Ann Hartman. They had ten 
children, six of whom are now living. In 1856 he 
moved on the place where he now lives, and occu- 
pied the log house (a sketch of which appears in 
the sky margin) until 1S72, when he built the fine 
residence which now attracts the attention of the 
passer-by. His farm, which is situated about three 
miles from Springwater and two from the Erie 
depot, is now in splendid condition, and no stronger 
evidence of the industry and energy of Mr. Weid- 
man than a walk over his large and productive 
fields, with good fences, and barns well stocked 
with every requisite of a first-class farm, will give. 
Through close application to his business, he has 
made for himself a magnificent home out of what 
was but a few years ago a wilderness. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

History of the Town of Sparta. 

THE town of Sparta lies southeast of the center 
of Livingston county. It is bounded on the 
north by Conesus and Groveland, on the east by 
Springwater, on the west by West Sparta and on 
the south by North Dansville. 

The surface of the town is exceedingly hilly, 
some of the highest points rising one thousand feet 
above the level of the valleys. 

The soil is a mixture of gravelly loam on the 
high lands, and in the valleys an admixture of 
gravelly loam and clay. The town has an area of 
16,625 acres, and a population of 1,133. 

The town of Sparta was formed in 1789, and 
originally embraced the towns of Groveland, West 
Sparta, and North Dansville, with also a small por- 
tion of Springwater. In 1816 a part of Spring- 
water was taken from Sparta. Groveland was 
formed in 181 2. In the year 1846 the town of 
Sparta was by legislative enactment divided, and 
from it was formed what is now known as the 
towns of Sparta, West Sparta and I (ansville. A 
portion of Groveland was annexed to Sparta in 
1856. When Dansville was erected all the remain- 
ing portion of the town of Sparta lying east of 



SPARTA— EARLY SETTLERS. 



"5 



Canaseraga creek was formed into a separate town 
and retained the original name of Sparta. The 
remaining part lying west of the creek was declared 
a separate township and named West Sparta. 

The settlement of the town began in 1794, near 
the present village of Scottsburgh. Jesse Collar 
is supposed to have been the first settler here in 
that year. He was a native of Pennsylvania, as 
were most of the early settlers. For a number of 
years Scottsburgh was called Collartown, in honor 
of Jesse Collar. 

Among other pioneers in this region of hills and 
forests were Darling Havens, John Niblack, Asa 
Simons, Robert Wilson, Thomas Hovey and Alex- 
ander Fullerton,* who came from Chester county, 
Pennsylvania. 

Darling Havens kept the first tavern in the town 
in the year 1800, at a place since known as Havens' 
Corners. He afterward kept hotel in Scottsburgh 
in the house built and occupied by William Scott, 
in 181 9. He had two sons, Isaac and Thomas, 
who inherited his property. They are now all 
dead. 

The first grist-mill was built by W. D. McNair 
in 18 10. The first religious society established for 
the worship of God was that of the Methodists, 
presided over by Rev. John B. Hudson, circuit 
preacher, in 1805. No records exist to throw any 
light whatever on this society. It probably became 
extinct, as no permanent society of that denomina- 
tion was organized in the town until thirty-five 
years later. 

The first school teacher was Thomas Maclem, 
about 1796. Among the first physicians was Dr. 
Scholl, who came from Northampton county, 
Pennsylvania. 

In 1795 James McCurdy came here and pur- 
chased a farm. The price of land then was three 
dollars per acre, which was considered very high, 
and was brought to that sum through the specula- 
tive spirit of the owners. The price for twenty years 
after ruled lower, from one dollar and fifty cents to 
two dollars and fifty cents per acre. The country 
then had a wild, yet attractive appearance, and the 
soil was very productive for the various kinds of 
grain and vegetables now extensively grown there. 
Mr. McCurdy for some years sold the most of his 
grain and stock to the new settlers, but occasion- 
ally going elsewhere for a market. The second 
year after his arrival he went to Bath with a load 
of oats, and as he could get no money was obliged 
to sell them to Dugald Cameron for thirty-seven 

* Father to General William S Fullerton. 



and one-half cents per bushel and take his pay in 
trade. In those days the settlers were obliged to 
go to the Onondaga saltworks with teams for sup- 
plies of salt. It usually cost them two dollars per 
barrel, and when transported to Sparta often sold 
for ten dollars per barrel. 

At Bath the principal settlers then were Captain 
Charles Williamson, Andrew Smith. Dugald Cam- 
eron and Daniel Cruger, Sen., who kept a tavern 
there. The Indians, whose encampments were 
located in that vicinity, or who roamed here and 
there through the forests, were exceedingly friendly 
and but for their rude friendship and kindly acts 
many of the pioneers could hardly have lived dur- 
ing the first few years of their settlement. One 
Indian named "Yankee John" frequently made his 
camp in this locality, and he and others of his tribe 
often stayed with the settlers during the night. This 
poor fellow was afterward made lame for life from 
wounds received in an encounter with a bear. 

The year in which Mr. McCurdy came, the town 
was in Ontario county; the next it was set off into 
Steuben, and again in 182 1 into Livingston 
county. 

In the year 1804, a man and woman on horse- 
back left the State of Pennsylvania, and after five 
days' ride reached the forests and scantily cleared 
lands of Sparta. Here, after making a satisfactory 
survey, they located a home on lands since owned 
by Peter Swick, and then departed as they came, 
returning to their home in Northumberland county, 
Pennsylvania. This man and woman were James 
Scott and his wife, whose family were destined to 
play an important part in the history of Sparta. 
James Scott was born in the county Antrim, Ire- 
land, of Scotch parents. His family came to 
America in October, 1773, and settled at Mount 
Bethel, Pennsylvania, where James continued to 
live until 1794. In that year he went to Northum- 
berland county where he lived until his removal to 
Sparta, as a permanent resident, in 1806. 

Coming to America at the time the colonies 
were trembling on the verge of a revolution, which 
three years later worked the beginning of the 
greatest epoch in the nation's history, he became 
imbued with the patriotic spirit of that age, and 
when the revolution broke out he joined the 
American forces under the command of Colonel 
Stroud, and with his regiment was sent to the fron- 
tier to protect the border inhabitants from the 
scalping knife of the Indians. 

James Scott brought to the new region of Sparta 
a family of ten children. The distance from Penn- 



226 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



sylvania to Sparta was considered great in those 
days, and the journey was attended with severe 
labor, much of the distance being over rough roads 
or no roads at all, which in such cases necessitated 
the cutting of a thoroughfare through the forests. 
In the fall of the same year in which Mr. Scott 
and his wile made their prospective trip to Sparta, 
two of his sons came here and made a small clear- 
ing on the land which he had located, on which 
they built a log cabin, returning the next summer 
to Pennsylvania. In this cabin the family located 
in 1806, and commenced their new life in the 
Genesee country, with all the attendant labor and 
privations of pioneer existence. After a residence 
of thirty-four years in the town in which he was 
respected as an honest, energetic and useful citi- 
zen, James Scott died in 1840, aged eighty-four. 
His wife died in 1851. 

Upon William Scott fell the mantle of his fa- 
ther's usefulness and influence. For him the vil- 
lage of Scottsburgh was named, which for years 
was known as Collartown. William Scott was 
born July 18, 1790,* in Mount Bethel, Northamp- 
ton county, Pa., coming with his father to Sparta, 
as before stated, in 1806. The year after his ar- 
rival here, then sixteen years old, he entered the 
wool-carding and cloth-dressing establishment of 
Samuel Culbertson, in Dansville, where he re- 
mained nearly three years. At the expiration of 
his services with Mr. Culbertson, he went to Li- 
vonia where he engaged with Russell & Holden at 
the carding business for eighteen dollars per month. 
His engagement with the firm lasted until winter 
only, when he engaged his services to the Norton 
Mills, now Mendan, and at that time owned by 
Flder Weeks. 

In the spring of 1811, he went into partnership 
with Carson Rochester in the carding business at 
1 lansville, in which connection he pursued the 
business three years until Mr. Rochester, selling 
his property here, severed the partnership. In 
1 813 he was drafted, but hired a substitute, Peter 
Roberts, for fifty dollars. He also volunteered on 
three occasions of public alarm, one of which was 
the burning of Buffalo, when he marched under 
General Wadsworth as far as Batavia. In that 
same year he built a grist-mill in Scottsburgh in 
company with his brother. 

In 181 4, he became foreman in the cloth dress- 
ing establishment of Benjamin Hungerford, in 
what is now West Sparta, where he remained three 

■From Mi nces "given at a meeting of 

piooeers of Livingston t < unity, in 187). 



years. At this place began his acquaintance with 
Millard Fillmore, afterward president of the 
United States, who had come here to learn the 
wool carding business. The friendship thus formed 
lasted through life, a regular correspondence being 
kept up between them, and Mr. Scott often visiting 
Mr. Fillmore at his private residence and at the 
White House. Mr. Scott, after his three years' ser- 
vice here, went to Arkport, Steuben county, where 
for one season he carried on the carding works of 
Judge Hurlburt, receiving as compensation thirty- 
five dollars per month and in the succeeding year tak- 
ing the business on shares. Remaining in Arkport 
two years, Mr. Scott returned to Sparta in the early 
part of 1 819, and built a house in Scottsburgh which, 
two years later, he opened as a hotel, continuing in 
that business until 1826. In 1835 he was elected 
justice of the peace, holding that office twelve 
years. In 1836 he was elected member of Assembly 
and again the succeeding year was returned to that 
office. He also held in 1847 the position of Justice 
of Sessions. His associate was John H. Jones of 
Leicester, Judge Lord occupying the bench as 
County Judge. 

In 1820 Mr. Scott married Phebe Woodruff of 
Livonia, the result of this union being one child, a 
son, who died in 1840 at Canandaigua while a 
student in the academy there. Mrs. Scott died in 
1856. Mr. Scott's career of usefulness in this town 
and county extended over a period of seventy \ ears, 
and his energy, honesty and manliness formed a 
character that commanded the respect and esteem 
of all with whom he came in contact. His death 
which occurred in Rochester in the spring of 1876, 
was widely lamented. He died at St. Mary's hospital 
in that city, his remains being brought to Scotts- 
burgh for burial. Mr. Scott was eighty-six years 
old. His brother, Samuel Scott, a highly esteemed 
citizen, still resides in Sparta, a short distance east 
of Scottsburgh. 

Among other early settlers in Sparta were Hector 
McKay, Morgan Hammond, and among the set- 
tlers from the old country were Archibald McFet- 
ridge, Edward Logan, Robert Ross, William 
Carney, Squire Magee, Henry Havens and Hugh 
Magee. 

Morgan Hammond had six sons, two of whom 
are dead, and only one son, Lester, is now living 
in Sparta. 

Hector McKay was a great friend to the Indians 
of those early days, and by them was highly 
esteemed. Two of his sons, Robert and Mordecai, 
are living in the town ; another son, James, who used 




■ ■ 





Mr, & Mrs. Menry Driesbach, Sr, 

HENRY DRIESBACH, SR. 



Hem-}* Driesbach, Sr. , was one of the pioneers aud one of 
the advance guard of I hose emigrants who, turning their 
backs to the home of their youth and the comforts and lux- 
uries of the older States, moved to a country covered with 
forests, to make it the home of civilization, and to dis- 
place the wigwam of the Indian for the school-house, the 
church, and the comfortable dwelling. They were con- 
querors, not by the sword and musket, but by proper 
and rugged tools moved by stalwart arms, strong native 
intelligence and by the immutable truths of the Bible and 
that religion which teaches an intelligent and heartfelt 
devotion to the God of their fathers. N o oue among their 
number is more worthy a place in this History of Living- 
ston county than Henry Driesbach, Sr. , for he was one 
whose strong arm, brave heart, and unwearied industry 
aided in making her foremost among the agricultural 
counties of the State. It is with peculiar pleasure that 
we record the name of such men on the pages of this 
History. He was born in Lehigh township, Northum- 
berland county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1790. In the 
year 1806 he removed to Sparta with his father's 
family. 

When old enough he purchased a piece of land contain- 
ing seventy acres. One day a laud agent called at his 
father's and proposed to sell to Henry this piece of land. 
He replied that he had no money with which to purchase 
it. The agent informed him that he would trust him for 
it and give him all the time needed in which to pay, pro- 
vided he would pay the cost of making out the contracts 
which was $1,50. This was another poser to the young 
man for he saw no means by which to raise the required 
sum. But his mother came to the rescue and said, "Henry, 
if you really wish to take up that laud I'll pay for the 
contract." Accordingly she paid the agent the money, 
the papers were made out and Henry became the posses- 
sor of the seventy acres of land. At this time the laud 
was valued at ten shillings per acre, aud here was a debt 
of #87,50 for Henry to pay. Soon the sound of his ax 
began to resound through the forest. In a short time he 
made a small clearing and then commenced building him 
a house, working at it at odd times until he enclosed it 
and finished off one room. This done, like Jacob of old, 
he looked around for a wife, a companion who would 
share with him the comforts of his home. He soon found 
one in the person of Lydia, daughter of Harmon Hart- 
man, of Dansville, whom he married in 1819. She was 
iu every sense of the word worthy of her husband, and 
their life was a happy oue. 

The hnsbaud, after successfully fighting the battle of 
life for over seventy years, has gone to his final rest, but 



his widow still lives in the very bouse to which her hus- 
band took her when a bride. 

He used to relate in a pleasing manner how ardently he 
struggled to pay for his first seventy acres of laud. The 
land office from which he purchased was at Geneva, fifty 
or more miles distant from his home, and nothing but a 
foot path marked by blazed trees to guide him there. He 
says, " I remember on one occasion when there was ten 
dollars due the office, by the hardest kind of scraping I 
got the money together and with my gun on my shoulder, 
I started on foot for Geneva. In due time reaching there, 
I paid my money and started for home." 

' 'In those days deer and bears were plenty in the country 
and often, too, a panther was to be seen prowling about. 
I saw but little game until nearly home and then espied 
a noble deer some rods from me. I raised my gun, fired, 
and the deer giving one jump dropped dead. "With my 
hunting knife I skinned it, cut out the hind quarters, 
strung them over my shoulders aud marched home with 
my venison." This took place very near what is now called 
Keeds Corners. 

Another time, when on his way home, as he reached a 
dense part of the forest, he heard a strange noise which 
came from a large tree. Looking up he saw a huge 
panther glaring down at him. Bringing his gun to bear 
on the frightful beast he fired. The bullet entered its 
throat just under its mouth, inflicting a fatal wound. 
The panther fell to the grouud, snapping his teeth at him 
in the most ferocious manner. He fired again and this 
time the ball entered his brain, causing instant death. 
Mr. D. sold the skiu of this large animal for eight dollars, 
thereby receiving nearly enough to pay the next install- 
ment on his contract. 

At length having paid for his seventy acres he gradu- 
ally took up land and paid for it till many years before 
his death he owned six hundred and sixty acres of land, 
the most valuable in the county. 

Mr. Driesbach was the father of eight children, four of 
whom died in childhood. Henry lived till forty-five 
years of age, and Elias is still living. Mrs. Hartmau, 
wife of Wm, Hartman of Dansville. aud Mrs. Galbraith, 
widow of John Galbraith, of Sparta, are children of his. 

Mr. Driesbach was successful as a mechanic as well as 
an excellent farmer. At an early age he united with the 
Lutheran Reformed Church at Dau6ville, and during the 
remainder of his life was a devoted and prayerful member 
of that church. He was always a Democrat but never 
troubled others with his politics. He died at the 
advanced age of eighty-two, honored and respected by 
all who knew him. 




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Residence of Elias Driesba< 



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Sparta, Livingston Co.N.Y. 



SPARTA — TOWN OFFICERS. 



to act in the capacity of a lawyer, went West many 
years ago. 

Archibald McFetridge, father to Edward Mc- 
Fetridge, the supervisor of the town in 1S80, still 
lives in Sparta at the advanced age of ninety 
years. 

Edward Logan died several years ago. His 
sons, John, James and Andrew, are residents in 
Sparta ; the oldest son, Edward, lives inGroveland. 

Robert Ross died some six years ago ; only one 
son, Robert, survives him. 

William Carney, still living, has two sons, Hugh 
arid William, Jr. 

Squire Magee died ten years ago. None of his 
sons live here. Hugh Magee, his brother, still 
lives in the town. 

Henry Havens died two years ago. Four sons, 
William, Henry, Isaac and Willard survive him. 

Rev. Andrew Gray, the first settled minister in 
the town, had two sons, James and William, who 
are now dead. Mrs. Perrine is the only survivor 
of his family in Sparta. 

There has been no resident lawyer in Sparta in 
forty years. Col. Woodruff, now dead, William 
Scott, and James McKay used to act in that ca- 
pacity, but not as regular practitioners. 

Of the physicians who have practiced in Sparta, 
Doctor A. Campbell, who resided in Scottsburgh, 
and who was highly esteemed, moved to Mount 
Morris where he died some years ago. 

Doctor E. Patchin moved to Dansville where he 
died. 

Doctor Jocelyn removed to Mount Morris where 
he still lives. 

Doctor Coe left Sparta several years ago. 

The present physicians are Drs. J. B. Purchase, 

D. H. Foster,* and ■ Harrison, located at 

Scottsburgh. 

Town Officers. — The first town meeting held in 
Sparta, when it embraced its original territory, was 
held at the house of William Lemens in Williams- 
burgh, on the first Tuesday in April. 1796. 

The officers elected at that meeting were as fol- 
lows: Supervisor, William Harris; Town Clerk, 
William Lemens ; Assessors, John McNair, James 
Rosebrugh, Henry Magee ; Commissioners of 
Highways, Matthias Lemen, Alexander McDonald; 
Commissioners of Schools, Samuel Mills, James 
Henderson, Robert Erwin ; Pathmasters, William 
McCartney, Hector McKay; Pound Keeper, 
Asahel Simons ; Fence Viewers, Nathan Fowler, 

+ Lives across the line in Groveiand. 



Jeremiah Gregory ; Constable and Collector, John 
Ewert. 

Thereafter, as near as can be learned from the 
records, the succession of Supervisors and Town 
Clerks was as follows : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1797. William Harris. William Lemens. 

1798-99. " " William McCartney. 

1800. James Henderson. William Lemens. 

1 80 1. John Smith. Robert McKay. 

1802. Hugh McNair. " " 
1803-04. " " William McCartney. 
1805 " " David McNair. 
1806-10. William McCartney. " 

1811-12. David McNair. James Rosebrugh. 
1813-15. William McCartney.Benj. Wilcox. 
1816. James Scott. Samuel Stillwell. 

1S1 7. William McCartney. James Scott. 
1818-19. " " Wm. D. McNair. 



1820.) , 
1821.J 



1822-25. William McCartney. Phillip Woodruff. 
1826. " " Samuel Shannon. 

1827-29.! 

1 8 30-3 4 

1832.?' Isaac Wendell. 

1833- 



183. 

1835- 
1836. 

1837- 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 



Isaac Wendell. 
Isaac L. Endress. 
H. T. Taggart. 
Isaac L. Endress. 

D. McNair. 
Isaac L. Endress. 
Samuel M. Welch. 

E. Faulkner. 
J. B. Smith. 



The first recorded vote for governors and repre- 
sentatives was in 1801. George Clinton received 
twenty-nine and Stephen Van Rensselaer ten votes 
on the gubernatorial ticket. For Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor Jeremiah Van Rensselaer received twenty- 
seven, James Watson, ten, and William Harris, one. 
Lemuel Shipman, for Senator, received thirty-eight 
votes, Isaac Foote the same, and Judge Meyer, thir- 
ty-seven. 

In May, 1801, the first recorded license was 
granted by John Smith, H. W. McNair and Wil- 
liam Wadsworth, commissioners of excise, to 
Thomas Hammer, of Sparta, for tavern keeping 
and for the sale of spirituous liquors. 

The first town meeting after the division of the 
town was held on the first Tuesday in April, 1847, 

•There are no records of the Supervisors or Town Clerks for 1820-21 ; 
though it is supposed that McCartney was Supervisor and W. D. McNair 
Town Clerk. 

t From 1827101830 the Supervisor is believed to have been William 
McCartney. He filled that office twenty-six years in all. 

X No records as to either Supervisor or Town Clerk, but it would ap- 
pear that Shannon was Clerk, as his name is appended to road surveys, 
etc., in those years. 

§ No records as to Supervisor. 



228 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



at the house of Darling Havens. The chief offi- 
cers elected at that meeting, and the succession 
from then to 1880, are as follows : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1847-48. P. Woodruff, 
1849-51. John Oilman, 
1852. 

1853- 
.854. 

iS55- 



Harvey G. Baker. 
John Shepard. 



Timothy Hopkins. 



F. P. Harrison. 



David D. McNair, 
John Shepard, 
Hugh McCartney, 

David I). McNair. 
I >a\ id D. McNair, Harvey G. Baker. 

" John Shepard. 

Harvey G. Baker, 
George Shafer, 
Harvey G. Baker, 
David I). McNair, 
Alonzo T. Slaight, " 
John Shepard, " " 

" Edwin E. Shutt. 

" " Jesse Smith. 

" " Freeman P. Harrison. 

Samuel L. Shutt. 
" " George Tillotson. 

Rockwell M. Lozier. 
D. H. Foster. 
James M. Newton. 
Edwin E. Shutt. 
John N. Foster. 



1856. 

1857 
1858, 

i8 5 9 

i860. 

1861 

1862 

1863. 

1864-65. 

1866-67. 

1868-70. " 

1871. 

1872. 

1873-74. " 

1 875. John Logan, 

1876-77. John Galbraith, 

1878. E. L. McFetridge, 

1879-80. " " 

The following is a list of the names of the re- 
maining officers of the town of Sparta for the year 
1880 :— Justices, Jesse Smith, James Newton, J. 
M. Campbell, Wm. W. Sutton ; Assessors, Jesse 
Roberts, Benjamin Kiehle, Wm. Driesbach ; High- 
way Commissioner, Philip Hilts ; Overseers of 
Poor, G. H. Johns, W. P. Barnes ; Inspectors of 
Election, Thomas Dodd, John Oilman, Rensselaer 
Cranmer; Collector, D. D. Dunn ; Constables, D. 
D. Dunn, Jotham McGregor, Wm. Henry, H. K. 
Needham, Harmon Gilman ; Game Constable, 
Samuel Roberts ; Fxcise Commissioners, Wm. H. 
Kiehle, Henry Thompson. 

The war record of Sparta is manifestly incom- 
plete, although the town furnished a considerable 
number of volunteers in the late rebellion. There 
has been kept no complete record of the enlist- 
ments either as to men or regiments, and what is 
here given is mostly from the personal recollections 
of soldiers who survived the vicissitudes of the 
war, and of citizens of the town. 

The town clerk's records contain but the actions 
of a special meeting of the citizens, called by the 
Supervisor for the 25th day of August, 1864, at 
which the following resolutions were passed : — 

Resolved, That the town of Sparta pa}- to volun- 
teers who shall be credited to the town, under the 
late call of the President for five hundred thousand 
men, a bounty of $800, in addition to the amount 



raised by the county for one year men ; the same 
amount to be paid to any person furnishing a sub- 
stitute under said call, who shall be credited to said 
town, up to the amount of our quota, and payable 
in five equal annual payments with interest thereon, 
and the same to be levied and collected from the 
taxable property of the town of Sparta. 

Resolved, That every drafted man from said 
town of Sparta receive the same amount as volun- 
teers, and 

Resolved, That each elector in said town of 
Sparta shall pay ten dollars per capita tax, to apply 
on the tax levied on said town to pay volunteers. 

The following number received a bounty of 
$300 : George E. McGregor, Charles E. McGregor, 
Peter S. Ort, Jacob Moose, George Krisher, Ezra 
Sturdevant, George A. Miller, James B. Cratser, 
21st New York Cavalry; George W. Loveland, 
James Emo, Henry Bovee, Joseph Hersh, Joseph 
Doty, Solomon Freed, Jesse B. Lasey, Captain O. 
F. Wisner, 2 2d New York Cavalry; R. Alfred 
Allen, hospital steward, 22d New York Cavalry; 
Patrick McSheane, assistant surgeon, 2 2d New 
York Cavalry. 

The following received one thousand dollars 
bounty: Abram Swartz, Allen Conkling, William 
Stuffy, Edward Brennen and John Dexter (substi- 
tutes). 

In i 862 the following volunteers received a town 
bounty of $50 each: Andrew Conkling, 130th 
Regiment ; D. D. Dunn, 130th Regiment, 
wounded by explosion of shell ; Phillip Gilman, 
130th Regiment, blind from effects of the 
war; Edson C. Marshall, 130th Regiment; Har- 
mon Gilman, 136th Regiment; Henry K. Need- 
ham, 136th Regiment; David Langley; John 
Young, died in army; William J. Hampshire, 
George Snyder, Andrew McWhorter, Archibald 
Simpson, Sidney E. Roberts, Laban Upthegrove. 

In 1863 the appended number received a bounty 
of $50 and $75 : Thomas Yan Scooter, Martin 
S. Hampshire, Henry C. Kiehle, George Swartz, 
Eli Gilman, Martin Sandey, William Pifer, John 
Kiehle, R. M. Lozier, Solomon Swartz, J. Deiter,* 
136th Regiment; Milton Flory, Prosper A. Smith, 
Rensselaer Cranmer, Cady Smith, 130th Regiment; 
William A. Miller, Joseph Emo, 21st New York 
Cavalry ; Monroe Conkling, John Curtis, Abraham 
Kiehle, killed at the second battle of Bull Run, 
old 13th Regiment; Horace Curtis, 13th Regi- 
ment, wounded in the head, from the effects of 
which he died ; Mark Hall, wounded ; John Dunn, 
(ieorge Sutton, Harrison Clemens, James M. 
Kiehle, W. B. Strickland, David Wambole, George 

♦ Shol through 1 1 n_- lun^s. 





' h I 




Photo, by Belts, Dansville. 



M.R. & Mrs. John Galbe^aith. 



JOHN GALBRAITH. 



John Galbraith was born May 8, 1826. His 
father, Patrick Galbraith, came from the north of 
Ireland about the year 1820, and a few years later 
settled in Sparta, on the farm where Robert Ross 
now lives, and where John was born. He was the 
fifth of a family of ten children, six sons and four 
daughters, three of whom are now living, as fol- 
lows : — Jane, wife of James Gilman, of Groveland, 
Lizzie Galbraith, living in Mt. Morris, and Mary 
L., wife of P. G. Kelley, of the latter place. 

John remained with and assisted his father until 
twenty-one years of age, when he and his brother 
Samuel B., bought their father's farm and worked 
it together for a few years, when John sold his in- 
terest to Samuel. Soon after this he bought a 
farm in the town of Groveland, built there a new 
house, and February 9, 1854, was married to Lydia, 
daughter of Henry Dricsbach, Sr.,of Sparta. This 
farm he sold in 1857 or 58, and moved to Mt. 
Morris, where he engaged in business in a flouring 
mill, which he conducted till 1862, when he entered 
the army, having enlisted and been appointed First 
Lieutenant in company F, of the 136th Regiment. 
After his return from the army he engaged in farm- 
ing, his principal occupation until his death which 
occurred Feb. 23, 1880, at the age of fifty-three. 

In politics he was a Democrat, and held the 
office of highway commissioner a number of years, 
as also that of Supervisor of Sparta for several 
terms. In religious views he was a Presbyterian. 
John Galbraith, though a man of few words as well 
as modest and retiring, naturally won the esteem 



and confidence of all with whom he come in con- 
tact. In all his business transactions he was hon- 
orable, direct, and in every sense reliable, and 
throughout the whole history of his life there has 
nothing occurred that detracts in the least from a 
uniformly honorable record. 

He took a deep though unobtrusive interest in 
public matters. He was always proud of the high 
agricultural fame of Livingston county, inheriting 
from his Scottish ancestry that love of liberty, that 
devotion to free institutions, that independence 
which characterize the Scottish people wherever 
they may be. When the late rebellion broke out, 
his love of country was exhibited in his enlistment 
into her armies, where he faithfully served as First 
Lieutenant. He was generous to a fault, and his 
liberality was proverbial, and yet many of his most 
liberal acts were unknown to all but him and the 
recipients of his kindness. In every sense Mr. 
Galbraith was one whose life though unostenta- 
tious, was in every way worthy to be recorded in 
the history of Livingston county. 

Mrs. Galbraith has been a member of the Ger- 
man Reformed Church over seventeen years. The 
married life of Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith has been a 
happy one. They had nine children, three of 
whom died in their youth. Those who are living 
are Mary E., Lydia D., now Mrs. John A. Cul- 
bertson, of Sparta, Henry D., John, Jennie M., 
and Anna W. Mrs. Galbraith and Henry D., con- 
duct the large farm of three hundred acres, in a 
successful and creditable manner. 





GEORGE 

George H. Johns was born in Catawissa, 
Columbia county, Pa., May 23, 1818. His 
father, Abraham Johns, was born in the 
same town in 17S5 and died in 1830, aged 45 
years. His mother, a native of the same 
town, was born in 1789 and died in 1871, 
aged 81 years. They had seven children, as 
follows: Lavina, (dead,) Angelina, living in 
Shamokin, Pa., Stacey, (dead,) Mary Ann, 
wife of Isaac Traxler, and living in Dansville, 
N. Y., George H., (our subject,) Hiram, 
(dead,) and Sarah J., living in Bloomsburg, 
Pa., the wife of Freas Brown. George lived 
at home till twenty-one years of age. Having 
bought out the remaining heirs after his 
father's death, he operated the home farm 
until he was twenty-five years old, when he 
came to Sparta, and May 23, 1843, married 
Susan R., daughter of Erhard and Susan 
(Kidd) Rau, who was born September 20, 
1822. ■ He then returned to his home in 
Pennsylvania, and remaining there about ten 



eof^ge fi. Johns. 

H. JOHNS. 

months came to Sparta, locating where he 
now lives, on the farm he bought of George 
Cole. He held the office of Justice of the 
Peace twelve years, Assessor six years, In- 
spector of Election six years, and in 1S78 
was appointed Notary Public, being re- 
appointed in 1880. In politics, "Squire" 
Johns is a Democrat, but formerly an old line 
Whig. He is a member of the Lutheran 
church in Sparta Centre, having united with 
it in 1845, and his wife has been a worthy 
member of the same since 1841. They have 
had four children, Saloma A., born October 
26, 1844, wife of George Kercher, now living 
in Kalamazoo county, Mich.; Sabina Adelia, 
born May 28, 1846, married William Dries- 
bach, and now living in Sparta; Mary A., 
born September 15, 1848, wife of John 
Foster, now Town Clerk of Sparta ; and 
Heman H., born February 23, 1852, married 
Emma R. Shafer, of Sparta, and now living 
at home. 



SPARTA — CHURCHES. 



229 



Coon, William Sorg, Charles P. Hilts, George M. 
Reed, James W. Roberts. 

Churches. — Early in the history of this section 
of country the pioneers began to take measures to 
establish the worship of God. The first people to 
form a permanent society for religious observances 
were the Presbyterians. The origin of the church 
of this denomination is involved in considerable 
obscurity, owing to the loss by fire of all the papers 
that could have given authentic information on the 
subject. 

The beginning of its existence may be safely 
dated from the time when the first settlers entered 
the township, which, as before stated, then included 
what is now known as the towns of Sparta, West 
Sparta, Groveland and North Dansville. 

Tne first settlement in this region appears to 
have been at a place called Williamsburgh, now in 
the town of Groveland, where certain Presbyterian 
families made choice of a home, about the year 

!79S- 

These people were supplied with sermons occa- 
sionally by the Revs. Daniel Thatcher, John Lind- 
sley and others ; these ministers being missionaries 
under the care of the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church. There is no record extant 
of any church having been organized at Williams- 
burgh, but the names of certain elders are given as 
having been connected with the church there, and 
the Lord's Supper must have been dispensed among 
the settlers who had previously been connected 
with the Presbyterian body as early as 1800. The 
settlement at Williamsburgh having been broken 
up, its component elements afterward constituted 
the churches of Groveland and Sparta. 

At about the time that Williamsburgh was occu- 
pied, a settlement was also formed near to the 
place where the Second Presbyterian Church of 
Sparta now stands. The settlers principally having 
been members of that church in Pennsylvania, from 
whence they emigrated ; and many of them being 
of Scotch or Irish origin, their first concern, after 
choosing their location, appears to have been to 
have the ministrations of religion dispensed among 
them. Various ministers are mentioned as having 
occasionally preached to them, but for many years 
they had no settled pastor. The Rev. Andrew Gray 
of the Dutch Reformed Church, who went to Alle- 
gany in 1795, took charge of the churches of 
Almond, Angelica and Dansville, all in connection 
with that denomination. This call was dated 
November, 1803. and was sustained by the Classis 
of New Brunswick in September of the following 



year. He continued his labors in this connection 
until the year 1807. At that time the church in 
question was known as the "United Congregation 
of Ontario and Steuben."* About the year 1804 or 
1805, this society received valuable additions from 
the settlement at Williamsburgh, which had been 
discontinued. As a consequence of these acces- 
sions, the church appears to have formed a connec- 
tion with the Presbyterian denomination. This is 
supposed to have been in the year 1806, but no 
record of the exact date is preserved. In the year 
1807, June 18, a call was presented to the Rev. 
Andrew Gray from the above society, which states 
that " they had changed their situation from under 
the direction of the Dutch Synod, and had cast 
themselves under the jurisdiction of the General 
Assembly of Divines, and had chosen themselves 
a body of trustees according to law." This call 
stipulates that Mr. Gray shall leave the Dutch 
Reformed Church and connect himself with that of 
the Presbyterians. Mr. Gray did not accept the 
call; but in December, 1807, he was appointed by 
the New York City Missionary Society to establish 
a mission among the Tuscarora Indians at Niagara, 
to which field he removed with his family in the fol- 
lowing spring. From this time the church appears 
to have depended for a number of years on mis- 
sionaries from the General Assembly, and on stated 
supplies, for the ordinances of religion. Public 
worship continued to be held occasionally in a small 
log school house a mile or so north of the village 
of Dansville, and also in a barn — still standing — 
belonging to William D. McNair in Sparta, the 
worshippers coming long distances in various prim- 
itive conveyances, or on foot. 

In the fall of T807 subscription papers were put 
in circulation to raise money for the erection of a 
church edifice. These papers are still preserved, 
and testify to the liberality of the pioneers and to 
their appreciation of religious privileges. These 
papers contain the names of all the residents of the 
neighborhood, with very few exceptions, and the 
subscriptions are in sums of from five to twenty 
dollars in cash, or "merchantable wheat or lumber." 
One of the conditions of the papers is that the site 
on which to build shall be chosen by lot. Subse- 
quently, a meeting having been called for that pur- 
pose, and the lots prepared, the drawing was made 
by a small boy present who was called upon by the 
chairman of the meeting to perform that duty. 
This boy was the late Charles Clayton.f of Sparta, 

* Livingston County had not then been formed, 
t Mr. Clayton died in 1879, at >h e a S e of eighty-six. 



230 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



a grandson of John McNair. The two proposed 
sites were, one in the village of Dansville and the 
Other on land owned by David McNair, in Sparta. 
The latter site was chosen, and on it the year fol- 
lowing a church building was erected and en- 
closed, but the funds being insufficient it was not 
finished. This is believed to be the second church 
edifice erected in the State west of Cayuga Lake. 
A year or two later another effort was made to 
finish the building, which resulted in ceiling the in- 
terior with very knotty pine lumber, and in fitting 
it up with loose boards, resting on blocks, for seats, 
a small table for a pulpit, and a stove for warmth 
in cold weather. Thus furnished, it was thought 
to contain all the really necessary fixtures for a 
sanctuary, and was used for that purpose for sev- 
eral years. Among the papers of that time still pre- 
served is an earnest appeal, bearing date of May 
20th, 1809, and addressed to the General Assem- 
bly of the Presbyterian church of the United States, 
setting forth the destitution of religious privileges, 
and asking that a missionary be sent by that body 
to labor in this region. The names appended to 
this paper are: Samuel Bauer and William Mc- 
Cartney, Elders; and John McNair, Sr., David 
McNair and others, Trustees. Whether in re- 
sponse to this request or not, Rev. T. Markle came 
in the following year and preached for a season. 
An old paper dated 181 1 is also preserved, bear- 
ing the names and subscriptions of all the promi- 
nent members of the Society for the support of the 
Rev. Mr. Glasgow. It is not known how long he 
ministered to the people. 

Rev. Silas Pratt was the next stated supply, but 
the date of his entering upon the work is unknown. 
He preached in the old church in connection with 
other places while residing in Dansville, and was 
thus engaged when, in 18 14, Rev. Andrew Gray, 
having been burned out by the British during the 
war, returned from the lines to his farm in Sparta. 
Some of Mr. Gray's friends and former parishioners 
were in favor of reinstating him in his old position 
as pastor; others declined and adhered to their 
support of Mr. Pratt. The consequence of the 
controversy which then sprang up was that the 
church became divided, and for some time both 
ministers held service at different hours in this 
same church ; and the difference soon resulted in 
the complete division of the Society, those favoring 
Mr. Pratt continuing to meet in this church, and 
in the village of Dansville, and those adhering to 
Mr. Gray holding services at Havens' Corners, 
where the First Presbyterian church of Sparta now 



stands, and in the "Gully School House" in the 
town of Groveland, near the burying ground. 
Here for several years Mr. Gray supplied the pul- 
pit until increasing age and infirmities led him to 
retire from the active duties of the ministry. 

In 1825 the village of Dansville increasing in 
population, the members of the church presided 
over by Mr. Pratt, residing in and about that vil- 
lage, decided to have a separate organization. 
This separate existence of the Dansville church 
appears to have interfered with the prosperity of 
the congregation of Sparta to such a degree that 
measures were taken to change the location to 
Havens' Corners and form a union with those wor- 
shipping there, and those who worshipped at the 
"Gully School House." A meeting to effect this 
object took place on the 28th day of April, 1827, 
at which meeting it was stated that "on account of 
the weakened state of the church by the departure 
of some of the members to Dansville, and consid- 
ering that it would be highly injurious to join the 
church there, they resolved in the future to meet at 
Havens' Corners." The organization, according 
to the law of the First Presbyterian church, occurred 
January 18, 1828. Its ecclesiastical origin, how- 
ever, must be assigned to a period prior to the 
date of the call to Rev. Andrew Gray, and proba- 
bly took place in 1S06, as before stated. Imme- 
diately after its legal organization, measures were 
taken to build the present house of worship, and a 
deed of the ground on which it stands was obtained 
bearing date February 19, 1829. A substantial 
and commodious edifice was erected in the course 
of the year. This measure resulted in the amal- 
gamation of the two parties known as the adher- 
ents of Mr. Gray and the adherents of Mr. Pratt, 
which was consummated at a meeting of the Pres- 
bytery of Ontario, held at Sparta, April 10, 1830. 
The Rev. Silas Pratt continued to sign the minutes 
of session until January 24, 1829. The Rev. S. 
Gaylord then became stated supply, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Amos P. Brown, who signed the 
first minutes of session September 11, 1830. He 
was installed as pastor August 24, 1831, and dur- 
ing his ministry the church appears to have en- 
joyed a season of great awakening, many being 
added to the roll of communicants. On the 22d 
of January, 1S34, he was dismissed on account of 
ill-health, and was succeeded by the Rev. S. Hall. 

In 1S37, March 5, the Rev. H. Snyder became 
the stated supply for several months, and during 
his pastorate the church resolved to join the Old 
School General Assembly. 





Photo, by Bells, Dansville. 



Mr, & Mrs. John Shutt. 



JOHN SHUTT. 



John Shutt, a native of Moore township, Northamp- 
ton county, Pa., was born March 10, 170S. He lived at 
home until twenty-six years of age, assisting his father to 
work a small farm, aud occasionally helping in weaving 
the cloth used among the hardy pioneers. His father 
came to Livingston county to visit some friends, and 
thinking he could better his prospects in life, purchased 
the farm of 115 acr.es, where William J., a grandson, now 
lives. He died Deceinber24, 1833, aud the farm aud per- 
sonal property were willed to John, who came there with 
him, with this provision, that he should pay his brother 
$250, aud his sisters each >$150, also a claim in the land 
office, making the farm cost him eleven dollars per acre. 

In 1819 he married Christine Weldy, of Northamp- 
ton county, Pa. The result of this marriage was thirteen 
children, eleven of whom are now living. Mr. Shutt was 
a hard working, industrious man, but assisted his children 
so much with his money that at the time of his death, 
which occurred January 9, 1875, his large property was 
considerably reduced. He and his estimable wife were 
members of the Reformed church for nearly sixty years, 



always ready to aid thejchureh, aud at one time spending 
nearly eight hundred dollars in the good cause. In 
politics he was a Democrat, sustaining his party with his 
help and influence, but never accepting an office even 
when urged to do so. He left a will similar to his 
father's, his property going to his son, Wm. J., with the 
proviso that he pay the other heirs their portion men- 
tioned in the will. This he has done and now owns the 
old homestead where he was born. He is the seventh 
child of the family and was born March 10, 1832. April 
3, 1862, he married Maggie McFetridge. They had five 
children, four of whom died in their youth : the only 
surviving one being Freddie E., who is now in his tenth 
year. At his father's death, Wm. J. found his estate re- 
duced to a mere nothing. He went to work with a will, 
determined to keep the old home, and to-day sees what 
perseverance and industry combined with the work of a 
wife who is able aud willing to assist his every effort, can 
effectually accomplish. He writes this as a memorial to 
his parents, whom he remembers as indulgent and loving 
to their family and steadfast in their regard for others. 








"««-" 







(Photo, by Betts, Dansville.) 



Mr, & Mrs, Benjamin Kiehle. 



BENJAMIN KIEHLE. 



Benjamin Kiehle was born in Lehigh county, Pa., 
Feb. 23, 1816, being the seventh child of a family 
of ten children. His father, Abraham Kiehle, was 
born in the same county in 1782, and in 181 7, 
with his wife, Elizabeth Hughes, left Pennsylvania, 
and after a long and tedious journey settled in 
Sparta, taking up the one hundred and eighteen 
acres where Benj. now resides, where he died Feb. 
12, 1868. His wife survived him six years and 
died Sept. 24, 1874. Feb. 28, 1839, Benj. married 
Salome, daughter of Abraham and Hannah Zer- 
fass, of Sparta, by whom he had seven children as 
follows: Abraham I., James M., Hulda V., Fran- 
ces M., William H., Rosabella C, (dead,) and 
George M., the latter of whom lives on the farm 
near the old homestead. During the late war 
Abraham I. enlisted in the old 13th Regiment and 
was killed at the second battle of Bull Run, and 
lames enlisted in the 136th Regiment and died in 
Washington of typhoid fever contracted from ex- 



posure. Hulda is still living, but Frances died in 
April, 1871. Jan. 12, 187 1, Mrs. Kiehle died from 
paralysis. She was a devoted member of the Luth- 
eran church, a kind mother and a loving wife. Mr. 
Kiehle afterward married Vienna Zerfass, a sister 
of his first wife, and both are members of the 
Lutheran church of Sparta, having joined that 
organization a number of years ago. Benjamin, 
after the death of his father, bought out the re- 
maining heirs, and now owns and lives on the old 
homestead, and is probably surpassed by none in 
knowledge relating to a proper cultivation of the 
soil. 

Although his education was confined to the 
common schools of his early day, by the improve- 
ment of the opportunities afforded him by inter- 
course with others, he, to-day, ranks among the 
most intelligent farmers of his town. In politics 
he has always been a Democrat, and is now filling 
the office of Assessor for the fifth term. 



SPARTA — CHURCHES. 



231 



The name of Rev. Alfred White appears on the 
minutes of session as Moderator, February 18, 
1838. He officiated as stated supply for about 
six months, when the congregation first invited 
Rev. George Morris, and then the Rev. Hugh 
Mair, D. D., to become their pastor, but neither of 
them accepted the invitations. 

Rev. Thomas Aitken * was extended an invita- 
tion April 23, 1839, and was installed pastor Au- 
gust 15, 1840, his installation having been deferred 
to this time on account of the Assembly's rules re- 
specting foreign ministers. 

The membership of the church is forty-nine, still 
presided over by Mr. Aitken. 

Second Presbyterian Church. — The building near 
the burying ground, which was abandoned by 
those who went to Havens' Corners to worship, 
having become much dilapidated, was in 1837, re- 
paired, fitted with permanent seats, platform, desk 
and circular table enclosing an area in front of the 
platform, and was used by debating and literary 
societies, singing schools, and for political and 
other meetings. 

On the 28th of December, 1847, a meeting was 
held there and preliminary steps taken to organize 
the Second Presbyterian Church of Sparta. 

The following Board of Trustees was elected : 
John Culbertson, Samuel Sturgeon, Hugh T. Mc- 
Nair, John W. McNair, Jacob Knappenburger, 
David McNair. In May following the organiza- 
tion was effected by a committee of the Presbytery 
of Steuben, and the following persons enrolled 
themselves as members : — 

Joseph Knappenburger, James McNair, Hugh 
T. McNair and wife, Samuel McNair and wife, 
Jacob Knappenburger, William D. McNair and 
wife, Mrs. Anne McNair, Mrs. Catharine Knap- 
penburger, John W. McNair, Mrs. Nancy Culbert- 
son, Frances McNair, Jane McNair, Mrs. Ann 
Shafer, James Sturgeon, Samuel Sturgeon and wife, 
Mrs. Margaret McNair. James McNair, William 
D. McNair and Samuel Sturgeon were chosen 
elders. Rev. Jesse Edwards was stated supply 
for two years. Rev. James E. Miller became 
pastor in 1850 and remained until 1854. In 1852 
the church building was renovated and re-dedicated, 
the sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. Miller. 
A call to the Rev. Thomas Aitken, pastor of the 
First Presbyteiian Church of Sparta, was presented 
at the Presbytery in April, 1855, and was sustained. 
Since that time the two churches have been pre- 

*To this venerable pastor, and to Hugh T. McNair, Esq., we are in- 
debted for the facts in the history of this and the Second Presbyterian 
church of Sparta. 



sided over by Mr. Aitken. The church has a mem- 
bership of forty-five. 

German Lutheran and German Reformed 
Church. — This church is located in the eastern 
part of the town, and is vacant at present, the con- 
gregation scattered, and the society will probably 
soon be extinct. From such records as could be 
found it is learned that the congregation was or- 
ganized in 1837, and the church edifice erected in 
1839. The trustees and principal members are, 
John Kiehle, Caleb Smail, Catilp Light, Conrad 
Clinetop. 

The present membership is about fifty. 
The pastors have been : Rev. A. Bayer, of 
German Reformed church, Rev. Abraham Berkey, 
of German Reformed church, Rev. Daniel Lautz, 
of German Reformed church, Rev. S. S. Klein, of 
Lutheran church, Rev. Edmund Erb, German Re- 
formed church. 

St. John's Lutheran Church is situated at nearly 
the center of the town. The congregation was or- 
ganized in 1837. The church edifice was erected 
in 1840. The principal members are: Erhardt 
Rau, Barnard Hamsher, Peter Trexler, Daniel 
Lichard, Charles Lorish, Jeremiah Kuhn, Isaac 
Trexler, S. G. Roberts, John Kohler, Peter Kuhn, 
Abraham Artman, Michael Klein, George H. 
Johns. 

Among the first officers chosen were: Peter 
Kuhn, Barnard Hamsher, Peter Trexler, Michael 
Klein, Erhardt Rau and John Kohler. 
The following have been pastors : — 
Revs. M. L. Stover, Levi Sternberg, D. D., John 
Selmser, F. W. Brauns, C. H. Hersh, L. L. Bau- 
nell, D. Swope, Albert Waldron, E. H. Martin and 
Rev. P. A. Strobel, the present pastor, from whom 
is derived the facts concerning this and the Ger- 
man Reformed church. 

Church of the Baptists and Evangelists. — This 
is a union church situated at what is known as 
Reed's Corners, a mere settlement containing this 
church, a school house, blacksmith shop, and some 
twelve or fifteen houses. 

No records are extant to throw definite light on 
its origin and history. It is learned that the 
Evangelists, in 1842, purchased of Erhardt Rau an 
old dwelling house which was moved on the present 
site and refitted for church uses. The first minis- 
ter of this society was Rev. John Sendlinger, who 
occupied their pulpit two years. Bishop Siberd 
also preached to them, but at what time we could 
not learn. In the summer of 1S57 this edifice was 
refrained and changed to the Union church of the 



2^2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Baptists and Evangelists. The first Baptist min- 
ister was Elder Kellogg. The succession of pastors 
in neither society can be given. The Baptists hold 
no meetings there at present. The Evangelical 
pastor in 1880 was Rev. William Wallace. 

First M. E. Church of Sparta. — This church is 
located a little south of the center of the town. 
The Society was organized in 1841. The church 
edifice was erected in 1862. Rev. James Duncan 
was the first pastor after the erection of the church, 
remaining three years. Rev. Stephen Brown sup- 
plied the pulpit two years. Rev. DeWitt Munger 
was then pastor for two years, succeeded by Rev. 
Henry Van Ben Schoten, who also remained two 
years. For several years after the ministry of the 
latter pastor the church was supplied by local 
preachers until the coming of Rev. John Parker 
who presided two years. His successor was the 
Rev. George Drytjr who officiated but one year. 
Rev. John Burchard preached two years, Rev. 
Joseph Wayne two years, and Rev. James Landreth 
two years, supplying the pulpit of the Methodist 
church at Scottsburgh also. He was succeeded by 
the Rev. W. W. Mandeville, who remained one 
year. The present pastor is Rev. D. C. Blakely, 
who resides in Scottsburgh. 

School Statistics. — The town of Sparta con- 
tains nine school districts. In these districts there 
are ,598 children over five and under twenty-one 
years of age. During the past year school was 
taught 276 2-5 weeks, employing nine teachers, 
and having an average attendance of 177 scholars. 
The number of children attending during some por- 
tion of the year was 302. The amount paid to 
teachers was $1,514.15. The district libraries 
contain 305 volumes valued at $175. There was 
paid out during the year for school apparatus $96. 
The total incidental expenditures for the year were 
$201.10. For school houses, fences, repairs, fur- 
niture, etc., there was paid out during the year 
$492.18. The school houses and sites are valued 
at $3,100. The total valuation of the districts is 
$6,975.64. The houses are all frame buildings, 
some quite comfortable, but many too poor for 
school purposes. 

Agricultural Statistics. — At the last census 
of the State, Sparta contained 12,987 acres of im- 
proved lands, 3,191 acres of woodland, and 447 
acres of other lands unimproved. The valuation 
of farm lands was $1,042,080; of farm buildings, 
aside from residences, $149,075 ; of tools and 
agricultural implements, $40,915; and of stock, 
$124,684. The gross sales from these farms was 



$98,883, while the cost for fertilizers was but $730. 
The area plowed was 3,895 acres ; 2,439 acres 
were devoted to pastures, and 2,669 acres were 
seeded to hay, producing 1,694 bushels of seed, 
and 3,207 tons of hay. 

Statistics of Population. — According to the 
census of 1870, Sparta contained a population of 
1,182, of which 1,080 were native, 102 foreign, 
and none of the colored race. In 1875, the total 
population was 1,133; native, 1,039, an( i foreign, 
94 ; a decrease of 49 in the total population in 
those five years. Of the population at that cen- 
sus, 7S9 were born in the county of Livingston ; 
72 in adjoining counties; and 46 in other counties 
of the State. The nativity of the remainder was : 
New Hampshire, 1 ; Vermont. 4 : Massachusetts, 
1; Connecticut, 4 ; New Jersey, 7; Pennsylvania, 
105, and 10 in other sections of the United States ; 
18 were born in Canada, 13 in England, 3 in Scot- 
land, 36 in Ireland, and 24 in the German Empire. 

Scottsburgh. 

The pleasant little village of Scottsburgh lies in 
the northern part of the town, close to the line be- 
tween Sparta and Groveland. 

This is the only place of note or commercial im- 
portance in the town. The village has about two 
hundred and eighty inhabitants, and contains two 
stores, the postoffice, two churches, school house, 
one hotel, three blacksmith shops, and two manu- 
factories for wagons. The postmaster is J. E. 
Brownell, who was appointed to that position May 
9, 1875. The merchants are, Brownell & Slaight, 
dealers in general merchandise, who began busi- 
ness here in April of 1857, and John Shepard, also 
dealer in general merchandise, who has been en- 
gaged in business here nearly thirty years. The 
business was established by Mr. Shepard. In 1854 
the firm name was Shepard & Blake. The part- 
nership continued some five years, when Mr. 
Shepard bought Mr. Blake's interest and has since 
conducted the business alone. 

The hotel, the Scottsburgh House, is the one 
kept at a former time by William Scott, and built 
by him in 181 9. The present proprietor is W. H. 
Guy, who has been in the business one year. 

Of the blacksmiths and workers in iron, John 
McMillan has been in business here three years 
and Frank Craver one year. 

Rockwell M. Lozier, carriage and general painter, 
has been in that business here three years. 

J. B. Cratser, wagon maker, started in that busi- 




ill 

i mm 



Photo 



John Flo^y. 



David Flory was born in Lancaster county, 
Penn , and emigrated thence to Franklin 
county, N. Y., when quite a young man. 
From there he removed to Buffalo, where he 
remained till a short time after that city was 
burned by the British, when he removed to 
Sparta and settled on the farm where he lived 
till his death, and on which his son John was 
born. David Flory was the father of four 
children, of whom two are now living — John, 
the youngest of the family, and Jeremiah, 
who resides near his brother. 

John Flory, the subject of this sketch, 
remained at home assisting his father in his 
farm work, until twenty years of age, when 
he rented the same farm of one hundred and 
twenty-two acres which he afterwards pur- 
chased. To this he added from time to time 
till at the present date he is the owner of 
three hundred and eighty-six acres of land, 
situated in the town of Sparta. 

Nov. 1 8, 1834, Mr. Flory was married to 
Clorinda, daughter of Matthew and Annie 
Scott, of Scottsburgh. To them were born 
five children, as follows : —Elizabeth Ann, 
born Nov. 25, 1835, died May 10. 1862: 



Milton, born Sept. 1, 1839, joined the 136th 
Regiment, passed through all the battles of 
that regiment till their discharge at the close 
of the war, was wounded with a piece of shell 
at Gettysburg, and died Feb. 16, 1S75 ; Mary, 
born Aug. 17, 1841, died Nov. 14, 1863; 
John, born July 14, 1845, tne 0,1 '. v surviving 
child ; and Scott, born Sept. 27, 1849, died 
Nov. 22, 1863. 

Mr. Flory is a worthy member of the 
Presbyterian church of Sparta, having joined 
with that congregation many years ago, 
during which time he has been ever read;, to 
assist in all cases where he has seen the need 
of such assistance. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and although he has held the office of 
assessor six or seven years, he has never been 
a politician, but has preferred to have the 
office seek the man. 

Mr. Flory has resided on his present farm, or 
a portion of the same, during the last sixty- 
seven years, and it is entirely due to his energy 
and perseverance that the broad fields which 
greet the gaze of the passer-by, are in such a 
fine state of cultivation and so well provided 
with the many requisites of a well kept farm. 



SCOTTSBURGH— JESSE SMITH. 



233 



ness here in 1877. J. H. Shutt began the -manu- 
facture of wagons here twenty-two years ago. From 
this shop very fine work is turned out. 

The churches are the First Free Baptist and the 
Methodist Episcopal. The former was organized 
in 1840. The first pastor was Rev. Levi Kellogg.* 
The succession of pastors thereafter, as near as can 
be learned, was Elders McKay, Cobb, H. Esten, 
Joseph Wood, D. M. Stewart, D. I. Whitney, 
James L. Box, J. W. Brown. The present pastor 
is Rev. William Walker, who has presided three 
years. The membership at the last report was 
eighty-three. The church edifice is a neat and 
substantial building, with a comfortable parsonage 
attached, both clear of debt. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized 
in 1840. In 1839 the first class was formed com- 
posed of some eight or ten members, among whom 
were James Collar and wife, Mr. Moore, James 
Haynes, S. P. Keep and Timothy Ffopkins. In 
the spring of 1840, Rev. Mr. Kellogg came to 
Scottsburgh, and under his ministration a series of 
extra meetings were held which resulted in the en- 
deavor to permanently establish a church of this 
denomination. This endeavor assumed definite 
form on the 29th of April, 1840, when a meeting 
of " the male members of full age of the M. 
E. congregation in Scottsburgh," was held in 
the school-house in the village for the purpose 
of forming a religious incorporation. Of this 
meeting Chandler Wheeler and Timothy Hopkins 
were appointed as chief officers, and five trustees 
were elected. These were, James Collar, Timo- 
thy Hopkins, James Carey, William Scott and Eli 
Holeman. It was resolved that the incorporation 
receive the name of the Third Society of the M. E. 
church in Sparta ; Timothy Hopkins was appointed 
to take charge of the records of that meeting. The 
voters who participated in the proceedings at that 
date were Timothy Hopkins, Chandler Wheeler, 
James Collar, Allen Simons, Orlo M. Hopkins, Eli 
Holeman, James Carey and James Fitzgerald. 

The only men now living in Scottsburgh, who 
belonged to the church in its early days are John 
Shepard and Samuel Scott. 

The erection of the church edifice was begun in 
1841, and finished in 1842, under the pastorate of 
Rev. Mr. Doolittle. The succession of pastors, 
owing to the meagreness of the records, could not 
be learned. Since 1872 the following ministers 
have officiated : — 

Rev. James Wayne, 1872-75 ; Rev. James 

* Now living in Addison, N. Y. 



Landreth, 1875-77; Rev. W. W. Mandeville, 
1878-79; Rev. D. C. Blakely, 1879-80. 
The present membership is seventy-seven. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 



JESSE SMITH. 




Photo, by Betts, Dansville. 

(JESSE SMITH. I 

Jesse Smith, who was born in Northumberland 
county, Pa., Dec. 16, 1822, is a son of Adam and 
Elizabeth (Kline) Smith, who came from Pennsyl- 
vania, and settled in Sparta in 1825, where the 
father carried on the business of farming until 
within a few years of his death, which occurred Nov. 
25, 1878. His wife died July 14, 1857. Jessewas 
three years of age when his father came to this 
county, and his education was only such as he could 
obtain at the district school winters, his summers 
being spent in working on the farm for his father 
and others. In his twenty-third year he decided 
to learn the business of blacksmithing, and settled 
in Mt. Morris for that purpose. Having served 
his apprenticeship he returned to Sparta and built 
a shop near his present residence, where he now 
carries on the business to a limited extent in con- 
nection with farming. Oct. 2, 1856, he married 
Catherine, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth 
Kiehle, of Sparta. Of this marriage were born 
three children, Myron, William B. and Lizzie M. 
Mr. Smith has been a member of the M. E. 
Church twenty-one years, and his wife is a mem- 
ber of the German Lutheran Church of Sparta. 
In politics he is a Republican, having acted with 



\w 



HISTORY OF I.IYI\<;sT<>\ (Ol'NTV. 



that party since its formation. He has been Town 
Clerk and Justice of the Peace, and is now 
Justice of Sessions, having been reelected for 
the third term. Having always been a careful 
and industrious man, ami investing his money in 

land, he now owns a farn isisting of ')i acres, 

together with his other business. 



ELIAS DRIESBACH. 

Elias Driesbach, was a son of Henry and Lydia 
Driesbach, and we are sure that in saying he is a 
worthy son of his highly respected parents, we but 
utter a truth that is his due. Like his father he is 
a farmer and no better cultivator of the soil is 
found in the town of Sparta. Besides this he is 
one of the largest land owners in that town. His 
homestead farm where he resides < < insist > of one 
hundred and thirty-nine acres. It is beautifully 
situated on elevated land above the magnificent 
valley of the Canaseraga, which lies in all its beauty 
in full view of his homestead, stretching far away to 
the north, until lost in the valley of the Genesee. 
No finer view than this is found in Western New 
York. Elias D.,was born at Sparta, Feb. 17, 
1822. In his youth he was subjected to the trials 
and hardships incident to a life in a new country, 
and therefore had few advantages for gaining an 
education. But he made the best use of those he 
did have, and obtained a competent common 
school education — all that was necessary to rank 
him among the intelligent, successful farmers 
around him. It is not saying too much that he 
possesses in alarge degree, native sagacity, judgment 
and discernment. He is a man of much practical 
ability, order and promptness. 

His honor and integrity have never been ques- 
tioned or doubted and his word has always been 
regarded as good as his bond — which is, beyond 
the shadow of a doubt, good. In his dealings 
with men he is upright and just, demanding what 
is his due, and giving to others their whole due to 
the last farthing. Until he was twenty-three years 
of age he lived with his father, and much of his 
lal» ir was devoted to assisting him on his farm. 
January 16, 1845, he married Susannah, daughter of 
Joseph Kidd, of Dansville. She. though now an 
invalid, is all that a wife and mother should be, 
kind, affectionate and exemplary. Thus far six 
children have been born to them, named as fol- 
lows, Susan Catharine, Lydia Ann. Mary. Rosy, 
Joseph and Emma. Mr. Driesbach settled on the 
farm where he now resides, soon after his marriage. 
He has been very fortunate in his business rela- 
tions. By successful negotiations and far-sighted 
enterprise, he has accumulated quite a large 
fortune. Among his property he owns five hun- 
dred and ninety-four acres of valuable land, one 
hundred and forty acres of which are situated in 
the town of Springwater and the remainder in 
Sparta, including the old homestead of seventy- 



acres, purchased by his father. Mr. Driesbach is 
a member of the Lutheran Reformed church, of 
Dansville, having united with that congregation 
many years ago. The old church, which still 
stands, was erected in 1826, and his father was 
very active in building it and sustaining the con- 
gregation. Mr. Driesbach has, since uniting with 
the church, been a consistent, influential, devoted, 
and exemplary member. In politics, like his father, 
he is a Democrat, strong in the faith of the fathers 
of that party. While firm in his principles, he 
still accords the same right to his political oppo- 
nents, believing in everyone's thinking for himself, 
and would not, if he could, control any person in 
his political or religious rights or belief. It is just 
to Mr. Driesbach to state that in his business re- 
lations, in his family and as a citizen, his life and 
career is certainly an honor to his town and county, 
and that the pages of this history could not prop- 
erly be filled without a fair, impartial, and just 
biography of him. 



HENRY DRIESBACH, JR. 

Henry Driesbach, Jr., was another son of Henry 
Driesbach, Sr., whose biography appears in the 
pages of this work. He was a farmer, and in the 
truest sense realized and appreciated the duties, 
trials and embarrassments of an agricultural life. 
It is said by those in the great book of human na- 
ture that all men are born with natural proclivities 
for certain business occupations or science. Hence, 
one man is a chemist, another an anatomist, an- 
other an astronomer, some are intuitively mechan- 
ics and some musicians. Conceding this to be 
true, then, we unhesitatingly say that Henry Dries- 
bach was intuitively a farmer. To him the farm 
was as natural as the native heath of the McGre- 
gors to Roderick Dim. 

One of the distinguishing features of Livingston 
county is the success of its farmers in raising stock. 
Into this Mr. Driesbach entered enthusiastically. 
His judgment in this department was second to no 
man's in the county, young as he was during the 
active period of his business life. 

He was born at Sparta, Livingston county, May 
9, 1824. He lived with his father until he was 
twenty eight years old. Having attained that age 
he decided to commence business for himself. Be- 
ing of an independent, self-reliant turn of mind, and 
determined to be indebted to no one for whatever 
success awaited him. he declined to ask his father 
for any pecuniary assistance. Trusting to his own 
intelligence and business capacity, he purchased 
on his own account the farm just north of the vil- 
lage of Dansville called the "Shepard farm." 
Without a dollar in the world he entered into spec- 
ulation. His self-reliance gave him success, and 
within a comparatively brief period of time he 
stocked his farm, paid for it and brought it to a 
very high state of cultivation. As an evidence of 
his perseverance we relate the following: — 




// rsj 




'&/a&ft 




->sf 



tTc 




f f&VM QXe^ ■ 



WEST SPARTA— EARLY SETTLERS. 



235 



A portion of his farm extended to the bottom 
land of the Canaseraga, and was accordingly so 
damp and boggy that it was a common thing to 
see cattle almost hopelessly mired in those bogs. 
Mr. Driesbach conceived the idea of draining those 
lands. He accordingly commenced a system of 
drainage by underground causeway with such suc- 
cess that he soon made the lands perfectly dry, 
fertile and productive. 

Henry Driesbach was a man of uncommon good 
sense, thoughtful, candid, honest and direct. He 
had no platitudes. One always knew exactly how 
to take him, and if he gave his word he carried it 
out to the letter, as to time, place and everything. 
He was a man of very few words, but when he 
spoke it was to the point. He was retiring but 
firm in his convictions, to an extent a little removed 
from stubbornness. In the midst of activity 
and usefulness he was seized by an incurable 
malady which ended his days while he was in the 
prime of manhood, and in the midst of his finan- 
cial success and usefulness. He died October 28, 
1868, at the age of forty-five. His knowledge of 
the value of farming land was almost unequalled. 
In recognition of this knowledge he was elected an 
assessor of the town of Sparta for a considerable 
period of time. In politics he was a Democrat, 
honest and true to his convictions, but modest and 
unassuming in declaring them. He early united 
with the Lutheran Reformed Church at Dansville, 
and was in every sense a worthy, consistent, Chris- 
tian man, observant of all the duties and ordi- 
nances of the Church. Such was Henry Dries- 
bach, Jr.; in every sense a man who commanded 
the respect and esteem of all who knew him. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
History of the Town of West Sparta. 

THE town of West Sparta lies south of the 
center of the county. It is bounded on the 
north by Groveland, on the south by Ossian, on 
the east by Sparta and North Dansville, and on the 
west by Mt. Morris and Nunda. 

The surface of West Sparta is also quite hilly, 
though less mountainous than that of Sparta and 
Ossian. There is also more of an unsettled, un- 
cultivated appearance than is characteristic of the 
towns lying to the east or west. The soil is some- 
what heavier than that of the surrounding towns, 
especially in the northern part, where it is of a clay 
loam. In the southern part the soil inclines to a 
sandy loam. An extensive marsh, known as Can- 
aseraga swamp, in the northeastern part robs the 
town of much of its tillable soil. The only impor- 
tant streams are Canaseraga creek, which flows 
north along the eastern border, forming the boun- 



dary line between this town and Sparta, and Butler 
brook, a smaller stream in the southern part, in 
which is a perpendicular cascade of some sixty 
feet. The Dansville Railroad passes through the 
extreme eastern part of the town. 

This town was formed at the time of the division 
of the original town of Sparta, February 27, 1846. 
The first white person to break land and build a 
cabin in the present limits of the town were William 
McCartney and Andrew Smith, who came from 
Scotland in 1791, landing in Philadelphia and 
coming to West Sparta in 1792. William McCart- 
ney acted as clerk for Captain Williamson, a land 
agent. 

The cabin which was built under the directions 
of Williamson was situated on land afterwards owned 
by John McNair, later by Judge James McNair, 
and at present by Hugh T. McNair. The nearest 
white settlers at that time were at Arkport, Steuben 
county, some fourteen miles south, and at Williams- 
burgh, in Groveland, twelve miles north. 

McCartney and Smith, however, must be regarded 
only as temporary residents within these limits, for 
two years later the former purchased land near what 
is now known as Comminsville, within the present 
limits of North Dansville, where he moved and 
where he resided until his death in 183 1. Andrew 
Smith remained but one year, when, on account of 
fever and ague which was probably developed by 
the swampy nature of the soil in that section of the 
town, he removed to Bath, purchasing there a farm 
where he resided until his death, some time about 
1840. 

The first permanent settler was Jeremiah Gregory, 
who located in 1795 in the southern part of the town. 
After him a short time came other settlers, among 
whom were William Stevens, in 1796. Abel Wilsey in 
1797, Benjamin Wilcox in 1798, and still later, Sam- 
uel McNair in the year 1802 or '3. John McNair, in 
1803, came on a prospective trip to this new 
country and purchased of John Wilson of Fred- 
ericksburgh, Maryland, a tract of land containing 
four hundred acres in the then town of Sparta 
three miles north of Dansville. He then returned 
to his home in what was known as " The Irish Set- 
tlement," Northampton county, Pennsylvania ; and 
in the early part of 1804, with his family of six 
sons and one daughter with her husband, set out 
for his new home in the Canaseraga Valley, joining 
there a son and daughter who a year or two before 
had preceded him. The journey was made in cov- 
ered wagons, containing besides the family the 
furniture and implements with which to begin their 



236 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



pioneer life in this region of forests and hills. 
Arriving some time in the middle of June, the 
family found a temporary home in the log cabin 
which had been put up on the tract in 1792 by 
direction of Captain Williamson, and occupied bj 
William McCartney. A part of the farm was cleared 
of timber and had doubtless been at some time 
cultivated by the Indians. 

Here on this tract they at once built a comfort- 
able home of hewn logs, which is still standing in 
a good state of preservation on the farm which is 
now owned by Hugh T. McNair. 

The children of John McNair were William, 
Samuel, John, David, James, Andrew, Robert, 
Margaret and Christiana, all of whom are dead ; 
but many descendants are now living in the vicin- 
ity. 

Among other pioneers of the McNair family was 
Judge Hugh McNair, grandfather to Hugh T. Mc- 
Nair, now living in West Sparta, who for some 
years was Prothonotary of Ontario when it in- 
cluded the county of Livingston. All of his sons 
are dead but one who lives in Corning, Iowa. 
William W. McNair, whose widow lives here, was 
Hugh's oldest son. 

The early history of this region is but a repeti- 
tion of that of the surrounding towns. Lumbering 
and shingle making were for some years the prin- 
cipal occupations of the settlers. The privations 
incident to the new settlement were keenly felt; 
but it is not known that any of the pioneers suffer- 
ed from actual want. For some time the mar- 
ket for such produce as their farms yielded was 
confined to the settlers each year arriving, or oc- 
casionally they bartered their products for the 
wares and goods of the merchants at Bath and 
other as scantily inhabited settlements in Steuben 
county. 

It was not until 1823 that the first store in the 
town was opened by Jonathan Russell at what is 
now Union Corners. The nearest post-office was 
at Bath, thirty miles distant. These inconven- 
iences in procuring merchandise, and in keeping 
up an intercourse with the outside world, were, it 
may be imagined, among the chief hardships of 
their pioneer existence. 

It is to the fortitude with which these early 
fathers and mothers endured privations; to their 
hardy self-denial, and to their courage under the 
difficulties which beset them, that their descend- 
ants are indebted for whatever prosperity and 
comforts surround them to-day. 

Beyond the clearing of land into farms, and the 



lumbering traffic attendant upon such labors, the 
progress in other kinds of business was slow. 

The first grist-mill was built by Samuel Stoner 
in 1823. The first tavern kept in the town was 
by Ebenezer McMaster in 1820,* at what is now 
known as Kysorville. The first wool-carding and 
cloth-dressing mill was established by Benjamin 
Hungerford in the year 1814. In this establish- 
ment Millard Fillmore, President of the United 
States in 1850-53, was apprenticed to the trade of 
cloth-dressing, serving four months on trial. Hav- 
ing been set by Hungerford at menial labor that had 
no connection with the contemplated trade, when 
the four months had elapsed he gave up the busi- 
ness and returned to his home in Cayuga county 
to begin the career which made his name a house- 
hold word throughout the nation. 

The first town meeting after the division of the 
town in 1846, was held on April 7th of that same 
year in the school-house standing at that time near 
the property of John Muchler. At that meeting 
the following officers were elected: — 

Supervisor, Roswell Wilcox ; Town Clerk, Gid- 
eon D. Passage ; Superintendent of Schools, Sam'l 
G. Stoner; Assessors, Jacob Chapman, James F. 
McCartney, Alexander Henry ; Commissioners of 
Highways, David McNair, James Van Wagner, 
James Northrop; Inspectors of Flection, Peter 
VanNuys, William D. McNair, Jr., Levi Robin- 
son, Jr., appointed; Justices of the Peace, Hiram 
Jencks, short term, Stephen Stephenson, one year, 
Samuel Scribner, two years, H. G. Chamberlin, 
four years ; Overseers of the Poor, William Spin- 
ning, Aaron Cook ; Collector, B. F. Hyser ; Con- 
stables,Freeman Edwards, B. F. Hyser, A. J. Thomp- 
son, Nathaniel Hanna ; Town Sealer, John Sto- 
ner, Jr. 

Thereafter the succession of Supervisors and 
Town Clerks was as follows : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 



1847. 




Roswell Wilcox, 


David McNair. 


IS48. 




a 


CI 


1849. 




a 


ft 


1850. 




Hugh McCartney. 


Calvin B. Smith. 


1851. 




Jas. F. McCartney 


Alvin W. Spears. 


1852. 




u u 


Calvin B. Smith. 


1S53. 




Alexander Kinney 


Alexander Rogers. 


iS54- 




1 >avid McNair. 


If £< 


i855- 




Leonard B. Field. 


Peter C. Cuykendall 


,856- 


57- 


U It 


Alexander Rogers. 


1S58- 


63- 


u it 


Willis C. Rose. 


1864-65. 


a ft 


Alexander Rogers. 


1866. 




Peter VanNuys. 


11 it 


1867. 




Leonard B. Field. 


Stephen Stephenson 



•Some doubts exist as to the correctness of this, although it is n<>t pre- 
cisely known where or by whom the tir=t tavern was kept. 



WEST SPARTA — TOWN OFFICERS. 



237 



186S. Leonard B. Field. Isaac Van Hooser. 

1869. Ogden March. John O. Kelley. 

1870. Leonard B. Field. Isaac Van Hooser. 
1871. 

1872-74. William J. Slaight. " " 

1875. " " Edward M. Gregory. 

1876. Leonard B. Field. " 
1877-78. " " Henry B. McNair. 

1879. James B. Frazer. C. Fredk. McNair. 

1880. James B. Frazer. Russell C. Stoner. 

The other officers for 1880 are: — Justices of the 
Peace, Merritt B. Dake, Henry B. McNair, 
Stephen Kemp, John Perine ; Highway Com- 
missioner, AVilliam Johnson ; Assessors, FYed Mil- 
ler, Andrew J. Kennedy, Augustus Hungerford ; 
Overseers of the Poor, John N. Kemp, Henry F. 
Muchler; Collector, Joseph McCay ; Constables, 
Joseph McCay, Nelson B. Willett, George Hunt, 
George Lester, Buell Gould : Inspectors of Elec- 
tion, Frederick Miller, James F. Muchler, A. C. 
Green ; Game Constable, Job Woodworth ; Excise 
Commissioners, Hugh T. McNair, William Van 
Doren. 

West Sparta furnished a large number of soldiers 
during the war of the Rebellion, but as no correct 
record of the enlistments was ever kept we cannot 
learn in what regiments they enlisted, nor what 
fate met the brave men who perilled their lives in 
the defense of their country. The following is as 
complete a list as could be obtained of the men 
who entered the service at different times during 
the progress of the war. 

The following enlisted from West Sparta pre- 
vious to July 2, 1862 : — 

Marshall Hungerford, Charles Burr, James 
Edwards, Alonzo Farnsworth, Horace Herrick, 
Edward Kenney, John Johnson, Jerome Harden- 
dorf, Robert Pierce, Stephen A. Kemp, Thomas 
Radigan, Michael Radigan, Edward Kiehle, Josiah 
Kiehle, Wm. Streffa, Archibald Van Ness, George 
Walters, Frank Swager, Jasper Wadsworth, John 
Wadsworth, Henry Vorhees, Melvin Walker. 

After that date, and previous to July 18, 1864, 
the town paid a bounty of $50 to each of the fol- 
lowing who enlisted: — 

Geo. W. Libby, Henry K. Price, Jas. Ullyett, 
Ogden Marsh, Solomon Wise, Roswell Master), 
Thomas Owens, Wm. A. Edwards, John Gorigan, 
Wm. H. Whetstone, James McKeown, Hamilton 
S. McMaster, Wm. A. McMaster, Shubal W. 
Farnsworth, Gilbert M. Van Velzer, John Kelly, 
Thomas Bonner, John F. Gill, John Aon, Ira B. 
Sherwood, Wm. A. Selover, Henry W. Spear, 
Jehiel Johnson, James A. Rogers, A. T. Blan- 



chard, Andrew J. McNair, Squire L. Herrick, John 
W. Wampole, Geo. R. Torrey, Daniel B. Wads- 
worth, William Servis, John M. Dennison, Charles 
C. Vorhees, Edwin Smith. 

In 1864, and previous to July iSth, the follow- 
ing number enlisted : — ■ 

Orlando Abby, Andrew J. Kennedy, John Kemp, 
Jr., Joseph Aeret, Henry V. Thompson, Joseph 
Doty, James Pendergast, John Johnson, Charles 
Gant, Wm. Brown, Sylvanus H. Cook, Calvin 
Shortliff, Wm. Patterson, Marshall Hungerford, 
John Aplin, Wm. C. Hague, Josephus H. Lawrey. 
Under the call of July 18, 1864, for five hundred 
thousand men, the appended number was en- 
listed: — 

George C. Brooks, James Simpson, David 
Simley, Henry Atwood, Wm. Butler, John Walker, 
Jesse Smith, Jr., Benjamin Wampole, David Blank, 
Roswell S. Clark, Alex. Duvall, James Colwell, 
Robert Kelly, John Cunningham, Geo. Froelig, 
Amasa W. Aber, John M. Harvey, Westley P. 
Gridley, Silas R. Rhodes, Thomas H. Rhodes, 
Duty S. Cram, Wm. M. Wolcott, Albert West, 
Charles Sawyer, Daniel Brace, Thomas Hennessey, 
George Judson, John Gallagher, Thomas Wilcox, 
Andrew Rush.* 

Statistics of Population. — In 1870, West 
Sparta had a population of 1,244, of which 1,144 
were native, and 100 of foreign birth. In 1875 
the population was 1,208, a decrease of 36. In 
this year the native population was but 1,097, a de- 
crease of 47 in those five years, while the foreign 
population had increased to 1 1 1 in the same 
length of time. Of these 1,208, only 6 belonged 
to the colored race, 610 were males, 598 females, 
and 32 aliens; and of this number but 12 who 
were twenty-one years of age, and upwards, were 
unable to read and write. Of the total population 
but 164 were owners of land; 238 were liable to 
military duty ; 349 were of voting age, of which 
number 297 were native, 34 naturalized, and 18 
were aliens. 

Agricultural Statistics. — The census of that 
same year gave the town in improved land 14,238 
acres; 3,261 acres of woodland, and of unim- 
proved land 1,708 acres. The value of farms was 
$911,718; of farm buildings, $95,061; of stock, 
$107,370; and of agricultural implements, $29,164. 
The sales from these farms were to the amount of 
$81,041. Fertilizers were used to the amount of 

$275- 

* The foregoing military record was kindly furnished by L. B. Field» 
the efficient Supervisor of this town during those trying years. 



*3* 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



S i Si. mis rus. — West Sparta has 12 school 

districts, containing 334 children of school age. 
During the past year school was taught 339 4-5 
weeks, employing 12 teachers, and with an average 
attendance of 152. The number of children attend- 
ing some portion of the year was 284. The amount 
paid for teachers during the year was $1,520.88. 
The district libraries are very meager, being valued 
at $i 1. 00 only. 

There was expended during the year for school 
apparatus, $2.10 ; for fences, repairs, furniture, \< .. 
$55.28, while the total incidental expenses were 
$191.31. The value of school houses and sites is 
$4,460. The total valuation of the districts is 
$6,454.08. 

West Sparta contains no villages of note. 

K.YSORVILLE. 

Kysorville, a little hamlet in the northern part of 
the town, consists of a grocery store conducted by 
Frank Muchler, in business one year, a cider mill, 
(William Buell,) blacksmith shop, (James Jones, ) a 
school house, and a few dwellings. 

Woodville. 

Woodville, in the south-eastern part, contains a 
large flouring mill, owned by Morey & Goho, who 
have been engaged in the business here five years, 
a church, a school house, and a few dwelling houses. 

The place derived its name from John, Rufus, 
and Asa Wood, who located there at an early date. 

The Union Church of Woodville was built by the 
Evangelical Association of that place about the 
year 1850. It was first preached in by Rev. Thomas 
Aitken. 

No records exist lo show the origin of the society 
or its progress. The church is also used by the 
Free Methodist society, the pastor of which, in 
1880, was Rev. Charles South worth. 

1!\ ERSVILLE. 

Byersville, in the southern part of the town, some 
three miles west of Woodville, derived its name 
from Samuel livers. The first settlement was made 
here about 1823. It contains about sixty inhab- 
itants. The only store is devoted to general mer- 
chandise and is kept by Russell C. Stoner, who has 
been in business here two years. The present post- 
master is Elijah Kinney, who was appointed in 
February, 1880. The present physician is Dr. A. 
V. Watkins, a graduate from the Kclectic College 
of Philadelphia in March, 187 1, who has been 
located in Bvcrsville since that time. 



Cm ri 1 ins. — The Free Methodist Society of 

Byersville was organized in 1876. The class was 
formed September 9. 1877. The church was built 
soon afterward, and at the time of dedication the 
members were : D. L. Pickard and wife. I.. N. Tur- 
rcy and wife, Mr. Merrick Jencks and wife. Mi. 
and Mrs. R. C. Stoner, Georgians Powell, Libbie 
Powell and Clarence Pickard. The dedicatory 
sermon was preached by Rev. A. I . Curney, who 
presided two years. The second pastor was Rev. 
D. J. Santmier, who officiated one year. The Rev. 
Charles Southworth was in charge in 1SS0. The 
church edifice is quite a fine building for so small 
a place, and is clear of debt. The present mem- 
bership is thirty-five. 

I'mon Corners. 

Union Corners lies in the western part of the 
town about a mile north of the center, and close to 
the line dividing the town from Mount Morris. It 
contains but a school house, blacksmith shop, two 
churches, and a few dwelling-houses. 

The Union Corners Methodist Episcopal Church 
was organized in 1879 under the pastorate of Rev. 
B. A. Partridge. The church edifice was erected 
in 1880. and is a nicely situated and substantial 
building. The membership is thirty-six. The 
pastor in 1880 was Rev. F. M. Cole. 

The Presbyterian Church of Union Corners was 
organized by Rev. Elihu Mason, August 21, 1825, 
with the following members : — • 

Garrett YanWagnen, and Mary, his wife. Mrs. 
Catharine Bogart, Mrs. Catharine Thompson, 
Abraham Thompson, James O'Brien, and Nelly, 
his wife, James J. Amerman, and Jacob VanMid- 
dlesworth. The following were the officers chosen 
and ordained : — Garrett VanWagnen, First Elder ; 
lames |. Amerman. Second Flder; Jacob VanMid- 
dlesworth, Third Elder. 

There is no further record regarding the trans- 
actions of the society until August 6, 1828. At 
that date Rev. Norris Bull as moderator, received 
lo membership in the church Catherine Thompson, 
Archibald Ten Eyck and Fliza, his wife. Phillip 
Thompson and Hannah, his wife, and Hannah G. 
Thompson. September 17, 1828, the Rev. N. 
W. Fisher as moderator, Phillip Thompson and 
Archibald Ten Eyck were elected elders. 

April 19, 1832, the following elders were added: 
Obed Cravath, Calvin F. Crank, Jacob Bergen. 
and Samuel Comstock. On the 5th of March, 
1834, the first trustees were chosen. These were 



OSCAR L. CHAMBERLAIN. 



239 



Jabez Hungerford, Stephen Trowbridge, first 
class; Samuel T. Comstock, Jacob Bergen, second 
class ; Abraham S. Thompson and Gilbert Bogart, 
third class. 

The following has been the succession of pas- 
tors : — 

Rev. Amos P. Brown 1829-1830. 

Re<\ L. Robbins 1831-1832. 

Rev. Leonard Rogers 1 835-1836. 

Rev. L. Hull 1837-1840. 

Rev. Samuel H. Rawson 1841-1842. 

Rev. Horatio Norton 1843 — ■ . 

Rev. William Bridgeman 1844-1845. 

Rev. William Fithian 1846-1853. 

Rev. M. Barton 1855-1856. 

Rev. T. Darling 1857-1859. 

Rev. R. W. McCormick 1865-1866. 

Rev. P. S. Van Nest 1867 . 

Rev. Willis C. Gaylord 1868-1869. 

Rev. William Jones 1870-1872. 

Rev. J. M. Horton 1874-1875. 

Rev. S. McKinney 1876- ■. 

Rev. B. A. Partridge (M. E. pastor) .. 1878-1879. 

Rev. J. Mitchell 1880 . 

The present house of worship was built in 1835, 
and was the first one built bv the societv. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



OSCAR L. CHAMBERLAIN. 

Oscar Lafayette Chamberlain was born in the 
old town of Sparta, (now West Sparta,) Feb. 7, 
1825. His father, H. G. Chamberlain, with his 
wife, Anna, moved into Livingston county while 
the greater part of the country was a wilderness 
and settled on a farm about one mile south of 
Union Corners where they raised a family of six 
sons and five daughters. He was a man of strict 
morals, and upright in all of his dealings with man- 
kind. Four daughters and four sons survive him. 
The eldest, O. H., lives in Wisconsin. The fourth, 
A. O., in Darlington, Wisconsin. He was elected 
to the State Legislature in 1880. The fifth, A. B. 
Chamberlain of Auburn, N. Y., is a minister of the 
gospel of the Disciple Order, and is an able speaker. 
The youngest, H. G., resides in Mt. Morris. 

Oscar L. remained in the county till the spring of 
1847, when he emigrated to the West, laboring in 
Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, till the spring of 
1850, when in company with two other young men 
he went the overland route to California, the jour- 



ney being accomplished with oxen. After about 
three months' time he reached his destination and 
soon began his career as miner. He diligently 
sought for riches, and after eight years was rewarded 
by an interest in the famous Amadore mine at Sut- 
ter Creek, Amadore county, California, where he 
accumulated a large fortune. In i860, he visited 
his native county, and Oct. 15, married Mary Z. 
Farrell and they together returned to California, 
where they remained a few years, when his health 
having failed they returned to this county, where he 
purchased a beautiful residence in Mt. Morris, now 
the residence of H. G. Chamberlain, where he 




(OSCAR L. CHAMBERLAIN. 

remained a little over two years. His health con- 
tinued to decline but he regarded himself able to 
go to California on business in the spring of 1870, 
but his strength proved unequal to the task and 
he died July 24th, at the Grand Hotel in San 
Francisco. 

Mr. C. was a man whose unchallenged integrity 
commanded the confidence and respect of all who 
knew him, and noted for those positive traits of 
character which made him outspoken and frank on 
all questions which claimed his attention. In pol- 
itics he was an ardent Republican and was once 
offered a nomination for State Senator in Califor- 
nia, when nomination would have been equivalent 
to an election. He declined the honor, preferring 
the place of a private worker for the principles of 
his party. He was beloved for his noble generosity, 
which prompted him to help all who needed assist- 
ance with princely benevolence. He left a wife 
and three children, who since his death have 
removed to California. His name is embalmed in 
the hearts of his brothers and sisters for his un- 
selfish and manly regard for their welfare, and in 
the hearts of many who were the objects of his 
solicitude. 



240 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



LEONARD B. FIELD. 




Photo, by BettsrDansville. 



fl.KONAKD B. I I EI, I). 1 



Leonard B. Field, a portrait of whom appears in 
connection with this sketch, is one of West Sparta's 
self-made men, and one who from his intimate as- 
sociation with the public affairs of the town is 
eminently deserving of the brief record of his life 
here given. 

He like many others of the worthy residents of 
Livingston county is a native of the old Green 
Mountain State ; the State from whence so much 
of the brain and brawn that developed the new set- 
tlements and made the " wilderness blossom as a 
rose" was derived. 

Mr. Field was born in New Fane, Vermont, the 
30th of March, 182 1. In the spring of 1824, his 
parents, seized with the desire of change from the 
rugged hills of Vermont, to the famed valley of the 
Genesee, moved thence with their family consist- 
ing of Leonard B. and his two sisters, and settled in 
the town of Groveland. Here they made their 
home for some little time, afterwards moving to 
Geneseo and Dansville, and finally to West Sparta, 
then Sparta, in the spring of 1843. It was here 
that Mr. Field's father and mother died ; Reuben, 
his father, on the 23d of Novenber, 1865, and 
MaryG., his mother, on the 5th of October, 1869. 

Mr. Field's elementary education was obtained 
from the district schools of the neighborhood and 
he improved the time allotted to him there to the 
best possible advantage as has been fully shown by 
his later life. After leaving the district-school, he 
attended private schools of prominence at Lock- 
port, Temple Hill and Bath, the High school at 
Geneseo, and the Academy at Canandaigua, which 
latter institution he left in the spring of 1840. He 



then returned to his chosen vocation, that of a 
fanner, and has since devoted the best energies of 
his life to that most honorable calling, winning de- 
servedly the highest encomiums from his neigh- 
bors who have shown their appreciation of his merit 
by repeatedly electing him to various offices within 
their gift. 

In the spring of 1845, Mr. Fields was elected to 
the office of the Justice of the Peace of the town 
of Sparta, by the Whigs, and in 1849 and 1853 
was reelected by the same party to that office in 
the town of West Sparta. 

Upon the disruption of the old Whig party into 
two factions, the "silver grays" and the "wooly 
heads," Mr. Field cast his lot with the former, be- 
lieving them the better of the two. Upon the for- 
mation of the American party, Mr. Field, from the 
positiveness of his nature and through the Protes- 
tant ideas and prejudices imbibed in his youth, 
naturally sided with it and was elected to the 
office of Supervisor in 1855 upon the American 
ticket. The American party at the time of its in- 
ception was popular with the masses and developed 
strength sufficient in the year 1854 and 185510 
elect a sheriff of Livingston county, a senator of 
the district and nearly sufficient to elect a Gover- 
nor. The party being based upon National and 
religious antipathies, the native element against the 
foreign and the Protestant against the Catholic, 
was deservedly short-lived and soon sank to its 
political grave never to be resurrected. 

The "barnburner" or "soft-shell" wing of the 
Democratic party having united with the Whigs to 
form the Republican party, Mr. Field joined the 
" hunker" or " hard shell" faction of the Demo- 
cratic party. Since this time Mr. Field has served 
his town faithfully, having been elected to the re- 
sponsible and trying position of Supervisor in the 
years 1856, 1S57, 185S, 1859, i860, i86t, 1862, 
1863, 1864, 1865, 1867, 1868, 1870, 1S71, 1876, 
1877 and 1878. 

In the year 1846 Mr. Field was baptized by El- 
der Seneca Short, and became a member and com- 
municant of the Methodist Episcopal church, fully 
believing in the doctrines of the Atonement and of 
the Trinity as expounded in the teachings of that 
church. Mr. Field being a man of positive and 
forcible convictions, in the matter of religion as in 
all else, has in after years found good and sufficient 
reasons in his mind to doubt the truth of the doc- 
trines that are the foundation stones of the church 
and believing that these doctrines are pernicious, 
and tend to retard rather than assist the spiritual 
and moral development of the human race, takes 
every means within his power to advance his views, 
believing that he is thereby a help to erring hu- 
manity. 

In the fall of 1S77, Mr. Field while in Rochester 
witnessed some remarkable spiritualistic phenomena 
in the shape of direct or independent slate-writing 
which fully convinced him of the fact that disem- 
bodied human spirits can and do communicate 
freely with mortals, and he now holds firmly to the 
doctrine of Spiritualism. 



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James P. Ferine, 





Photo, by Belts, Dansville. 



M.r. & Mrs. William Van Doren. 



BENJAMIN F. KYSOR— JAMES P. PERINE — WILLIAM VAN DOREN. 



241 



BENJAMIN F. KYSOR. 

John Kysor emigrated from Germany to America 
previous to the Revolution and took an active 
part in the fight for Independence. His son Syl- 
vanus married Lois Fisk, of Mayfield, N. Y., by 
whom he had three children, Benj. F. being the 
second child and only son. They were among the 
pioneers of Livingston county, commenced with 
small means, but by strict economy and industry 
obtained a handsome property as their reward. 
Oct. 28, 1846, Benj. F. Kysor married Julia A., 
daughter of Harlem G. and Anna (Bush) Cham- 
berlain. She was the third child in a family of 
eleven. Her father belonged to a patriotic family ; 
his grandfather fought in the Revolution ; his 
brothers fought in the war of 18 12, and one of his 
brothers, Joseph H, was a distinguished minister 
in the Baptist church. Harlem G. Chamberlain 
moved from Vermont to Cayuga county, and from 
there to West Sparta, where he died.* Benj. F. 
Kysor was the father of twelve children, as follows: 
Harrison F., (dead,) Oscar C, (an invalid,) Hattie 
A., Helen C, Horace G., (dead,) Effie A., Herbert 
S. and Albert H., (twins, deceased,) Octavius H., 
Julia E. and Franklin A., (twins,) and Dayton A. 

Harrison F., who was a talented young lawyer, 
went to Walla Walla city, Washington Territory, 
in the fall of 187 1, where with great vigor and 
hopeful prospects, he began his work of life. But 
being stricken with disease of the heart, he lingered 
but a few days and died Dec. 13, 187 1. Benj. F., 
a man of untiring industry and sterling integrity 
had been suffering several years from a malady, 
which in 1874 carried him nearly to the grave. He 
rallied however, and in 1875 undertook the erec- 
tion of the magnificent residence now occupied by 
his family. Improving in health during that year, 
in 1878, he started with his wife on a trip to Wis- 
consin, but was taken sick on the cars and during 
his six weeks' stay in the West, was constantly un- 
der the care of a physician. Returning home, he 
lived only a month and died Aug. 8, 1878, and is 
buried in the cemetery at Union Corners where a 
magnificent black and white granite monument 
marks his resting place, and where his grand-father 
and father are also buried. Mrs. Kysor is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church, and is a hopeful believer 
in the gospel of Christ. She carries on the busi- 
ness connected with the large farm surrounding her 
house. Six of the children are there with her. 



JAMES P. PERINE. 

The Perine family who emigrated from France 
to New Jersey at an early day are of French origin. 
James P. Perine, son of Peter Perine and grand- 
son of James Perine, of Brunswick, Middlesex 
county, N. J., was born July 4, 1784. No record 
of his early life is given until his marriage in 1805 

* See biographical sketch of O. L. Chamberlain. 



to Mary Cheeseman, of N. J. They moved to 
Cayuga county in 1818, and after living there eight 
years removed to Mt. Morris and settled on the 
farm now occupied by their son, Win. H. Ten 
children were born to them named as follows: 
Eliza, Joseph C, Huldah Ann, Phcebe Maria, 
Eleanor, Prudence, John, James Barziilai, and W. 
H. Phcebe Maria, the oldest child now living, is 
the widow of David Truman, and resides in West 
Sparta. Eleanor, unmarried, resides in Mt. Mor- 
ris. Prudence, the wife of Frederick P. Hardy, 
now lives in Lima. John married Harriett Stone, 
of Mt. Morris, and has four children — Frank, 
Elmer, Mary and Edson. James B. married Eliza- 
beth Chapman, of West Sparta. W. H. married 
Josephine Millholland, of Mt. Morris. Nine chil- 
dren were born to them, eight of whom are now 
living as follows: — Molly, Helen L., Ida R., James 
C, Wm. W., Latetia, Josephine and Burgess. 

John occupies the farm adjoining that of W. H. 
His children are all married : Frank to Harmon 
Hall, and living in Kansas; Elmer to Virginia 
Chapman, of West Sparta ; Mary to Gerdell Linds- 
ley, of Dansville, and Edson to Jennie Knapp, of 
Ossian. The family of Wm. H. are unmarried 
and live at home. 

Jas. G. Perine first purchased eighty acres of 
heavily timbered land in Mt. Morris, having to clear 
a space for the erection of a log house into which 
he moved during the month of April, and by his 
untiring industry cleared four acres from which he 
raised a fine crop of com and potatoes the same 
season. Two years later he purchased eighty acres 
more, and with the help of his family cleared and 
worked the land so successfully that in 1836 he 
built the house now occupied by Wm. H. Of the 
many who moved into the county at that time none 
tasted more of the privations and discomforts of 
a pioneer life. He moved from Cayuga county 
with an ox team. The first winter spent in the log 
house was very disagreeable, as an improvised 
blanket was used as a door, and not being imper- 
vious to cats and dogs, they were greatly annoyed 
by the midnight raids of these animals. The team 
of white oxen which he owned were called the 
finest in the country and did the double duty of 
farm work during the week and drawing the family 
to church on the Sabbath. Mr. Perine was a mem- 
ber of the Union Corners Baptist Church, and was 
deacon of the same for several years. Being a man 
possessed of great energy and perseverance he 
raised a family that to-day are numbered among 
the substantial and respected citizens of the county. 
He died Feb. 9, 1869, and was buried in the cem- 
etery at Union Corners. 



WILLIAM VAN DOREN. 

William VanDoren whose grandfather came 
from Holland at an early day and located in New 
Jersey, is one of the self-made men of this county. 
His father, John VanDoren, was born in New 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Jersey September ,3. 1780, and married Alclisy 
Voorhees, from which union eleven children were 
born, as follows: — Cornelius, Elizabeth V., Maria, 
Sarah Jane (deceased). C. V., Ellen Ann, William, 
Catharine, Sarah J., John V., and Henry W. 

John VanDoren died March 21, 1856, and his 
wife September 23, 1868. They were buried in the 
kysorville cemetery. 

William VanDoren was born in the town of 
Skaneateles, Onondaga county, May 1, 1817 and 
in 1831 moved with his father's family to West 
Sparta, where he worked for him till twenty-two 
years of age, and then for Deacon Ammerman of 
Ml. Morris for twelve dollars per month. After 
working for him two years he married Jane K.. 
daughter of Kphraim Walker, of Mt. Morris, Feb- 
ruary 11, 1841. He then took land to work on 
shares until 1S50 when he bought twenty-five acres, 
running in debt for it, the total amount of his pos- 
sessions at that time being five hundred dollars. 
The venture proved a profitable one. and after 
working a little over three years, he purchased fifty- 
acres more and moved there with his family. With- 
in the next two years he bought twenty-seven acres 
of woodland which proved to be the most profita- 
ble of his investments. He then bought the Hun- 
gerford farm of seventy-six acres and moved there, 
where he lived six years, and then sold one hun- 
dred and two acres and purchased the farm, on 
which he now resides, containing one hundred acres. 
He is now the possessor of two hundred and sev- 
enty-six acres of land in the town of West Sparta. 
The pleasant home where he now resides, is 
situated about six miles from Dansville. He has 
two daughters, both of whom are married and 
settled within three miles of their old home, Mary 
J., having married Wm. A. Green and Jennie M., 
having married Edwin G. Stoner, both of West 
Sparta. 

In politics Mr. VanDoren is a Democrat, has 
held the office of Assessor six years, and in 1880 
was elected Supervisor by a large majority. He 
possesses, in a marked degree, those qualities which 
characterize the useful citizen, the good neighbor, 
the filial son and the kind and indulgent parent. 

The life of Mr. VanDoren, although containing 
no thrilling episodes, may well be regarded with 
attention by the young; commencing life but a 
poor boy, with his unaided arm he has conquered a 
place in the world that stands as an example to all. 

Mr. and Mrs. VanDoren are now in the autumn 
of life, enjoying the comforts of a happy home and 
fireside, and are members of the Methodist church, 
esteemed and beloved by family and friends. 

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. VanDoren 
came from Holland ; fought in the Revolution and 
was taken to Halifax a prisoner of war by the 
British. Her father was a soldier in the war of 
1 81 2, and was drawing a pension up to the time 
of his death. She was the second child in a fam- 
ily of nine 1))' his first wife, whose maiden name 
was Mary Lake, born in the town of Hoosick, 
Rensselear county, a woman of eminent piety, 
and half-sister to ten children by his second wife. 



CHAPTER XX. 
History of the Town of Nunda. 

Nl NDA lies in the south-western part of Living- 
ston county, being the last town but one on the 
south-western border. It is bounded on the north 
by Mount Morris; on the south by Grove, (Allegany 
county ;) easterly by West Sparta and Ossian, and 
westerly by the town of Portage. It has an area 
of 22,291 acres. The soil in some parts is a sandy 
loam ; in other parts a gravelly loam with an inter- 
mixture of clay. The soil is adapted to the cul- 
ture of cereals, of which, especially of wheat, the 
town was at one time a prolific producer. 

The Cashaqua Creek, the only stream of im- 
portance, rises in Grove, Allegany county, flows 
through the north-western part of the town and 
empties into the Canaseraga Creek between Dans- 
ville and Mount Morris, and thence into the Gene- 
see river, affording the chief motor power for the 
saw and grist mills scattered along its banks. 

The name Nunda is an Indian word said to sig- 
nify " the meeting of the hills ;" the popular signifi- 
cation being " Potatoe Ground," applied because of 
the richness of the soil, which favored the culture 
of that tuber. Tradition says there was in early 
times an Indian village called Nunda[ah,] but it 
was abandoned at the beginning of the Revolution- 
ary war, and its exact location is now unknown. 

Nunda was originally twelve by twenty-four miles, 
embracing the towns of Portage, Pike, Grove, 
Granger, Centreville, Eagle, Hume, and Genesee 
Falls. It has now a territory of about six miles 
square. The town of Nunda was formed from 
Angelica, Allegany county, March 1 ith, 1S0S. At 
an early day its people desired to be annexed to 
Livingston county, and soon after this county was 
organized began to take steps to secure that end. 
In 1846 they succeeded, and Nunda was taken 
from Allegany and annexed to Livingston county. 

The early settlers came chiefly from New Eng- 
land, New Jersey, and from Cayuga county, N. V. 
A few were from Pennsylvania, and from Oneida 
county, in this State. The settlers came to this 
new country with oxen and sleds, and some 
with horse teams. Those who came from a dis- 
tance journeyed by the Erie canal to Rochester, 
and from thence traveled overland to this valley. 
Their scanty stock of goods was drawn by teams 
from Rochester and Albany, and Catskill, while 
others shipped their goods on keel boats from 
Rochester to Geneseo, and from there conveyed 




VIEW OF BARNS. 



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RESIDENCE AND GROUNDS OF EO. 




nson, Nunda, Livingston, Co. N.Y. 



NUNDA— EARLY SETTLERS. 



2 43 



them by team to this town. For years there were 
but few to fell the forests, and cultivate the land 
which their hardy hands had rescued from its primi- 
tive wilderness ; while for many years there were, 
in all this surrounding region, but few schools in 
log-houses, with but few pupils, and but few of the 
comforts and conveniences of society and religion 
with which the town is now so abundantly favored. 

The honor of the first residency in the town has 
been ascribed to Phineas Bates and Bela Elderkin, 
who located near the present village of Nunda in 
1 806. A closer investigation shows that they were 
not what was termed settlers, but "squatters," who 
occupied land in that locality before it had entered 
the market for public sales ; and who, upon the in- 
coming of purchasing residents, moved onward to 
newer and unlocated lands. 

The lands in this vicinity were put into the mar- 
ket by McSweeny, agent for Luke Tiernan, 

of Baltimore, owner of the Tuscarora Tract, which 
embraced fully one-half of the township. After 
these lands were opened for sale by McSweeny as 
resident agent, the first actual settlers in the pres- 
ent limits of Nunda, as near as can be learned, 
were the families of James A. Paine, Reuben Bates, 
and George W. Merrick, who came in the spring 
of 181 7, James A. Paine coming March 15th, 
1817. 

It is known that in the previous year — 181 6 — 
there came to Nunda, John and Jacob Passage, 
Schuyler Thompson, Henry Root, John White, and 
Abraham Acker; but it is not known that they 
settled within the present limits of Nunda, for at 
that time the township contained a much larger 
area than at present. 

George W. Merrick built the first frame house 
ever erected in the town. When he came to Nunda 
in 1 81 7 he bought some land, and a log-house 
partly finished, for forty dollars in gold. He raised 
the roof and shingled it with shingles of his own 
make without the use of a nail ; laying on a course 
of shingles and then putting on a pole to weight 
them down, and so on till the roof was completed. 
Mr. Merrick was one of the township's most ener- 
getic and prominent lesidents. He held the office 
of Supervisor six terms, and was Justice of the 
Peace for sixteen years. 

Noah Warren was among the first settlers in 
Nunda, coming in 1816 from Cherry Valley, Otsego 
county. Remaining but a short time he went from 
here to Massachusetts, and returned in April 1819. 
The first night of his stay in this locality he passed 
with George Patterson, who lived at Oakland in a 



little log-cabin in which he could hardly stand up- 
right. 

Mr. Warren settled at first near what was known 
as " the Corners." He located one hundred acres 
on the tract then known as the Norton Tract, 
cleared about fifty acres, and lived there until 1823, 
when he moved to the Tuscarora Tract, where he 
purchased sixty acres. 

At that time the land where the village now 
stands could have been bought for seven dollars 
per acre. There was a log house occupying the 
ground where the Livingston House now stands, 
and whortleberries could be picked on what are 
now the main streets. 

Other settlers located rapidly after the opening 
of these lands for sale. Among the earlier of these 
was James H. Rawson, who came to Nunda in 
1 819, and settled near the south line of the town. 
He lived to see thrifty farms take the place of 
forests, an enterprising and beautiful village spring 
up on the site of unkept and unsalable lowlands, 
and to witness all of the improvements which have 
added to the wealth and industry of the town. Mr. 
Rawson held for a number of years the office of 
Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk. 
He died August 7th, 1879, in his eighty-third year. 
Adaline R. Barker, now in Nunda, is his daughter. 

Other early settlers were Reuben and Peleg 
Sweet, Abner Tuttle, David Corey and brother; 
John H. Townser ; Willoughby Lowell, who came 
in 1818, and in that year built the first saw-mill; 
Alanson Hubbell, who came in 1S19, and who 
kept in 1820, the first hotel in Nunda, which stood 
where the Nunda House now stands; William P. 
Wilcox, in 1820, and who built a residence be- 
tween Nunda village and Nunda station, at what 
was called " Wilcox Corners," probably so named 
in his honor; Henry C. Jones, in 1820, and 
Nathaniel Clough, who came in 1821 or 1822. 

James A. Paine, William P. Wilcox and George 
W. Merrick assisted in laying out and building the 
State road in 182 1. Earl J. Paine and L. F. 
Paine, now living in Nunda, are sons to James A. 
Paine, and are about the only survivors of the early 
settlers. Earl J. Paine was ten years old when his 
father located in the town in 181 7. L. F. Paine 
is still a hale and rugged man, with a powerful 
memory, and one who has played a by no means 
unimportant part in the upbuilding of the town. 
From him we learn that the early settlers lived a 
life of roughness and severity compared to the lives 
of their descendants. 

Living in houses built from logs hewed from the 



244 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



forests which surrounded them; subsisting on what 
they could cultivate from the meager patches of 
land hurriedly cleared, or on the scant produce 
procured miles away in the more settled towns; 
toiling early and toiling late, and dressing in home- 
spun from their own looms ; theirs was a rugged 
life and demanded more than ordinary persever- 
ance and self-denial, to procure a living for them- 
selves ami families. 

Shingle making and lumbering was at first the 
only important business, the former being made 
there for fifty cents per thousand, and the best 
lumber selling for two dollars per thousand feet. 
In those days deer were abundant. There were 
also some bears and elk, but not in large numbers. 
Wolves were so plentiful that the settlers could 
keep but few sheep, and a reward was paid by the 
town for the killing of each wolf. Wheat drawn 
to Rochester, then a three days' journey, sold for 
three and sixpence per bushel, which was consid- 
ered a good price. It cost them twelve dollars 
per year to get delivered in Nunda a small paper 
published at Geneseo. 

In 1820 the Hon. Charles Carroll superintended 
the sale of lands in this locality. He afterwards 
purchased the land on which the village of Nunda 
now stands, which he laid out in the year 1824. 

The first grist mill was built by Samuel Swain 
and Lindsley Joslyn in 1828. William Alward, or 
C. C. Ashley, built the first tannery. William P. 
Wilcox kept the first store near the Centre in 1820. 
M. F. Blanchard and John Gilmore were the first 
doctors. The first death was that of Cornelius 
Bulson, who was killed by the falling of a tree in 
1820. He was buried on the farm since owned 
by Mr. Partridge. There was no clergyman in 
the town at that time to conduct the services; a 
neighbor read a chapter from the Bible, prayer was 
offered, and the service ended. In 1832 the Eagle 
Hotel was built by James Heath, who kept it for 
two or three years. It was for years the largest 
hotel in this section of country, and was con- 
sidered one of the sights of the town. It occupied 
the ground where the Livingston House now 
stands. 

Under Andrew Jackson's administration — 1832 
— the first postoftice was established in what is now 
Nunda village, and Lindsley Joslyn was appointed 
postmaster. The office stood on the corner of 
Mill and State streets, where the store of W. B. 
Whitcomb now stands. 

After the town of Portage was set off in 1827, 
George W. Merrick was the fust Supervisor of 



Nunda; J. H. Rawson, the first Town Clerk, and 
William Richardson the first Justice of the Peace. 

The first town meeting held in Nunda when it 
embraced its original territory, and in the year 
when it was erected into a township from Angelica, 
Allegany county, was in the house of Peter (1 ran- 
ger, April 4, 1809. F.li Griffith was elected Su- 
pervisor, and Asahel Trowbridge, Town Clerk. 

The first town meeting after Nunda attained its 
present limits, and had been annexed to Livingston 
county, was held at the Eagle Hotel, kept at that 
time by F. S. Cooley, in the village of Nunda. 
March 3d, 1846. 

At that meeting the following town officers were 
elected : Edward Swain, Supervisor ; Charles E. 
Crary, Town Clerk ; Earl J. Paine, Highway 
Commissioner. 

The following have been the Supervisors and 
Clerks succeeding that date to the present time: — 



Supervisors. 



Town Clerks. 



1847. Edward Swain. Charles E. Crary. 

1848. Samuel Skinner. " 
1849-50. " Edgar M. Brown.* 

1851. " James H. Camp. 

1852. Elisha Whipple. " 

1853- t . 

1854. Samuel Skinner. Peter Carter. J 

1855. " Bradford P. Richmond. 

1856. Lewis B.Warner. David D. Tuttle. 

1857. L. B. Warner. Hiram C. Grover. 
1858-59. " Lewis C. Skinner. 
i860. Samuel Skinner. Isaac Bronson. 

1861. " C. H. Herrick. 

1862. E. O. Dickinson. " 

1863. " Benj. F. Rollah. 

1864. Alfred Bell. Whitman Metcalf. 

1865. Herman D. Page. " 
1866-67. 

1868. " Edmond Daggett. 

1869. " Geo. W. Daggett. 

1870. " Milo S. Goldthwait. 

187 1. Jared P. Dodge. " 

1872. Klijah Youngs. Benj. F. Rollah. 

1873. Jared P. Dodge. 

1874-75. E. 0- Dickinson. " 

1876-77. Plin. 1). Lyon. 

1878. William M. Hunt. Adelbert Moot. 

1879. Wm. Y. Robinson. Wilford F. Willev. 

1880. " Benj. F. Rollah.' 
The following were the additional town officers 

for the year 1880: — 

Highway Commissioner, J. A. Paine ; Justices 
of the Peace, John F. Olney, W. S. Orcott, Moses 

• Edgar M. BroWD was appointed by the Justices of the Peace as Clerk 
for that year, no Clerk having been elected. 

t No Supervisor was elected that year ; Samuel Skinner and Alfred 
Bell each received 146 votes ; and there is no record showing that any one 
was appointed. 

t Charles I.. Spencer was soon after appointed Clerk vice Peter Carter 
resigned. Cartel nnuiving from thetown. 





-%*£*■ 




Photo, by Lynd, Nunda. 



Merman D. Page. 

Herman D. Page was born December 10, 1828, and Oct. 
22, 1852, married Margaret Consales, who died May 20, 
1855. By her he had one child. Came M., who is now 
wife of Hector Sinclair, of Jamestown. October 27, 
1887, he was again married to M. O. Warner, by whom 
he had three children as follows: — George W., Roy A., 
and Albert H. 

Mr Page has filled several offices in the town, being, 
in 1SG5, elected Supervisor and reflected five consecutive 
terms. He occupies the old homestead, which is beauti- 
fully situated about one mile east of the center of the 
village of Nuuda. There are two fine dwellings on his 
farm — which contains 285 acres — one of which is occu- 
pied by his tenant. Aside from the fine crops yearly 
produced, Mr. Page carries on quite an extensive dairy, 
having from twenty-five to thirty cows. He takes great 
interest in keeping up his stock, the farm being particu- 
larly adapted to this branch of work, as it contains sev- 
eral very fine springs which are never dry. 

After the death of his father, he purchased the interest 
of the heirs and to-day is sole owner of the homestead. 
In politics Mr. Page is a Republican, but liberal in his 
views, believing that all men should worship and vote as 
their conscience dictates. 



Alberj- Page. 



The ancestors of our subject were of English origin 
and moved into this country as early as the eighteenth cen- 
tury, participating in the Revolutionary war and the war 
of 1812. Albert Page, sou of Eli Page, of Bradford, 
Conn., was born in Paris, Oneida county, in 1800. He 
moved into Nunda at the age of twenty-three, and cleared 
from an unbroken forest the foundation of what is now 
one of the finest farms in the town. After making a 
clearing he erected a log house and returned to his native 
place, where he married Jerusha C. Tyler. Returning, 
he added 100 acres to his original purchase of fifty, after- 
wards adding thirty-five and fifty acres. He was married 
three times and is the father of nine children, six of whom 
are now living as follows : — O. A., in Ionia county, Mich. : 
H. D., in Nunda, on the old homestead; Ava E., at 
Pleasant Gap, Mo.: Edward E., and John E., at Apple- 
ton, Mo., and Mary L. , wife of Charles Giddings of 
Nuuda. 

The second wife of Mr. Page was Abigail Hanford, 
and his third, Eliza Weeks, still lives to mouru his 
loss. He was a Whig and afterwards a Republican. He 
filled the position of Assessor aud Highway Commission- 
er for several years, aud in lS(>2-3 was Assistant Revenue 
Assessor aud Collector. Mr. Page possessed those quali- 
ties that make the kind parentand influential citizen. He 
was a deacon in the Baptist church for a number of years. 
He died August 22. 1876. 



VILLAGE OF NUNDA. 



2 45 



Wescott, M. H. Wakeman; Assessors, John W. 
Banker, D. S. Paine, George Passage; Overseer 
of the Poor, Alfred Tabor ; Collector, Alfred W. 
Skinner; Constables, Alfred W. Skinner, Isaac 
Preston, Ezra W. Davis, Charles Dunn ; Game 
Constable, J. B. Satterlee, Jr. 

For twenty years, with but one exception, the 
town meetings were held in the Eagle Hotel. 

Nunda has enjoyed numerous improvements 
which have aided the business capacities of the 
town. Among these was the Genesee Valley ca- 
nal which traversed the northwestern corner of the 
town, and which for years was an important factor 
in the business of Nunda. This channel of com- 
merce opened up to transportation the vast lumber 
regions of Livingston and Allegany counties, and 
for the greater part of its course passed through 
some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in 
the State. From this point to Portage it had a 
great elevation, which, with its deep cuts through 
embankments, its numerous locks, and the natural 
scenery through which it passed, made an exceed- 
ingly picturesque view. But now all this has 
changed. The forests have been cleared up, the 
great bulk of the lumber shipped, railroads thrust 
out their competitive branches, and the canal ceas- 
ing to be self-supporting was abandoned a few 
years ago. * It is no longer the busy commercial 
thoroughfare of yore ; the boats have ceased to run ; 
wild grasses grow in the bed of the stream ; the 
locks are moss covered and decaying ; and ruin 
reigns over what was once not only picturesque, 
but the pride of citizens and a spur to business 
activity. 

The Rochester, Nunda and Pennsylvania rail- 
road was another improvement which bid fair to be 
of the greatest importance to Nunda. The object 
of this enterprise was to open to the markets of the 
north the vast forests of timber and the bituminous 
coal basin of Pennsylvania, which the road was to 
have penetrated for some fifty miles, and to make 
a direct communication by rail between Rochester 
and Pittsburgh, and the cities lying southwest of 
the latter. 

The cash cost of the road was estimated at 
$6,732,000. Towards this sum the citizens of 
Nunda contributed liberally. The entire length 
of the road was located, extending from Rochester, 
its northern terminus, to a junction with Bennett's 
branch of the Allegany Valley railroad, its southern 
terminus, in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, a dis- 
tance of two hundred miles. For that distance the 



* 1877. 



right of way was in great part secured, and a por- 
tion paid for. The grading, bridges and fencing 
were all under contract, the road was graded from 
Belvidere, Allegany county, to Sonyea, Mount 
Morris, and for some distance beyond toward 
Rochester, and the track was laid for some thirteen 
miles over which cars ran. Work on this road 
was extended over a space of three years, when 
the enterprise was abandoned for lack of funds 
with which to complete it. 

In 1875, Nunda had a population of 2,697, of 
which 2,477 were of native and 220 of foreign 
origin. The white population was 2,864, while of 
the colored race the town contained but 13 
persons. 

The sex of the population was 1,397 males and 
1,300 females. In the township there were but 19 
aliens. The persons of school age, over five and un- 
der eighteen years of age, were, males, 329 ; females, 
354; and in the town there were but three persons 
twenty-one years old and upwards unable to read 
and write. The number of males of voting age 
was 756 total; of which 650 were native, 97 
naturalized, and 9 aliens. 

The area of improved land was 15,440 acres; of 
woodland, 3,747 acres, and of other unimproved 
land, 1,891 acres. 

The cash value of farm lands was $1,009,325 ; 
of farm buildings, exclusive of dwellings, $143,310; 
of farm stock, $129,737; of farming tools and im- 
plements, $42,038. 

Of this area of farming land, 4,949 acres were 
plowed ; 4,398 acres were devoted to pasture, and 
3,213 acres were mown, producing 3,575 tons of 
hay; 407 acres were devoted to the culture of bar- 
ley, producing a yield of 5,561 bushels. 

Nunda. 

Nunda is situated in the north-western part of 
the town, and is a village closely bordering on the 
realm of the picturesque. Nestling in a valley some 
two miles wide ; surrounded on nearly all sides by 
highlands of unusual beauty, on whose slopes are 
some of the finest farms in the county ; with its 
wide and level streets, well paved and shaded walks ; 
with its stately churches and fine residences, and 
every evidence of business activity and thrift, — all 
combine to make it one of the pleasantest villages 
in the State. It is twenty miles from Angelica on 
the south; eighteen from Dansville on the east; 
eleven from Mount Morris on the north, and a 
mile and a half from the Erie railroad at Nunda 
Station, from which point it is accessible by stage. 



24^' 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The business part of the village faces on a broad 
square, and contains several groceries, two drug 
stores, millinery shops, clothing houses, dry goods, 
boot and shoe and hardware stores, harness shops, 
jewelry stores, marble factory, public hall, two 
banks, two hotels, and a newspaper and general 
printing office, all of which are kept up in good 
style and bear evidences of prosperity. 

A noticeable feature of the village is that the 
residences and business houses are uniformly good, 
many quite fine ; and there is a pleasing lack of 
squallid and dilapidated buildings soapt to be seen 
in villages half a century old. 

The Nunda House, \V. W. Church, proprietor, 
stands on the corner of State and Portage streets, 
and is a large roomy hotel, superior in many re- 
spects to public houses usual to villages of that 
size. 

The Eagle Hotel, on East street, C. Smith, pro- 
prietor, built in 1832 — as before mentioned — is 
a hotel of historic interest. For nearly half a 
century it has kept open doors for the accommo- 
dation of travelers and for the benefit of residents 
of the town, and is still as hospitable as in bygone 
days. A few years ago it was moved from the site 
it occupied, on the corner where the Livingston 
House now stands, to its present location. It is a 
long, low building, with a veranda across the entire 
front, and retains nearly the form in which it was 
built. The large building on the corner of State 
and East streets was erected a few years ago and 
was devoted to the uses of a hotel and named the 
"Livingston House." It was abandoned for such 
purposes, the ground rooms turned into various 
business places, and the upper floors changed into 
offices, and a hall for political and general public 
business. 

The Xuiicia News, the only newspaper in the 
town was established in 1859 by C. K. Sanders, 
who still continues as its editor and proprietor, and 
who is also the present postmaster, having held that 
office for a number of years. 

The village has several lodges in good working 
order, — Kishequa Lodge, No. 299, F. and A. M., 
organized in 185 1. 

Ancient Order United Workingmen, organized 
in 1879. 

The Foresters, a benefit order on the insurance 
plan, organized in 1879, and 

The Union, an order somewhat similar to the 
former, organized in 1880. 

The village is favored with a fine body of musi- 
cians, the Livingston Cornet Band, containing 



thirteen pieces, and organized in 1S79, under the 
leadership of W. H. Willard. 

Among its other attractions Nunda is favored 
with a mineral spring, whose medicinal properties 
are becoming quite celebrated. 

The spring is situated about half a mile from the 
village on the land of Daniel Passage. The spring 
was discovered in 1867 by Mr. Passage, while dig- 
ging for water for his stock. Noticing that the 
water had an unusually acrid and bitter taste he 
was induced to have it analyzed, the analysis show- 
ing that it contained in large quantities the sul- 
phates of magnesia ami lime, together witli the 
carbonates of lime and iron. 

A large and attractive building has been erected 
on a commanding portion of the land for the ac- 
commodation of visitors wishing to test the quali- 
ties of the water, and pass the summer days amidst 
the delightful scenery of this section of country. 

The first permanent settlers in the village were 
Deacon Rawson, Asa Heath, Samuel Swain, David 
Bassett and James M. Heath. The first frame house 
in the village was built in 1824 by Asa Heath, who 
came from Washington county, and settled in 
Nunda in 1820. A portion of the house he built is 
still standing. In 1824 the village was laid out with 
some degree of system, and in fifteen years after 
was incorporated, April 26, 1839. The first meet- 
ing held for the election of village officers was on 
Tuesday, the nth day of June, 1839, at the Eagle 
Hotel, at which meeting the following officers were 
elected : — 

Trustees, Benedict Bagley, Russell Barnes, Wal- 
ter Whitcomb, Calvin B. Lawrence, David Holmes. 
Assessors, Calvin B. Lawrence and Samuel Swain, 

Jr. 

At a meeting of the trustees held at the office of 
Benedict Bagley on the following Thursday, June 
13, 1839, Nathaniel Coe was appointed Clerk, 
William D. Hammond, Collector, and Albert H. 
Prescott, Pound Master. 

The following were other appointments made by 
the trustees at that date : — 

Fire Wardens, Clifford Chaffee, li. P. Richmond, 
W. M. Chipman, Henry C. Jones. Members of 
Hook and Ladder Company, Addison M. Crane, 
Hiram C. Grover, Thomas Raines, Francis F. Gibbs, 
Joseph White, James Swain, Jehiel Reed, Henry 
Ashley, Doctor D. Morse, Henry Chalker. 

Lawvers. — Benedict Bagley, at whose office this 
meeting is mentioned as being held, was one of the 
most prominent men in the town for nearly a quar- 
ter of a century. lie came to Nunda in 1S32 and 






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VILLAGE OF NUNDA— PHYSICIANS, BANKS. 



247 



remained till 1855, when he went to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and engaged in the banking business. 

He was a lawyer of no mean ability, and held a 
high place at the bar, but his interest in other 
business led him to gradually give up active prac- 
tice. When he came to Nunda it was a small ham- 
let, and he resided in a house where Grace church 
now stands. He took a prominent part in the local 
affairs of the town ; was one of the first trustees, 
and held the office of Justice for one term. He 
was a stockholder and one of the directors in the 
Cornell Telegraph line, laid through that region in 
1850. 

He was also Attorney for and Vice-President of 
the Buffalo and New York City Railroad during its 
construction from Hornellsville to Buffalo, now the 
Buffalo Branch of the Erie Railroad. He also en- 
gaged in building railroads in the West. Previous 
to his removal to Cincinnati he was interested in a 
contract on the Chicago and Mississippi Railroad 
near Springfield, 111. He died in Dansville, Novem- 
ber 4, 1875, at the age of seventy-five. 

Among other lawyers of the past were A. C. 
Chipman and Luther C. Peck, the latter holding a 
prominent position at the bar. He represented in 
Congress the Thirtieth Congressional district, con- 
sisting of Livingston and Allegany counties, his 
Congressional career extending from 1837 to 1841. 

The present lawyers of Nunda are Peck & Wil- 
ley — the former a son of Luther C. Peck, and who 
has inherited much of his father's legal acumen — 
Osgoodby & Moot, Daggett & Norton, E. W. Pack- 
ard, D. S. Robinson, Frank Dake, E. C. Olney, W. 
S. Coffin, H. M. Dake. 

Physicians. — Among the past physicians of the 
town were, Dr. Wright, W. G. Blanchard in 1829; 
John Gilmore, who moved to Nebraska, but at 
what date is unknown. The present doctors are 
William B. Alley, who has been in Nunda seven- 
teen years. He graduated at the Berkshire Medi- 
cal College, Pittsfield, Mass., and has been in prac- 
tice thirty-one years. 

C. L. Harding, who located in Nunda in 1846, 
graduated at Cincinnati. Has been in practice 
thirty-four years. 

S. C. Upson, a licentiate of New York State, 
has resided in Nunda thirty-five years, and has 
been in practice sixty years. 

John B. Sabin graduated at Buffalo, N. Y., and 
has been in Nunda about ten years. 

Mrs. Doctor Whitcomb, (Homeopathic,) gradu- 
ated at Boston ; has been in practice four years. 

T. A. Hammond, graduated at Pulta Medical 



School, Cincinnati, (Homeopathic,) has been in 
practice one year. 

Banks. — The Nunda Bank was organized in 
May, 1873, as a private bank. The officers are 
Robert J. Baity, President; W. B. Whitcomb, 
Vice-President ; John E. Mills, Cashier. The office 
is situated on the corner of State and East streets, 
in the Livingston House building. 

The First National Bank of Nunda was organ- 
ized February 5, 1875, the articles of association 
being drawn and signed on that day. 

The directors were elected the 12th of February 
as follows:— John F. Barber, Michael Dowling, 
John M. Griffeth, James S. McMaster, Gordon L. 
Gilbert. President, John F. Barber ; Vice-Presi- 
dent, John M. Griffeth ; Cashier, James S. McMas- 
ter. The bank commenced business April 1st, 
1875, succeeding the Bank of Nunda, a private bank 
established in 1868. The capital was $50,000 in 
$100.00 shares. The present directors and offi- 
cers are John F. Barber, Peter DePuy, William Y. 
Robinson, Gordon L. Gilbert, John M. Griffeth. 
President, John F. Barber ; Vice-President, John 
M. Griffeth ; Cashier, Peter DePuy. 

The Oakwood Cemetery Association. — This 
association was formed June 17, 1865, conformable 
to an Act passed April 27, 1847, authorizing the 
incorporation of Rural Cemetery associations. At 
that meeting the following trustees were elected : — 
Hon. Alfred Bell, Robert J. Baity, John Angier, 
Willard Wood, Cyrus Rose, E. O. Dickinson, L. 
B. Warner. 

The members of the society are the same as the 
officers given, with the following additions — Walter 
Whitcomb, Henry Lambert and Henry Martin. 

The Pioneer Association of Nunda and Por- 
tage. — The first meeting for the formation of this 
society was held August nth, 1877, at which meet- 
ing it was 

"Resolved to organize a Pioneer Association 
for the towns of Nunda and Portage, for the 
purpose of gleaning and preserving facts per- 
taining to the early and modern history of these 
localities." 

On Saturday. August 18th, 1877, the permanent 
organization was effected with the appended list of 
officers and members : — 

President, Utley Spencer ; Vice Presidents, Am- 
nion Smith, of Portage, and John Gilmore of 
Nunda ; Secretary and Treasurer, C. K. Sanders ; 
Historians, B. P. Richmond, Nunda, Charles D. 
Bennett, Portage ; Medical Statisticians, Dr. Wil- 
liam B. Alley, Nunda, B. F. Kneeland, Portage; 
Executive and Financial Committee, Joel C. Ben- 



248 



HISTORY OF I.IVLVGSTON COUNTY. 



nett, E. O. Dickinson. The object of this society 
is to procure and preserve whatever may be of His- 
torical interest to these towns, and to gather such 
statistics relating to education, population, the 
growth, general prosperity, and business of this lo- 
cality as may be of public utility. Such an asso- 
ciation must be of great benefit to any town if its 
object be to any great extent attained. A few 
years hence and its worth will be fully appreciated 
if not in the present decade. An important feature 
in the society is the keeping of a book of registry, 
in which all members are required to sign their 
own names, that their autographs may be pre- 
served. The meetings of the association are held 
annually. 

Educational Institutions. — Thirty years ago 
Nunda had an enviable reputation for the high 
character of its schools. In fact, there were few if 
any villages in the State whose facilities for educa- 
tional purposes were equal to hers. Various causes, 
not the most unimportant of which was the indif- 
ference of the people to educational matters, led to 
a decline in the high character of the schools ; and 
though not now behind the times in educational 
facilities, it must be confessed that up to 1876 its 
former glory had, to a great extent, departed. 

The Nunda Literary Institute was opened in 
1843, and was for years a widely known and in- 
fluential school of learning. The first term began 
May 1st, 1843, with Rev. Amasa Buck, Principal; 
Mary S. Buck, Preceptress ; and Eliza Brown, 
Musical Teacher. It had a thorough course in 
English, French, Latin, Greek and Music, and was 
well attended by pupils from various parts of the 
country. Occupying so high a position it had a 
prosperous career till the building was destroyed by 
fire May 2, 1859, when the school was adjourned 
and never fully resumed. A few years after the 
burning of the Institute building a united effort was 
made by the people, and a new and commodious 
brick building was erected. In this building began 
the existence of the Nunda Academy which con- 
tinued till 1876. On the whole this was a success- 
ful school, and left its impress in the community ; 
but it suffered, like most of the Academies of the 
State, by a frequent change of principals. Becom- 
ing apparent to the people that as an Academy it 
ceased to accomplish the work which it was felt the 
community needed, a movement was started to 
consolidate the adjacent districts and form a Union 
graded School, which object which was accom- 
plished on Tuesday evening, August 15, 1876, when 
five districts were consolidated into one. 



On Saturday evening, August 12, 1876, pursuant 
to a resolution of a previous meeting, the election 
of a Board of Education took place. The trustees 
elected were as follows: — 

One year — Cyrus Rose, James McNair, Daniel 
Passage. 

Two years — John F. Olney, James Leraen, 
Samuel Swain. 

Three years — L. B. Warner, J. V. D. Coon, E. 
O. Dickinson. 

At this meeting W. S. Coffin, Esq., offered the 
following resolution, which was adopted: — 

'•Whereas, there exists within the limits of this 
Union Free School District an academy known as 
the Nunda Academy, and an academic institution 
is needed in said district, therefore 

" Resolved, That the Board of Fducation of this 
Union Free School District be, and they are 
hereby authorized and directed (by and with the 
consent of the trustees of the Nunda Academy,) to 
adopt said Nunda Academy as the academic de- 
partment of this Union Free School District." 

The trustees of the academy consented, and 
thus was formed the Nunda Academy and Union 
Free School. 

A meeting of the Board of Education was held 
on the succeeding Monday, and the following 
officers were chosen : — 

President, J. V. D. Coon ; Secretary, J. F. Olney ; 
Treasurer, L. B.Warner; Committee on Teachers, 
Samuel Swain, James Lemen, Dr. Coon ; Com- 
mittee on Repairs and Supplies, Cyrus Rose, Dan- 
iel Passage, E. O. Dickinson. 

In 1877 the school opened with the subjoined 
faculty : — 

M. T. Dana, Principal; Miss Frankie Hinds, 
Mrs. Nellie Ransom, Miss Mattie McNair. 

The Board of Education and Faculty for 1880-81 
are as follows: — 

H. D. Page. President; J. F. Olney, Secretary; 
L. B. Warner, A. C. Dodge, E. W. Packard, 
James Lemen, Virgil Hungerford, Fidelia J. M. 
Whitcomb, S. Augusta Herrick. 

M. T. Dana, Principal; Carrie A. Van Ness, 
Academic Assistant ; Frankie Hinds, Preparatory 
Department ; Mrs. Nellie Ransom, Intermediate 
Department ; Mattie McNair, Primary Depart- 
ment; Mary N. Coffin, Primary Department. 

The school is free to all actual residents of the 
town, and although the attempt to consolidate the 
districts was earnestly opposed by many of the 
inhabitants as an unwise plan, their experience has 
demonstrated that it was both a wise and a bene- 
ficial movement. 



VILLAGE OF NUNDA — CHURCHES. 



249 



The number of districts having school houses in 
the town are twelve, employing eighteen teachers. 

There are in these districts 790 scholars over 
five and under twenty-one years of age; the num- 
ber of children attending school during the year 
being 639. 

During the past year school has been taught 355 
weeks, with an average attendance of 385, and an 
expenditure of $4,382.82 for teachers for the year. 
There was paid for school apparatus during the 
year but $3.69, while for libraries there was ex- 
pended $39.35. The total value of the district 
libraries is $398. The total incidental expenses 
for the year were $431.18. There has been paid 
out for school houses, sites, fences, furniture, 
repairs, &c, the sum of $974.78. The school 
houses and sites are valued at $16,480; and the 
total valuation of districts is $1,213,949. 

The present officers of the village of Nunda 
are: — 

Chris. Smith, Mayor and Deputy Sheriff; F. P. 
Thomas, Trustee ; R. J. Baity, Trustee ; B. F. Rol- 
lah, Village Clerk ; John E. Mills, Treasurer. 

Churches. — Coming as many of the early set- 
tlers did from the New England States, where 
religious observances had for years been as much a 
part of their nature as the breath they drew, it was 
natural that the pioneers in this new region should 
still lovingly cling to those observances and endeavor 
to form as early as possible societies for the wor- 
ship of God. Hence we find that in the very first 
years of the settlement a movement was begun to 
incorporate into a society the people of religious 
antecedents. The first society thus formed was 
by the Baptists in 1819, under the efforts of Elder 
Samuel Messenger. Elder Messenger came from 
the town of Phelps, Ontario county, and located 
near the hamlet of Oakland on a farm, which the 
greater part of his time he was obliged to cultivate 
to derive subsistence for himself and family. He 
found in the valley several people who were mem- 
bers of Baptist churches in the places from whence 
they had come; and who anxious to be associated 
in one common body, with his advice and assist- 
ance drew up a list of articles of faith and cove- 
nant, to which twelve members subscribed. To 
this body of pioneer worshipers Elder Messenger 
extended the hand of fellowship as a regular, inde- 
pendent Baptist Church, at a meeting held for 
such organization at the house of Mr. Button in 
Hunt's Hollow,* May 21, 1819. 

* In Portage now, but which at that date was part of Nunda. 



The names of the twelve subscribing members 
were : — 

Russell Messenger, Schuyler Thompson, Elijah 
Bennett, Aaron Thompson, Aaron Thompson, Jr., 
Jacob Devoe, Wm. Greening, Susanna Greening, 
Huldah Root, Rhoda Ann Bennett, Sally Thompson. 
Elijah Bennett was chosen clerk, which office he held 
until October 5, 1820, when he resigned and Jas. 
H. Rawson was elected to fill his place. 

After the organization of the church, the first 
member who joined it was Willoughby Lowell, 
who presented his letter and was received to mem- 
bership at the first covenant meeting June 5, 1820, 
James H. Rawson was the first member received 
into the church by baptism. 

In October, 1820, Elijah Bennett, one of the 
first subscribing members, having by his ability and 
zeal shown himself adapted to ministerial work, 
was duly ordained as a minister by elders Bradley, 
Case and Messenger. In that year Schuyler 
Thompson, Elias Rawson and James H. Rawson 
were elected deacons. 

In 1820 this church was annexed to the Ontario 
Baptist Association, which connection was severed 
in 1824. when it united with the Holland Purchase 
Association. The organization of this church and 
society in a legal form occurred on the 8th of Oc- 
tober, 1827, when Daniel Ashley, Silas Warren and 
John Waite were chosen trustees. In the twelve 
succeeding years the trustees were annually elected 
according to the laws of the State; but at the an- 
nual meeting in April, 1840, it having become ne- 
cessary to be more explicit, in order to possess and 
hold real estate this body was regularly incorpor- 
ated pursuant to the statutes of the Legislature, 
and under such corporation Samuel Swain, Jr., 
Albert Page and Edward H. Brackett, were elected 
trustees. At this date the membership for the 
first time since the organization, numbered one 
hundred, which, in July of the following year, was 
reduced to eighty-two by the withdrawing of Curtis 
Coe, Thaddeus Bennett, John Gearhart and fifteen 
other members to form the Grove and Portage 
Church at Hunt's Hollow. 

In the infancy of the church its meetings were 
held in private houses, log school-houses and in 
barns. In 1827, at the annual church meeting in 
April, the following resolution was adopted: — 

" Voted, that we hold our meetings from the first 
Sabbath in May until the 1st of October in one 
place, and that shall be at Mr. Jones' barn. 

In June, 1827, this church was incorporated in 
the Genesee River Association formed at that 



J 5° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



date, in which body it still retains a membership. 
The Society at this union with the above asso- 
ciation began to feel the need of a settled and 
central place of meeting, and soon after were al- 
lowed the use of a school-house in a central local- 
ity, and which the society enlarged at its own ex- 
pense. In this house their meetings were held for 
a short time, when it was found too small to ac- 
commodate the increasing congregation and a 
more suitable place was sought. 

Early in 1832, by a united effort, they com- 
menced the erection of a house of worship which 
was located on the corner of Mill and Church 
streets, and which in the following winter was com- 
pleted and dedicated. Long before its dedication 
it was needed for their use. Furnishing it with 
temporary seats their regular services were held on 
the Sabbath day, and the church at this time 
passed through one of its most important revivals, 
during which more than eighty united by baptism. 
At the succeeding meeting of the Association, the 
membership of this church was reported as two 
hundred and twenty-eight. The rapidly increas- 
ing congregation made it necessary in a few years 
to erect a larger place of worship, which, by an 
earnest and united effort, was partly accomplished 
in 184c, and completed and dedicated in 1842. 

This is the edifice now standing on the south- 
east corner of Church and East streets. The form- 
er building was sold and converted to the use of 
an academy for the Nunda Literary Institute, and 
was used by that society until May 2, 1859, when 
it was destroyed by the torch of an incendiary. 

The lives of the early pastors of this church and 
the pioneer ministers of this section of the country 
are full of interest in the exhibition of unselfishness 
and zeal with which they labored to foster and ex- 
tend the worship of God. 

Elder Messenger devoted a portion of his time 
for seven years to the upbuilding of this church, 
for which labor he received but little pecuniary 
compensation. His salary scarcely ever exceeded 
one hundred dollars per annum. 

In 1826, he resigned his pastorate and was suc- 
ceeded by Elder Elijah Bennett, whose ministerial 
labors extended to 1830, the last year being as- 
sisted a part of the time by Elder Harvey. He 
also preached in 1831-32. Elder Bennett died in 
Nunda, in 1835. In the latter part of 1832, the 
church came under the pastoral care of Elder Ezra 
W. Clark, who remained until 1836, when he re- 
signed on account of ill-health. He was succeeded 
by Elder Abram Ennis, who retained the pastorate 



till [840.* His salary was $400 for the first year, 
and $500 for each of the last three years. Elder 
J. W. Spoor, the next pastor, began his labors in 
October of 1840, and continued them until May, 
1844. Under his pastorate about two hundred 
and thirty members were added to the church, 
while a reduction in the membership of two hun- 
dred and five left a total of a little over five hun- 
dred at the time of his resignation. 

In May, 1844, Elder Ichabod Clark assumed 
the ministerial duties. Elder Clark's pastorate 
ended in May, 1848. In June of that year the 
membership reported was three hundred and sev- 
enty-nine, which exceeds the membership reported 
in any subsequent years. Elder Jira D. Cole suc- 
ceeded Elder Clark, and remained with this people 
about two years, during which time the church 
passed through a season of very deep trial, occa- 
sioned chiefly by connections with secret societies, 
in violation of resolutions which had been passed 
in 1827.1 

For some months after the expiration of Elder 
Cole's term the desk was supplied by a licentiate, 
when Elder P. B. Houghout was engaged but re- 
mained only a short time, resigning in July, 185 1, 
and Elder Spoor again assumed the pastorate in 
November, 1851, holding it till May, 1854. He 
was succeeded by Elder Whitman Metcalf, whose 
labors extended over a period of nine years. His 
advanced age and infirmities caused him to resign 
in May, 1863. He was succeeded by Elder J. J. 
Keyes, who labored here for nearly two years. He 
was succeeded by Elder J. B. Vroorman, who re- 
mained till April, 1870. 

Elder William Mudge came in May, 1870, re- 
maining until July, 1873, when he was succeeded 
by Elder C. B. Parsons, who continued from Oct., 
1873, to April 1st, 1876. The present pastor is 
Rev. J. D. Tucker, who came in April, 1876. 

Several members of this church have entered the 
ministry. Elijah Bennett, before mentioned as 
being ordained in 1820. Peter Robinson was or- 
dained to the work of the ministry in 1836. Newell 
Boughton was licensed in 1836, and subsequently 
ordained. James Work, a native of the Orkney 
Islands, was licensed in Hamilton, Canada, and 
united with this church in 1855. He completed a 
course of education at Rochester, and was or- 
dained here February n, 1863, being about to re- 
turn to his native land to preach to his country- 
men. Lysander L. Wellman was licensed in 1861 

* Klder Ennis died in Mendon, Monroe county, in 1845. 
I These resolutions were repealed in April, 1866. 



VILLAGE OF NUNDA — CHURCHES. 



2 5i 



and afterward ordained. Alvin \V. Tousey was 
licensed in 1861, was subsequently ordained, and 
went to Illinois where he engaged in the ministerial 
work. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Nit 11 da* — 
This, in point of time, was the next church to or- 
ganize for the worship of God; for among the in- 
coming tide of new settlers was an increasing num- 
ber of Presbyterian antecedents and associations, 
and it was but natural that they should wish to en- 
joy the same ministrations as to doctrines and or- 
dinances as those under which they had received 
their early training. 

Accordingly, upon the sixth of October, 183 j, 
they were organized into a Presbyterian church. 
The meeting for the organization was held in a 
school house near Deacon Wisner's, two miles 
northeast of the present site of the church. So far 
as can now be ascertained it seemed to have been 
a spontaneous movement among those of like mind 
and faith. No record and no personal recollec- 
tion of the oldest residents remains, pointing to 
any particular one as a leader of others. The 
ministers present and assisting in the organization, 
were Revs. Robert Hubbard, Abel Caldwell, and 
Ludovicus Robbins. The Elders were Joseph 
Waldo and Silas Olmstead. Of these ministers, 
Mr. Hubbard had organized the Presbyterian 
church at Angelica in 181 1, and preached there a 
number of years. He assisted in organizing the 
Presbyterian church at Dansville in 1825, and was 
for a number of years its pastor. He was subse- 
quently pastor of the church at Fowlerville, at 
which place he died in 1S40. Mr. Caldwell was 
the minister at Hunt's Hollow, to which place he 
had come, it is believed, from Bloom field. 

The entire number uniting at this organization 
was fourteen. Ten of these were by letter, and 
four upon profession of faith. Their names were : 
John Chapin, Clarissa Chapin, James Patterson, 
Sarah Patterson, Zaddock Herrick, Betsey Her- 
rick, Eliza Guy, Mille Pierce, Celestia J. Hills, 
Abraham Van Sickle. Those uniting upon pro- 
fession of faith were Sillah Lee, Lucinda Booth, 
William R. Duryee, and Mrs. Lany Duryee. 

It has been said that the church was organized 
first as Congregational, and afterward changed 
to Presbyterian by a vote of the members ; but ac- 
cording to the records, and from the recollections 
of many of the older members, it would appear 

* To Rev. B. S. Foster, a former pastor of this church, now in Spring- 
ville, N. Y., we are greatly indebted for a full and accurate history of this 
Society ; he having during his pastorale taken especial pains to glean all 
that was of historical interest, and which he kindly placed at our disposal. 



that the organization was designed from its origin 
to be Presbyterian, although there was no election 
and ordination of Elders until May 21, 1835. The 
business seems to have been transacted by church 
meetings, and practically the church was carried for- 
ward according to Congregational usage. 

The first clerk of the society was James Patter- 
son, Nathaniel Chandler succeeding him in office. 
At a meeting of the church which is without date, 
but which must have been soon after August 25, 
1833, David Shager and John Chapin were elected 
deacons. The former accepted, the latter declined. 
At a meeting held May 21, 1835, six ruling elders 
were elected as follows : — Samuel Swain and Rus- 
sell Barnes, for one year; Elihu Dickinson and 
Ephraim Smith, for two years; and John Chapin 
and Abraham Burgess for three years. At the same 
meeting it was voted to have four deacons — Guliel- 
mus Wing, one year ; David Thayer, two years ; 
Erastus Buck, three years; and Josiah Phelps, four 
years, all of whom accepted but Mr. Wing. This 
completed the organization as a church, which at 
this time was under the care of the Presbytery of 
Angelica, from which it was transferred to Ontario 
Presbytery, October 8, 1844. 

The first minister who assumed pastoral charge 
of this church was Rev. Ludovicus Robbins, who 
remained one year, and who preached to the con- 
gregation in the school house where the organiza- 
tion took place. Afterward the meetings were 
held in the Page school house, one-half mile east 
of the present church, and were held there for 
about a year. 

The best recollection concerning Mr. Robbins is 
that he formerly preached at Avon, Conn., but that 
he came from Union Corners to this place, and 
afterwards went to Michigan. 

Soon after this time, and up to 1844, the funds 
for church expenses were raised by assessment upon 
the property of the church and society. Those not 
consenting to that plan had a subscription taken 
up among them, and the amount thus raised was 
subtracted from the whole sum to be raised, and the 
remainder was raised by assessment. 

In April, 1844, that rule was abrogated, but sub- 
stantially the same rule was afterward resumed. It 
is not in force now, but there is no record of when 
the custom was abandoned. 

The name of the next pastor, Rev. William P. 
Kendrick, first appears on the record October 25, 
1832. He remained till the close of 1833. It is be- 
lieved he came to this place from West Bloomfield. 
From here he went to Grove, Allegany county. 



252 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



In January, 1834, the name of Rev. Asa John- 
son first appears, who, having preached three 
months on probation, was installed pastor of 
the church by the Presbytery of Angelica, Febru- 
ary 26, 1834. His pastorate extended to October, 
1837. He was a graduate of Auburn Theological 
Seminary, and had preached in Richmond, Ontario 
county, from which place, it is believed, he came to 
Nunda. At the close of his pastorate here he went 
to Logansport, Indiana. Under his ministration 
occurred the first revival in this church in which he 
was assisted by Rev. Mr. Littlejohn, well known in 
those days as an Fvangelist. 

The name of the succeeding pastor, Rev. Wales 
Tileston, first appears November 5, 1837, as mod- 
erator. Although there exists no record of his in- 
stallation as pastor, or of the time when his labors 
with this society ceased, it is the recollection of 
those who remember that he was installed. He 
came to this place from Heath, Mass. Subse- 
quently he went to Illinois. 

He was followed by Rev. Fdwards Marsh, whose 
name first appears in the minutes of June 7, 1840, 
as moderator of the session. It seems probable, 
however, that he commenced his labors as stated 
supply in the spring of 1840. In this capacity he 
continued to labor until at a meeting of the congre- 
gation on the ninth of March, 1846, a formal call 
was made to him to become the settled pastor of 
the church, and he was so installed. In the following 
year he tendered his resignation which was accepted 
March 8, 1847. 

He came to this church from Avon, and on retir- 
ing went to Canton, Illinois. 

Rev. William Lusk became the next pastor, a 
call having been extended to him June 7, 1847. 
He remained till February 26, 1852, when he re- 
signed his pastorate. He had formerly preached in 
Washington county and in Cherry Valley, N. Y. 
He afterwards preached in Batavia. 

Soon after the resignation of Mr. Lusk his suc- 
cessor, Rev. Pliny F. Sanborne filled the desk as 
temporary supply, and was engaged as stated sup- 
ply for one year from December n, 1852. He was 
not installed, but continued as stated supply until 
the spring of 1857. He came to this place from 
Granby, Connecticut. He afterwards labored nine 
years at West Bloomfield, Ontario county. 

Rev. L. G. Marsh was his successor, beginning 
his labors in June, 1857. He was not installed, 
but labored with great acceptance as stated supply 
until September, i860. During his pastorate, 
according to the best recollection, was made the 



change in time of church service from afternoon to 
evening, there having formerly been two services 
each Sabbath, one in the morning and the other 
at one and a half o'clock p. M. Mr. Marsh had 
previously preached in Thomaston, Maine, from 
which place he came to this charge. 

In the fall of i860 Rev. I. O. DeLong began 
his labors, remaining as stated supply for about 
three years. 

After the retirement of Mr. De Long, Rev. L. 
G. Marsh returned and began his second pastorate 
February 9, 1864, which he retained until Decem- 
ber, 187 1, when he resigned and returned to Ban- 
gor, Maine. 

Rev. T. Dwight Hunt was the succeeding pastor, 
to whom a call was extended in February, 1872, 
and who was soon after installed. He remained 
until September, 1875, when his pastoral relation 
was dissolved. He had previously been a mission- 
ary to the Sandwich Islands; had also labored in 
San Francisco. 

He was succeeded by Rev. B. S. Foster, who was 
installed March 1st, 1876, and whose pastorate 
extended to the first of June, 1879. 

After the expiration of his pastorate, the church 
was unsupplied some eight or nine months, his 
successor, the present pastor, Rev. N. H. Bell, 
commencing his labors in February, 1880. He 
came from Arcade, Wyoming county. 

During the pastorates of the two latter ministers 
the church has suffered much from deaths. 

The succession of elders and deacons, after those 
elected in the first years of the organization, were 
Erastus Buck, 1838; William R. Duryee, May 21, 
1839; C. W. King, June 23, 1840; Joseph Waldo, 
Dec. 31, 1841; Charles V. Craven, Stephen Bald- 
win, and Earl J. Paine, Jan. 10, 1846; Alfred Bell, 
John Gilmore and George H. Bayley, March 5,1864; 
Jacob Brinkerhoff, Charles T. Metcalf, Dec. 31, 
1870; Adam Potts, George Arnold and J. M. Mc- 
Nair, July 6, 1872 ; John T. Van Ness, May 6, 1876. 

Deacons — William R. Duryee, July 2, 1836; 
Zaddock Herrick, Sept. 4, 1837 ; Chauncy Ladd, 
May 21, 1839; John Briggs, Dec. 31, 1841 ; 
Charles V. Craven and Erastus Buck, Jan. 10, 
1846; George H. Bagley and Andrew B. Lock- 
wood, March 6, 1864; C. T. Metcalf, April 8, 
1S71. 

The rapid increase in members and in attendance 
upon the services soon required a more commodi- 
ous place of meeting than the school house in 
which the meetings were held, and the society 
erected their first church edifice in 1833. It stood 



VILLAGE OF NUNDA — CHURCHES. 



2 53 



on the east part of the present church lot. No 
records can be found respecting its erection. It 
is learned, however, that Samuel Swain, Nathaniel 
Chandler and Gulielmus Wing were prominent in 
originating and furthering the enterprise. The 
cost of this building was about $2,200. Upon the 
completion of this place of worship there were two 
services regularly every Sabbath, the services pre- 
viously having been held every alternate Sabbath, 
the minister in charge having been obliged to de- 
vote half of his time to another field. 

After a lapse of thirteen years the still increasing 
membership and attendance made it necessary to 
build a larger church, and in 1S46 the erection of 
the present edifice was begun, and in June of 1847 
was dedicated by Rev. Edwards Marsh, in the 
interval between his resignation and the arrival of 
Rev. William Lusk, his successor. 

To Mr. Alfred Bell is accredited an especial in- 
fluence in originating and aiding the work of con- 
structing this second and commodious house of 
worship. 

The trustees when the church was built were 
Alfred Bell, William M. Marsh, Nathaniel Chand- 
ler, Russell Barnes and A. H. Prescott. 

The cost of this building was about $6,000. 
The former house was sold to the Methodist Epis- 
copal society previous to the erection of this. The 
size of this church is 50 by 80 feet, with a seating 
capacity, including galleries, of 650. Early in the 
pastorate of Rev. Mr. Tileston — probably some time 
in 1838 — a session house was built on the present 
site of the parsonage, the cost of which was $800. 
It was divided into two stories, the upper one being 
for many years devoted to school purposes. In 
1872 this session house was sold for $600 and re- 
moved. The proceeds of the sale were devoted 
to the erection of the parsonage which occupies 
the site where the session house stood. The par- 
sonage cost $3,000, less the amount received for 
the session house. 

The present membership is about 120, and the 
aggregate membership since the organization 854. 

The church property is situated on the north- 
west corner of Church and East streets, the par- 
sonage being on the former street. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of Nimda.— The 
next people to form into an organization for the 
worship of God were the Methodists, a considera- 
ble number of whom had become by this time 
located in the township. 

The first meeting for the organization of this 
society was held in the house of Samuel Record, in 



the village of Nunda, some time in the year 1837. 
No records of this or of meetings immediately fol- 
lowing can be discovered. According to the re- 
collection of Mr. Record, who still resides in the 
village, the only members present at that meeting 
were Jacob H. Osgoodby and wife, Mrs. Stivers, 
and Mr. Record and his wife, who constituted the 
original membership. 

The society was at first organized as Indepen- 
dent Methodist, but afterward, the society under 
that name becoming to a great extent inoperative, 
it was joined to the Methodist Episcopal Confer- 
ence, but in what year is not known. 

It would appear that the pastors who first labored 
with this society were Revs. Mr. Hard and Bran- 
son, about the year 1840. In its early days the 
church passed through many trials and vicissitudes, 
and the pioneers in this movement were obliged to 
struggle against much discouraging opposition. 
Their meetings for years were held in private 
houses, school houses, and in barns, but being 
composed of energetic and determined men and 
women, the society grew in strength, in zeal, and 
in means, and in 1846 succeeded in procuring a 
church of their own. 

The Presbyterian society in this year beginning 
the erection of a new church, the Methodists pur- 
chased of that society the edifice about to be va- 
cated, and removed it from the Presbyterian ground 
to its present location on the northeast corner of 
Church and East streets, repairing, improving, and 
dedicating it in 1849. The dedicatory sermon was 
preached by Rev. A. S. Baker, who was the pastor 
at that time. 

After the pastorates of Revs. Hard and Branson, it 
would seem that preaching had been conducted by 
Revs. Church and Wheeler, but in what order of 
succession, and at what dates, is unknown. The 
first trace that can be discovered of any settled 
pastor is in 1840, when Revs. Amos Hard and Ira 
Branson are mentioned in conjunction. In 1841 
Rev. Mr. Doolittleis mentioned as having officiated. 
In 1842 and '43, the name of Rev. Carlos Gould 
is mentioned. Thereafter, the succession of pas- 
tors was as follows : — 

Rev. D. B. Lawton, 1844-46; Rev. Robert Par- 
ker, 1847-48; Rev. A. S. Baker and colleague, 
Rev. Thos. Tousey, i848*-4o; Rev. I.J. Mecham, 
Rev. J. L. Edson, 1850; Rev. Mr. Laman, 
1851-52; Rev. Albert Plumley, 1852-54; Rev. 
Mr. Latimer, 185 5 ; Rev . We s ley C ochrane, 1855- 

•The Methodist Conference year began in October, and a pastor com- 
I ing. for instance, in October, 1848, would be put down for that year, 
though his first year would not occur till the next October. 



2 54 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



1856; Rev. R. Harrington, 1856-58; Rev. L. L, 
Rogers, 1859-60; Rev. Charles S. Fox, 1861-62 
Rev. B. F.Bradford, 1863; Rev. F, P. Hunting 
ton, 1864-65; Rev. Elijah Wood, 1866; Rev. J 
L. Edson, 1S67; Rev. J. C. Hitchcock, 1868-69 
Rev. L. 1). Chase, 1870-72; Rev. William Brad- 
ley, 1873-75; Rev. J. B. Countryman, 1876-78; 
Rev. A. Sotitherland, 1879-S0. 

The present membership in the church is one 
hundred and twenty-two. 

First i hiversa/ist Church of Nunda. — The 
first meeting for the organization of the Universa- 
lis! congregation was held in a district school-house 
in the village of Nunda, September 12th, 1840. 
The officers at that meeting were Elijah Horton, 
Moderator, and L. S. Church, Clerk. 

The deacons chosen were Granville Sherwood 
and Joseph Root. The names of the persons en- 
rolling themselves as members were: — 

Richard Church, Elijah Horton, Abram Merrick, 
Joseph H. Root, Charles Stillson, Granville Sher- 
wood, Joshua Fuller, George Townsend, Lawrence 
S. Church, Lyman Smith, Amman Smith, Leonard 
Church, Nathan Sherwood, Jonathan Hay, Sarah 
Horton, Elvira Starkweather, Malvina J. Church, 
Esther Merrick, Abigail Could, Harriet Horton, 
Mercy Fuller, Maria Sherwood. 

On the 23d of January, i84i,the Universalist 
society was formed, R. Church, presiding as chair- 
man, and Elijah Horton, as secretary of the meet- 
ing. The following trustees were elected — David 
Grover, Richard Church, David Babcock, Gran- 
ville Sherwood, Hiram Merrick, Elijah Horton, 
Joshua Fuller, William Huggins, Silas Grover. 
A committee on building was appointed at this 
meeting, and the church was built in that same 
year. 

In 187 1, the Church of the Redeemer was 
erected, a large and beautiful structure standing on 
East street. 

The first pastor mentioned in the records is Rev. 
A. Kelsev, who officiated four years. After his 
ministration the following is the succession of pas- 
tors as near as can be ascertained : — 
Rev. ( ). F. Brayton 1852. 

" A. J. Aspinwall 1 856-1 860. 

" C. C. Gordon 1861-1862. 

" E. Tomlinson 1863. 

" A. C. DeLong 1864-1865. 

" C. V. Craven 1866. 

" E. Reynolds 1866. 

" F. S. Bacon 1867-1869. 

" G. F. Jenks '870. 

" A. L. Rice 1870. 

" J. A. Dobson 1871-1873. 



Rev. Mr. McLean 1874. 

" Mr. Kelsey 1874. 

" H. Jewell 1875. 

" Mr. 'Shepherd 1876. 

" Mr. Snell 1876. 

" Mr. Aldrich 1876. 

" S. J. Aldrich 1877-1879. 

Since the first of April, 1879, there has been no 
settled pastor. 

Grace Church {Episcopal}. — Services were com- 
menced with a view to forming a parish in 1845, 
and were conducted by Rev. Gershom P. Waldo 
with as much frequency as a place for such services 
could be had and other circumstances would 
permit. 

The society was incorporated March 28, 1847, 
and the following officers were chosen : — Warden, 

C. Remington; Vestrymen, J. Y. Turner, R. H. 
Spencer, N. Chittenden, John Guittram. Samuel 
Swain, Sr., David T. Swain, Henry Chalker, R. 
Bennett. 

On the 7th day of April, 1847, the formation of 
the parish was accomplished. There being no 
resident rector, the services were conducted by 
Rev. Mason Gallagher, Rector of St. Peter's, 
Dansville. Services were afterward conducted at 
different periods by Rev. Gershom P. Waldo, Rev. 
Lucius Carter, and Rev. Asa Griswold. 

On the first of December, 1849, Rev. Andrew 

D. Benedict assumed the pastoral charge in con- 
nection with that of St. Mark's, at Hunt's Hollow, 
resigning the charge May 1st, 1852. 

The corner stone of Grace church was laid May 
23, 1848, at which ceremony the Bev. Mason Gal- 
lagher and Rev. Gershom P. Waldo were present 
as clergy, the sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. 
Gallagher. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. 
Benedict the church was in process of construc- 
tion, and nearly ready for consecration ; Trinity 
church in New York giving very generously four 
hundred dollars in aid of the project. 

On the fifth of May, 1853, the church was duly 
consecrated by Rt. Rev. Dr. William H. DeLan- 
cey. The clergy attending this ceremony were : 
Rev. Lucius Carter, Rev. Andrew D. Benedict, 
Rev. I. A. Robinson, Rev. Mr. Wilson, Rev. Mr. 
Howard, and Rev. H. W. Lee, of St. Luke's, 
Rochester, afterward Bishop of Iowa. 

In 1853, May 1st, Rev. James A.Robinson took 
the pastoral charge, resigning in the spring of 
1854. 

He was succeeded by Rev. James O. Stokes, 
who was appointed missionary in charge, coming 
in 1854 and leaving in 1855. 



NUNDA STATION. 



255 



His successor was Rev. Gershom P. Waldo, who 
was appointed missionary to Nunda with full 
stipend July i, 1856, and who in April, 1857, 
resigned the stipend^, in favor of Rev. Henry 
Gardner, who then took this charge and that of 
St. Mark's, Hunt's Hollow, resigning in April of 
i860. 

In June, 1863, Rev. Fayette Royce took charge 
in connection with Brook's Grove Mission and 
Trinity church, Canaseraga, retaining the pastorate 
until February, 1866. After the departure of Rev. 
Mr. Royce, Rev. G. P. Waldo assumed temporary 
charge till the parish was supplied by the coming 
of Rev. Hiram Adams, whose pastorate dates from 
January 1st, 1867. 

Rev. Noble Palmer, M. A., succeeded him in 
November, 1868, having in charge the parishes of 
Nunda, Hunt's Hollow, and the Brook's Grove 
Mission, which he retained two years. 

In 1872, Rev. Charles Woodward assumed the 
pastoral charge after the parish had been without a 
settled clergyman for two years. He also officiated 
at St. Mark's, Hunt's Hollow. He resigned July 
1, 1876. 

In 1877, Rev. Stephen H. Battin took charge 
for a limited period, he then being rector at Can- 
aseraga. Since that time the church has been 
without a settled rector, having had but occasional 
services from different clergymen. 

In the early period of this church's history and 
growth it was largely aided and encouraged by 
subscriptions and offerings from General Micah 
Brooks and members of his family, which in- 
cluded the rectory and a solid silver communion 
service. 

The means to build the church were in great 
part obtained through the persevering efforts of 
Miss Laura A. Brooks, who visited New York, 
Albany and Boston to procure aid in furtherance 
of the project. 

A beautiful Italian marble font was presented 
by a number of the parishioners; and a bell, an 
organ, and other necessary improvements were 
given by the united efforts of members of the con- 
gregation and early sustainers of the church. The 
church has suffered much in these years by the 
death and removal of valued and useful members. 
Among the deaths are included Gen. Brooks, Miss 
Catherine Brooks and Leonidas Nichols. 

The present membership is, families, 26, indi- 
viduals, 68, communicants, 41. 

The value of the church edifice is $2,500. The 
rectory is valued at $Soo. 



Nunda Station. 

Nunda Station (Dalton P. O.) lies in the south- 
western part of the town on the line of the New York, 
Lake Erie and Western Railway. It has a population 
of between four and five hundred, and is the prin- 
cipal shipping point of the town for all products. 

The first settler here was Maxam Smith who 
was owner of nearly all of the property in that 
vicinity. 

The first store was kept by Lyman Ayrault, who 
is still in business there. The post office was 
established in 1856, and the first postmaster was 
James Douglass, at which time Lyman Ayrault 
was deputy postmaster. Mr. Ayrault is the pres- 
ent postmaster, having held the office, with 
the exception of one year, since i860. 

The present physicians are Drs. J. C. Uurgan 
and Hugh Hill. W. S. Orcutt is the only lawyer 
residing there. The place has one school house, 
six stores devoted to dry goods and general mer- 
chandise, two harness shops, two drug stores and 
one hotel, the Parker House, built in 1873, and 
kept by Sanford Parker, who was one of the first 
settlers. 

The place has but one church, the Methodist 
Episcopal, built in 1858 or '59. The society was 
formed at the meeting of the M. E. Conference at 
Corning in 1858, from parts of Nunda and 
Granger charges. The church edifice is pleasantly 
situated in a commanding part of the village, and 
is a large and substantial building, free from all 
encumbrances. The society also owns a neat 
parsonage in connection with the church, which is 
also free from debt. The church is valued at 
$1,500 and the parsonage at $1,200. The church 
at its formation had a membership of forty-five. 
The first class leader was H. Mirethew. The 
present membership is 134, all of Nunda Station. 
The first pastor was Rev. Woodruff Post, who 
officiated one year followed by 

Rev. De Puy 1859-1860. 

Rev. John Spinks 1860-1862. 

Rev. John J. Turton 1862-1864. 

Rev. Elijah Wood presided for a short time 
when there was a vacancy till the pastorate of Rev. 
A. Maker who presided in 1867, when another 
vacancy occurred till the coming of Rev. C. G. 
Lowell in 1869, who was followed by 

Rev. T. W. Chandler 1870-1872, 

Rev. T. L. King 1872-1874. 

Rev. G. B. Richardson 1875-1877. 

Rev. C. Dillenbeck 1877-1878. 

Rev. E. T. Cook 1878-1881. 



256 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



War Record. — No town was more patriotic, or 
evinced its patriotism in a more tangible way in 
the war of the Rebellion, than Nunda." 1 On the 
afternoon of Friday, April 19, 186 1, a telegram was 
received by Mr. G. M. Osgoodby asking if Nunda 
could furnish a company of men under the call of 
the President for 75,000 volunteers. A meeting 
was held that same evening, and so great was the 
enthusiasm, and so ready was the response, that 
twenty-eight men immediately stepped forward and 
entered their names on the enlistment roll. 

The citizens generously received volunteers into 
their homes and provided for them while perfect- 
ing themselves in drill. 

The enthusiasm extended even to the women of 
Nunda, who began immediately to manufacture 
various articles for the comfort of the soldiers dur- 
ing the career on which they were about to enter. 
There was also raised a fund for the relief and 
support of such families as this enlistment might 
leave dependent. 

On the 6th day of May, 1861, less than a month 
from the receipt of the telegram asking for such a 
company, this band of brave men was mustered, 
and James McNair elected Captain, George T. 
Hamilton, First Lieutenant, and Henry G. King, 
Second Lieutenant. 

The company numbered fifty-six men, and they 
entered the 33d Regiment of New York Volun- 
teers as Company F. Of this number and of 
those who afterward joined the company: — 

Morton Bardwell, who enlisted May 13, 1861, was 
killed at the battle of Fredricksburgh, May 4, 1863. 

Elias Smith was killed in battle at Antietam, 
September 17, 1862. 

Whitfield Whitney, died of fever at Yorktown, 
Va., June 1, 1862. 

Henry Swartz died of fever, May 10, 1862. 

William John Nolan was wounded and taken 
prisoner at Spottsylvania, May 10, 1864, and sup- 
posed to have died in the hands of the enemy. 

Lycurgus Twining died from wounds received in 
action, but at what date is unknown. 

Michael Clark, killed in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness, May 10, 1864. 

Howard B. Doty was transferred from the 33d to 
the 49th New York, and died October 20, 1864, 
from wounds received at battle of Cedar Creek. 

Gardner Bacon died Oct. 3, 1861, of sunstroke 
at Fort Ethan Allen. 

* To Dr. William B. Alley, who has manifested great interest in sta- 
tistics relating to the soldiers from Nunda, we .ire in great part indebted 

for the war record of this town. 11k majqi porti >! this account is 

from his in ords, i h inged only in the order of its original appearance to 
admit facts gleaned from other sources. 



John DeLong died at Hagerstown, Md., Dec. 4, 
1862. 

Augustus L. Damon died Nov. 11, 1862, at the 
Soldiers' Home in Washington. 

Daniel Chilson died of fever at Alexandria, 
March, 1862. 

Jonathan Greenwood was taken prisoner in the 
latter part of June, 1862, during McClellan's re- 
treat from before Richmond, and died a prisoner 
at Bell Island. 

James Kiley, after two years' service, contracted 
lung disease, was honorably discharged, came home 
and died June 2, 1863. 

Ervin VanBrunt died at Fort Ethan Allen, Oct. 
16, 1861. 

George H. Prentice died of typhoid fever at 
Camp Griffin, Va., Feb. 28, 1861 or 1862, and was 
buried in Nunda. 

Charles R. Lowe died on the :9th of April, 1862, 
of typhoid fever at Newport News, Va., and was 
buried at Nunda. 

Thaddeus Maynard died of fever at Philadel- 
phia, Aug. 6, 1862. 

William James Casnett was killed at Chancellors- 
ville May 3, 1863. A more extended notice of this 
patriotic man may not be out of place. Mr. Cas- 
nett was attending Hamilton College at the break- 
ing out of the war, preparing for the ministerial 
service. While spending the summer vacation of 
1862 at his home he deemed it his duty to go to 
the defense of his flag, and so he enlisted in the 
33d Regiment as a private in the ranks, leaving at 
home a sister and a widowed mother. 

He reached his regiment at Hagerstown, Md., 
soon after the desperate battle of Antietam, where 
he lay sick of fever at Clear Spring long after the 
army had crossed the Potomac. He joined his 
regiment, however, in time to be engaged in the 
first battle of Fredericksburg. 

During the four months while the army lay in 
winter quarters he improved his leisure moments 
in study and in defense of the religion which he 
professed. On the 28th day of April, 1863. the 
army broke camp and immediately moved upon the 
enemy's works. Casnett's regiment was compelled 
to lie flat on the ground for several hours in the 
midst of falling shot and shells. He seemed sin- 
gularly anxious for action, and was heard to say re- 
peatedly : " Why don't we charge ? The only way 
to take this fort is to march up there a.n& Jig/it .'" 

At last the assault came. In the tempest of fire 
and smoke, of shot and shell, he was lost sight of, 
nor was he seen again till the battle ended and 



NUNDA — WAR RECORD. 



2 57 



victory gained, he was found some yards in advance 
of his company, dead. His companions buried 
him on the heights of Fredericksburg. A history 
of his life, and a poem commemorating his bravery, 
were prepared by his college class by whom he was 
held in great esteem. 

In September, 1861, the town of Nunda fur- 
nished thirty-six more men who enlisted in Captain 
Tuthill's company, which constituted Company A 
of the Wadsworth Guards. Failing to procure men 
enough to form a complete regiment, they went to 
Albany and joined the 104th Regiment, and these 
men were afterward known as Company K. 

Of these thirty-six men : — 

Captain E. A. Tuthill died December 30, 1867. 

Corporal Daniel White died in prison, date un- 
known. 

James Macken, died in service Feb. 1,1864. 

Sergeant Lewis W. Shepard, Co. A, died from 
wounds received at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

George Flint, Co. A, died at home from disease 
contracted in the service. 

Frank Russell, Co. A, died at home from wounds 
received in the service; date unknown. 

Elijah White, died at home from disease con- 
tracted in the service ; date net known. 

Cicero C. Clark, died at Mount Pleasant Hospital, 
June 30, 1862. 

Corporal Lewis Sutton, died in prison Dec. 13, 
1862. 

Charles Crawford, died from wounds received at 
Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Hiram Passage, died in prison; date unknown. 

George Britton, died in the service ; date un- 
known. 

Octavius Clark, killed at the battle of the Wild- 
erness, 1S64. 

Samuel Wright, died at the Soldier's Home, Bath, 
N. Y., 1879. 

Corporal John Gruber, Co. F, died in prison ; 
date unknown. 

Corporal Daniel Swinder, Co. F, died in prison ; 
date unknown. 

William Hooson, killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 
1863. 

Sergeant Thomas J. Curtis, killed at Gettysburg, 
July 1, 1863. 

Lucien Carpenter, killed in service, 1864. 

Abr'am Carpenter, killed in battle of the Wilder- 
ness, 1864. 

Corydon Smith Thompson, was wounded at Fred- 
ricksburg, May 4, 1863, taken prisoner and sup- 
posed to have died soon after. 



James L. Thompson, was taken prisoner at Get- 
tysburg, July 1, 1863, and died at Richmond, Feb. 
16, 1864. 

William George Chislett, was wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, and died at Washington, 
January 1, 1863. 

Sergeant John S. Satterlee, served his time in the 
104th and reenlisted in the same regiment; died 
from wounds received at Spottsylvania, on the 13th 
of May, 1864, and was buried on the battleground. 

George Satterlee, served his time out, going 
through all the battles with his regiment, and reen- 
listed as a corporal, Jan. 4, 1864; was taken pris- 
oner, and died of starvation at Salisbury, N. C. ; 
place of burial unknown. 

William Davis, killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 
1863. 

Perry Haynes, was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, 
July 1, 1863. Was afterward paroled ; came home 
and died from the effects of his starvation, Dec. 
28, 1864. 

Richard B. Connett, died in hospital at Balti- 
more, Jan. 7, 1863. 

Mortimer Herrick, was wounded May 7, 1864, 
in battle of the Wilderness ; was taken to Wash- 
ington and died there from the effects of his wounds. 

William Woodruff, killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 
1863. 

Corporal Stephen P. Havens, was taken prisoner 
at Gettysburg, on the first of July, 1863, and sup- 
posed to have died in Salisbury prison. 

Under the call of July and August, 1862, for 
three hundred thousand men in each month, the 
130th Regiment was organized, and the town of 
Nunda sent out under Capt. James Lemen of 
Company I, forty-three men. By an order from 
the War Department and of the Governor of this 
State, dated July 28, 1863, the 130th was changed 
and designated the First Regiment of New York 
Dragoons. There was afterward added to this 
regiment twelve other men from Nunda as recruits, 
making fifty-five in all. 

Of the N. Y. Dragoons from Nunda : — 

Sergeant Seth H. Weed was killed at Todd's 
Tavern, May 1, 1864. 

Corporal Charles A. Kinney, died at Newberne, N. 
C, Sept. 25, 1864. 

Z. E. Barney, died at Suffolk, Va., January 4, 
1864. 

James H. Foland, died in Andersonville prison, 
May 7, 1864. 

Josiah H. Flint, died in Andersonville prison ; 
date unknown. 



2 5 8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Nathaniel Marr, died June 3, 1865. 
Milan Parker, died September 10, 1864. 
George I. Philips, died in the service, Dec. 28, 
1862. 

Corporal Hiram J. Woodard, died in Anderson- 
ville prison ; date unknown. 

Simeon Gelzer, died in Andersonville prison ; 
date not learned. 

Leonard Russell died from wounds received in 
action, May 22, 1864. 

Alexander Drake died from wounds received in 
battle, October 22, 1864. 

Levi C. Davis died Jan. 4, 1864, at Mitchell 
Station, and was buried at Culpepper, Ya. 

John Gothard was killed in battle at Newtown, 
Va., on the nth of August, 1864. 

James Christie was taken prisoner at Todd's 
Tavern, May 7, 1864, and died Oct. 15 of same 
year at Andersonville, Ga. 

William Black was killed at the battle of the 
Wilderness, May 7, 1864, and was buried near 
Todd's Tavern. 

Corydon C. Lovejoy was wounded and taken 
prisoner, and died in Andersonville Prison in Au- 
gust, 1864. 

Hiram O. Seeley, after more than two years' 
service, died at home of disease contracted in the 
army, Nov. 3, 1864. 

William J. Wright died at Suffolk, Va., Nov. 6, 
1862, and was brought home and buried. 

John Callahan died Aug. 14, 1864. at Winches- 
ter, Va., from wounds received at Newtown, Ya., 
Aug. n, 1864. 

Isaac Johnson, after two years' service, was dis- 
charged on account of ill health, and returning 
home died in June, 1864, of consumption. 

In August and September of 1862, the 136th 
regiment was organized. The town of Nunda, as 
near as can be learned, furnished for this regiment 
about twelve men, who went out under Captain 
Arnold, of Conesus. Of this number : — 

David C. Wade died while home on a furlough 
at Nunda Station, Feb. 27, 1864. 

Rufus P. Wescott died from wounds received in 
action, May 24, 1864, and was buried near 
Resaca. 

David Close was killed May 15, 1864, at Resaca 
and was buried on the held. 

There were also several men from Nunda who, 
for different causes, joined various regiments of 
this and even of other States. Of this class from 
or representing some one of this town : — 

Corydon Crossett, supposed to be a recruit 



credited to Nunda, joined the 3d Michigan regi- 
ment, Jan. 20, 1864, and died in August of that 
year a prisoner at Andersonville. 

Alpheus C. Willett, of Nunda, joined the 8th 
Heavy Artillery, Jan. 4, 1864, and was killed in 
battle at Cold Harbor on the 3d of June, 1864. 

Alva J. White, credited to Nunda, entered the 
97th New York Volunteers, July 26th, 1863; died 
May 28, 1864, from wounds received in battle. 

Orin Nickerson joined the 6th New York Cav- 
alry, Oct. 14, 1 86 1, and died at Point Lookout 
from sickness produced by hard service. 

George W. Fuller, of Nunda, joined the 126th 
Regiment of New York Volunteers, Aug. 6, 1862, 
and was killed in battle at Romeo Station, Nov. 
25, 1864. 

Philander Maker enlisted in the 27th New York 
Volunteers in 1861, and died March, 1865, at 
Blackwell's Island, from disease acquired in 
the service. 

Gardner Milleman, credited to Nunda, joined 
the 22d New York Volunteers; supposed to have 
died of starvation at Andersonville, September 7, 
1864. 

Philander McGee served his time out in the 27th 
New York Voluntears, was wounded in the hand 
at battle of Petersburgh ; reenlisted, and died of 
disease contracted in the service, at New York Har- 
bor, March, 1865. 

Charles Harris was drafted and then enlisted ; 
was sent South, lost his health, came home and died 
in the winter of 1864. 

George Fay, 188th New York, was killed in 
action, but at what date is unknown. 

L. E. Willey, 4th Heavy Artillery, died 1863. 
In the latter part of Aug., 1863, thirteen men 
from the town of Nunda joined the 1st New York 
Veteran Cavalry under Captain John J. Carter. 
Of this number : — 

Perrin Page was killed in battle of New Market, 
May 17, 1864, and is supposed to be buried near 
that place. 

Martin H. Myers died from wounds received in 
battle at New Market, May 17, 1864. 

Abram Burdick died about the same time from 
wounds received in battle of New Market. 

William A. Ecker was taken prisoner at New 
Market, May 17, 1864, and died while a prisoner 
at Florence, S. C, Sept. 30, 1864. 

Samuel S. Tallmadge entered the service Sept. 
18, 1863, and served in the army till the spring of 
1864, when, on account of ill health, he was sent to 
Martinsburg Hospital. While in that hospital he 




NUNDA — WAR RECORD. 



2 59 



was taken prisoner on the 3d of July, 1864, by a 
force under Breckenridge, was kept until the 5th 
and was placed in prison at Lynchburg on the 1 ith 
day of July. On the 20th he was marched to Dan- 
ville prison, and on the 2 2d he was again marched 
South, and on the 25th reached a prison in Au- 
gusta, Ga. On the 27th of July he was taken 
from there to Andersonville, where he remained 
until the 28th of September, when he was again 
moved and placed in prison at Savannah. At this 
place he remained till the 13th of October, when 
he was sent to Milan, and after a few days was re- 
turned to Savannah to be exchanged. He was 
finally paroled November 19, got back on his way 
home as far as Annapolis on the 25th of Novem- 
ber, but was too feeble and reduced in flesh to go 
any farther. He died at Annapolis, Dec. 8, 1864, 
of inanition, the result of systematized starvation. 
The following is a further list of those who en- 
tered the service for or from Nunda, but whose lo- 
cation, if living, or place of burial, if dead, we are 
unable to learn. 

104/// Regiment N. Y. Volunteers. 

William Magee, Judson D. VanSlyke, James L. 
Toms, John A. Wright, Philetus Mayhew, Edwin 
Wilcox, Abram Foland, Lucius H. Barron, George 
H. Graham, Abram Youells, Christian Smith, Jos. 
Moyer, Jacob Lieb, Albert Bennett, Theodore 
Magee, William C. Cain, Geo. W. Snyder, William 
DeMocker, Patrick Gould, William Brown, Edgar 
J. Whipple, A. W. Skinner, W. H. Boyd, Michael 
Emo, Randall Haynes, William Barton, Joseph C. 
Dean, Lewis C. Skinner, DeLancy Smith, Michael 
Welch, David E. Taddler, Nelson Craft, Adelbert 
S. Haver, Edwin Hinman, John C. Haze, C. G. 
Lowell, Edgar M. Chipman, William E. Keen. 

3377/ Regiment N. V. Volunteers. 

Aikin Aspinwall, John J. Carter, Volney O. Car- 
ter, Geo. W. Daggett, Clinton Guy, William J. 
Marshall, James Norris, Martin L. Porter, Francis 
W. Sargent, Irvin I. McDuffie, John F. Barker, 
Justus H. Cain, James Christie, Geo. W. Dennis, 
Gotlep Koeffie, Geo. D. Martin, Rufus H. Newell, 
Phillip Smith, Henry A. Hills, Charles R. Len. 

First N. Y. Dragoons. 

Sidney S. Morris, Charles F. Wilkins, David C. 
Lamb, Romeo St. Clair, James Lemen, C. S. 
Strickland, B. F. Town, W. C. Mayhew, H. H. 
Wheeler, F. M. Town, I. M. Barker, G. W. Piper, 



C. M. Havens, G. D. Waldo, O. F. Record, Geo. 
W. Durfee, John Provo, Chester C. Carter, Russell 
A. Britton, C. C. Bovven, N. H. Spicer, J. W. Rog- 
ers, Eli H. King, Havella D. Baker, W. E. Town, 
Gilbert Freer, Horace Howe, Milo Goldthwait, W. 
C. Hendershott, R. H. Greenfield, W. B. Wagor, 
Philo Mosier, H. O. Seeley, C. E. Lewis, F. S. 
Adams, N. H. Shute, N. S. Goldthwait, D. C. Town- 
send. 

A somewhat noteworthy fact in relation to these 
men is that in the above list the oldest man was 
but forty-three ; thirty-four of the number being 
considerably under thirty years of age, and ten 
being but eighteen years old at time of enlistment. 

The cemetery at Nunda contains the remains 
of the following soldiers : — 

Capt. E. A. Tuthill,* Company A, 104th Regi- 
ment. 

James Macken, Company A, 104th Regiment. 

Perry Haynes, Company A, 104th Regiment. 

Sergeant Lewis Shepard, Company A, 104th 
Regiment. 

George Flint, Company A, 104th Regiment. 

Frank Russell, Company A, 104th Regiment. 

Needham C. Knight, 104th Regiment, died Au- 
gust 13, 1870. 

Sergeant Prosper Swift, Company I, First N. Y. 
Dragoons. 

ElishaT. Ames, Company I, First N.Y. Dragoons. 

William J. Wright, Company I, First N. Y. 
Dragoons. 

Isaac Johnson, Company I, First N.Y. Dragoons. 

W. J. Nolan, 33d Regiment N. Y. Volunteers. 

Alfred H. Cain, 33d Regiment N. Y. Volunteers. 

Charles R. Lane, 33d Regiment N. Y. Volun- 
teers. 

Charles Harris, 157th Regiment. 

Schuyler Duryee, 136th Regiment N. Y. Vol- 
unteers, died in the service, date unknown. 

Samuel Tallmadge, First Veteran Cavalry, N. Y. 

Rufus Chandler, Fourth Heavy Artillery, died at 
the general hospital in Washington, D. C, Feb. 2, 
1863. 

H. Smith, 33d New York and Veteran Cavalry, 
died in the service in 1863. 

Henry Fuller, 33d Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, 
died March, 1875. 

John B. Paine, 33d Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, 
died March, 1869. 

Captain John P. Wood, staff officer killed in the 
service. 

*Time and cause of death of those belonging to the 104th Regiment 
has been previously given ; also of those of other regimentj when not 
especially mentioned. 



260 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Captain Wood entered the service from Ohio, 
and was promoted and appointed by the President 
Assistant Adjutant, and assigned a place on Gen- 
eral Gibbon's staff. He died on the 6th of March, 
1864. and was brought to Nunda and buried, where 
his wife and children resided. 

The town of Nunda contributed liberally in 
money and material as well as in men, toward 
putting down the Rebellion. Early in the war the 
ladies of Nunda organized a society called " The 
I .adies' Hospital Relief Association." This society 
sent to the soldiers eleven large boxes containing 
clothing and hospital stores. Three boxes were 
sent to Suffolk ; one to Washington, two to Roch- 
ester, three to Buffalo, and two to the Howard 
Hospital. The freight and all charges being paid 
by the society. The entire cost was estimated at 
$750. This society also raised and paid out in 
cash $144.27, making in all $897.27. 

There was raised by subscription and paid to 
Nunda's men in the 130th Regiment, by and 
through Mr. B. F. King, the sum of $380. There 
was raised and paid out through Mr. Page $392. 
The town paid out in the year 1864 for the sup- 
port of soldiers' families $250, and in 1865, $142. 
There was raised on subscription $1,000 to pay the 
taxes of those women who had lost friends in the 
war, or whose husbands were still in the service. 

Under the President's call of July and August, 
1862, for six hundred thousand men, the town 
raised $2,250 and paid as bounty to forty-five men. 
Under the call of July, 1863, for five hundred thous- 
and men there was raised and paid to forty-seven 
men the sum of $8,100. Under the call for two 
hundred thousand men of March 14, 1864, the 
town raised and paid $9,000 to eighteen men. 
Under the call of July 18, 1864, for five hundred 
thousand men, there was raised and paid to fifty- 
one men the sum of $44,050, besides the sum of 
$1,225 called "hand money ;" and under the call of 
December 19, 1864. for three hundred thousand 
men, the town paid $19,600 to twenty-eight men. 
The town also paid connected with the draft the 
sum of $817, making a total of $88,103.27, exclu- 
sive of the numerous boxes sent by individuals to 
their sons, brothers and friends in the army, and 
the large sums expended by relatives and friends in 
going to the camps and battle-fields and bringing 
home their sick, wounded and dead. 

Nunda also furnished one company of men who, 
in the fall of 1864, served three months at Elmira, 
guarding rebel prisoners. In all Nunda sent out 
and furnished for the war three hundred and twen- 



ty-three men. Of that number, as near as can be 
learned, two hundred and forty-five were actual 
residents of the town. Of those who were actual 
residents, with perhaps two or three exceptions, 
twenty-five were killed in battle, three were taken 
prisoners soon after being wounded and died in the 
hands of the enemy ; four are known to have died 
of starvation : seven have died in rebel prisons ; 
and twenty-two died from diseases contracted while 
in the service. 

This is a sad catalogue for relatives and friends, 
but on the scroll of honor are inscribed the names 
of these sixty-one young, strong and brave patriots 
who gave their lives that Nunda might continue to 
have the protection of a united government. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SETH S. BARKER. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Oris- 
kany Falls, N. Y., August 30, 1801. His parents 
whose ancestors came from England in the seven- 
teenth century, and settled in New England, were 
from Connecticut. Feb. 8, 182 1, he married 
Sarah Durfee, who was born in Fall River, R. I., 
and whose mother was a descendant from the old 
warrior, Col. Church, of King Phillip's time. Soon 
after his marriage, Mr. Barker set out on foot with 
his knapsack on his back to seek a home in the 
West. In August, 1821, he came to Nunda and 
took an article for the farm on East Hill, where he 
now resides, selecting it on account of the large 
timber growing theieon. The place where the 
village now stands being then covered with pitch 
pine and scrub oaks, he considered it valueless. 
He then went for his wife and her mother, and re- 
turned in November with them to his forest home. 
The house to which they moved scarcely deserved 
the name, blankets being suspended instead of 
doors and windows. He was a person of few words, 
but deep thought, and though not appearing to be 
as vigilant as some was silently conquering troubles 
and overcoming difficulties little known to others. 
He has held several offices of trust, serving several 
terms as Assessor and Commissioner of Highways 
of the town. Being quite a mechanic, he manu- 
factured many of his tools, while most of his neigh- 
bors had to purchase theirs. He kept well in- 
formed as regards the news of the day, both in our 
own and foreign countries. 

Mrs. Barker, as a weaver and spinner, was un- 
excelled. She wove cloth for her neighbors, made 
cloths and exchanged them at the stores for her pur- 
chases ; also worked considerable at the tailor's 
trade. While her husband was working in the 
I timber, she nobly did her part working ather loom, 





J&R. 8f JArs. jS. £. •Packer, 





i 



pARL j], J^AINE. 



jIOHN ff. TOWNSEND. 



JOHN H. TOWNSEND— EARL J. PAINE — E. O. DICKINSON. 



261 



and to show her skill it is stated that when only 1 1 
years of age she wove 1,100 yards of checked dress 
cloth for a factory in Fall River. Mr. and Mrs 
Barker have been married 60 years, and have had 
four children, three of whom are now living, as 
follows: Munson O., who married Adaline Raw- 
son; Orlando W., who married Mary E. Swain, 
and Justus L., who married Olive L., daughter of 
Richard Bowen, who moved to this county from 
Fall River, Mass., in 1825. 

Time has dealt gently with this pioneer couple, 
and the severe hardships and trials through which 
they have passed have left but few impressions. 
They have been members of the Baptist church for 
over fifty years. Surrounded by their sons, who 
are living on adjacent farms, their path of life is, in 
return for untiring energy and industry, being 
beautifully strewn with flowers of filial love and 
veneration. 



JOHN H. TOWNSEND. 

The subject of this memoir deserves especial 
mention from the pen of the historian as being one 
of the few hardy pioneers who lived to see the usher- 
ing in of the year 1880. 

John H. Townsend was the son of Gideon and 
Freelove (Haynes) Townsend, and was born in 
Putnam county, October 25th, 1793. November 
22, 1818, he was married to Betsey Barnuni, and 
in 1822 moved to this county bringing all his 
worldly effects on one wagon drawn by an ox team, 
and settled on what is now the State road and of 
which he was one of the founders and builders. 
During the first winters he spent there he walked 
to Hunt's, a distance of four miles, and chopped 
wood at 2s. 6d. per cord, the cold being so severe at 
times that he was obliged to bury his dinner in the 
snow to prevent its freezing. He " articled" for 
85 acres of land and made additions to it until he 
had 275 acres. In 1830 he overworked in the 
harvest-field, bringing upon himself a sickness from 
which he never recovered. He was an invalid for 
fifty years and though suffering great pain at times, 
his indomitable nerve and happy disposition showed 
itself in his greatest trials. He died September 4, 
1880. 

After the death of his first wife he married Mary 
VanDeventer, November 7, 1824, by whom he had 
three children as follows : — John V., Peter H., and 
Gideon. She died March 4th, 1881, surviving her 
husband only six months. He served in the war 
of 181 2, and was drawing a pension at the time of 
his death. 



EARL J. PAINE. 

X 
The Paine family were among the first settlers 
of the State of Connecticut. James Paine, the 
father of the subject of this sketch, and the pro- 
genitor of the Paine family in this county, was 



born in Litchfield county, Conn., January 27th, 
1783. Hemovedto Herkimer county, N. Y., about 
the year 1800, and married Polly Dana, the result 
of the union being five children, three of whom are 
now living, named Earl J., L. F. and J. A. A 
deceased daughter, Mary A., was the wife of Rev. 
Mr. Stilson, a celebrated Burmah missionary. 

Mr. Paine moved with his family to Nunda, 
March 15, 1817, and was one of the earliest pio- 
neers in this region. The limits of the town of 
Nunda at that time were so extensive that three 
days were consumed by him in attending town- 
meeting, being obliged to walk from his home to 
the voting place. He died April 8, 1866. 

Earl J., the subject of this brief sketch was born 
at Paine's Hollow, Herkimer county, March 24, 
1807, and was ten years old at the time of his 
father's rettlement in this town. He was married 
to Catharine, daughter of Richard Grimes, of 
Nunda. Four children were born to them, two of 
whom are now living, Wells and Ann. Mr. 
Paine by his untiring industry has succeeded in 
carving a fine farm out of the wilderness that he 
settled in. 

He possesses a powerful constitution, which has 
succeeded in carrying him through several very 
severe trials during his life, and at present, (April, 
1 881,) israpidly convalescing from a painful malady 
that has confined him to his room for more than 
a year. Although having lived more years than 
are usually allotted to man, his friends have hopes 
of his companionship for several years to come. 
His wife died Feb. 25th, 1879. 

He and his brother L. F. are the only ones left 
ot the early pioneers who were here at the time 
they moved in. Of his children, Ann married Mr. 
Buck, of Vincennes, Ind., and Wells is one of the 
most extensive and successful farmers in this sec- 
tion of the county, having over six hundred acres 
of land on " East Hill," conveniently located and 
under a fine state of cultivation. Mary Jemison, 
the celebrated " White Woman," was a frequent 
visitor at the early home of the family. 



E. O. DICKINSON. 

Emilus O. Dickinson, a sketch of whose residence 
appears in this book, was born in Oneida county, 
N. Y., August 30, 18 iS, and is the son of Wm. and 
Lois Dickinson. At the age of eighteen he com- 
menced droving, between Oneida county and Bos- 
ton, and for a few years has been shipping cattle 
from the West to New York. When twenty years 
of age he purchased a farm of So acres in Oneida 
county, at $25.00 per acre. In 1849 he went to 
Davenport, Iowa, and engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness, but remaining there only a short time, returned 
to New York State, and settled in Nunda. Novem- 
ber 10, 1850, he was married toLydia, daughter of 
Thomas and Elvira Starkweather of Nunda. Was 
elected Supervisor in 1861, returning the year fol- 
lowing, and also in 1874-5. On his farm, which 



262 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



consists of 236 acres and is situated one-half mile 
east of Nunda, there is a mineral spring which 
issues from a rock and the water of which has been 
analyzed and found to possess great medii inal 
qualities. It has unusual alterative and eliminat- 
ing power, and one gallon of it is said to contain 
many more grains of valuable medical substances 
than the water of any other spring in the State of 
New York, and some even assert its superiority 
in that respect, over any otherspring in the United 
States. It is one of that class of springs whose 
water contains those natural combinations of med- 
icines that occasionally cure cases of some forms of 
disease which the most skilled among our profes- 
sional men cannot. No chemist can exactly imitate 
these natural compounds, and these waters do not 
operate alone by means of their predominant min- 
eral constituent. 

Mr. Dickinson was very instrumental in securing 
to Nunda its free Union School. He was a Repub- 
lican until after the death of Lincoln, and then not 
agreeing with the party became a Democrat. He 
has four children, as follows : Nellie M., Allie J., 
Mattie E. and Neva L. His place is one of the 
finest in the county, being almost unequalled as re- 
gards its handsome and commodious buildings. 
The land is very fertile and watered by several 
large springs, one of which has been analyzed by 
S. A. Lattimore, as follows : " One U. S. gallon 
contains 203. 58grains sulphate of magnesia, 184.41 
sulphate of lime, 104.10 carbonate of lime, 6.82 
chloride of sodium, 1.05 carbonate of iron, .12 sil- 
ica, and traces of alumnia." He also says this 
water belongs to the magnesia class of mineral 
waters, and will be a powerful agent if judiciously 
applied. 



THE WATER CURE AND MINERAL 
SPRINGS. 

These springs, which are becoming justly cele- 
brated for their curative properties, are situated 
about a half mile south of the beautiful village of 
Nunda. They are on a rise of ground, nearly one 
hundred feet higher than that on which the village 
stands, and are situated about fifteen minutes' 
drive from Dalton Station on the line of the Erie 
railroad. The cure, located on a rising elevation 
near the springs, is a large, commodious building, 
adjoining a grove of pines and maples, containing 
pleasant shaded walks and drives. The interior is 
fitted up for the accommodation of those who wish 
to avail themselves of the medicinal properties of 
the springs, and contains hot and cold baths sup- 
plied from the naturally medicated waters. The 
rooms are large, thoroughly ventilated, and supplied 
with all the modern improvements and the location 
is in all respects desirable, combining the best hy- 
gienic conditions, with a landscape view of excep- 
tional beauty. 



The first discovery of one of these springs was 
in 1878 while workmen were engaged in repairing 
the public highway adjoining the lands of Daniel 
Passage. As the earth was removed from the side of 
the beaten track a vein of water gushed from the 
rock beneath. Tubing was placed in the spring 
from which the water flowed, for the benefit of the 
traveling public. The medicinal properties of the 
water were discovered by use and led to an analysis 
of the water, which showed one U. S. gallon to con- 
tain 203.58 grains sulphate of magnesia, (Epsom 
salts,) 1S4.41 grains of sulphate of lime, 104.10 
grains of carbonate of lime, 6.82 grains of chloride 
of sodium, 1.05 grains of carbonate of iron, .12 of 
silica and traces of alumnia. 

The two larger springs emanate from the rock 
about five feet beneath the surface of the earth and 
about twenty-five rods distant from the spring by 
the roadside, and are situated upon slightly more 
elevated ground appearing to be the fountain from 
which these mineral waters are supplied. These 
two springs furnish an abundance of water and from 
these springs water is drawn to supply the cure. 

These springs belong to the class of magnesia 
mineral waters and in a general sense their therapeu- 
tic effects are alterative, and it may well be called 
nature's sovereign remedy for all the ills that the 
human family is heir to. The springs are on the 
estate of Daniel Passage, who in 1879 began the 
erection of the cure. The first discovery of the 
curative properties of this water was in 1878. Since 
that time it has been confirmed by many .who have 
used it as a singular alterative for the cure of blood 
diseases, and is becoming quite generally used, 
large quantities being shipped each year to various 
parts of the country. It is being used more exten- 
sively each year. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

HlSTnRV OF THE TOW'N OF PORTAGE. 

ON the extreme south-western border of the 
county lies in some respects the most remark- 
able, and in nearly every respect the most pictur- 
esque town in Livingston county. 

( originally a part of the town of Leicester in 
Genesee county, at its first formation, in 1805, 
Portage was set off as a part of Angelica, (Allegany 
county,) and in 1808 was again set off as a part of 
Nunda ; being formed from Nunda as the town of 
Portage, March 8, 1827. 

It was about six miles square, bounded on the 
east by the Piquot line, and on the west by the 
Transit line. In 1846 it was taken from Allegany 
and annexed to Livingston county. At the same 
time from about one-third of it, lying on the west 
side of the river, was formed the town of Genesee 



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PORTAGE — PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. 



26^ 



Falls, which was annexed to Wyoming county. The 
town is six and a quarter miles long, and four and 
three-quarters in width at its widest part. 

It is bounded on the north by Mount Morris, on 
the south by Granger, (Allegany county,) on the 
east by Nunda, and on the west by the Genesee 
River and Genesee Falls, (Wyoming county.) 

Within these limits Portage has been called 
" The Switzerland of the Empire State." With less 
of the general ruggedness characteristic of Ossian ; 
with but little, if any, of the quiet rural scenery of 
Springwater ; and to a great extent devoid of the 
enterprising appearance which characterizes Nunda, 
Portage surpasses all in presenting the most varied 
scenery bordering on the modern, the ancient, the 
beautiful and sublime. 

Near the line of the Erie road, which passes 
through from the western to the south-western part 
of the town, the surroundings approach to the 
modern and business appearance of to-day. Back 
from the railroad and the river the scene changes 
to rolling farm lands, and to a settled and ancient 
look, as though at some time the town had taken 
immense strides in advancement, and had sud- 
denly stopped afraid of its own progress, and never 
again having the courage to proceed had settled 
down contentedly and allowed age to cover it with 
quaintness and beauty. 

Here is seen the deserted channel of the Genesee 
Valley canal cut through high embankments, and 
spanned by old-fashioned and decaying bridges; 
with its oft recurring locks, now grass grown and 
crumbling, rising like giant stairs to higher levels ; 
passing through scenery now rural, now romantic, — 
a busy stream no longer, but picturesque even in 
its idleness and desertion. 

Near the Genesee river on the western border of 
the town, and extending nearly the entire length of 
that boundary, the scenery changes from cleared 
lands and thrifty farms dotted with comfortable 
buildings to wild and rocky ravines skirted with a 
dense growth of saplings and heavy timber, 
sprinkled with lumbering camps and saw-mills, 
and where is heard the ringing of axes and the 
crash of falling trees as in the days when the whole 
town was a forest, unbroken only by the ax of the 
sturdy pioneers. 

It is in this section that the town presents its 
most striking beauty. Through the winding ra- 
vine, whose shaley walls, straight and smooth, 
tower hundreds of feet, or break up into ragged 
masses of rocks crowned with the verdure of pine 
tree and shrub, flows the Genesee, calmly and 



sluggishly, or whirling with a dash and roar over 
the falls into the basins which its action for ages 
has channelled deep and smooth. Within a dis- 
tance of three miles are three falls varying in 
height and in scenery. At the lower falls the 
scenery approaches the sublime. Here the river 
lashed into a creamy foam thunders through a 
gorge worn narrow and deep by the eternal rush of 
its waters, and whose perpendicular walls hem- 
ming it in on either side rise to an elevation of 
four hundred feet above the level of the lower 
stream. 

Standing here in the silence, unbroken save by 
the roar of the falls and the ringing of the lumber- 
man's ax in the forest which crowns the summit, 
fancy reverts to the time when these waters floated 
the graceful canoe of the Indian, parted before the 
homely keel boat of the advancing pioneer, and 
bore upon their surface the freightage of the forests 
to the markets of the East. Then, as now, the 
water poured ceaselessly over the falls, but in 
wider and more eager torrents, while along its 
banks the river was dotted with the wigwams of the 
savage whose war song blended with the music of 
the cataract. 

But the scene has changed. The canoe, the 
wigwams, the Indians, have disappeared ; the keel 
boats have passed from existence, and the river 
long ago ceased to be navigable for the rafts of the 
hardy lumbermen. 

Above this point a few rods, is still seen the 
carrying road over which the lumber and other 
freight of early days was conveyed from the upper 
to below the lower falls, and from which " port- 
age," or carrying place, the town derived its name. 

Just below these falls there arises an island of 
rock, crowned by large flat stones, as though 
placed there by some human agency, on the sur- 
face of which grasses grow and in whose scant soil 
several pines and saplings have taken root, lending 
their verdure to that barren and shaley rock. At 
some time in the past this pyramidical island ha j 
been connected to the eastern bank, but it has 
been gradually separated therefrom by the crumb- 
ling of its surface into the river. It is called "The 
Haystack " by the inhabitants of the town, and is 
not unlike one in appearance, tapering, however, 
on all sides, somewhat like a pyramid, toward the 
top. 

The fall of water here at one time was nearly one 
hundred feet; but the stream, becoming shallower, 
changed its course, and cutting its way deeper into 
the narrow gorge has reduced the height, to sixty- 



264 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



eight feet, and in live years the falls have receded 
fully one hundred feet. 

Midway between the lower and middle falls the 
barren, perpendicular walls on the western side take 
a graceful curve, in shape like an Indian bow, and 
rise to a height of three hundred feet above the 
stream below. On the eastern side the ascent is 
less abrupt, and is sprinkled with a growth of 
saplings, crowned on the summit with a parapet of 
huge fiat stones that formerly protected the towing 
path of the Genesee Valley canal, which began at 
this point its parallel course with the river. In the 
precipitous rocks which skirt the canal on its east- 
ern side is seen the side drift of the tunnel began 
by Elisha Johnson,* through which the canal was 
originally intended to run. The tunnel was begun 
at a point on the southern side of the gorge, and 
had a south-western termination near the Middle 
Falls. The spot is now covered up by the caving 
in of its walls, so that the terminus is not visible. 
Work was begun on the tunnel in 1839. It was 
eleven hundred and eighty feet long, and was at 
that time the greatest undertaking of that nature 
in this country. Owing to the treacherous nature 
of the earth forming this hill, the tunnel was not 
found practicable and was therefore abandoned. 
The canal was not completed to Olean until 1856.! 

At the Middle Falls the scenery is less grand, but 
still beautiful. The water falls in a broader sheet 
over the shelving rocks to a distance of one hun- 
dred and ten feet into an immense basin which its 
action has furrowed out, but the walls of the ravine 
below are not so high or imposing. On the east 
side is seen the wooden aqueduct of the canal now 
hastening to decay. 

( )n the western side the summit is surmounted 
by a table-land thickly strewn with pine and oak, 
ami dotted with cottages, while on the bank of 
the river numerous places of observation have been 
built for the benefit of tourists. 

Between these and the upper falls the land on 
the eastern side slopes gradually up to the bed of 
the canal. On the western, it lies quite level for 
some distance back from the river, when it gradu- 
ally rises into hills covered with forests. At the 
upper falls the banks abruptly rise again to a height 
of two hundred and thirty-five feet, where stretches 
the Portage bridge, like a gossamer thread, across 
the chasm. The water at this point has a fall of 
seventy-three feet; the three cataracts having a 
total fall of two hundred and fifty-one feet. 



• At one time Mayor of Rochester, N. Y. 
I Seu page 106. 



The Portage bridge stands not only as one of 
the wonders of the State, but as a monument to 
the ingenuity of man, and to the rapidity with 
which his skill can surmount obstacles and over- 
come difficulties. This bridge was built for the 
Frie R. R., to replace the wooden one which was 
destroyed by fire May 6, 1875. The old bridge 
was built in 1852, at a cost of $175,000. It was 
800 feet long, 234 feet high, and contained 1,602,- 
000 feet of lumber, and 108,852 pounds of iron, 
and was the largest wooden railroad bridge in the 
world. In twelve weeks after its destruction by 
fire, the present bridge was tested and opened for 
traffic, July 31, 1875. 

It is 280 feet from bank to bank, 235 feet high 
from the bed of the river to top of railing, and 
contains 1,314,500 pounds of iron, besides track 
material. It was built by the Watson Manufac- 
turing Company, Paterson, N. J.* 

Seventy years ago where now this railroad 
stretches its iron course, was a dense forest and 
the whole township was an unbroken wilderness ; 
where now the shrill whistle of the flying locomotive 
breaks on the air as it sweeps past well-tilled farms 
the silence was undisturbed save by the howling of 
wolves, the chase of the savage, or the fur)- of the 
tempest. 

Jacob Shaver, Seth Sherwood and other pio- 
neers who first penetrated these wilds scarcely 
conceived that in the lapse of forty years, that 
engine of civilization, the locomotive, would become 
an established feature of the town, and that over 
the forest-skirted chasm of the Genesee would be 
constructed the largest railroad bridge in the world ; 
to be replaced in a few years by the grand piece 
of mechanism that spans the river to-day. 

To Jacob Shaver, who came in 1810, and Seth 
Sherwood, who came at about the same time or 
soon after, has been awarded the honor of the first 
settled residency in the town. This claim, how- 
ever, is doubtful. As pioneers they were undoubt- 
edly the first to wield the ax in making for them- 
selves small clearings, upon which they located as 
squatters, with no pretense to title or ownership. 
But here their labors toward the settlement of the 
town probably ended; for when in 1816 these 
lands were opened for sale, and the incoming of 
permanent settlers began, they moved onward to 
become pioneers in other unbroken regions. 

To Ephraim Kingsley is accorded the credit of 
being the first actual settler in the present limits of 
Portage. He came here from Vermont in 181 4, 

* See page 107. 



PORTAGE — EARLY SETTLERS. 



265 



and located on lot 169, since owned by Frederick 
B. Hunt. In 1816 Col. George Williams settled 
in the town as resident agent for the Cottinger 
Tract, which contained fifty thousand acres con- 
veyed to Gerrit Cottinger in 1791, and by him con- 
veyed to John Hornby, of Scotland, who sold the 
half of it in alternate lots to his agent, John Greig, of 
Canandaigua, for the sale of them. In 1 807 the tract 
was surveyed and subdivided by Elisha Johnson. 

The lots were three quarters of a mile long and 
about one-third of a mile wide, containing one 
hundred and sixty acres, the measures varying and 
generally over-running. 

The lands in the town have all been sold. 
There are one hundred and one lots and parts of 
lots, containing in all 16,580 acres, the town being 
situated about the middle of the east side of the 
entire tract. 

As agent for these lands Col. Williams continued 
for years, becoming himself an extensive land 
owner, and taking an important part in the settle- 
ment and improvement of the town. In his eighty- 
first year he was thrown from a buggy, sustaining in- 
juries which hastened his death. He died May 11, 
1879. He had a son who now occupies the home- 
stead, and a daughter residing at Portage Bridge. 

These lands opened for sale, the settlement of 
the town was accelerated, and the next few years 
witnessed the influx of those whose labors convert- 
ed the forests into farms and laid the foundation 
for the future wealth and prosperity of the town. 
Among the settlers who came in these early days 
were Prosper Adams and his brother Abijah, Rus- 
sell Messenger, Nathaniel B. Nichols, Asahel Fitch, 

Elias Hill, Halliday, Stephen Spencer, 

Horace Miller, Elisha D. Moses, William Dake, 
Joseph Walter and Thomas Bennett. Of these 
pioneers and settlers, Nathaniel B. Nichols was the 
first Justice of the Peace, in about 1818.* Pros- 
per Adams built the first tavern in the town just 
south of what is now known as the Deep Cut,f on 
land now owned by A. J. Burroughs. This tavern 
was for many years the center of business for the 
town, and was kept by Adams for several years. 
He sold it to William Marks, his brother-in-law, 
who in his turn kept it about fifteen years. 

In 1835 or '36 Marks went to Kirtland, Ohio, with 
a society of Mormons who had held a branch church 
inJPortage, meeting principally at Marks' tavern. { 

* Magistrates have been the only legal representatives with which Por- 
tage has been honored. There has never been a lawyer's office in the 
town. 

t Where the Genesee Valley Canal was cut through the high land. 

t Afterwards, and for a number of years, this tavern was kept by Mr. 
Burroughs. 



William Dake, with his wife and two children, — - 
Jonathan and Charles — came from Saratoga coun- 
ty, in this State, in 1819, locating on Oak Hill. 
July 27, 1822, he purchased of John Horn- 
by, through his agent and attorney, John Greig, 
one hundred acres of land on lot 142. For this 
land, heavily timbered with oak, he paid four hun- 
dred and fifty-two dollars, and cleared it entirely 
with the labor of his own hands. Here, on Oak 
Hill, he lived fifty-four years, dying in May, 1873. 
His wife died in Rochester, N. Y., in 1878. Two 
of his children died, William J., in 1849, and 
Clarrissa E., in 1872. His descendants are J. M. 
Dake, a hardware merchant in Nunda ; Jabez W. 
Dake, M. D., now living in Rochester, N. Y.; Dr. 
Charles A. Dake, of Irondequoit, N. Y.; and Benja- 
min F. Dake, M. D., now in Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Elisha D. Moses was the first physician, coming 
from Connecticut in 1816, and beginning at once 
his practice which continued until 1837, when he 
removed to Rochester, N. Y., where he died in 
October of 1872. 

His father, Elisha Moses, came to Portage in the 
following year, 181 7. He was a native of Sims- 
bury, Conn., where he and his father before him 
were born. In 1826 he moved to Mt. Morris, pur- 
chasing a farm and living there until his death. 
He had a family of twelve: — Elisha D.; Amarila, 
the date of whose death is unknown ; Phcebe, who 
died in Portage in January, 1820; Timothy, in 
Indiana, September, 1823; Arden, in Michigan, 
April, 1847; Flavia, in 1858; Betsey, in [863; 
Edmond, in 1865; Ormenta, in March, 1825; 
Marcus, in Lockport, N. Y., December 9, 1880, 
and Amelia and Schuyler, the former now living in 
Mt. Morris, and the latter in Rochester, N. Y., at the 
advanced age of eighty-two. 

Thomas T. Bennett's family all went west but 
one daughter, the wife of William Tousey, who 
lives near Joel C. Bennett. 

The family of Joseph Bennett are also settlers 
in Western States, none remaining in Portage. 

Walter Bennett's widow, Mrs. Huldah Bennett, 
still lives in the town with one of the sons, J. Y. 
Bennett. 

The improvements made by Jacob Shaver, who, 
as we have remarked, was a squatter at will in this 
region, were purchased by Captain Richard Church 
in 1816. Near him soon after settled Abner Tut- 
hill and his sons, Henry and Lewis. 

Rev. Mr. Miller and sons, Allen, Horace and 
Orrin, with their families, came about the same 
time from Saratoga county. Allen Miller was ex- 



266 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



tensively know as a drover, and Orrin Miller be- 
came distinguished as a Methodist minister of rare 
eloquence and power. 

Robert, George and Reuben Gifford, Elias 
Bowen, Benjamin Utter, Nathaniel Lewis, John 
M( Farline, a Scotchman, and others, early occu- 
pied every lot in the school district No. 1, called 
North Oak Hill. 

A few of these pioneers lie buried here, but a 
majority sought other homes. All are gone and 
their posterity are widely scattered. Alexander 
McFarline remains the sole representative of the 
only family that holds the paternal homestead. 

The northern part of the town was settled mainly 
by people from Saratoga county and were most of 
them related to each other. Most of those who 
settled about Marks' Tavern, the old town center, 
were from Windham, Yt. ; those who located at 
Hunt's Hollow were from Cayuga county, while in 
the district between that place and Oakland the 
settlers were from Coleraine, Massachusetts. 

George Wilner, another inhabitant of Connecti- 
cut, came to Portage in 1817 or '18, and married 
Betsey, daughter of Elisha Moses. His descend- 
ants are Malcolm, who resides in San Francisco ; 
Flavia. who lives in Michigan, and Marcus and 
Merriman, who still live in Portage. 

Solomon Williams and Capt. Elisha Smith, who 
came from Vermont, were early settlers ; the former 
coming in 1816 and locating just south-west of 
Hunt's Station, on the Short Track road and the 
latter locating near Adam's tavern south of the 
1 )eep Cut. 

Russell Messenger built the first saw and grist 
mill in 181 7, at Messenger's Hollow, which was 
named for him, and now known as Oakland. Dur- 
ing the next few years fourteen saw mills were 
constructed on the Cashaqua Creek, which flows 
northerly through the eastern part of the town, 
and within the same time, nearly as many more 
were built on the Genesee River and smaller 
streams. Wherever a stream of sufficient force 
could be found a saw mill was built, for at that 
time and for many years afterward, the principal 
business was lumbering. Of all those mills built 
by the pioneers scarcely a vestige now remains. 

Soon after the building of the first grist mill by 
Russell Messenger, a second mill was built by 
Thomas Alcott near the head waters of Spring 
Brook, which was afterward moved to the mouth of 
the brook, and again removed about fifty rods down 
the stream to receive the water of the Cashaqua 
Creek, and was then enlarged to an extensive llour- 



ing mill by Hunt & Thompson. It afterward 
passed to the proprietorship of Smith & Mills, and 
was destroyed by fire on Christmas day, 1869. 

Among the most prominent and energetic of the 
pioneers in this new region of country was Sanford 
Hunt. He was a native of Connecticut ; born in 
Tolland county, in April, 1777, and came to Por- 
tage from Greene county in December, iSiS. with 
his wife and seven children. 

He located at Hunt's Hollow, which derived its 
name from him, and engaged in farming and mer- 
cantile business in a small way, opening the first 
store in 1S19, after ward building an ashery and 
saw-mill. He kept the post-office at this place 
from its first establishment and for many years 
afterward. 

When he came there were but few settlers, and the 
township was nearly a dense wilderness. On the 
evening of his arrival he met Dr. Flisha D. Moses, 
who was then School Inspector, and whose first 
residence in the town was at the forks of the Short 
Tract and Hunt's Hollow road, south of Mr. Bur- 
roughs'. He was then post-master, being the first 
postmaster and second Town Clerk of Old Nunda.* 
Rev. Orrin Miller was the first Town Clerk. 

( )f the children of Sanford Hunt but one, Sam- 
uel, lives here at Hunt's Hollow. Another son, 
Horace, is living in Jackson, Michigan. 

The mail was then carried once a week, on foot 
or on horseback, through from Moscow to Angeli- 
ca. The post-office was established some time in 
18 18, and was located on lot 169, near where 
Adams' tavern stood. 

Mr. Hunt had for some years a large trade with 
the Indians, whose encampments extended along 
the Genesee Valley, and who placed in him the 
fullest confidence. His goods were purchased 
mostly at Geneseo, twenty miles distant. The 
store continued in his hands until his death in 
1S49, when the business passed into the manage- 
ment of his son Horace, who continued it some 
ten years longer. 

Sanford Hunt was the father of nine children: — 
Horace, Samuel R., John H., Sanford, Frederick 
B., Washington and three girls. The latter son, 
Washington, became Governor of this State in 
1851-52. Studying in the common schools of 
Portage — which, in his day, were limited in both 
comfort and educational facilities — and laying the 
ground-work of his education there, Washington 
went to Geneseo and entered the Academy pay- 

• Portage, it will be borne in mind, was then part of Nunda; not being 
separated therefrom till nine years later. 



PORTAGE — EARLY SETTLERS, CHURCHES. 



267 



ing his way by manual labor. He afterward 
entered the store of Bissell & Olmstead in Gene- 
seo, and Mr. Bissell soon after removing to Lock - 
port, N. Y., Washington followed him, where he 
found a field that presented a wider scope for his 
faculties, and a surer reward for his efforts and his 
ambitions. Here he advanced rapidly in his pur- 
suits and in the opinions of the public, until he at- 
tained the highest position in the State within the 
gift of the people. 

Another prominent early settler in Portage was 
Col. Greenleaf Clark, who came from Tamworth, 
N. H., in early boyhood to the then wilds of West- 
ern New York. He also located in Hunt's 
Hollow in 1S24, and in 1S26 married Eliza, the 
eldest daughter of Sanford Hunt. 

Col. Clark began business there as a tanner and 
currier, succeeding William Alward, who had built 
the tannery in 1 818 or thereabout, and continuing 
the business until his death in 1875. He assisted 
at the organization of St. Mark's Church, of which 
he was a valued member ; and for many years held 
the office of Magistrate. The tannery is now con- 
ducted by his son, John H. Clark. 

Hunt's Hollow in its early days was believed to 
have before it a rapid growth in population and 
in business. 

In the ten years that succeeded the coming of 
Sanford Hunt, other stores were built; a cloth- 
dressing establishment, a tannery, two asheries, a 
hat shop and two churches were erected, in one of 
which — the Episcopal — Mr. Hunt was a leading 
member. Three taverns were also built, one of 
them being kept by John Slater* for many years. 

To the minds of the inhabitants, Hunt's Hollow 
appeared in the future as the center of business for 
that immediate region east of the river. But the 
hopes and aspirations of the people were doomed 
to disappointment. The birth of the Genesee 
Valley Canal drew from it the greater share of its 
traffic to Oakland, and the building of the Erie 
Railroad in 1852 robbed it of whatever remnants 
the canal had left, Nunda Station absorbing it. 

The lumber trade which had given employment 
to so many hands became exhausted; the Casha- 
qua creek, which had driven the wheels of its saw- 
mills, tanneries, clothing works and turning lathes, 
for several months in the year ran dry, and the 
place began to decline by perceptible degrees, and 
from being the largest village and principal place 
of business in that section of the country, has 
faded to a nearly deserted hamlet, which seems 

* He died somewhere about the year 1H70. 



likely in the lapse of a few years to be known only 
in the history of the past. It stands to-day a 
quaint old village, presenting the appearance of 
having come to an abrupt halt when young 
and forever after fearful of progress. There 
remains at present but the churches, a school- 
house, a tannery, a blacksmith shop, and the time- 
worn houses of the few remaining inhabitants. The 
mills have all disappeared, the business has fled, 
and a moss-grown age, touching and picturesque, 
has settled on what was once the pride and hope of 
the town. 

Churches. — Of the religious societies organized 
for the worship of God in the town of Portage, it 
appears that the Presbyterians were the first to form 
a permanent organization. The church was organ- 
ized and united with the Presbytery of Ontario, 
Jan. 18, 1820, but was transferred to the Presby- 
tery of Angelica, Feb. 24, 1829. No early records 
of this church can be found to establish the pre- 
cise date and particulars of its organization, but it 
is learned that its first minister at Hunt's Hollow, 
where the church was located, was Rev. Mr. Linds- 
ley. 

After him were Revs. Messrs. Phineas Smith, 
who was ordained and installed March 5, 1829, and 
who left Feb. 24, 1830. Abel Caldwell, who re- 
mained six years, Horatio Waldo, A. C. DuBois, 

Rogers, Lewis Hamilton, James B. Wilson, L. 

Rogers and John M. Bear. 

In 1825, the membership numbered eighty-three; 
in 1832, one hundred and eleven, and in 1846, 
one hundred and fourteen. 

Among the elders, were P^rastus Norton, Silas 
Olmstead, J. B. Hewitt, Edwin S. Olmstead, Joseph 
C. Burton, Arad French and Delos C. Wells. In 
October, 1848, it became consolidated with a 
second Presbyterian church which had been organ- 
ized in Nunda, under the name of the Oakland 
Presbyterian church, located in the village of Oak- 
land and being under the care of the Presbytery of 
Wyoming. 

Among its ministers at this latter place were 
Revs. Richard Kay, Isaac Oakes, William Hall, 
Henry B. Thayer, Pliny Twichell, E. W. Kellogg 
and R. W. McCormick. Its sessions included the 
following names : Gulielmus Wing, David H. 
Thayer, Silas Olmstead, Edwin S. Olmstead, John 
Preston and J. B. Hewitt. 

Here in 1850 a church building was erected, 
which on the 8th day of June, 1 871, was destroyed 
by fire, and the membership* uniting with the 

* The membership at that time was Jt. 



2 68 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Nunda Presbyterian church, its after history was 
merged into the history of that society located in 
the village of Nunda. 

The Episcopal Church at Hunt's Hollow was or- 
ganized in 1826, as St. Mark's Church. Sanford 
Hunt and Walter Bennett were chosen as wardens. 
The Vestrymen were as follows : Joseph Bennett. 
Miner Cobb, Thomas T. Bennett, Henry Bagley, 
Roswell Bennett, Samuel R. Hunt, Greenleaf 
Clark and Lewis Peet. Of these officers but two, 
Samuel R. Hunt and Henry Bagley, are now liv- 
ing. 

The church edifice was erected by the society in 
1828, and was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. John 
Henry Hobart on the first day of September, 1829. 

The first Rector was Rev. Richard Salmon, who 
was present as pastor at the organization of the 
society, but the length of whose pastorate could 
not be learned. It is probable, however, that he 
remained until 1831, or thereabouts, as the name 
of his successor, Rev. George Bridgeman, does not 
appear until 1832. After the ministration of this 
latter pastor, which lasted until 1833, the succession 
of pastors was as follows: — 
Rev. Thomas Meecham, 1833-1837. 

" Lucius Carter, fuly, 1 837-1840. 

" H. S. Atwater, .' 1841-1844. 

" Lucius Carter, 1845- 1847. 

" Asa Griswold, 1 847-1 849. 

" Andrew I). Benedict,* 1849-1852. 

" James O. Stokes,* 1854-1856. 

" Henry B. Gardner,* 185 7- 1860. 

" Lucius Carter, 1860-1866. 

" Noble Palmer,* 1868-1870. 

" Fayette Royce, 1871-1872. 

" Charles Woodward,* 187 2-1 876. 

" William Westover, 1877-1879. 

In 1 880 there was no settled pastor. The 
present membership is about twenty-five communi- 
cants. The church is gradually losing member- 
ship from deaths and removals. The older mem- 
bers are nearly all dead. 

Portage Baptist Church. — On the 21st day of 
May, 1 819, Elder Samuel Messenger and eleven 
other members of Baptist churches, met at the 
house of David Button, near Hunt's Hollow, and 
organized the Nunda f Baptist church. 

Their names were : Russell Messenger, Aaron 
Thompson, Aaron Thompson, Jr., Elijah Bennett, 
Jacob Devoe, Wm. Greening, Susannah Greening, 
Huldah Root, Rhoda Ann Bennett and Sally 

* Rectors thus marked presided over Grace Church, Nunda, having 
St. Mark's included in their charge. 

t Portage was then part of the town of Nunda. The history of this 
church is incorporated in the history of Nunda township, where hefore 
and since 1^17 it-, serviceshave been held. 



Thompson. Elijah Bennett was chosen clerk. 
Their public meetings were held at Hunt's Hollow 
and vicinity, many of them in private dwellings. 

Additions to its membership were numerous, 
but mostly from persons living further east and 
north. Consequently the places of meeting grad- 
ually changed to the eastward, and were mainly at 
or near Wilcox Comers,* on the State road, north 
of Daltonf for a length of time, and finally to the 
present site of the village of Nunda. But these 
changes in the place of meeting made it tjuite in- 
convenient for those members residing in Grove, 
and the south part of what is now the town of 
Portage, from five to eight miles away. 

This led to the appointment of a meeting to con- 
sider the propriety of organizing another church. 
The meeting was held on the 24th of May, 1828, 
at the house of John Messenger near the southeast 
corner of Portage. They soon concluded to take 
measures to this end, and appointed a committee, 
viz: Curtis Coe, David Baldwin and Israel Root, 
to prepare a form of church articles of belief and 
practice to be considered at the next meeting. 
They also sent a committee to gain the consent of 
the Nunda church, of which they were all mem- 
bers, and also to invite them to send delegates to 
assist in recognizing them as a church. 

To this the church in Nunda readily consented, 
and also voted letters of dismissal to all who 
wished to unite with this new church. 

On the 21st of June, 1828, the meeting re-con- 
vened to hear the reports of the committees, and 
adopted the articles of faith and covenant reported, 
to which the following eighteen members sub- 
scribed : Israel Root, Curtis Coe, David Bald- 
win, Thaddeus Bennett, John Gearhart, Samuel 
Carman, John Messenger, William Alward, John 
Boughton, Bethuel Bradley, Betsey Bennett, Cath- 
erine White, Huldah Smith, Rosannah Bradley, 
Sally Root, Almeda Carman, Hannah Coe, Mar- 
garet Peet. 

The meeting was presided over by Samuel Mes- 
senger. Israel Root was elected clerk of the 
church, and David Baldwin and Curtis Coe as 
leaders ; but no deacons were chosen until a few 
years after. The clerk failed to record any public 
recognition of the church, but the invitations of 
the Nunda church, the presence and official 
position of Elder Messenger, and other circum- 

* Frequently in the barn of Deacon Schuyler Thompson, Gideon 
Lowell and perhaps others. The ordination of Elder Elijah Bennett took 
place in the barn of G. Lowell, Oct. 20, 1820. 

t The name of Nunda Station has been changed to Dalton. 



PORTAGE — CHURCHES. 



269 



stances, indicate that they were regularly received 
into the fraternity of Baptist Churches. 

The society was thereafter known as the Grove 
and Portage Baptist Church until 1877, when the 
name becoming inappropriate, — there being for 
many years but one member residing in Grove, — 
was changed from that to the Portage Baptist 
Church. 

From the organization of the church in 1828 
until September, 1842, its meetings were held at 
the school house near the corners of the towns of 
Grove and Portage. In that year the society ap- 
pointed a committee to procure a more suitable 
and convenient place of meeting, which resulted 
in obtaining the privilege of using half of the 
time, the Methodist chapel* at Hunt's Hollow. 
In this chapel their meetings were held for five 
years, until the house now occupied by the society 
was purchased of the Presbyterian Church in 
1848. 

During the entire course of its history, long in- 
tervals have occurred between the departure of one 
pastor and the settlement of his successor ; but the 
society during such intervals has not neglected to 
hold services, conference, and prayer-meetings, 
and sometimes the reading of sermons taking the 
place of pastoral ministrations. 

In May, 1829, a year after its organization, the 
society received an invitation from a conference 
of neighboring churches to meet with them at the 
Portage and Castile church on the third Wednes- 
day in June following, to assist in organizing anew 
Association. To this invitation the society as- 
sented, and a delegation of its members were pres- 
ent at that meeting. Elder Messenger, their pas- 
tor, being made moderator. 

The abduction of William Morgan had then 
but recently taken place, causing a most intense 
excitement regarding the danger of secret societies, 
and of Masonry in particular. The churches rep- 
resented at that meeting recorded as their first 
declaration : "This Association shall be composed 
of such Baptist churches only as have no fellow- 
ship for Masonry." This feature of the Constitu- 
tion was particularly admired by the Grove and 
Portage church, to which principle they as a body 
remained steadfast, until the amendment passed in 
1868 expunged that article from the Constitution. 

In October of 1829, when the Baptist churches 



* Of this society no records are extant and nothing to indicate either its 
origin, progress, or dissolution. There is now no church of that denom- 
ination in Portage. Mr. J. C. Bennett thinks that litis chapel was owned 
by a Methodist class whose membership was with the M. E. Church at 
Nunda, but the class lost its visibility soon after 1850. 



and Associations of the State held the famous 
Whitesboro Convention for the purpose of trying 
to organize a uniform system of defense against 
Masonry, they took measures to see that this As- 
sociation should be duly represented in that body. 

Elder Samuel Messenger had up to this time 
occupied the position of pastor, and the member- 
ship during these four years had increased to thir- 
ty-one. The society then obtained for half of the 
time, the services of Gilead Dodge, a licentiate 
living in Mt. Morris. He remained until Septem- 
ber, 1833, when at the instance of the church, a 
council was convened and he was set apart by or- 
dination to the work of the ministry, after which 
he immediately resigned. 

In the fall of 1834, Silas Morse bought a farm 
within the bounds of the church, on which he lo- 
cated, and was soon invited to preach. Accepting 
the invitation, he so rapidly gained the esteem of 
the church that in January, 1836, at the request of 
the society, a council was called for his ordination 
to the labors of the ministry. 

The society now began to feel the need of a 
house of worship for the better accommodation of 
the congregation, and several meetings were held 
to consult in regard to the erection of a suitable 
building. Elder Morse was appointed to solicit 
aid from neighboring churches, but he met with 
but little success. After appointing a committee 
to consult with a like committee from the Grove 
church* in relation to uniting with them in the 
erection of a building to accommodate both socie- 
ties, the decision was soon reached that this would 
be poor policy, and the idea of building was aban- 
doned. 

In the beginning of the year 1840, there were 
in this society but thirty members. In September 
of the same year, the resolution appointing leaders, 
which had been in force for twelve years, was re- 
scinded, and David Baldwin and John Gearhart, 
who had served as leaders, were elected deacons. 
Those since elected have been Alfred Taber in 
1868; P. W. Hewitt and F. M. Nicholson in 1878. 

At the time of this first election of deacons, 
Israel Root was still clerk of the society, holding 
that office until 1842 — fourteen years. His suc- 
cessor was Record Taber, who held the office seven 
years, and who in 1849 was succeeded by Joel C. 
Bennett,! the present clerk. 

* Afterward the Granger Church. 

t To him we are indebted for the major portion of the history of this 
church ; he having compiled an epitome of its history from tSzS to 1S69, 
which he placed at our disposal, and which is changed only somewhat in 
phraseology and in the sequence of events. 



270 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



In April, 1841, Elder Morse, who had occupied 
the desk as pastor most of the time from 1834, 
died after a long and painful illness, and the church 
secured the service of Elder Rufus Sabin.* 

In 1850, Elder J. H. Greene became pastor, to 
whose faithful preaching and exemplary Christian 
life the church owed much of its prosperity and 
strength. During the four years of his pastorate, 
seventeen were added to the church by baptism 
and fourteen by letter. 

In the latter part of 1854 Elder F. Glawville 
became pastor, remaining about a year and a half, 
but not becoming a member of the church. 

In 1856 Elder Sabin was again called to the pas- 
torate, which he retained for three years. Under 
his ministrations in the winter and spring of 1858, 
occurred an interesting revival which resulted in 
the addition, by baptism, of sixteen members to 
the church. 

In 1859, O. E. Mallory, then a student of the 
Institution at Hamilton, during his summer vaca- 
tion, preached to the church with much accept- 
ance, and his labors are still held in grateful re- 
membrance. 

In November of 1859, Elder Edward Teuney 
occupied the desk, sustaining the pastoral relation 
until April, i860. In the summer of that year he 
was succeeded by Elder J. Trowbridge, who, in the 
course of a few months, aroused the church to the 
necessity of repairing and remodeling their house 
of worship. This was completed in July, 1861, 
and again dedicated to divine worship. In a few 
months afterward Elder Trowbridge resigned, and 
was succeeded by Elder W. W. Beardslee, whose 
pastorate lasted two years. Elder William 
Brooks then assumed the pastoral care of the 
church, which he retained three years, closing his 
labors on the first of April, 1867. 

During the next seven months, the desk was sup- 
plied by Elders A. L. L. Potter and W. Metcalf, of 
Nunda. 

In November, 1867, Elder L. S. Stowell was 
called to the pastorate, and his work was greatly 
blessed. Within two years the membership was 
doubled. He remained eight years and then re- 
signed on account of ill health. During this time 
the church was unusually prosperous, seventy- 
seven being added to its membership by baptism. 

A year or two then elapsed without a settled 
pastor, until the coming of Elder J. A. Taylor, the 

t His pastorate continued nine years. The first six years he preached 
to this church hut half the time, the other half with the Baptist church in 
Granger. But in i s 4 ; tin latter was dishanded and this church enjoyed 
his full lahors. 



incumbent in 1880. The church is located at 
Hunt's Hollow, in a thinly settled farming country, 
and the membership. ind congregation have always 
been small. The present membership is about 
eighty. 

Statistics. — In i860 the population of Portage 
was 1,519, which in 1870 had decreased to 
1,338, and in 1875 was but 1,170 total. In this 
latter year the town had a native population of 
1,044, of foreign, 126 ; of white, 1,165, of colored, 
5; a loss in those five years of 168 in the total pop- 
ulation ; of 143 in the native ; of 25 in the foreign ; 
of 169 in the white, and a gain of 1 in the colored 
population. 

The town in 1875 had 570 males, 600 females, 
and 7 aliens ; and of voting population a total of 
329, of which 278 were native, 47 were naturalized, 
and 4 were aliens. 

The soil of Portage is a clay loam in the eastern 
and a sandy loam in the western part. The area 
of farm lands in 1875 was given as 10,868 acres of 
improved lands, 3,019 acres of woodland, and of 
other lands 1,323 acres. The cash value of farms 
was $964,185; of farm buildings, $111,860; of 
stock, 98,595; of tools and implements, $26,725 ; 
while the gross sales from farms in the preceding 
year were $72,899. 

A portion of the town records having been de- 
stroyed by fire on the night of December 24th, 

1868. no accurate or reliable list could be obtained 
prior to 1869, although it is learned that Joel C. 
Bennett was Supervisor during the war, and John 
A. Lyon in 1866. 

We give here as extended a list as possible of 
the Supervisors and Town Clerks of Portage. 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1869. Benj. T. Kneeland. E. Selden Kellogg. 

1870. Charles I). Bennett. " 

187 1. Benj. T. Kneeland. Jno. M. Griffith. 
1872-73. MerrimanJ. Wilner. C. S. Gilbert. 

1874. Jno. Fitch. Chas. C.Adams. 

1875. " C. S. Gilbert. 
1876-78. " Jno. M. Griffith. 
1879-80. Jno. M. Griffith. O. L. Crosier. 

The following officers were elected April 5, 
1881: — Supervisor, John M.Griffith; TownClerk, 
Otis L. Crosier; Highway Commissioner, William 
Townsend ; Assessor, Lyman L. Edmonds; Over- 
seer of the Poor, Lorenzo D. Gi fiord ; Constables, 
John Stager, Cornelius J. Whipple, Willie E. 
Spencer, R. R. Parks; Game Constable, Philip M. 
Payne; Excise Commissioner, F. B. Hunt. 

Portage has eleven school districts in which 
there are school houses, and one joint district in 



OAKLAND — CHURCHES. 



271 



which there is no school house in the town. In 
these districts there are 429 children over five and 
under twenty-one years of age. During the past 
year school was taught 322 2-5 weeks, employing 1 1 
teachers, and with an average attendance of 164, 
there being 341 children of school age attending 
school some portion of the year. The total amount 
paid to teachers during the year was $1,732.62. 
The total value of school houses and sites is $3,460 ; 
of district libraries, $183. There was paid during 
the year for school houses, sites, fences, repairs and 
furniture, the sum of $123.20; the total inciden- 
tal expenditure for the year was $153.55. The 
total valuation of the districts is $6,333.49. 

Dr. B. T. Kneeland who graduated at Geneva, 
N. Y., in 185 1, resides in the eastern part of the 
town. 

Oakland. 

Oakland is situated in the eastern part of the 
town. In its earlier history it was known as Mes- 
senger's Hollow, from Russell Messenger, who, as 
before mentioned, located there in 1817, build- 
ing there the first grist-mill erected in the town. 
It went by the name of Messenger's Hollow for 
years, until the post-office was moved from Col. 
George Williams' on Oak Hill to the Hollow, 
bearing the name of Oakland with it. This name 
grew in public favor slowly, especially among the 
older residents, but at last the hamlet came to be 
generally known by its present name. The mill 
erected by Russell Messenger was rebuilt and 
enlarged in 1832. It is the only grist-mill now in 
the town, and is a very large and substantial struc- 
ture. 

Here in Oakland, Russell Messenger died, and 
his son, Orlaton F. Messenger, succeeded him in 
the business of the mill and the warehouse which 
was built after the opening of the canal. Here, 
also, Asahel Fitch kept for many years a general 
dry -goods and grocery store. His son, John Fitch, 
manufacturer of carriages, is now living here. 

None of Russell Messenger's family are left 
here, but live at or near Rochester, Minn. 

When the Genesee Valley canal was completed 
Oakland had, besides the grist-mill, a tannery, a 
cloth dressing establishment, several saw-mills, a 
store and a tavern. The growth of Nunda Vil- 
lage, and the abandonment of the canal, detracted 
from the business of the place, and it contains at 
present but the mill, carriage shop, a blacksmith 
shop, school house, a manufactory for plows and 
other agricultural implements, and thirty or forty 
houses. 



Churches. — The place formerly contained two 
churches, Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian. 
The former was built about 1830 or '32, and the 
society becoming extinct, the church was aban- 
doned somewhere about 1872, and was then con- 
verted into a hall for public use. 

Oakland Presbyterian Church. — On Sunday, 
the 5th day of December, 18 19, Rev. Elihu Mason, 
pastor of the church in Mt. Morris, organized the 
Presbyterian church of Portage, at Oak Hill, then 
in the town of Nunda, with the following mem- 
bers: — Arad French and Lucinda, his wife; Rich- 
ard W. Robinson and Charlotte, his wife; Mrs. 
Laura Strong, Wm. T. Totten, Enoch Miller, Mrs. 
Rosanna Marks, Mrs. Hannah Moses, Samuel 
Swain and Mrs. Elizabeth Tuthill. Arad French 
was chosen deacon, and Messrs. French, Robinson 
and Swain elders. Mr. French was also chosen 
clerk, and for more than twenty years kept a model 
record. In January, 1820, the church became a 
member of the Presbytery of Ontario. The next 
two years it remained under the care of Mr. Mason. 
In the spring of 1822, Rev. John Lindsley became 
pastor. He was a native of Connecticut, and 
though an old man, he was a missionary in Western 
New York, where his name is found in the history 
of most of the old churches. He settled at Oak 
Hill, where he died December 4th, 1838, aged 
eighty-seven years. He was a dee]) thinker and a 
very exemplary man. 

September, 1822, the church numbering seventy- 
five members, Isaac P. Atwood, Erastus Norton and 
Solomon Williams were chosen additional elders, 
and William T. Totten and William Town, deacons. 

Rev. Mr. Lindsley having become superannu- 
ated, Phineas Smith, a licentiate, became pastor in 
1828, and was soon afterwards ordained. Though 
the church had one hundred members, it had no 
house or home. Its meetings were held in the 
school-houses and barns, mostly at Oak Hill or 
Hunt's Hollow. 

The parish extended from Pike Hollow to East 
Hill, in Nunda, and on the river from St. Helena 
to Wiscoy. 

Efforts were made to build a meeting-house, but 
in 1827 the church was organized in Portageville, 
within this parish. The pastor had not the wisdom 
of experience, and several of the leading members 
joined the Episcopal church. It was not till the 
summer of 1830 that they built their house in 
Hunt's Hollow. The church then became a mem- 
ber of the Presbytery of Angelica, and Rev. Abel 
Caldwell succeeded Mr. Smith, who became, soon 



272 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



after, a missionary to Texas, then just entering the 
family of nations as a Republic. 

In 1 S3 1, a Presbyterian church was organized in 
Nuntla and another in Pike, both of which drew 
many of her members, but accessions were more 
numerous; for in 1S35 the membership is Stated 
at one hundred and thirty — the greatest number 
the church ever reported. 

Rev. Leonard Rogers succeeded Mr. Caldwell 
in 1837, and was followed by Rev. Abram C. 
DuBois in 1840; and James B. Hewitt, Edwin S. 
Olmstead, Delos Wells and Jos. C. Button were 
chosen elders. Abel Caldwell was again pastor 
in (841-42, Rev. Lewis Hamilton in 1S43-44 and 
Rev. John M. Bear in 1845-47. He was an ob- 
trusive pro-slavery man from Delaware, out of time 
and place. Several of the leading members left 
the church for political reasons and never joined it 
again. John Preston, John F. Woodruff and Nel- 
son C. Lockwood were chosen elders, and Tracy 
Lnsworth, deacon. 

The mania for going west which began in 1836 
carried away many members, and the decline con- 
tinued till in 1848 Messrs. Caldwell and Leonard 
labored as supplies to a membership of about fifty. 
They sold the church and parsonage to the Baptist 
church for $800, joined the Presbytery of Wyoming, 
and uniting with the Old School church, of Nunda, 
formed the Church of Oakland, Richard Kay, pas- 
tor, Gulielmus Wing, David W. Thayer, Silas Olm- 
stead, E. S. Olmstead, J. Preston and J. B. Hewitt, 
elders, and Wm. T. Totten and Tracy Ellsworth, 
deacons. July 1st, 1848, the church and society 
were incorporated, G. Wing, Wm. Houghton, Jas. 
Camp, L. Tuthill and Asahel Fitch, trustees; Rev. 
Moses Miller, pastor. 

They built a commodious church and session 
room on the corner of lot 170 in Oakland, which 
was dedicated Oct. 3d, 1S50. The building com- 
mittee were G. Wing, E. H. Nash, A. Fitch, O. E. 
Messenger and Jas. Camp. N. C. Lockwood and 
Geo. Arnold were chosen additional elders. 

Richard Kay's pastorate closed in 1852, and Rev. 
Isaac Oakes was pastor till 1857. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Wm. Hall for one year. Rev. Henry B. 
Thayer followed for two years. In his pastorate 
many were added to the church. Rev. Pliny 
Twitchell was pastor from the fall of 1861 till his 
death in 1S64. His successor, E. W. Kellogg, 
continued till 1868, when Rev. R. W. McCormick 
was pastor for one year. Rev. L. G. Marsh fol- 
lowed him in 1870, and continued till the meeting 
house was burned June 8th, 1871. 



The schism between the old and the new school 
was healing and as many of the members had once 
been united with the Church of Nunda, so now 
she welcomed the Church of Oakland to her com- 
munion. During the fifty years the Church existed 
about 450 names were on her records. 

The first settlers of Portage were mainly from 
New England, and the Presbyterian faith had 
probably more adherents than all other creeds 
combined, perhaps they still outnumber any other, 
but their names are enrolled in Portage or Nunda.* 

Hunt's Stai ion. 

Hunt's Station, or Hunt's, as it is as frequently 
called, is situated at nearly the geographical center 
of the town, on the line of the Erie railroad. It 
contains two stores, a post-office, two blacksmith 
shops, one wagon shop, a warehouse, the depot, 
and eight or nine dwelling houses. One of the 
stores, devoted to dry-goods and doing a consider- 
able business, is kept by Williams & Averill. The 
other, devoted to groceries, is owned by Milo 
Eldridge, who came here in December, 1874, com- 
mencing business the following July. The post- 
orfice was moved to this place from Hunt's Hol- 
low in 1875, and ^ lr - Eldridge was appointed post- 
master, which position he has since held. 

Mr. Schwartz began business here as a black- 
smith in the spring of 1876. In 1S77 Frank 
Nickleson built here a wagon shop, devoting a 
portion of it to blacksmithing. The warehouse 
was built by J. L. Smith in the spring of 1S77, sell- 
ing in 1878 to J. B. Simmons, who as produce dealer, 
is now in business here. 

Hunt's Station is quite an extensive shipping 
point for farm produce, the only depot in the town 
of commercial importance. 

At this place is located the Portage Memorial 
Hall, a neat slate roofed brick building, twenty-six 
by fifty feet, containing within its interior three- 
large marble slabs inscribed with the names of the 
soldiers from Portage who died on the field of bat- 
tle, or in prisons, during the war of the Rebellion. 
The building was erected at an expense of two 
thousand dollars, and is also to be used as a town 
hall. 

This Hall was built through the efforts of an as- 
sociation of citizens under the title of "The 
Soldiers' Monument Association of the Town of 
Portage." The society was organized Saturday, 
June cj. 1866, in accordance with Chapter 237, 

* For this sketch we are indebted to C. D Bennett. 



PORTAGE — WAR RECORD. 



Laws of 1866 for the erection of a monument in 
said town in memory of her soldiers. 

The meeting for organization was held in the 
school-house at Hunt's Hollow, Horace Hunt pre- 
siding as chairman, and Hiram Smith, as secre- 
tary. In addition to the Supervisors and Justices 
made by the law ex-officio members of the Board 
of Trustees, eight more were elected, making the 
first Board of Trustees as follows : — John A. Lyon, 
Supervisor ; Greenleaf Clark, Latham Coffin, Chas. 
H. Randall and Hiram Smith, Justices ; John F. 
Barber, Alfred A. Cox, Horace Hunt, Charles D, 
Bennett, Orlaton F. Messenger, J. Bradley Clark, 
Enos H. Nash, Roderick P. Spencer. 

The certificate of organization was recorded in 
the Livingston County Clerk's office, June 13, 
1866. On the 1 6th of June, the organization was 
perfected by the election of John F. Barber, Presi- 
dent ; Orlaton F. Messenger and J. B. Clark, Vice- 
Presidents; Charles D. Bennett, Treasurer; and 
Hiram Smith, Secretary. 

By means of Fourth of July celebrations, fairs, 
festivals, and various school exhibitions, a fund was 
accumulated with which to build a monument. 
Committees on locations, plans and specifica- 
tions were at various times appointed, but no 
location could be agreed upon. In 1872 or '73, 
a law was passed allowing a Memorial building 
to be erected in place of the monument con- 
templated by the Act under which this Association 
was organized. 

On the 30th of April, 1874, the Association 
resolved that the funds of the society should be 
expended in the erection of a Memorial Hall. The 
location selected was on the south side of the road 
at Hunt's Station, where in 1880 the building was 
erected. 

The committee on Building, were J. Beardsley, 
G. S. Hovey and Hiram Smith. The committee 
on Marble Tablets were Joel C. Bennett, Charles 
D. Bennett and L. B. Gallup. 

By the usual changes in town officers, and by 
deaths and removals, corresponding changes have 
been made in the Board of Trustees. At the time 
of the erection of the Memorial Hall, the follow- 
ing were the members of the Association : — John 
M. Griffith, Supervisor; G. S. Hovey, Charles H. 
Randall, Hiram Smith and L. B. Gallup, Justices; 
Amman Smith, President ; Charles D. Bennett, 
Treasurer; John S. Lyon, Vice-President; E. H. 
Nash, R. P. Spencer, Joel C. Bennett, Jared Beards- 
ley, A. M. McFarlane. The present Secretary is 
Hiram Smith. 



Portage Bridge. 

Portage Bridge has but a few scattering houses, 
the depot, and two hotels. The Emerald House, 
proprietor P. M. Brogun, was built fourteen years 
ago. Mr. Brogun has been its proprietor thirteen 
years. 

The Cascade House was built about 1853, after 
the burning of the old Laman House. Its present 
proprietor is J. G. Barr. This hotel is a large 
handsome building, finely located, and is quite a 
resort for tourists who come here to pass the sum- 
mer months amidst the beautiful scenery of the 
Genesee. 

War Record. — The history of Portage for 
years, was that of a tranquil farming country, and 
not until the war broke out in 1861, did anything 
occur to disturb its citizens in their pursuits. At 
the breaking out of the Rebellion, thirty-six men 
from the town of Portage, without bounty, and 
with no expectation of reward but their meager 
pay, entered the army to maintain as far as they 
could the integrity of the nation. 

During the year 1862, forty-five more of the citi- 
zens of Portage, whose lives had been passed in the 
quiet pursuits of husbandry or trade, threw down 
the implements of industry and, at the call of the 
President, went resolutely to the fields of strife, 
there to wield the implements of death in behalf of 
the same noble cause. In answer to the call of 
1863, nineteen more men quietly and bravely left 
their homes and went forward to take the place of 
those who had fallen in battle, or dropped from the 
ranks from the blighting effects of toil, privation 
and disease. The town furnished in all, one hun- 
dred and fifty-two men. 

Of those who enlisted in 1861,* Wilbur Haver 
entered the 27th Regiment, and was killed at 
Fredericksburgh, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Fifteen men entered Company F, 33rd Regi- 
ment, under command of Captain McNair. 

David Bentley was disabled and discharged in 
April, 1862. He afterwards reenlisted in Co. F, 4th 
Heavy Artillery, was wounded June 23, before 
Petersburg!], and transferred to the Invalid Corps. 

George Benjamin deserted, but reenlisted in 
the 85th Regiment, and was taken prisoner at Ply- 
mouth, N. C, April 20, 1864, serving the remainder 
of his time in Andersonville prison. 

J. H. Delong died at Hagerstown, Md., Decem- 
ber 4, 1862. 

* For this record of the soldiers from Portage, we are indebted to Joel 
C. Bennett, who lias manifested much interest in matters pertaining to 
their history. 



274 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Michael Driscoll served his two years, was then 
transferred to Company 1) of the same regiment, 
and on May 15, 1863, was attached to the 49th 
Regiment. 

James C. Gillett was discharged August 4, 1861, 
came home and died at Oakland. 

Robert S. Hall was discharged Aug. 15, 1861, 
afterward recnlisting. 

James Haver served two years, and was dis- 
charged with his Regiment, but reenlisted in the 
New Vork Dragoons and served to the end of the 
war. 

George M. Lockwood, Jan. 1, 1862, was de- 
tailed to duties in the Signal Corps, where he 
served to the end of his two years' term. 

Rufus Newell served his two years. 

Eben Patterson died at Nunda Station Dec. 30, 
1862, of disease contracted in the service. 

Reuben W. Mayhew was discharged for dis- 
ability Aug. 4, 1861, but reenlisted in Company D, 
4th Heavy Artillery, and was again discharged for 
disability. 

Henry Schwartz died of fever Aug. 10, 1862. 

Hosea F. Shaw was promoted to First Sergeant, 
and served his two years. 

Theodore Washburn was killed at Deserted 
House, Va., June 30, 1863. 

Delancy Smith * served two years and was trans- 
ferred to Company D of the same regiment, and 
attached to the 49th Regiment May 15th, 1863. 

Of those who joined the 85th Regiment f in 
1 86 1 :— 

Charles Buckbee served his two years, reenlisted 
in the same regiment, was taken prisoner at Ply- 
mouth, N. C, and died in Andersonville. 

Julius C. French was discharged for his disabil- 
ity, but recovered and reenlisted in the First New 
York Veteran Cavalry and was again discharged 
for ill health. 

James Holbrook sickened and died in the 
service. 

Charles Hale died in the hospital in the winter 
of 1862. 

Jay J. Mills, at the end of his two years' service, 
reenlisted in the same regiment, was taken prisoner 
at Plymouth, N. C, and died at Andersonville. 

George W. Randall was discharged for disability. 

* Enlisted in 1862. 

t This entire regiment was captured at Plymouth, N. C, after perhaps 
the most gallant and obstinate resistance to superior numbers that took 
I'll'' iluim^ iln' v. u I h, Fense secured honorable terms 

of capitulation, and such was the respect entertained for them by their 
captors that, during their march to Andersonville, not a man v\ 
dercd, although tin* were well clothed and were in possession of several 
months' pa; 



Albert O. Taber died at Suffolk. Va., Oct. 28, 
1862. He had been promoted to Lieutenant, but 
died before receiving his commission. 

Of Company A, 104th regiment, enlistment 
of 1861 :— 

George W. Brittan was discharged for disability, 
but reenlisted in the 9th Heavy Artillery. He 
died at Washington, March 1, 1865. 

Albert H. Cleveland was discharged July 
1, 1862. 

William Davis was killed at Gettysburg, Pa., 
July 1, 1863. 

George Flint was discharged Sept. 3, 1862, and 
died soon after the war. 

George H. Graham was discharged Dec. 18, 
1862, on account of ill health. Reenlisted in the 
Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 12, 1864. Died at 
Boston Harbor Dec. 8, 1864. 

Nathaniel A. Gearhart was wounded at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July 1, 1863, and was discharged Oct. 
12, 1864. 

Edwin M. Hinman deserted from Camp Chase, 
Ohio. 

Alexander H. Hinman served his full three years. 

John C. Hays was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, 
and passed twenty-one months in Rebel prisons, 
before being exchanged. 

Albert S. Haver was promoted from Second 
Lieutenant to Captain, but was dismissed from the 
service for using disrespectful language to a 
superior officer. 

George W. Rowell was dismissed for disability 
Dec. 13, 1862, but reenlisted in the First New 
York Veteran Cavalry. 

George W. Snyder was discharged on account 
of ill health, Aug. 4, 1862. 

William Youngs was transferred to Invalid Corps 
Oct. 1, 1863. 

In the months of August and September of 
1862 volunteers were organized into regi- 
ments as if by magic all over the Northern 
States. The camp-grounds for Allegany, Living- 
ston and Wyoming counties was in Portage. Here 
the 130th and 136th Regiments were organized 
with wonderful rapidity and sent to the front. 
The name of the 130th was afterwards changed to 
the First New York Dragoons. 

Eighteen men from Portage, enlisted in the 
companies of this regiment, receiving from the 
town a bounty of fifty dollars each, and in 1863 
and 1864 twelve recruits from this town were 
added to the number. 

B. T. Kneeland was appointed Surgeon at the 



PORTAGE — WAR RECORD. 



275 



organization of the regiment, with the rank of 
Major, and remained until the close of the war. 

Jacob Alvord, Company I, was wounded near 
Malvern Hill, disabled, and discharged. 

Elisha T. Ames, Company I, lost a leg in the 
battle of the Wilderness, May 7, and died in Wash- 
ington June 26, 1864. 

Thomas W. Edmonds, Company I, was trans- 
ferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. 

William C. Hendershott served to the close of 
the war, mostly as nurse in the hospital. 

John M. Hall, Company A, served to the end of 
the war. 

Geo. A. Gearhart, Company I, also served to 
the close of the war. 

Geo. M. Gearhart, Company A, killed at the 
battle of Cedar creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 

John Kegan, Company A, was killed at Deserted 
House, Va., Jan. 30, 1863. 

Horace C. Orton, Company I, died in Ander- 
sonville prison, Ga. 

Phillip M. Payne, Company A, was transferred 
to Veteran Reserve Corps June 13, 1S64. 

Albert Smith, Company I, served three years. 

Horace Ward was tiansferred to Invalid Corps. 

John L. Snyder and A. J. White, of Company I, 
were transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

H. E. Youells, Company I, sickened and died 
at Norfolk, Va., April 3, 1SC3. 

Sergeant Prosper Swift, after fighting through a 
great many severe skirmishes and battles, was 
killed in action at Cedar creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864, 
and lies buried at Nunda. 

George Stockwether, Company F, was wounded 
and taken prisoner at Travilian Station, Va., but 
was exchanged and mustered out with his regi- 
ment. 

Myron H. Haver, Company F, served to the 
close of the war. 

Wm. J. Wright, Company I, died of fever, Nov. 
6, 1862. 

George C. Abbott, Company B, enlisted in 
1864, and served to the end of the war. 

Thomas Brick, Company B, enlisted in 1863, 
and was mustered out at the close of the war. 

David L. Randall, Company F, enlisted in 1863, 
sickened, came home on a furlough, and did not 
return to his company. 

James H. Haver, Company I, served through 
the war. 

Geo. W. Lowell, Company F, enlisted in 1864, 
and died of fever at Fort Schuyler, N. Y., July 27, 
1864. 



Peter J. Quant, Company I, enlisted in 1864, 
and died in that year from exposure to frost while 
sick. 

Fletcher Walker enlisted in 1864 in Company 
F, was killed at Cedar creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 
William Beach enlisted in 1863 and served to 
the end of the war. 

Lorenzo D. Lowell, Company F, enlisted in 
1864. His heath failed and he was discharged. 

Emerson Rude, Company I, enlisted in the 
130th Regiment, Aug. 13, 1862. Generally known 
by the citizens of both Portage and Nunda, the 
news of his death cast a gloom over the commun- 
ity. After landing at Suffolk, Va., his first battle 
was at Deserted House, Va., Jan. 29, 1863. He 
was in active camp duty until the dread seige of 
Suffolk in April, 1863, when he was under fire in 
the rifle-pits and forts every day for twenty-one 
days in succession. Again he was in another 
battle near Baltimore Cross Roads, the first of 
July. In November, 1863, he was in a severe 
skirmish at Manassas Junction, and also in another 
near Orange Court House in January, 1864. At 
the battle of the Wilderness, on Saturday, May 7, 
1864, he was shot through the left arm and right 
thigh. He was carried back into the field, where 
he remained that night and until Sunday noon, 
receiving such care as a fighting and pursuing army 
could render. He was finally placed in an ambu- 
lance and started for Fredericksburgh ; carried 
about half way and obliged to lay out in the ambu- 
lance over night without a fire. On Monday fore- 
noon he reached Fredericksburgh and in two or 
three days thereafter died and was buried with the 
army's dead. 

Of those who in 1862 entered the 136th Regi- 
ment : — 

Thomas F. Carroll, Company H, was discharged 
at Fairfax Court House, Va., for disability. 

Otis L. Crosier served to the close of the war, 
and is now living at Oakland. 

Levi Guernsey was taken prisoner at Manassas 
Tunction, Va.,in August, 1863, and has never been 
heard from since. 

Norman A. Hamilton was discharged on account 
of failing health. 

William C. Hall was promoted to the office of 
First Lieutenant, was wounded at Resaca, Ga., 
May 15, and died of lock-jaw at Nashville, Tenn., 
June 27, 1864. 

Henry S. Lyon served through the war. 

George H. Mosier was wounded at Gettysburg, 
Pa., July 3, and died August 1, 1863. 



276 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



John McDonald was discharged at Atlanta, da., 
for disability. 

Felix Managhan was mustered out at the close 
of the war. 

Patrick Ryan died at Stafford Court House, 
Ya., in March, 1863. 

Alterva Smith was wounded at Resaca, Ga., 
May 15, 1804, and died soon after. 

Jackson L. Wallace served until the war closed. 

H. W. Hand was promoted Captain of Com- 
pany I, 39th Regiment of colored troops and 
served till the close of the war. 

Of the 105th Regiment: — 

Lyman B. Gallup, when the regiment was con- 
solidated with the 94th, was placed in Company 
H, but was discharged for the purpose of reenlist- 
meiit as hospital steward, and finally, was dis- 
charged for disability July 6, 1865, and is now in 
Portage. 

John Quinn enlisted in 1862, was discharged for 
disability, reenlisted in the First Veteran Cavalry, 
and served through the war. 

John H. Parks died of disease contracted in the 
service, May 17, 1S64, at Washington. 

James B. Randall, Company F, 169th Regiment, 
was wounded at Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864, and 
died on the 4th of the same month. 

John Simpson, of Company D, iSSth Regi- 
ment, served to the close of the war. 

Of the 4th Regiment of Heavy Artillery: — 

Augustus Beardsley, Company F, served to the 
close of the war. 

George W. Bingham, of Company E, and Aaron 
Burroughs, of Company D, remained in the army 
until the close of the war. 

Rufus Chandler, Company E, died at Washing- 
ton, February 2, 1863. 

W. H. H. Havey, Company D, served till the 
end of the Rebellion. 

Matthew Lake, Company D, also served to the 
close of the war. 

Michael Loughlen entered the service in Janu- 
ary, 1864, was wounded at the battle of the Wilder. 
ness, disabled and discharged. 

Robert K. Parks, Company F, served to the end 
of the war. 

Rowland Ward, Company E, was wounded at 
Ream's Station and disabled, but was not dis- 
charged till the war closed. 

E. Adelbert Nash, Company F, enlisted in Feb- 
ruary, 1864, was taken prisoner at Ream's Station, 
was paroled, exchanged and served to the end of 
the war. 



Charles H. Rowell, Company F, entered the 
army at the same date, and was killed at Peters- 
burgh, Ya., June 23, 1S64. 

Michael Welch, Company F, enlisted in 1862, 
and served to the end of the Rebellion. 

William Riley entered the service January 1, 
1864, and died in prison at Salisbury, N. C, date 
unknown. 

Marion W. Mosher, Company E, joined the 
regiment in 1864, and was lost in the battle near 
North Anna river, Ya.. in May. 1864. 

Isaac L. Holley and George F. Rogers entered 
the service in 1863, in Company F, 1st New York 
Veteran Cavalry, and remained until the war 
ended. 

A number of men, residents in Portage, enlisted 
for other towns. Among these were John Slater 
and James Moore, the former being wounded in 
the second battle of Bull Run and permanently 
disabled ; the latter remaining with the regiment 
until the close of its two years' service, when he re- 
enlisted in the 5th New York Cavalry and was 
sent with that regiment to Texas. 

Charles Calahan entered the 130th Regiment at 
its organization, and was severely wounded at 
Travilian Station; but after eight months' absence 
in the hospital he rejoined the regiment, was with 
it in its last campaign, and with it was mustered 
out at the close of the war. 

Twelve of the citizens of Portage, in 1863, were 
also claimed by the draft, two only responding to 
the call, viz . — Wm. D. Lake and Theodore Elliot. 
The former was placed in the 146th Regiment. He- 
was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, 
May 7, and died in Andersonville prison, Novem- 
ber 21, 1864. 

Theodore Elliot entered Company B, 76th Regi- 
ment, was also taken prisoner at the battle of the 
Wilderness, May 5, and died in Andersonville, 
Sept 16, 1864. 

The other ten men satisfied the demand of the 
government by the payment of three hundred dol- 
lars each in commutation for their services. These 
were Jason 1). Hunt, J. S. Hewett, Martin Dona- 
hue, Thomas N. Lock wood, Edwin Thompson, 
Justus G. Yule, Sylvenus H. Reece, Stephen (1. 
Scott, Lyman W. Phillips and Nelson Devoe. 

In addition to all regular quota, in 1864, the 
town furnished twenty-six men for four months' 
service in the 58th Regiment of New York State 
Militia to guard rebel prisoners at F.lmira. 

These were Major Geo. M. Lockwood, Captain 
Jason D. Hunt, Lieutenants H. F. Shaw and 



PORTAGE, WAR RECORD — JOEL C. BENNETT. 



277 



George Conklin, Edward L. Hunt, J. M. Hayne, 
John E. Spees, Samuel Russell, Chas. E. Gardner, 
Henry Allegar, Benjamin Brigham, Emmett Dick- 
ens, E. L. Hayne, Nelson Link, James Lyon, 
Joseph C. Russell, Robert Scutt, H. O. Sparks, 
Charles L. Williams ; — Franklin W. Payne, S A. 
Spencer, John Moffett, Elijah Dunn, Curtis S. 
French, A. W. Chase, S. G. Scott, George Fletcher, 
A. A. Smith, B. L. Brooking, J. B. Chase and 
Oscar F. Sharp, by substitute, and E. A. Lowell. 

Of the brave defenders of the Union who went 
from Portage, thirteen were killed or died from 
wounds received in battle, thirteen died from dis- 
eases contracted in the service, and nine drooped 
and died from starvation and exposure in the 
various prison pens of the South. 

The town also paid a large amount in bounties 
to the men who went forward to the fields of strife. 
In 1 86 1 thirty-six men entered the service without 
bounty. In 1862 seventeen men were paid $50 
each, — $850; twenty-five were paid $75 each, — 
$ 1,875, and nine of the same men received by 
subscription $125 each, — $1,125; total for the 
year, $3,850. 

In 1863 eight men went without bounty, eleven 
were paid $300 each, — $3,300; ten paid commu- 
tation of $300 each, — $3,000; total for the year, 
$6,300. 

In 1864 eight men received $1,000 each, — $8,- 
000; one man received $950; fifteen men were paid 
$900 each, — $13,500; and one substitute was paid 
by H. Smith $1,000; total for the year, $23,450. 

In 1865 one substitute was paid by A. Smith 
$1,100, one substitute for H. Dutton was paid 
$1,300, — $2,400; and fifteen men enlisted in 
Washington for the town were paid $750 each, — 
$11,250; total for the year $13,650, and a final 
total for the four years of $47,250. 

Previous to July, 1863, the various Ladies' Aid 
Societies in the town had sent to the armies 
through organized agencies of benevolence, hospi- 
tal stores and comforts to the amount of $239. 
Besides this a large number of boxes were sent by 
individuals and societies to particular friends and 
companies. 

In 1864 a festival was held on the Fourth of 
July, the net proceeds from which were $437.54. 
Two hundred dollars of this sum was sent to the 
Sanitary Commission and $200 to the Christian 
Commission. Collections were then made in the 
various school districts and in August $61.75 were 
sent to the same Commission. 

In October and February $61.25 were added to 



the contribution ; the Thanksgiving dinner, which 
resulted in the receipt of $77. 16, swelling the yearly 
contribution to the sum of $600.17. 

In addition to this cash and goods to the 
amount of $374.76 were forwarded to the freed- 
men of the South in March, 1864, making a grand 
total of $48,501.47 that Portage contributed toward 
the suppression of the Rebellion. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOEL C. BENNETT. 




(JOEL C. BENNETT.) 

Among the early settlers of Portage the Bennetts 
were somewhat conspicuous. They are of English 
origin, tracing the immediate family tie back to 
Ephraim Bennett, who was born in England about 
the year 1720, but the exact date of his birth, mi- 
gration to this country, marriage and death, are 
lost to this branch of his posterity. His death oc- 
curred about the year 1780. Thomas, one of his 
three sons, was born in Newtown, Conn., Nov. 17, 
1752, and died in the same town, Feb. 7, 1836, at 
the age of eighty-four. He had a family of eight 
sons and three daughters, all reared in Newtown, 
all married and all living to raise families of chil- 
dren. As the sons successively came of age, they 
left their native town, and most of them settled in 
Scipio, Cayuga county, N. Y. But after a few years 
the wild Genesee country had attractions for them, 
and between 1817 and 1821, seven of the brothers 
bought lands and settled in the wilderness of Nunda, 
(now Portage.)* 

* Ebenezer Bennett, the oldest sun settled in Ovid, Seneca County 

N. V., (now Covert,) where many of his posterity now reside. 



278 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Their names were Henry, David, Thomas T., 
Joseph, Walter, Philo and Rcswell Bennett. So 
numerous were their children that it was said there 
were seventy-seven Bennett cousins living near 
enough to attend church at Hunt's Hollow. 

The descendants of these seven brothers afford 
an illustration of the Yankee tendency to spread 
and "replenish the earth," as they are known to be 
settled in various parts of seventeen different 
States and also in Canada and Brazil, S. A. Very 
many of them are or have been teachers, thus nat- 
urally occupying positions of responsibility and 
influence. Only one of the old homesteads built 
by the fathers now remains in the hands of the chil- 
dren reared in them. This is the one established 
by David Bennett, now owned and occupied by 
his son, Charles D. Bennett. 

David Bennett was the third child in the above 
mentioned family of eleven and was born on the 
7th of March, 1777. He was married to Polly 
Botsford, May 4, 1799, and soon afterward moved 
to Scipio, Cayuga county, N. V. Here his wife 
died in Oct., 1812, leaving a family of five children. 
April 10, 1 813, he was again married, his second 
wife being Mary, eldest daughter of Joel Coe one 
of the first settlers of the town of Scipio. In the 
spring of 1821 he removed to Portage, arriving on 
the 1 6th of May. He commenced at once his 
work upon the Springbrook farm, establishing a 
home where the social and family tie have ever 
been, and still remain strong and tender. Here he 
died Dec. 7, 1857. Six children resulting from his 
second marriage here grew to maturity, viz: — 
Joel C, Mary J., Charles D., Emily C, Curtis N. 
and Rachel A. Bennett. 

Joel C. Bennett, the oldest of these was born 
May 16, 181 5. He received a district school edu- 
cation and also taught school several terms, be- 
coming pretty well acquainted with the school sys- 
tem as it was administered in the early days. He 
was the first to introduce the use of blackboards in 
school in this part of the country, and it had to be 
done at his own expense. He, with thirty-five 
other teachers of Portage, helped to organize the 
first Teachers' Institute in Western New York, 
at Hume, under the auspices of R. H. Spencer, 
then County Superintendent for Allegany county, 
in rS4_i. 

For many years he discharged the duties of 
School Inspector, School Commissioner or Town 
Superintendent, but he has held office very little 
except in this connection. He was, however, Su- 
pervisor at the opening of the war in 1861, and 
held the office two years. He tried to keep pretty 
full statistics with regard to the soldiers enlisted, 
bounties paid, companies in which they served, 
casualties which happened to them, &C Most of 
the statistics on this subject for Portage have been 
compiled from memoranda kept by him. 

On November 10, 1850, he was married to Cor- 
nelia Botsford, youngest daughter of Ezra Bots- 
ford, Esq., long a resident of Granger, Allegany 
county. They have four children. Ada E., Nora 
M., Carl 1).. and Ezra W. Bennett. 



CHARLES D. BENNETT. 

Charles D, Bennett, the subject of this sketch 
was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, Feb. 15, 1819. 
Two years after this, his father moved to Nunda, 
now Portage, and cut for himself a farm out of the 

w Is, and as the forest was partly pine, he was 

obliged to combine lumbering with clearing. His 
edui ation began in the rude log school-house, but 
was afterwards continued in Henry Chalker's select 
school, the I.eRoy high school and Canandaigua 
academy, with teaching school between the terms, 
and lie also made good use of the Nunda Farmers' 
library. On reaching his majority he went to 
Louisiana and clerked for his brother Ezra for a 
year, then taught school a time on Bayou LaFourche, 
and returning home, spent four years in farming 
and teaching, and was for two years town superin- 
tendent of common schools. An attack of inflam- 
mation of the eyes then forced him to refrain from 
hard labor and he sought the dry climate of Texas, 
then recently annexed, and settled at Gonzales, on 
the south-western frontier, where he was chiefly en- 
gaged in teaching, and for several years was presi- 
dent of Gonzales college. About the year 1850, 
the temperance wave spread over Texas, and he 
joined the ranks of " Sons of Temperance" and was 
for several years Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch 
of the order. In 1853, he visited the north and 
married Miss Huldah Olney, of Scipio, who after a 
lew years residence in Texas, desired to leave 
society controlled by slavery. The hard times of 

1857 making the sale of property and collection of 
debts impracticable, Mr. Bennett converted his 
means into a herd of cattle and drove them to 
Chicago, a distance of 2,000 miles, about the be- 
ginning of a trade now amounting to millions. In 

1858 he drove a herd of Texas oxen to Leaven- 
worth, and returning to Portage bought the old 
homestead where he has since followed the quiet 
and uneventful life of a farmer. In politics he has 
never sought preferment, but of the many minor 
offices which a man assumes voluntarily and fills at 
his own expense, he has held his full share. He is 
perhaps chiefly noted for his labors in improving 
the highways. 



HON. NATHANIEL COE. 

Hon. Nathaniel Coe was born in Morris county, 
N. J., September 6th, 178S. His paternal ancestry 
is given in the sketch of his sister, Mrs. Huldah 
Bennett. " The wish to cherish the remembrance 
of our ancestors is akin to the equally laudable 
desire to live in the memory of posterity, 

" I in though "in ancient but ignoble blood 
Has crept through scoun oce the flood." 

His mother, Huldah Horton, was born in Ches- 
ter. N. J., Jan. 14th. 1762. She was the daughter 
nt I >eacon Nathaniel Horton, of Southold, Long 
Island, who was the seventh in descent from 
Barnabas Horton of Mousely, in Leicestershire, 









( PORTAGE. ) 



p- D. Bennett. 




m 






( MT. MORRIS.) 




Jonathan Phillips. 



pHESTER FoOTE. 



HON. NATHANIEL COE — MRS. WALTER BENNETT. 



279 



England, whose ancestry and coat of arms were 
traced back several centuries. 

He was born in about 1600. About 1635, with 
his wife, Mary, and two children, he came to 
Hampton, Mass., in the ship Swallow, Capt! 
Jeremy Horton, master. In 1640, his family, with 
twelve others, formed a church in New Haven, 
Ct., Rev. John Youngs pastor, and together 
soon removed to the east end of Long Island, then 
a wilderness. They named their place Southold, 
from their old home in England. He built the 
first framed house there, and in strange contrast 
with the restless, moving habits of our population, 
it has continued to be the residence of his posterity 
in lineal descent, viz: Jonathan, Jonathan, Jr., 
Lawrence, Jonathan and Jonathan G. Horton, 
who died there July 3d, 1873. A similar instance 
of continued possession is found in Stratford, Ct. 
Robert Coe, from England, settled there about 
1650. His premises have ever since been held by 
his descendants, viz : John, Robert, Ebenezer, Eben- 
ezer, Jr., John Ebenezer and John Henry Coe, born 
in 1842. N. Coe found himself in the woods of 
Scipio at seven years of age, where his father had 
a soldier's right of 640 acres, for which he paid a 
shilling per acre. Schools were few, and those not 
the best, but the youth was one of those who take 
to books and seem to learn by intuition. In 18 18 
he came to Portage, tended saw-mills, practiced 
surveying, etc. In 1820, with his brother Joel and 
a schoolmate, Myron Strong, he went to Olean, 
where they procured a boat, in which they passed 
down the rivers to New Orleans. 

He remained about six years in various places 
at the South, generally teaching school or classes 
in penmanship. In his travels he became ac- 
quainted with the Lancasterian method of teach- 
ing, then quite famous as well as novel. He taught 
school several sessions. By the introduction of 
better text books and methods of teaching by him, 
and a few similar teachers, such as Hiram Olney and 
Stephen Fuller, the common schools of Portage 
attained the reputation of being the best in this 
region. He was a member of the school board as 
inspector or commissioner till these offices were 
abolished by law. In 1828 he and W. Z. Blanch- 
ard, partners, opened a store in Oakland. "No 
liquor sold to be drank here" was hung in a con- 
spicuous place, a novel and unpopular sign in that 
day, when liquor sellers were prominent church 
members. October 9th, 1828, he married Miss 
Mary White, of Auburn, a young lady of fine lit- 
erary taste and high moral sentiments. Her extra- 
ordinary social faculties enabled her to take a lead- 
ing place in society. Acting with earnestness and 
consistency, with a unity of object, few families 
have exerted a stronger influence, always for good, 
than they. In the countless instances in common 
life when public good or private want required the 
aid of a benevolent heart, a prudent head or skill- 
ful hand, he was the ready helper — 

" The Ajax and the Mentor, too, 
To sagely plan and stoutly do." 

He was several terms a Magistrate and often 



Supervisor. For rare discernment and integrity he 
had the confidence of all. He was elected to the 
Assembly from Allegany in 1843, '44 and '45, and 
from Livingston in 1847, and became one of the 
leading members of the legislature. Twice he had 
the misfortune to be reduced from comparative 
affluence to bankruptcy by the failure of others. 
In 185 1 he was appointed Mail Agent for Oregon. 
He selected a homestead at the mouth of Hood 
River on the Columbia. His sons, Lawrence \V. 
and Eugene F., were the first navigators of that river 
above the Dalles. As a successful fruit culturist he 
spent the evening of a useful life that had been a 
blessing to many, dying Oct. 17th, 1868. 

" Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." 



MRS. WALTER BENNETT. 




(MRS. WALTER BENNETT.) 

Mrs. Walter Bennett nee Huldah Coe, was born 
in Morris county, N. J., July 15, 1793. The Coe 
family came to this country from Suftblkshire, 
England, where the family descendants had re- 
sided for many generations. The earliest mention 
of them which can now be found is in Fox's Book 
of Martyr's, which states that Robert Coe, (Coo it 
is there spelled) of Millford, SufTolkshire. was 
burned at the stake by Queen Mary, September, 
1555, at Texford. A full account of his trial and 
defense is given by Fox in vol. 3, page 349. 
Robert and his sons John, Robert and Benjamin 
Coe, came to America from England in 1634. 
Robert, Jr., settled in Stratford, Conn. Robert 
was married in 1657, and died in 1659, leaving one 
son, John Coe, who was born May 10, 1658. This 
son was married to Mary Hawley, December 20th, 
1682. 

The result of this marriage was a family of ten 
children. His second son Joseph, was married to 



280 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Abigail Robinson in 170S. His son Joseph was 
born in 17 13. He was married in 1739 to Abigail 
Curtis, by whom he had ten children. Joel was 
the eighth child in this family. He married Hul- 
dah Horton in 1780. In 1795 ne moved with his 
family to Scipio, Cayuga county, which was then a 
wilderness, and settled ten miles south of the log 
grist-mill, on the site of what is now the city of 
Auburn. 

It took them a week to sail to Albany. From 
Albany they went to Schenectady by wagons, and 
from that place on a boat, propelled by oars and 
poles, to Fort Stanwix, now Rome. They hauled 
the boat on an ox wagon three miles, to Wood 
creek, thence on Oneida lake, Oswego and Seneca 
rivers, and Cayuga lake to Aurora. For nine miles 
they cut the greater portion of their way through 
the forest to their settlement one mile north of 
Scipio Center. 

Mary was the first born in Joel's family of eight 
children. She was the mother of Joel C. Bennett, 
whose portrait appears in another part of this 
work. 

Huldah ( )',-, whose name heads this sketch, was 
the sixth child in this family. Both Mary and 
Huldah were born in Morris county, N. J. Mary 
was born in September 8, 1782, and died Septem- 
ber 12, 1872. Huldah was born July 15, 1793, 
and was married to Walter Bennett September 20, 
1809. They settled in Portage in 18 17, cutting 
their roadway much of the last twenty miles, and 
were one of the most influential families of that 
town, taking a leading part in all the earlier settle- 
ments and improvements. 

The Coe family are noted for their longevity, 
and the subject of this sketch will be eighty-eight 
years old in July, 1881, enjoying remarkable health 
for a woman of her age. Brightness of intellect, 
with uniform cheerfulness, blended with Christian 
graces, purity of heart and life, works of charity, 
and steadfast faith have been her eminent charac- 
teristics. The "dew of youth" is still fresh in her 
warm affections, and her children, friends and 
neighbors "arise and call her blessed." She 
resides with her son J. Yates Bennett, who is the 
subject of the following sketch. 



J. YATFS BFNNFTT. 

Walter Bennett, father of J. Yates, was born in 
Newtown, Conn., May 2, 1786. Came to this 
country in 1817, and settled in the town of Portage. 
He is the grand-son of Ephraim Bennett, who emi- 
grated from England to Connecticut about the 
year 1720, and son of Thomas Bennett, who was 
born November 17, 1752, and died February 7, 
1836. Walter settled in Scipio, Cayuga county, in 
1808. Married Huldah Coe, (a portrait and 
sketch of whom appears previously,) September 
26, 1809. Eleven children were born to them, 
seven of whom are now living as follows: — Thomas 
F., a wealthy farmer, residing in Atchison county, 



Mo. ; Walter, an inventor, residing in Rhode 
Island; Flora, principal of the Peabody Institute 
at Summit. Mississippi ; J. H. Hubert, sewing 
machine dealer, residing in Springfield, III.: M. 
Louise, wife of f. W. [ohnson, and residing in Bal- 
timore ; Mary !•'.., residing with J. Yates Bennett. 
( )n moving to Portage, Walter Bennett formed a 
CO-partnership with N. B. Nichols, and they built 
the first saw-mill erected in the town, in Hunt's 
Hollow, and there carried on the lumber business 
and farming for a number of years. In politics, he 
was a Democrat. Was Justice of the Peace a num- 
ber of years. He was elected warden of the Epis- 
copal church at its organization, which office he 
held till his death May 26, 1843. 




(J.YATES ISENNl II 1 

J. Nates Bennett was born in Portage, Nov. 30, 
1822. Moved to Louisiana in 1844, and resided 
there mostly for sixteen years, seven of which he 
spent in teaching school, five as postmaster and 
book dealer in Thibodeaux, La., and two in New 
Orleans. Returned to Portage, and in 1S62 mar- 
ried Marietta Galusha, of Arcadia, N. Y., who died 
Dec. 23, 1868. He then married Mrs. Elizabeth 
B. Smith, daughter of Dr. G. W. Branch, of Mt. 
Morris, May 2, 1872. Two children were born to 
them, one of whom, Arthur Yates, born July 28, 
1873, is now living. Mrs. Bennett died May 27, 
1877. In politics J. Yates is a Democrat and was 
elected Justice of the Peace in 1880. Is also war- 
den of the Episcopal church, and is engaged in the 
lumber business and farming. 



COL. GEORGE WILLIAMS. 

Col. George Williams was born in Hatfield, 
Mass., May 26th, 1793. He was educated at Can- 
andaigua Academy, his father, Dr. William Wil- 
liams, being a prominent pioneer on the Phelps 



COL. GEORGE WILLIAMS. 



281 



and Gorham purchase. At nineteen he enlisted as 
a volunteer and became a member of Gen. Peter 
B. Porter's staff. At the close of the war of 181 2 
he commenced the study of law in the office of 
John Greig, Esq. Mr. Greig was the agent and 
afterwards the partner of Mr. Hornby, of Scot- 
land, in the survey and sale of the Cottinger tract 
of ^0,000 acres which included the town of 
Portage. 




(COL. GEORGE WILLIAMS.) 

In the spring of 18 16 he sent the student to act 
as resident agent for its sale and settlement. He 
established his land office at Oak Hill, a little 
south of the Deep Cut, and as it was a pleasant 
location, central among the settlements, it soon 
became the principal seat of town business, where 
trainings, elections and town meetings were usually 
held. He located his homestead a half mile north, 
where he opened a large farm. Its clearing and 
cultivation, his extensive milling and lumber 
operations, the business of the land agency and his 
various civil and military offices made his life a 
busy one. Of powerful frame and vigorous con- 
stitution, he shunned no exposure and feared no 
fatigue. He had a genial, social temperament, 
which made him the acknowledged leader in the 
festive scenes and athletic sports that enlivened the 
rough labors of the early settlers. 

As a land agent he was kind and indulgent to 
the buyers, few of whom were able to comply with 
their contracts, and none who labored faithfully to 
improve their premises were ever ejected for non- 
payment. In 1822 the Nunda post-office was re- 
moved from Oak Hill to Hunt's Hollow, and he 
obtained the establishment of the Oakland post- 
office at his residence, where he was about ten 
years postmaster. About the same time the 
militia brigade was constituted a regiment, and he 
was made its colonel. 

Mr. Williams had been Town Clerk and Super- 



visor, and in 1826 he was elected to the Legisla- 
ture as a Clintonian, but in Albany he went over 
to the opposite party. That was, among poli- 
ticians, the unpardonable sin. The principle of 
free toleration, though early preached, was slow in 
coming into practice, and party spirit, though less 
bitter than it had been in the last century, when 
Federalists and Republicans would not sometimes 
send their children to the same schools, was far 
more rancorous than now, and knock-down argu- 
ments were often used in political discussions. 

In the lonely road east of Portageville about that 
time, he chanced to meet Dr. A. A. Parmelee, 
when a discussion at once began. His artillery of 
logic well shotted with facts was in such a skirmish 
hardly a match for the Doctor's keen thrusts of wit 
and ready repartee surcharged with a sarcasm that 
was venomous. Tortured to madness, the 
Colonel's threat of harsher arguments was quickly 
met by the Doctor, whose physique was above the 
average, and if inferior to the Colonel in size of 
frame and power of muscle, he fully made up the 
deficiency in agility and skill at scuffling, for this 
was not a contest under the rules of the ring, but a 
common rough-and-tumble. Whether a thought 
of their former friendship, or from an idea of 
its ridiculousness, or from weariness they gave 
up the discussion as a draw game is not known, as 
there were neither spectators nor umpire, and the 
parties were never profuse in giving particulars. 

This incident is given as an illustration of the 
custom of the times, rather than of the character 
of the persons, for both were men of the first re- 
spectability; nor was it at all akin to the vengeful 
vendetta still so common at the south, for as they 
had before been fellow partisans, so they after- 
wards worked as warm Whigs together. Col. 
Williams was never again an aspirant for office. 
He was too impatient of the criticism and calumny 
heaped upon candidates, and he gradually with- 
drew from party politics, but he was always pro- 
nounced in his political principles. 

About the time he opened his agency, Hubbard, 
Mumford, McKay and Smith, a company of enter- 
prising men, undertook to develop the immense 
water-power at Portageville, but with indifferent 
success. They built mills and laid out the village, 
but weary of their work, they sold their interests 
at different times, till finally Col. Williams became 
sole proprietor. The purchase did not prove a 
wise one, for like the company, he failed to make 
it a paying investment. Besides it left him the im- 
putation of holding a valuable and useful property 
which he would neither improve himself, or allow 
others to develop. His naturally genial temper 
was soured by such accusations and the hostility of 
the villagers ; he became estranged from his fellow 
citizens and diverted his mind from social enjoy- 
ments to the cares of his family and the conduct of 
his extensive business. But his kindness of heart 
continued. The needy called often upon him and 
never in vain. 

His generous disposition made him very public 
spirited, but impulsive in his methods and im- 



282 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



patient of dictation, he preferred to act by himself 
rather than be fretted and crossed by the co-opera- 
tion of others, even in the construction of costly 
highways, or the building of a river bridge. 

He took a leading part in causing the construc- 
tion of the Genesee Valley canal, and was a 
stockholder in the Attica and Hornellsville railroad, 
which was mainly built by subscribers along its 
line, but has since become a part of the great Erie 
Railway, whose insatiate maw has devoured the 
funds of successive series of stockholders. 

His health remained firm and vigorous till his 
eightieth birthday, when he was severely injured 
by being thrown from his buggy. When he had 
partially recovered, a similar injur)-, Septembei 
22d, caused his death. May nth, 1874. If the 
great opportunity given him at that early day, in 
the possession of ample means for doing great good 
to others and gaining greater for himself, was not 
crowned with commensurate success.it was not lor 
want of the will, for he was frugal and industrious, 
liberal to lavishness, and he has left a character 
noted for strict integrity, as well as an ample 
fortune. 

August 30th, 1S43, he married Miss Alma De- 
voe, sister of Isaac, Henry and Col. Jacob Devoe, 
among the first settlers of the town. Their 
children are: George W"., who occupies the home- 
stead; Julia, the wife of Willis II. Fuller, of Por- 
tageville; Henry, who died in Montana, and Char- 
lotte, wile of Edwin Pattison, Esq., of Buffalo. 

Charles Williams, brother of Col. Williams, and 
for many years a noted teacher, lived near him. 
He married Miss Mary Hunt, daughter of San ford 
Hunt, and afterwards Miss Maria Taylor. He 
died September 24th, 1S71, aged sixty-eight years. 
His children were: Mary H. wife of Chapin C. 
Williams; Delia, wile of Morris Ayrault ; Charles 
I... who died December 15th, 1871 ; C. Anna, a 
distinguished teacher and elocutionist, and Flla 
Williams. 



OTHER EARLY SETTLERS. 

Among others of the early settlers worthy of an 
extended sketch may be mentioned the follow- 
ing :— 

George Wilner was born in Berkshire county, 
Massachusetts, in 1797 — of ( German origin. His 
father was one of the conscripts furnished by the 
Duke of Brunswick to George III. to help sub- 
due his rebellious colonies in America, and sailed 
from Plymouth, England, in 1776 with his regiment 
known as the Brunswickers, under the command 
of Baron Frederick Adolphus von Riedesel. 

In 1777, he was attached to Burgoyne's army 
for the invasion of New York. Under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant-Col. Baum, he with others were 
sent to take Bennington, \ t., where the}- were 
captured by the Americans under Gen. Stark. 
Young Wilner took the oath of allegiance rather 



than be held a prisoner for exchange, and after- 
wards married and settled in Berkshire county, 
Massachusetts. In 1S13 his sons George and 
I [enry joined a company then being raised by Capt 
Perkins for the war. Henry was killed at the bat- 
tle of Plattsburgh. In 1S16, George Wilner, in 
company with Capt. Perkins settled in Nunda, 
now Portage, each purchased a farm near the 
Genesee river above Portageville. George Wil- 
ner married Betsey Moses, asisterto Dr. Klisha 1). 
Moses, and with him moved to Indiana in 1822. 
He returned in 1824 and purchased a farm in the 
town of Portage, where he lived until his death, 
which occurred in 1864. He held several town 
offices and was an active business man. Two of 
his children reside in the town : Marcus \\ , who 
was born in 1825, and who has held the office of 
Assessor and Supervisor, and Merriman J., who 
was born in 1S27, and who has been Highway 
Commissioner. Assessor and Supervisor. 

Captain James Perkins better known here as 
Colonel Perkins sold his farm on the river about 
the year 1855, and moved to Lima, where he died 
m 18S0. 

Jonathan Bailey was born in Athens, Yt., April 
1, 1 792. His lather dying when he was seven 
old, he was brought up by Asa Barry of 
Rockingham. He was a soldier on the Niagara 
frontier in the war of 1812. At the battle of 
Lundy's Lane he received a ball in his thigh. It 
was unsafe to remove it and it made him lame for 
life. He married Miss Bethany McCurdy, Febru- 
ary 26, 1818. She was a daughter of Samuel Mc- 
Curdy, and born in Surry. N. H, July 1, 1794. 
The)' settled in Burns, Allegany county, in 1818. 
In 1832, they removed to Pennacook, where he 
died August 12, 1869. He was a leading citizen, 
an exemplary Christian, and for several years the 
superintendent of the Sunday school in his school 
district. They had eight children, the fifth, Jas. 
Hinman Bailey, succeeds his father on the farm. 

Allen Paine was born in Peru, Berkshire county, 
Mass., February 19, 1792. He taught school sev- 
eral terms. December 26, 1814, he married Miss 
Lucy Meacham, who was born in Middlefield, 
Hampshire county, Mass. They moved to Leices- 
ter in 1818. In 1831 they settled in Pennacook, 
where she died April 22, 1845. He continued 
many years a popular singing-school teacher, was 
often elected to various town offices and was sev- 
eral terms a magistrate. He married Miss Mary 
Wilkinson, July 4, 1846. He died January 13,1876. 
His children are Lyman F., who removed to Ohio; 
Philip M., who was a soldier in the 130th Regi- 
ment : Cecelia, wife of N. Wilder; Adaline, wife of 
Samuel Star: Lucy, wife of Elisha Town ; Hannah 
wife of Monroe Griffin ; and by his last marriage, 
Franklin W., Nelson and Mary Belle. 

Deacon Richard Willis Robinson and Charlotte, 
his wife, of Rutland county. Yt., settled at Oak 
Hill, in October, 181S, after the usual two weeks' 
journey by horse team, which the distance re- 
quired. He was a farmer, a caipenter and a brick 
and stone mason. He was a pioneer in burning 



MOUNT MORRIS — PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. 



283 



brick kilns. They were constituent members of 
the Presbyterian church at Oak Hill, in 18 19, and 
also of the Congregational church formed at Por- 
tageville, in 1827. She spun and wove the clothing 
for the family, and since his death, Nov. 23rd, 
1839, she has continued to keep house for her son, 
R. F. Robinson, a farmer in Pennacook, and still 
does so, though in her 87th year. Their children 
were: — E. F., Huldah M., wife of R. P. Spencer, 
Richard W., Charlotte E. and Alba G., who went 
west, and Ann Z.. wife of Judson Stockwell, in the 
river valley. 

Nathaniel Wilder was born in Buckland, Frank- 
lin county, Mass., December 3d, 1815. Married 
Miss Cecelia Paine, of Pennacook, November 30th, 
1848, where they settled in 1851. Their children 
are: — Charles N., a teacher; Lucy M. and Wm. 
P. Wilder. He is a successful farmer and like the 
Paines a Presbyterian. 

George Gearhart was born near the Schuylkill, 
Pa., in 1774. Soon afterwards his father removed 
to Scipio, Cayuga county, then a wilderness. 
There George Gearhart married and had twelve 
children. He moved to Portage in 1818, where he 
died in 1857. 

Deacon John Gearhart, his son, was born Jan. 
3, 1804. He married Miss Elizabeth Guthrie in 
Nunda, June 19, 1828. She was born in New 
Jersey, August 8, 1804. She was a woman of un- 
common abilities with a will to use them for the 
good of others. Shedied July 13, 1879. Deacon 
Gearhart was one of the constituent members of 
the Portage Baptist Church. He was a lumber- 
man, built a saw-mill and became a farmer on the 
paternal homestead. 

They raised nine children : Chas. H, who mar- 
ried Louisa Taber; Anna Cordelia, wife of Deacon 
Alfred Taber; John G., who married Anna Van- 
slyke; Sarah A., wife of Rev. Lucius E. Palmer; 
Mary E., wife of Augustus Beardsley, of Portage- 
ville; Martha, wife of Menzo Lowell; William C, 
who married Nancy Orton ; Nath. A., who married 
Ella Gilbert, volunteered in the 104th Regiment, 
and was severely wounded in the battle of Gettys- 
burg, has been several terms the efficient County 
Clerk of this county, as chief or deputy; and 
George Adelbert, who enlisted in the 130th Regi- 
mant or First New York Dragoons, served through 
the war, was several years a merchant at Dalton, 
a public lecturer, and efficient Sunday school 
superintendent. He married Miss Elizabeth Wing, 
of Mt. Morris. 

George Gearhart, the youngest of the twelve 
children of George Gearhart, Sr., was born in 
1816. He still occupies the paternal homestead, 
and is a successful farmer. He married Miss 
Sally Baldwin, whose father, Deacon David Bald- 
win, was one of the first settlers. Their children 
were : Armilla, wife of Albert Dunn ; G. Munroe, 
killed at the close of the battle when Gen. Sheri- 
dan destroyed the army of Jubal Early; Fayette, 
Esther, Mary, Merritt and Frank. 

Record Taber was born in Rhode Island, April 
17th, 1798. The family soon after moved to 



Scipio, Cayuga county, N. Y. In 1820 he 
married Miss Sally Meeker, and in 1825 they 
settled in Portage and became noted as prosperous 
and public spirited citizens. He still resides on 
the old farm. They reared a large and intelligent 
family, of whom only two remain here, viz: Deacon 
Alfred Taber, of Dalton, and Clark W. Taber, 
who married Sarah, daughter of D. P. Lake, Esq. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
History of the Town of Mount Morris. 

MOUNT MORRIS was formed from Leicester 
April 17, 1818, and named* in honor of 
Robert Morris, a son of the distinguished financier 
of the Revolution of that name, whose large means 
greatly aided the straitened colonists in their 
struggle for independence. It lies upon the west 
border of the county, south of the center, and is 
bounded on the north by Leicester, from which it 
is separated by the Genesee, on the east by Grove- 
land and West Sparta, on the south by Nunda and 
Portage, and on the west by Leicester and Castile, 
Wyoming county. 

The surface presents a pleasing variety of roll- 
ing and hilly upland and rich valley lands. Gen- 
esee river forms the north and west border. 
Cashaqua creek, the only considerable stream in 
the town, enters it near the center of the south 
border, and flowing in a north-easterly direction 
across the south-east part, leaves the town near 
the center of the east border. It again enters the 
town for a short distance near its confluence with 
the Canaseraga. Numerous small streams flow 
into these from all directions. They generally rise 
in the central and southern portions of the town, 
which attain the altitude of several hundred feet 
above the broad alluvial flats which border the 
river and creek. 

The valley of the Genesee, " the terrestrial para- 
dise of the Seneca's," says a modern writer, f takes 
its name and signification, ("a pleasant open val- 
ley,") from the beautiful broad flats below Mt. 
Morris; and the Marquis de Talleyrand, the dis- 
tinguished French statesman and exile, as, in 1793, 
he stood on the bold terrace which skirts the flats 
in the vicinity of that village, on the spot now occu- 
pied by the residence of Dr. M. H. Mills, filled 
with admiration at the grand scenery which long 
fixed his gaze, exclaimed " it is the fairest land- 

* Pioneer History of Phelps and Gorhanes Purchase, 173. 
t From Sketches of the Caneadea Reservation and its Inhabitants, by 
John S. Minard, of Hume, Allegany county. 



284 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



scape that the human eye ever looked upon." A 
writer of a nearly equally early period,* after refer- 
ring to the large, numerous and "singularly curious" 
openings in the Genesee country, giving signs of 
extensive cultivation, land which, from the ignor- 
ance of the early settlers as to its quality, was sup- 
posed to be barren, until necessity compelled them 
to attempt its cultivation, says: " It is difficult to 
account for these openings, or for the open Hats on 
the Genesee river, where ten thousand acres may 
be found in one body, not even encumbered with 
a bush, but covered with grass of such height that 
the largest bullocks, at thirty feet from the path, 
will be completely hid from view. Through all 
this country there are not only signs of extensive 
cultivation having been made at some early period, 
but there are found the remains of old forts where 
the ditches and gates are still visible. They ap- 
pear to be, in general, well chosen for defense." 

The town is wholly underlaid by the rocks of 
the Chemung and Portage groups, deeply covered 
in many places with alluvion and drift. The river 
flats comprise some of the most valuable land in 
the county. The best is assessed at $135 per 
acre, without buildings, or with only a barn,f while 
the average equalized assessed value throughout 
the county is only $62.03. Much of the high land 
is clay and some of it is very hard and unproduc- 
tive. It is a grain-growing town, with a majority 
of the farms adapted to wheat. 

The Avon, Geneseo and Mt. Morris Railroad 
enters the town in the north-east corner and ex- 
tends in a south-westerly direction to Mt. Morris 
village, thence it deflects to the south-east, leaving 
the town a little north of the center of the east 
border, and connecting with the Erie and Genesee 
Valley Railroad to Dansville. The projected 
Rochester. Nunda and Pennsylvania Railroad ex- 
tends through the town along the valley of Casha- 
qua creek. The rails are laid through the town, 
but the road has never been operated. The aban- 
doned Genesee Valley canal enters the town on 
the north border, at the village of Mt. Morris, 
where it crosses the river, and extends in a south- 
easterly direction of the Cashaqua Valley, entering 
and leaving the town with that stream, and skirting 
the first terrace which rises from the flats. 

The population of the town in 1880, was 3,943, 
being exceeded only by North Dansville. In 1875 
it was 3,795. of whom 3,207 were native, 588 
foreign, 3,776 white, [9 colored, 1,876 males and 

tntu>ns Letter 1 V., Documentary History of New York, 
11: 047. 
t The assessments range from 80 to 100 per cent, offull value. 



1,919 females. In area it ranks third in the count)-, 
being exceeded only by Springwater and York. 
In 1875 it contained 29,705 acres,* of which 
25,050 were improved, 4,236 woodland, and 413 
otherwise unimproved. The cash value of farms 
was $ 1.837,876, ranking fifth in the county ; of 
farm buildings other than dwellings, $135,522 ; of 
stock, $190,074, being fifth in rank in the county; 
of tools and implements $57,884, ranking fifth 
in the county. The amount of gross sales from 
farms in 1874 was $155,231, in which respect it 
ranked ninth in the county. 

In 1877, there were one union and eleven com- 
mon school districts in the town. The number 
of children of school age residing in the districts 
September 30, 1880, was 1,101. During the year 
ending that date, eighteen teachers were employed 
at one time for twenty eight weeks or more ; the 
number of children residing in the districts who 
attended school was 782, the average daily atten- 
dance during the year was 399, the value of the 
volumes in the district libraries was $1,195, tne 
number of school-houses was fourteen, eleven 
frame and three brick, which, with the sites, em- 
bracing 4 acres and 101 rods, valued at $1,390, 
were valued at $20,400, the assessed value of taxa- 
ble property in the districts was $1,783,530. 
Paid for teachers' wages, $4,357.60. Paid for 
school apparatus, $540. 1 2. Paid for school houses, 
sites, fences, out-houses, repairs, furniture, &c, 
$9,716.83. Paid for other incidental expenses, 
$736.07. Paid for school libraries, $400.00. 

The first white settler in Mt. Morris, and, indeed 
of the entire Genesee Valley, was Mary Jemison, com- 
monly known as the " White Woman," who resided 
with the Indians seventy-eight years, seventy-two 
of which were spent in the Genesee Valley and 
fifty-two on the Gardeau flats, which lie upon the 
Genesee, partly in this town and partly in Castile, 
Wyoming county. She was highly esteemed by 
the Indians, who named hqr Dehewaviis, signifying, 
"the woman with light hair." Her biography was 
published at her dictation in 1824, and re-published 
in 1877, by Hon. William P. Letchworth, of Glen 
Iris, Wyoming county. Her life is one of strange 
vicissitudes, and from its intimate connection with 
the history of this section merits an extended notice 
in this connection. 

* Census of 1875. The published Proceedings of the Board of Super- 
visors in 1879, state the number of acres to be 18,958, the equalized 
assessed value of which was £1, 711, it", or 559,09 per acre, hi this, 
however, it was less than the average per town— 5*12.0$ -which was ex- 
ceeded by only six towns in the county, though it exceeds tin > ragi 
value per acre in the county, which was £54.62, 



MOUNT MORRIS— EARLY SETTLERS. 



285 



Mary Jemison was born on the ocean in 1742 or 
'43, during the voyage of her parents, Thomas 
and Jane (nee Irwin) Jemison. from Ireland to 
Philadelphia. In the spring of 1755, while resid- 
ing on Marsh creek, then on the Pennsylvania 
frontier, a party of four Frenchmen and six Shaw- 
nee Indians surprised and captured the entire 
family, (except two of Mary's brothers, who were 
in the barn at the time, and escaped to their 
mother's family in Virginia,) consisting of her 
parents and three children, including herself, to- 
gether with the wife and three children of a soldier, 
who was visiting with them, and, having set out 
for a bag of grain, was killed the instant before by 
the same party. All were inhumanly murdered, 
except Mary and a boy — one of the soldier's chil- 
dren — who were taken to Fort Du Quesne, (Pitts- 
burgh,) where Mary was adopted by two Seneca 
women in place of a lost brother, and kindly treated 
by them. From her hopeful nature and buoyant 
spirits she rapidly acquired the habits of her rude 
captors, with whom she soon became a great favor- 
ite, and of whom she always spoke in terms of the 
highest praise. 

During a four years' residence on the Ohio she 
married a Delaware Indian named Sheninjee, by 
whom she had two children — a girl, who died in in- 
fancy, and a boy, whom she named after her father, 
Thomas Jemison. 

In the autumn of 1759, she accompanied her 
foster-sisters to the home of their mother, who 
lived at Beardstown, on the Genesee, near the site 
of Cuylerville, in Leicester. She made the long 
and toilsome journey of six hundred miles on foot, 
carrying upon her back her infant son, then nine 
months old. Here she expected to be joined the 
following spring by her husband, who was to spend 
the winter on the Ohio in hunting furs, but he 
sickened and died soon after her departure. 

After the close of the French and English war in 
1763, the latter government offered a bounty for 
the surrender of prisoners captured during its con- 
tinuance, and Mary was offered her freedom; but 
she chose to continue her forest life, and actually 
concealed herself to avoid abduction by parties 
who were bent on securing the bounty. 

About that year she married a noted Seneca 
warrior named Hiokaioo, by whom she had two sons 
and four daughters, whom she named after her rela- 
tives — John, Jesse, Jane, Nancy, Betsey and Polly. 
All, except Jane, who died about 1795 or 1796, 
married and raised families, and many of their 
descendants still reside on the Indian reservations. 



During the Revolutionary war, her home, which 
was always a hospitable one, frequently harbored 
Brant and Col. John Butler, while planning their 
predatory incursions upon the frontiers of the col- 
onies, and when the Senecas fled before the ad- 
vance of Sullivan's army in 1779, sne accompanied 
them to Niagara. She was among the first to re- 
turn to the Genesee, and finding nothing but deso- 
lation at the once populous and thrifty Beardstown, 
she made her way up the river to Gardeau flats, 
which had escaped the desolating hand of Sullivan's 
army, and there engaged her services to two fugitive 
slaves to husk corn on shares. Her negro com- 
panions left the flats after two or three years ; but 
Mary continued to reside there until 1831, becom- 
ing rich in herds and flocks as well as in lands. 

The treaty at Fort Stanwix in 1784 provided for 
the restoration to freedom of all white persons held 
as prisoners by the Indians. Pursuant to this pro- 
vision Mary was again offered her freedom, but, 
notwithstanding the importunities of her son 
Thomas, who urged her to return to her white 
relatives, she persisted in her determination to pass 
the remainder of her life amidst the scenes of her 
womanhood. She feared that her friends, if found, 
would disdain to recognize her Indian children, and 
she preferred to pursue the quiet of her simple yet 
happy life rather than subject them to contumely. 
She would not throw aside her Indian costume, 
even after the white population had surrounded her 
residence, but adhered to the Indian habits and 
customs to the last. 

At the treaty at Big Tree in 1797, a tract of land 
of nearly 18,000 acres, comprising the Gardeau 
flats, was secured to her in perpetuity, notwith- 
standing the violent opposition of Red Jacket. 
This she let out on shares to white people and thus 
lived in comparative ease. A contemporary author* 
writes that he "remembers to have seen the old 
white woman at his father's house, when a boy, and 
to this day distinctly recollects how she looked and 
appeared; short in stature, under size, very round 
shouldered and bent forward, caused by toting 
luggage on her back, supported by a strap across 
her forehead. Her complexion, once white, was 
tawny; her feet small and toed in ; dressing in the 
ordinary costume of the Indian female, she resem- 
bled a squaw, except her hair and light-colored 
eyes. Her house was the stranger's home. None 
were turned away hungry from her table. In all 
her actions she showed so much simplicity, good- 

* Dr. M- H. Mills, of Mt Morris, who writes under Ihettom deplume 
of Corn Planter, and is a voluminous contributor to the local press. 



a86 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



ness of heart and sincerity, her admirers and 
friends increased as her acquaintance became ex- 
tended. She never was known to make trouble 
among the Indians, or among white people and 
Indians. She was always a peace maker, and 
minded strictly her own affairs." 

Hiokatoo, Mary Jemison's second husband, was 
born on the banks of the Susquehanna in i 708, 
and died of consumption in November, 1811. His 
mother was sister to the mother of the celebrated 
chief Farmer's Brother. He was a warrior, and 
from his youth to the close of the Revolution was 
engaged in all the wars of the Senecas, often lead- 
ing hostile expeditions. Though kind in his do- 
mestic relations, as a warrior he was capable of the 
most cruel atrocities attributed to a savage nature, 
and exulted over the many fiendish tortures inflict- 
ed on his captivf foes. Mary bears testimony to 
this complex nature, not, however, peculiar to the 
savage. She says : — 

"I have frequently heard him repeat the history 
of his life from his childhood, and when he came 
to that part which related to his actions, his brave- 
ry and war; when he spoke of the ambush, the 
combat, the spoiling of his enemies, and the sacri- 
iic 1 ■ oi his victims, ins nerves seemed strung with 
youthful ardor, the warmth of the able warrior 
seemed to animate his frame, and to produce the 
heated gestures which he had practiced in middle 
age. He was a man of tender feelings to his 
friends, ready and willing to assist them in distress; 
yet. as a warrior, his cruelties to his enemies were, 
perhaps, unparalleled, and will not admit of a word 
of palliation." 

from such a parent we might not unreasonably 
expect the transmission of those qualities to the 
offspring which embittered Mary's later life. Two 
of her sons, Thomas and Jesse, were the victims 
of the savage brutality of a third, John ; and the 
latter was in turn murdered by two Indians with 
whom he had quarreled. 

Thomas, who married the daughter of an Eng- 
lish fur-trader, trapper and hunter and a Seneca 
squaw named Sally — who afterwards became the 
wife of Ebenezer Allen — died at the age of fifty-two. 
He left a family, of whom one — Jacob Jemison — 
was in part educated at Dartmouth College. He 
afterwards passed through a regular course of med- 
ical studies, and became an Assistant Surgeon in 
the United States Navy. He died on board his 
ship in the Mediterranean squadron about 1850. 

Another son, Thomas, was a worthy representa- 
tive of his race, and an earnest advocate of the 
degree of civilization to which it is attainable. He 
was born at Squakie Hill, near Mt. Morris, in the 



latter part of December, 1796, and died on the 
Cattaraugus Reservation, September 7, 1878. Col. 
William Lyman, of Mt. Morris, formerly of Leices- 
ter, one of the oldest and worthiest representatives 
of the venerable but rapidly diminishing pioneer 
race, pays the following tribute to this man, whose 
word, said Governor Patterson, " was good as any 
white man's note in the valley." He says: — 

"As the list of our pioneers grows shorter, and 
worthy individuals drop from the stage of action, 
and we miss a friend, we are ambitious to add our 
testimony to their worth and spread before the 
living our impressions of their good deeds, their in- 
tegrity and usefulness. I am unwilling that the 
opportunity should pass without notice. The death 
of Tom Jemison * * * brings up recollec- 
tions of past interviews and transactions that are 
not easily effaced. I knew him intimately; he 
was an honest man, a good friend, and a promi- 
nent man in his connections. The house he built 
on Squakie Hill, where he lived in his youth, still 
stands as a monument of his enterprise, and almost 
the only mark of the aborigines who once covered 
that location and were a power. Although no 
writer, he swayed the judgment and actions of his 
tribe for good, and was the peer of Tall Chief, 
Sharp Shins, Blinkey, Keneda, Straight Back and 
Capt. Cook, and we can say, without fear of con- 
tradiction, that a good man has fallen." 

In 181 1, Dehewamis commenced negotiations 
with Jellis Clute and Micah Brooks for the sale of 
a part of her land. In 1817, a special Act of the 
Legislature invested her with the power to convey 
it; and in the winter of 1822-23, sne conveyed 
all, except a tract of two square miles on the west 
bank of the Genesee, and a lot for Thomas Clute, 
to Messrs. Gibson, Brooks and Clute, who, in con- 
sideration, bound themselves, among other things, 
to pay to her or her heirs or successors, $300 a year 
forever. 

In 1831, she sold her remaining lands in the 
Gardeau Tract, and removed with her daughters 
and their families to the Buffalo Reservation, where 
she died September 19, 1833. She was buried with 
Christian rites, in the cemetery near the Seneca 
mission church, and over her grave was placed a 
marble slab, which bore the following inscription : — 

" In memory of Mary Jemison, daughter of 
Thomas Jemison and Jane Irwin. Born on the 
ocean between Ireland and Philadelphia, in 1842 
or '43; taken captive at Marsh creek, Pa., in 1755, 
at thirteen years of age ; carried down the Ohio; 
adopted into an Indian family. 

"In 1759, removed to Genesee river; was natur- 
alized in 1817. Removed to this place (Buffalo 
Reservation) in 1831, and having survived two 
husbands and five children, leaving three still alive, 
she died September 19, 1833, aged about ninety- 



MOUNT MORRIS — EARLY SETTLERS. 



287 



one years, having a few weeks before expressed a 
hope of pardon through Jesus Christ."* 

In less than two decades from the time of her 
burial every vestige of her grave had disappeared, 
and the ground which contained her remains 
brought under cultivation. Subsequently a street 
laid out through the cemetery passed over it, and 
the stone which marked it was much defaced by 
the vandalism of relic seekers. In March, 1874, 
her remains were disintered by Hon. YVm. P. 
Letchworth, under the immediate supervision of 
her descendants, and, together with other articles 
found in her grave, f placed in a tasteful black 
walnut coffin, and deposited in a marble sarcopha- 
gus, on Glen Iris, at Portage Falls, six miles from 
her former home at Gardeau. 

The spot selected for the final resting place of 
her remains is a high eminence on the left bank of 
the Genesee, overlooking the upper and middle 
falls and railroad bridge, and commanding the 
finest view of the picturesque scenery of that lo- 
cality. Near to and upon the same eminence is 
the ancient Seneca council house,! where she rest- 
ed after her long, fatiguing walk from the Ohio. 
It was brought down the canal from the Caneadea 
Reservation in 1872, by Mr. Letchworth, who has 
made varied and extensive contributions to Indian 
lore, and filled an adjoining artistically constructed 
Indian hut, fifteen feet square, with Indian curios- 
ities. 

The grave is curbed with stones once used as 
head-stones in the Indian cemetery at Gardeau, 
and afterward to construct a road culvert ; at its 
head stands what remains of the slab which mark- 
ed her grave at Buffalo, the original inscription on 
which has been transferred to a square block of mar- 
ble six feet in height, which stands near it, and is de- 
signed to form the pedestal to a statue of Mary Jem- 
ison, in Indian costume, and bearing on her back a 
babe, just as she made her advent into the Genesee 
Valley; at its foot is a black walnut tree, planted by 



* Mary Jemison was religiously instructed in her childhood ; and after 
her capture, her mother, judging from the fact that her shoes were ex- 
changed for moccasins that Mary was destined to escape the cruel death 
which awaited herself, enjoined her to remember these early instructions 
and her native tongue as long as she lived ; but, though at first she en- 
deavored to fulfill the promise then made, in the lapse of time botti were 
lost to memory, and she became a Pagan, continuing such till within a few 
weeks of her death. 

t Near the center of the grave was found a peculiarly shaped porcelain 
dish, containing what, when placed there, may have been articles of food, 
and a wooden spoon much decayed. 

i This council-house is constructed of hewed logs, and is IS by j6 feet. It 
has a door on either side, and seats of poles inside. The roof is made of 
large shingles, covered with poles. Each log as it was taken down was 
marked and replaced so as to present the same appearance as when orig- 
inally constructed. Upon one of its logs there still remains the sign of a 
cros-, precisely like those the early Jesuits are known to have used. 



her grandson, Thomas Jemison, and raised from 
seed borne by the tree that shaded her grave at 
Buffalo. 

The next white settler in this town was Ebene- 
zer or " Indian" Allen, a native of New Jersey, 
who came to this locality in 1782. He was a 
Tory and ally of the Indians, and fled from Penn- 
sylvania to evade the just punishment of his crimes. 
He made his home at the house of Mary Jemison, 
on the Gardeau flats, and worked her land till the 
close of the Revolution. He provoked the enmity 
of the Indians by taking a wampum belt and a 
tender of peace to an American out-post, thus 
treacherously misrepresenting a party of British 
and Indians who contemplated a renewal of border 
hostilities. The sacred pledge of the wampum belt 
was observed, but the Indians determined to pun- 
ish Allen for his perfidy, and tracked him like a 
wild beast, so that for weeks he was obliged to 
conceal himself to elude his pursuers, his physical 
wants being supplied by the kind-hearted Mary. 
He was, however, captured, and tried and acquit- 
ted in Canada. 

In 1785, he located on the site of the village of 
Mt. Morris, which received from him the designa- 
tion of Allen's Hill. He married a Seneca squaw 
named Sally, (the mother of the wife of Thomas 
Jemison, the eldest son of Mary Jemison,) who 
bore him two daughters, named Chloe and Polly. 

Allen procured a boat-load of goods in Philadel- 
phia and bartered them with the Indians for gin- 
seng and furs, being at the same time engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. The old Indian council tree, 
under which he exposed his first stock of goods, 
was blown down during the storm of Saturday, 
June 9, 1866. It measured twenty-three feet in 
circumference. After harvesting his crops he re- 
moved to the locality of Scottsville, near the mouth 
of Oatka or Allen's creek, which derived the latter 
name from him. He soon after removed to the 
falls of the Genesee, on the site of the city of 
Rochester, and built there, in 1789, a saw and 
grist-mill, receiving in consideration therefor from 
Messrs. Phelps and Gorham, what is known as the 
Hundred Acre Tract, including the mill site and 
apart of the site of Rochester. In 1792, he dis- 
posed of his interest in this property and returned 
to Mt. Morris. His long log cabin "which," says Rev. 
Darwin Chichester, " combined a store, a tavern 
and a harem," (for Allen had several wives of vari- 
ous colors,) stood near the site of the residence of 
the late Judge George Hastings. He also com- 
bined trading with agriculture. 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



"Ebenezer Allen," says the author just quoted, 
"was a bad man. He had courage, talent and 
energy ; was remarkable for accomplishing his ends ; 
knew how to please, and had great influence over 
the Indians; but he was guilty of many crimes. 
His hands were stained with the blood of the in- 
nocent." According to Mary Jemison, the history 
of whose life contains a chapter devoted to him, he 
was a monster of iniquity, capable of dragging an 
infant from the breast of its mother and dashing 
out its brains before her agonized eyes. In 1797, 
"as white settlements increased," says Mr. Chi- 
chester, "he fled from those whose vengeance he 
had provoked" to Canada, and died at Grand 
River in 181 4. 

In 1 791, at his solicitation, the Senecas deeded 
to Allen the Mt. Morris Tract,* for the reasons 
set forth in the instrument in the following lan- 
guage :— 

" Whereas, Kyendanent, our Seneca squaw, Sal- 
ly, has two daughters born of her body by our 
brother Jenushshio, named in English, Ebeneezer 
Allan. The names of said daughters being, in 
English, Mary Allan and Chloe Allan. The daugh- 
ters here mentioned are to be sent to school and 
instructed in reading, writing, sewing and other 
useful arts, according to the customs of white peo- 
ple. Sally, the mother, to have a comfortable 
maintenance during her natural life, or as long as 
she remains 1111 joined to any other many 

The deed is signed by the Sachems of the Sen- 
eca nation, and by Timothy Pickering, U. S. Com- 
missioner. It is witnessed by Horatio Jones, Jos. 
Parish, Oliver Phelps and Ebenezer Bowman. 

Within a reasonable time Allen commenced to 
execute his trust. He sent his daughters to school 
in Philadelphia, where they remained about two 
years. In 1793 Allen sold this tract, for a nominal 
sum paid in goods, to Robert Morris, whose ac- 
quaintance he made during his frequent visits to 
Philadelphia in marketing peltry. It has never 
been satisfactorily explained how Mr. Morris was 
induced to make the purchase with no better title 
than a trust deed, which reverted when the trust 
was broken, though it has been asserted that Allen 
by fraudulent practices procured a valid title. Be 
this as it may, there can be little doubt that Mr. 
Morris' title was confirmed by the Big Tree treaty, 
and effectually bars the numerous claims which 
have been made by persons claiming relationship 
to Allen, among them the two daughters, one of 
whom was living till within a few years in Canada. 

♦This tract is nlso known as the "Indian Allen Tract." the " Four 
Miles Square Tract," and the "Ten Thousand Acre Tract.'" For the 
history here given of it we are indebted to the \ el -.itile pen of Corn Plant- 
er, (Dr. M 11 Mills, ol Ml Morris). 



Robert Morris dying insolvent in 1806, the Bank 
of North America, holding as collateral security an 
assignment of the title papers to this tract from 
Mr. Morris, for loans and advances made to him, 
caused it to be surveyed the same year, Stephen 
Rogers, a familiar name to the early settlers, as 
surveyor. 

In 1807 the Bank of- North America sold an 
eighth interest in the Mt. Morris Tract to each of 
the following persons, retaining an eighth interest 
itself: John R. Murray, (grandfather of John R. 
Murray, of Mt. Mortis,) merchant, of New York 
city, and Harriet, his wife, William Ogden, mer- 
chant, of New York city, and Susan, his wife. John 
Tremball, James Wadsworth and Naomi Wads 
worth, his wife. In 18 10 they made a partition of 
that part of the tract which lies south and east of 
the river, excepting the public square in Mt. Mor- 
ris village, which lies nearly in the geographical 
centre of the tract, and a certain lot and mill 
seat which were held in common, Peter J. Monroe, 
Esq., acting in behalf of the bank. It was laid 
out into lots numbered from 1 to 241 inclusive, 
and subdivided into eight parts for distribution. 

Mark Hopkins was the first land agent for the 
Mt. Morris Tract, acting for Messrs. Murray, Og- 
den and Rogers,* the latter having purchased an 
interest therein. He came to Mt. Morris in the 
summer of 1811, in company with his father, Sam- 
uel Hopkins, Oeacon Jesse Stanley and his two 
sons, Oliver and Leman. His father, who was 
born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1748, died March 19, 
1818, aged 69, and was buried in the old cemetery 
in the village of Mt. Morris. " He was an honor- 
able, high-minded, worthy Christian man, and a 
gentleman of the olden school." His wife died in 
Ceneseo, Sept. 19, 181 1, aged 58. On her ar- 
rival in Geneseo her husband lay very sick in that 
village with the Genesee fever, but recovered. She 
contracted the same disease and perished through 
her efforts to save her husband. Mark Hopkins 
relinquished his land agency in 181 7, and removed 
to Strong Bridge, Huron county, Ohio. He subse- 
quently removed to Chillicothe in that State, where 
he died in 1831, aged 53 years, " honored and re- 
spected for his high sense of honor, strict integrity 
and social qualities." 

The next settler in Mt. Morris, (with the excep- 
tion of a dissolute mason named Clark Cleveland,) 
and the first permanent white settler, was William 
A. Mills, son of Re v. Samuel J. Mills, the pion eer 

•In 1810 Benjamin W. Rogers and Samuel Miles Hopkins both of 
New ifork city, purchased jointly the interest of the Bank of North 

America in the Mt. Morris Tract. 




John S 



MITH. 



John Smith, the subject of this sketch was born 
in Maryland, in the year 1794, and removed with 
his parents to Cayuga county about 1801. 

In the year 1823, he was married to Harriet, 
daughter of Othniel Allen, of Saratoga county. 
Being energetic, and having a strong constitution, 
he resolved to leave the fertile lands of Cayuga 
and seek a fortune elsewhere. To this end he 
removed westward, about eighty miles, to Mt. 
Morris, Livingston county, and there purchased 
an "article" of a hundred acres of almost wild 
land. Having used all of his money in the pur- 
chase, his situation here was not very flattering; 
but being strong of limb and possessing a brave 
heart, he very soon built for himself a comfortable 
home. Here he resided about fifty years, be- 
coming quite an extensive land holder. He died 
June 4, 1872. 



He was noted throughout life for his energy and 
perseverance in business, and for the strictest hon- 
esty and integrity in all of his dealings with man. 
The poor always found in him their friend, helper 
and advisor. 

He was a good husband and a kind, indulgent 
parent. He was the father of the following eight 
children: — Angeline B., Harrison W., Kate M., 
Sarah M., Susie A., Lida I., Frances Adelia and 
Emma Amelia, the last two of whom are twins. 
Only four of these children are now living, viz: — 
Harrison \V., a prominent attorney in the village of 
Castile, Wyoming county, and Susie, Lida and 
Emma, residing in Mt. Morris. 

Mrs. Smith, wife of John, died September 12, 
1 85 1. She was a noble example of a Christian 
mother, beloved by all, and her death was lament- 
ed by all that knew her 



MOUNT MORRIS — EARLY SETTLERS. 



289 



preacher of the Genesee Valley, who came in 1793. 
Rev. Samuel J. Mills was a Baptist clergyman, and 
preached during the summer in a large barn erected 
by Col. Williamson, at Williamsburgh, and in the 
winter in private houses. He also conducted the 
first religious services held in Mt. Morris. His 
sons, Samuel, Jr., Alexander, Lewis, Philo and 
William A., all men grown, resided with him, and 
afterwards settled in this vicinity. 

William A. Mills was born at Patterson, Putnam 
county, N. Y., May 27, 1777, and in 1794, at the 
early age of seventeen, without means, he took up 
his abode at Mt. Morris, then known as Allen's 
Hill. He built and kept bachelor's hall in a small 
cabin which stood near the residence of the late 
David A. Miller, upon the sightly eminence over- 
looking the beautiful river valley and the noble 
flats, portions of which he rented on easy terms 
and cultivated in common with the Indians, 
whose language he soon acquired. He gradually 
won the respect and confidence of his dusky neigh- 
bors, whose counselor he afterwards became in 
their dealings with the white settlers, and an arbi- 
trator in controversies among themselves. They 
bestowed on him the name of Sanungewah, mean- 
ing "big kettle," and indicating the generous hos- 
pitality dispensed at his home, which they fre- 
quented in after years. 

In March, 1803, Wm. A. Mills married Susan- 
nah H., daughter of Jonathan and Lodema Harris, 
of Connecticut, and brought her on horseback from 
her home at Tioga Point, Pa. She was an estima- 
ble woman and endeared herself to the community 
by her excellent social qualities and great benevo- 
lence. She died April 26, 1840, aged fifty-eight 
years. 

Their youngest son, Dr. Myron H. Mills, who, 
after an absence of some years in the West, has 
returned to the parental homestead, is a worthy 
representative of this highly respected family. For 
a more extended mention of the Mills family we 
would refer to the close of this chapter. 

But very few additions were made to the settle- 
ments in Mt. Morris during the first ten or fifteen 
years after Gen. Mills located in the town. Many, 
indeed, came and located here, but were soon 
driven away by the fever and ague, which was then 
fearfully prevalent. 

Among the early settlers who located in the town 
prior to 18 10, were Benedict Satterlee, Isaac Bald- 
win, Squire Solomon, Grice Holland, Jonathan 
Harris, Chappel, Eaton, Wilson, Adam Holtslander, 
Ganon, Erwin, Manier, Simeon Kittle, William 



Haskell, Isaac Powell, Gifford Simmons, Col. 
Damon and the McNairs. 

William McNair came from Northumberland 
county, Pa., in 1798, and after stopping for a few 
months at Williamsburgh, removed thence to Son- 
yea, in this town. He drove from Pennsylvania 
thirty head of cattle, being assisted by his son, 
James H. McNair, who was born in Northumber- 
land county and was then ten years old. On 
arriving at Mt. Morris they found there Gen. Wm. 
A. Mills, Louis Mills, Jonathan Harris, David 
Marsh, Grice Holland, Adam Holtslander, and two 
others named Fuller and Sanford. In plowing on 
the farm in Sonyea they found gun barrels, hatchets 
and other articles. James H. McNair was in many 
respects a model man, a pattern of industry, and 
of incorruptible integrity. He was highly esteemed 
for his kindness of heart and generous impulses. 
He died Januarys, 1874. He was a brother to 
Robert and Andrew McNair, of Groveland, in 
company with whom, for many years, he carted 
wheat to Rochester with ox teams, frequently re- 
ceiving only thirty cents per bushel. Robert, who 
was born in Allentownship, Pa., May 28, 1793, 
died at Groveland, June 26, 1863. They were 
brothers to Mrs. McCurdy, of Dansville. 

Adam Holtslander, the famous rail-splitter, was 
born in Goshen, Orange county, in 1783, and re- 
moved to Mt. Morris in 1799. In 1808 he mar- 
ried Betsey Sash, who came to Mt. Morris with her 
father's family in 1802, at the age of fifteen years. 
They lived, until their removal to Michigan in 
1849, m a '°S house which stood on the high 
ground a mile to the west of the village, and for 
many years isolated from other settlers. Mr. 
Holtslander was one of the few residents of this 
town who volunteered his services and went to the 
frontier in 181 2 ; but the threatened danger being 
over he returned to his home after an absence of 
only a few days. He was a tall man, standing six 
feet and four inches in his stocking feet, and very 
straight, with amuscular and bony frame, strikingly 
marked features, and a good constitution, rendered 
more hardy by pioneer life and the primitive man- 
ner of living in those early days. He furnished the 
rails to fence a large share of the original improve- 
ments in this locality. He helped to build the first 
dam across the Genesee to divert its waters to the 
village ; also the mill-race, which completed that 
enterprise. He raised a large family, most of whom 
reside in Michigan, and died in Mt. Morris in that 
State, (named by his and other families who re- 
moved there from this town,) February 27, 1872. 



290 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



His wife died at the same place November 28, 
1877, in her ninetieth year. 

Deacon Jesse Stanley, Oliver Stanley, Luman 
Stanley, Deacon Jonathan Beach, the father of 
nine sons and two daughters, Oliver Beach, Martin 
Beach, Elisha Parmelee, Dr. Abraham Camp, Rus- 
sell Sheldon, Isaac Seymour. Sterling Case and Mr. 
Coe, each the head of a family, came about 181 1, 
from Goshen, Conn., bringing with them the New 
England habits of thrift and religious worship. 
They gave an impulse to religious influences which 
culminated in 1814 in the formation of the Presby- 
terian church of Mt. Morris. They gave a tone to 
society, in a religious point of view, the influences 
of which are still felt in the community. There 
were other persons of a similar character from Ver- 
mont, such as Luther and Russel Parker, with their 
families, who came about the same period. 

Jesse Stanley, " than whom," says Rev. Mr. Par- 
sons, "there was perhaps no other one so influen- 
tial in laying the foundations of religious institu- 
tions in this place," came in 1811, and erected the 
first frame house in the village of Mt. Morris, and 
subsequently the present residence of Norman A. 
Seymour, in front of which it stood. This first 
house was removed and a part of it is now to be 
found on Murray street, just east of the residence 
of the late Philo Thompson. One of the principal 
streets in the village bears his name. He died 
[une 24, 1845, aged eighty-seven years. He had 
three wives — Eunice, who died January 26, 1813, 
aged 57; Sarah, who died September 22, 1821, 
aged 64; and Mary, who died January 14, 1840, 
aged 73. Luman and Oliver were sons of his. 
The former died Oct. 14, 1839, aged 60, and the 
latter, Oct. 24, 185 1, aged 74. 

Russell Sheldon died about 1850; and Sterling 
Case, April 4, 1846, aged 78. 

Between 181 1 and 1820 came the families of 
Enos Baldwin, Sr. and Jr., Daniel and Amos Bald- 
win, each of whom was the head of a family, Ben- 
jamin and William Begole, Joseph Cowding, Aaron 
Adams, Adam and David A. Miller, Adino Bailey, 
Riley Scoville, J. Miller, Sr. and Jr., Allen, Orrin 
and Horace Miller, each the head of a family, 
Samuel Learned, Chester Foote, David Sanger, 
Horatio Read, Phineas Lake, Samuel Rankins, 
James B. Mower, John Brown, John C. Jones, 
William I.emmon, Asa Woodford, David H. Pear- 
son, Richard \V. dates, Eli Lake, Dr. Charles 
Bingham, Joseph Thompson, Vincent Cothrell, the 
Whitings, Starkweathers, Pratts and others. 

" from 1820 to 1835," says Dr. Mills, in an ad- 



dress delivered at the farmers' picnic held in 
Begole's woods, Sept. 2, 1876, "came the list of 
farmers and their descendants, who to-day are the 
bone and sinew of the town of Mt. Morris, paying 
a large share of the burden of taxation and who 
are on this occasion assembled, under the guidance 
and direction of the officers of your association, 
and especially your venerable and esteemed Presi- 
dent, Mr. Jacob Chilson, who, commencing life as 
a farmer bare-handed in this town when a young 
man, nearly a half a century ago, has by industry, 
prudence, economy * * * an d upright deal- 
ing acquired a competency, and still retains through 
all these long years, the confidence and respect of 
his neighbors and all who know him." 

Mr. Chilson was a native of Cayuga county, and 
came to Mt. Morris in 1829, but disliking the ap- 
pearance of things, he returned to his former home. 
Two years later, however, he had overcome his re- 
pugnance, and in the spring of 1832 brought in his 
family, consisting of his wife and one child a few 
months old. " At that time the town presented the 
appearance of an unbroken wilderness, except the 
Genesee flats, there being but few pieces of the up- 
land cleared and cultivated." There was a cordu- 
roy wagon road from the Ridge to Brooks drove, 
but the land was heavily timbered, level and wet ; 
also one from the foot of the mill-hill well out on 
the flats. There was a warehouse on Canaseraga 
creek to receive grain and flour for shipment by 
boat down the creek into the river, and thence 
down to Rochester. Mr. Chilson, though a black- 
smith by trade, followed the business of farming. 
He died in 1879, aged 76 years. 

The first town meeting was held the first Tues- 
day in April, 1819, and the following named 
officers were elected : — William A. Mills, Super- 
visor ; Horatio Read, Clerk ; Allen Ayrault, Jesse 
Stanley, Aaron Adams, Assessors ; Allen Ayrault * 
and Oliver Stanley, Overseers of the Poor; Samuel 
Learned, Phineas Lake, Samuel Rankins, Com- 
missioners of Highways ; Horatio Read, Aaron 
Adams, James B. Mower, Commissioners of Com- 
mon Schools; John Brown, Constable and Col- 
lector ; Phineas Lake, - Amos Baldwin. Win. A. 
Mills, James H. McNair, Aaron Adams, John C. 
Jones, William Lemmon, Fence Viewers; Ebe- 
nezer Damon, Dist. No. 1, Asa Woodford, Hist. 
No. 2, John Sanford, Dist. No. 3, David H. Pear- 
son, Dist. No. 4, Sterling Case, Dist. No. 5, Road 
Masters ; Abraham Camp, James H. McNair, 



• James Coe was elected Overseer of the Poor, September IS, 1819, in 
place of Allen Ayrault removed. 



MOUNT MORRIS — TOWN OFFICERS. 



291 



Richard W. Gates, Eli Lake, Inspectors of Com- 
mon Schools; Enos Baldwin, Poundkeeper. 

Among the legislative enactments at that meet- 
ing, in addition to the imposition of certain re- 
strictions on the running at large of cattle, etc., 
was one which evinced the careful husbandry 
which has since characterized the farming opera- 
tions in that town. It provided that no person 
should knowingly suffer Canada thistles to go to 
seed on his premises under a penalty of five dollars. 
It was also voted to raise twenty-five dollars for the 
support of the poor;* and ''money sufficient to 
obtain the public school from the State." 

At the annual election held April 27, 28 and 29, 
1 8 19, the following votes were cast, and serve to 
indicate the political character of the population t 
of the town at that time: — 

For Gideon Granger, for Senator 33 

" Lyman Paine, " " 33 

" Robert McKay, " Assemblyman 76 

" Gideon T. Jenkins, " " 78 

" Joseph Sibley, " " 7 

" Fitch Chipman, " " 2 

The following have been the Supervisors and 
Clerks of Mt. Morris, from 1819 to 1880: — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1819. William A. Mills. Horatio Reed. 

1820. do David A. Miller. 

182 1. do Phineas Lake. 

1822. do Eli Lake. 

1823. David A. Miller. do 

1824-6. William A. Mills. Reuben Sleeper. 

1827. Othneil Allen. do 

1828. Riley Scoville. do 

1829. William A. Mills. do 
1830-1. do Abner Dean. 
1832-3. do George Hastings. 
1834-6. Riley Scoville. James H. Rogers. 

1837. Orrin D. Lake. Reuben P. Wisner. 

1838. do James H. Rogers. 

1839. do George H. Elliott. 
1840-1. C. Hangerford. Lucius C. Bingham. 

1842. Alfred Hubbard. do 

1843. do Hugh Harding. 

1844. Orrin D. Lake. do 

1845. do Lucius C. Bingham. 

1846. Geo. T. Olyphant. do 
1847-8. do James T. Norton 
1849. Jesse Peterson. do 
1850-2. do Hugh Harding. 

* The number of paupers from Mt. Morris remaining in the county 
house, November i, 1879, was 2J, a larger number than from any other 
town in the county ; while the amount expended for the temporary relief 
of indigent persons in this town during the year ending October Ji, 1879, 
was$Hi.;s. 

t The population ol the town in 1811, three years after its formation, 
was "1002: 2C7 farmers, JS mechanics, I sfave ; taxable property, 
$212,754; 6 schools, 8 months in 12 ; $129-17; 104; J22; 151 electors, 
2,S°o acres improved land, 882 cattle, 98 horses, 981 sheep ; 4,44; yards 
cloth ; 1 grist-mill, 1 fulling mill, 1 carding machine, s distilleries, 3 
asheries ."— Spnffortts Gazetteer, 1S24. 



1853-60. Jared P. Dodge. Hugh Harding. 
1861-5. Abraham Wigg. do 

1866-70. McNeil Seymour. do 

187 1. John Simerson. do 

1872-4. Thomas J. Gamble. do 

1875-6. do Charles Harding. 

1877. Orrin D. Lake. Carlos A. Miller. 

1878. George W. Phelps. Hugh Harding. 
1879-80. Hugh Harding.* do 

The following officers were elected April 5, 
1881 : — Supervisor, Thomas J. Gamble; Town 
Clerk, Charles J. Perry; Justice of the Peace, 
James L. Skillman; Highway Commissioner, 
Amos O. Dalrymple ; Assessor, William Petrie ; 
Overseers of Poor, John Olp, Frederick Lehman; 
Collector, Paul R. Kingston ; Constables, Cor- 
nelius O'Leary, James Gamble, James Patten, 
Michael Powers, Richard Dunning; Game Con- 
stable, Nicholas Myers; Excise Commissioner, 
Archibald McCarthur ; Inspectors of Election, 
District No. 1, Clinton Sutphen, Thomas McNam- 
ara; District No. 2, John L. Gamble, Deloss 
Williams; District No. 3, Edward M. Petrie, 
Barkley Miller. 

The following census of Mt. Morris taken in 
July, 1835, by Levi L. Totten, is of interest, as 
showing the rapid increase in the population of 
the town and the development of its varied in- 
dustries : — 

Whole number of families in town 598 

Males 1797 
Females 1702 

3,499 

Persons subject to military duty 362 

" qualified to vote at election .... 740 

Aliens not naturalized 27 

Persons of color not taxed 2 

Married females under the age of 45 yrs. 485 

Unmarried females between 16 and 45. . 259 

" " under 16 830 

Marriages occurring within the last year. 9 

Births — Males 72, Females 71, Total. . . 143 

Deaths — Males 22, Females 27, Total. . 49 

Number of acres of improved land 16,179^ 

" of neat cattle 2,841 

" of horses 1 . 1 00 

" of sheep 5,833 

" of hogs 3,548 

" of yards of fulled cloth manuf'd. 5,862^- 

" of " flannel " 5,985 

" of " linen, cotton, etc.," 4,428 

Grist Mills, 2 

value of raw material $ 4,878 

manufactured articles 60, 1 15 

Saw Mills 6 

value of raw material 3,35° 

manufactured articles 6,800 

• In 1879, Myron H. Mills and George W. Phelps each received 397 
votes. The Board of Canvassers appointed Hugh Harding. 



292 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Fulling Mills 3 

value of raw material 9,000 

manufactured articles 1 1,750 

Carding Machines, 3 

value of raw material 6,875 

manufactured articles 7,867 

I tistilleries 1 

value of raw material 1,000 

manufactured articles 1.400 

Asheries, 3 

value of raw material 1,050 

manufactured articles 1,860 

Tanneries 2 

value of raw material 2,600 

manufactured articles 4,700 

Blind persons, 1 ; deaf and dumb persons, 1 ; 
idiots, 5 ; lunatics, 1 ; paupers, o. 

" On the bank of the river in this town an 
ancient mound or barrow was discovered and 
opened in 1845, in which were some human skele- 
tons in a very decayed state, with some stone 
arrowheads, stone knife and cleaver, and a copper 
skewer about the size of a pipe shank, flattened at 
one end and slightly twisted. The knife was of a 
fine, hard stone of the thickness of a quire of paper 
with sharpened edges. The cleaver was of slate. 
The articles were of the rudest workmanship."* 

These relics and others which have been met 
with in the town are doubtless referable to the 
Indians, who had a considerable town near the 
village of Mt. Morris, and resided in this vicinity 
for many years after the white settlers came in, and- 
in considerable numbers. Their principal chief 
was Tall Chief, a fine specimen of his race, physi- 
cally and otherwise. 

Mount Morris. 

Mount Morris, generally known to the Indians, 
even to the present day, as Sanungewage, from 
Sanungewah, a name given by them to Gen. Wil- 
liam A. Mills, is beautifully situated in the north 
part of the town, on the margin of the high terrace 
which overlooks the broad, fertile flats bordering 
the river and its confluent streams, and is the 
southern terminus of the Avon, Geneseo and Mt. 
Morris Railroad, the northern terminus of the 
Erie and Genesee Valley Railroad to Dansville, 
and on the line of the proposed Rochester, Nunda 
and Pennsylvania Railroad. The abandoned Gen- 
esee Valley canal extends through the northeast 
portion of the village, which, when in operation, 
connected with the Erie at Rochester, thirty-eight 
and one half miles distant. It is distant six miles 
southwest of Geneseo, the county seat. Its streets 
are regular, handsomely shaded, and lighted with 
oil, and being based on a sandy soil are generally 

• GauUar of Ntw Yeri, Thomas F.Gordon, i8j6. 



dry. The village is abundantly supplied with 
wholesome water from an elevation sufficient for 
fire purposes without the aid of mechanical force, 
though this is not wholly relied on. It has some 
fine churches and business blocks and many taste- 
ful residences. 

The village was first known to the white settlers 
as Allen's Hill, from Ebenezer Allen, its first 
settler, and subsequently as Richmond Hill, a 
name given it by Col. John Trumbull, an artist 
who delineated some of the most important scenes 
of the Revolution, and at one time contemplated 
making it his place of residence. He selected and 
purchased a site near the residence of the late 
Judge Hastings, planted an orchard, and made 
some preparations for building ; but the name was 
abandoned with the abandonment of his idea of 
settling here, and, like the town, received and has 
since retained the distinctive name of its dis- 
tinguished proprietor. 

It contains six churches, (Presbyterian, Episco- 
pal, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Free Methodist 
and Catholic,) a fine Union school, with academic 
department, two district schools, two newspapers,* 
(T/ie Union and Constitution, William Harding, 
publisher, and the Mount Morris Enterprise, George 
M. Shull, publisher,) two banks, (Genesee River 
National and Bingham Bros. — -private,) various 
important manufacturing establishments, twenty- 
one stores of various kinds, four hotels, (Dodge 
House, Scoville House, Wallace House and Burke 
House,) various mechanics' shops, including two 
harness shops, (Frank Austin and Thomas Conlon,) 
and four blacksmith shops, (O. C. Matteson, 
George Wooster, John Sleight and F. S. Dal- 
rymple,) and a population of 1,928. 

" No village," says Jessie Jasper, a local writer, 
"has sent out more professors, clergymen, mission- 
aries, painters, musicians, poets, writers, judges, 
congressmen, architects, and machinists than Mt. 
Morris." 

The village was incorporated May 2, 1836. The 
first corporation meeting was held at the house of 
Riley Scoville, June 9, 1835, Justice O. D. Lake 
presiding, and the following named officers were 
elected: Reuben Sleeper, James Conkey, Ichabod 
Thurston, Oliver Stanley and John Sloat, Trustees; 
and James H. Rogers. Adino Bailey and Stephen 
Summers, Assessors. George Hastings was clerk 
of the meeting. 

At a meeting of the Board held June 12, 1835, 
the following named officers were chosen: — Reu- 



• See Chapter XII. for History of the Press. 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — OFFICERS. 



293 



ben Sleeper, President; George Hastings, Clerk; 
Aylmer Keith, Treasurer; Walker M. Hinman, 
Asa Woodford, John P. Gayle, John N. Hurlbut. 
Fire Wardens; Reuben P. Wisner, Collector; 
Ezra Kinne, Pound Master. 

Following is a list of the Presidents and Clerks 
of the village from the date of incorporation: — 

Presidents. Village Clerks. 

Reuben Sleeper. 
Phineas Canfield. 
Stephen Summers. 
Geo. G. Williams. 

do 
David A. Miller. 



1835-6 

1837 
1838 

1839 

1840. 

1841 

1842-3. 

1844. 

1845. 

1846. 

1847. 

1848. 

1849. 

1850. 

1851-3- 

1854. 

1855- 

1856-8. 

1859. 

i860. 

1861. 

1862-4. 

1865-9. 

1870. 

1871. 

1872. 

1873- 

1874. 

1875- 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 
1879. 
1S80. 



Geo. Hastings.* 
Reuben P. Wisner. 

do 

do 
Wm. H. Houghton.t 
George H. Elliott. 



Geo. G. Williams. Geo. N. Williams. 



John Vernam. 
Elijah E. Thatcher. 
Hugh Harding. 
Reuben P. Wisner. 
Jesse Patterson. 

do 
Augustus Conkey. 
John Vernam. 
Abraham Wigg. 



do 

do 

do 

do 

do 
Henry I). Barto, Jr. 

do 
McNeil Seymour. 
do 



Henry K. Safford. C. B. Adams. 



do 

do 
McNeil Seymour. 

do 

do 

do§ 
Z. A. Colburn. 

do 

do 

do 
F. E. Brown. 
C. Sutphen. 

do 
J. M. Hastings. 
Carlos A. Miller. 

do 
James L. Skillin. 
H. H. Scoville, Presi- 



Abraham Wigg. 

Reuben Sleeper. 

Abraham Wigg. 

Reuben Sleeper. 

Hiram P. Mills. 

C. B. Adams.f 

A. F. French. 

Z. W. Joslyn. 

H. P. Mills. 

Hugh Harding. 

Z. W. Joslyn. 

H. P. Mills. 

Henry Scoville. 

F. E. Hastings. 

Geo. W. Phelps. 

H. W. Miller. 

Z. W. Joslyn. 
Village officers of 1881 :■ 
dent; Mathew Taylor, Peter Schermer, Morgan 
Hammond, Hugh Harding, Trustees; James L. 
Skillin, Clerk; H. M. Uayfoot, Health Officer; 
E. A. Mills, Treasurer ; Daniel Cassidy, Collector ; 
William Murray, H. S. Wigg, A. McCarthur, As- 
sessors; C. J. Perry, Chief Engineer, H. S. Wigg, 
Assistant Engineer Fire Department; Chas. Hard- 
ing, Treasurer Fire Department. 

Mt. Morris, though its inception dates back to 
the first settlement of the town, did not early de- 

* November 21, 1836, Reuben P. Wisner was appointed Clerk vice 
George Hastings removed. 

t January 2J, 1S41, George H. Elliott was appointed Clerk vice W. H. 
Houghton, deceased. 

t December 17, 1869, A. F. French was appointed President vice C. B. 
Adams, deceased, December V, 1869. 

§ May 13, 1870, Z. A. Colburn was appointed Clerk vice McNeil Sey- 
mour, deceased. 



velop a commercial importance. The following 
description of it in 1813, which we extract from the 
discourse of Rev. Darwin Chichester, will be read 
with interest by the present generation. He 
says : — 

" We will enter on what is now the plank road 
across the flats. Ascending the hill, we pass what 
is now Beach's Temperance House. There stands 
the frame dwelling of widow Baldwin — on the cor- 
ner opposite, towards the north, is the frame dwell- 
ing of Capt. Baldwin — going a little farther, we are 
near the frame residence of deacon Jesse Stanley, 
now the site of the residence of James R. Bond, 
Esq. In reaching this point, we pass the school- 
house, a few rods to the left, that building which is 
so plainly pictured to the minds of some of this 
audience, around which so many associations of 
early days cluster. Its unpainted and mutilated 
seats and dingy walls, bring with them pleasing 
thoughts, for they are fresh, strong impressions of 
early days. This building is not seen from the 
road, for, though we stand in front of what is known 
as Dean's brick store, and look no farther than what 
was lately the law office of R. P. Wisner, Esq., yet 
the oak bushes and saplings completely conceal it 
from view. A little farther on, and we are oppo- 
site the site of this [Presbyterian] church building. 
On the other side of the road stands the old block- 
house, into which all the inhabitants fled on one 
occasion the year before, for fear of a coming army 
of British and Indians. A few rods farther, and on 
the north side of the road, is the frame dwelling of 
Mark Hopkins. Esq., on the site of the residence 
of the late David A. Miller, Esq. We ascend, and 
from Prospect Hill, look over the village, and we 
can count the four framed dwellings just mentioned, 
and no more. These, with twenty-two log-houses, 
constitute the Mt. Morris of 1813. The eye can 
rest upon two streets, the one we have passed over, 
coming from the valley, passing the site of this 
church edifice, turning to the left, and winding up 
the hill towards Nunda, and the other running 
through the place north and south, being what is 
now Main street. These two streets, or roads, the 
sides of which are well lined with oaks, shrubs and 
saplings, are the only streets of the village. Here 
is now and then a remaining tree of the forest, and 
plenty of undergrowth. On every side, except that 
of the valley, is a dark forest, the impressions upon 
which, by the woodman's ax, are, as yet, hardly 
perceptible. 

" Going towards Nunda, we pass through an un- 
broken forest for three-and-a-half miles, we then 
reach a solitary dwelling, that of Mr. Houselander, 
and for six miles beyond that (where now is a suc- 
cession of fine farms, with their neatly painted 
dwellings,) is an unbroken forest." 

In 1817, says Franklin Cowdery, in describing 
the condition of Western New York in that year> 
in the Cuylerville Telegraph of March 18, 1848, 
Mt. Morris had a tavern, a few mechanics' shops, 
and a small store kept by Allen Ayrault. " This," 



294 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



says Mr. Chichester, in referring to the epidemics 
which have raged with great power in this vicinity, 
•• was a memorable year — one that brought sorrow 
into many a dwelling. Hardly a family in the ] ilai e 
escaped sickness — and one family, (a member of 
which told me of the ravages of the disease,) lost 
four of its members." Spafford, in his Gazetteer of 
1S24, dismisses the subject of its description with 
a single sentence. He says, "the village of Mt. 
Morris, where the town meetings are now held, 
has the post-office, and a small collec- 
tion of houses." In his Gazetteer of 18*3 it is not 
even mentioned. In 1836, as described in Gor- 
don's Gazetteer of that year, the village contained 
three churches, (Presbyterian, Episcopal and Meth- 
odist,) three taverns, nine dry goods stores, three 
groceries, two hatters, one tannery, two shoe stores, 
three cabinetmakers, one chair factory, one bakery, 
one iron foundry, one hemp factory, one plow and 
wagon factory, two blacksmiths, one hardware store, 
tin factor)-, two saddlers, three tailors, two drug 
shops, one printing office, issuing a weekly paper. 
two lawyers, four physicians, one flouring mill, one 
carding and cloth-dressing mill, and had in the im- 
mediate vicinity three saw mills and more than a 
hundred dwellings. There were then four addi- 
tional post-offices in the town — at River Road, 
Krushville, River Road Forks and Brooks Grove. 
In 1 .840, says Disturnell, in his Gazetteer of 1842, 
it contained about 1,200 inhabitants, 200 dwell- 
ings, four churches, (Presbyterian, Episcopal, Bap- 
tist and Methodist,) three public houses, twenty 
stores and groceries, one furnace and a pottery, two 
flouring mills, two saw mills. The post-offices in 
the town, in addition to Mt. Morris, were, Brush- 
ville, Brooks Grove, Ridge River Road, and St. 
Helena. 

Mkri han 1 I'he first merchant in Mt. Morris, 

if such he may be called, was Ebenezeror " Indian" 
Allen, a native of New Jersey, who came here dur 
ing the Revolutionary war to escape the military 
enrollment. He did not continue in trade after the 
white settlers came in. He obtained his goods at 
Philadelphia and exchanged them with the Indians 
for peltries. 

The first regular merchant, it is believed, was 
Elisha Parmelee, who came here from Connecticut 
about 1811, and opened a store on State street, in 
a building which stood on the site of the residence 
of J. B. Bacon, on the north side of that street, 
and was removed about 1854 to its present loca- 
tion on Eagle street. It is now owned and occu- 
pied as a residence by Cornelius Cassidy. Parmelee 



removed to Warsaw in 1817, and was succeeded 
in the same store by Allen Ayrault, from Connec- 
ticut, who removed to Moscow in 1819, and two 
or three years later to Geneseo, where he became 
a prominent banker. 

There was no store from that period until 1823. 
when Abner Dean and Reuben Sleeper (Dean & 
Sleeper) came from Laurens, Otsego county, and 
occupied the same store. They dissolved partner- 
ship in 1828, and both continued to trade separately, 
Dean in a new store, adjacent to the old one, until 
1841, when D. K. Moss, from Greene county, took 
the store and put in a new stock of goods, but alter 
trading about two years he sold out at auction and 
went away. Sleeper became a prominent mer- 
chant in the village, continuing at intervals till his 
death May n, 1S72, at the age of 74. He was 
associated from 1S47 to 1854, with Lucius C. 
Bingham, who then engaged in the hardware busi- 
ness. 

David A. Miller, from Orange county, was con- 
temporary with Ayrault and traded two or three 
years. He then engaged in farming and distilling, 
and some fourteen years later resumed mercantile 
business, which he continued successfully about 
ten years, from 1831 to 1841, when he sold to iiis 
sons Henry R. and David, who traded with some 
slight changes till about 1843, when Henry retired. 
David continued until 1854, when he sold to his 
brother Henry, who sold out about 1864, and died 
Sept. 23d, of the following year, aged 50. His 
father died August 6, 1853, aged 64. 

In 1824. William H. Stanley, who came here 
with his parents from Connecticut in 181 1, opened 
a store and traded till 1831, when James H. Rogers 
became his partner, continuing for three or four 
years, when Stanley retired. Rogers continued 
alone until 1842, when he failed. 

In 1829, Phineas Canfield, from Chenango 
county, commenced trading in company with 
Henry Gale, from Orange county, under the name 
of Gale & Canfield. After two years, David A. 
Miller took Gale's place and soon after acquired 
Canfield's interest, continuing till 1841. 

In 1833 N. L., George W. and Joseph Tottm. 
brothers, commenced business. They closed out 
in 1835. In 1848 N. L. Totten opened a grocery, 
continuing till i860, associated the first two years 
with R. C. Hill. In 1871 Mr. Totten resumed 
the grocery business, which he continues to the 
present time. 

In 1837 James R. Bond came from Geneseo 
and did an extensive business till about 1S43. 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — MERCHANTS. 



295 



In 1839 Higgins & King, (Henry I. Higgins 
and Charles W. King,) the latter from Cayuga 
county, established the first hardware store of any 
importance in the village. They sold out about 
1 84 1 to Abram Vernam, from Saratoga county, 
who sold in 1850 to Harvey & Thatcher, (George 
C. Harvey and Elijah E. Thatcher,) who continued 
the business until 1854, when they sold to Bing- 
ham & Thatcher, (Lucius C. Bingham and Elijah 
E. Thatcher,) who continued till the death of 
Thatcher, Sept. 3, 1855, at the age of 47. Mr. 
Bingham continued the business alone until 1863, 
when he associated with himself William H. Coy, 
under the firm name of Bingham & Coy. In 1875 
Mr. Bingham purchased Mr. Coy's interest, and in 
January, 1879, he admitted to partnership Henry 
Gale, with whom he is still doing business under 
the name of L. C. Bingham & Co. 

About 1840 Hugh Harding, who came from 
Dansville and in 1834 established the Mount 
Morris Spectator, the pioneer newspaper in Mt. 
Morris, which he was then publishing, opened a 
stock of books and stationery — a business he has 
continued to the present time. This was the first, 
and is now the only book store in the village, and 
with the exception of one started some years ago 
by J. W. Webb, but continued only about a year, 
it is the only one that has been established in the 
village. 

In 1841 Norman Seymour, a native of Herki- 
mer, came here from Geneva and commenced the 
dry-goods business, which he changed in 1S64 to 
hardware, continuing the latter to the present time 
under the name of Seymour & Co. 

In 1844 Sanford E. Hunt and George Talcott, 
the former from Portage and the latter from Hart- 
ford, Conn., commenced trading and were promi- 
nent merchants for about two years, dealing in 
merchandise and lumber. 

H. W. Miller, druggist, came here with his 
parents from Cayuga county about 1835. In 1850 
he bought out R. J. Stanley, who had traded some 
four or five years, and subsequently he purchased 
the stock of George S. Whitney who had traded 
some fifteen or twenty years. 

Jacob O. Crevling, boot and shoe dealer, com- 
menced mercantile business in December, 1850. 
He was associated with Ezra Kinney in 1852, with 
John Marsh in 1862, and with Dennis Evans in 
1863-4. Mr. Crevling is a native of New Jersey, 
and came with his parents to Mt. Morris in 1833. 
Wheeler Hinman, who was born in this county 
February 14, 1815, commenced trading here in 



1856, and did a prosperous business here till his 
death, January 4, 1867. 

Numerous others of little prominence have traded 
here for short periods. 

The other merchants now engaged in business 
here are: — Timothy Hennessy, grocer and liquor 
dealer, who commenced business some twenty 
years ago; W. Richmond, jeweler, a native of Ba- 
tavia, who came here from Geneseo, where he had 
carried on the same business, and established him- 
self in trade March 16, 1863; H. Burt, general 
merchant, who, in 1865, in company with the late P. 
J. Runyan, purchased the grocery business of S. E. 
Brace, who had traded some seven years at differ- 
ent times, and quit mercantile business to engage 
in banking with the Messrs. Bingham ; (Mr. Burt 
resumed his present business in the fall of 1874. 
He is the present post-master, having been ap- 
pointed to that office in 1877 ;) Emma Burke, mil- 
liner, a native of Mt. Morris, who commenced 
business in 1867; M. J. Noonan, tobacconist and 
cigar manufacturer, a native of Mt. Morris, who 
commenced business in 1S68; M. Beggs, milliner 
and fancy goods dealer, who is a native of Mt. 
Morris, and commenced business about twelve 
years ago ; Alfred Harris, furniture dealer, and a 
native of Mt. Morris, commenced business some 
ten years ago — his father, E. S. Harris, who now 
carries on the undertaking business at the same 
place, came here from Warsaw about 1837, and 
engaged in the cabinet business ; Henry Wagner, 
grocer and liquor dealer, commenced business in 
January, 1874, at which time he bought out Timo- 
thy Hennessy, is a native of Germany, and had 
resided here several years previously; Norman A. 
Seymour, druggist, who commenced business in 
1875, in company with William R. Hinds, whose 
interest he purchased at the expiration of two 
and one half years ; the business was established 
in 1850 by Thomas & Joslyn ; (Mr. Thomas of 
that firm sold to James Yeomans, who sold to 
Messrs. Seymour & Hinds ; the store has always 
been known as the Empire Drug Store ;) J. S. 
Mosman, general merchant, purchased the dry 
goods establishment of Eddy, Gregg & Co., who 
had traded here for three years, in August, 1875, 
and the following January added to his stock gro- 
ceries, boots and shoes and clothing; and in 
March, 1880, he admitted his son, William O. 
Mosman, to partnership ; A. Halstead, dealer in 
boots and shoes, commenced business October 25, 
1875, under the name of Halsted & Co.; he bought 
out William H. Coy, whose father, Loren Coy, had 



296 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



carried on business for many years ; Barney Beu- 
erlein iV Co., (Nicholas Johantgen,) clothiers, from 
Dansville, where Mr. Johantgen resides and car- 
ries on the same business, commenced business 
here in 1877 ; F. W. Woolever, furniture dealer 
and undertaker, commenced business some two 
years ago, having previously worked at the cabinet 
business in this town ; Thomas T. Gallagher, gro- 
cer, commenced business here April 1, 1879, — this 
is a branch of his store in Dansville, where he has 
traded since 1868, in company, until 1872, with 
Albert Sweet, under the name of Sweet & Gallag- 
her; and Allen & Pennington. (William 1'. Allen 
and J. W. Pennington,) flour and feed dealers, who 
commenced business in August, 1880. 

Postmasters. — The post-office at Mt. Morris 
was established in 181 8, and the mail was received 
once a week. It was carried on horseback, but 
often on foot, over the route between Moscow and 
Angelica. The first postmaster was David A. 
Miller, who held the office from 1818 to 1841. His 
successors have been Stephen Summers, Henry 
Swan, Augustus Conkey, Moses Clark, (who held 
the office eight years,) Philo Thomson, (appointed 
in the fall of 1861,) George W. Barney, Norman 
Seymour, Jacob A. Mead, Dr. Loren J. Ames and 
Hathorne Burt, who was appointed in 1877. 

Physicians. — The first physician to locate in 
Mt. Morris was probably Henry Gale, though it is 
doubtful if he ever practiced here. He was the 
father of Mrs. David A. Miller, whose husband was 
one of the first merchants here. He was blind for 
many years prior to his death, which occurred July 
6, 1835, at the age of seventy-one. 

Abraham Camp, whom the Rev. Dr. Parsons 
says was the first regular practitioner in this village, 
and was highly esteemed both as a physician and a 
man, was born Norfolk, Conn., July 31, 1770, and 
there he spent his youth and early manhood. In 
October. 18 13, after a short residence in Vermont 
and in Greene county, in this State, at the solicita- 
tion of Deacon Jesse Stanley, he came to this 
place accompanied by his wife, four sons and two 
daughters. His first residence was on Main street, 
on the premises now owned and occupied by Ozro 
Clark. With the exception of three or four years 
spent with his son Cicero, in Ohio, he resided here 
till his death, August 10, 1850, aged eighty. Mary, 
his wife, died August 3, 1844, aged seventy-four. 
He was the father of Abraham C, and Moses 
Camp. He practiced here till about 1820, until 
Dr. Bingham came. 

Dr. Gales located in Mt. Morris in 1S17, but re- 



mained only a year or two. He then went to Al 
legany county. 

Charles Bingham was born in Bozrah, Conn., 
and studied medicine in that State. He was 
licensed by the State Medical Society of Connecti- 
cut in 1808, and in that year moved to Axon, 
where he practiced his profession until 1820. In 
that year he removed to Mt. Munis, where he pur- 
sued an extensive and successful practice until 
failing health compelled him to abandon it. He 
died at Mt. Morris December 3, 1842, aged 58. 
Mary, his wife, died here February 8, 1873, at the 
advanced age of 87. Messrs. Lucius C. and 
Charles L. Bingham, two of Mt. Morris' most 
prominent business men and influential and re- 
spected citizens, are sons of Dr. Bingham, and all 
that are left of the family. 

Hiram Hunt came here from Cayuga county 
about 1824. He studied medicine with Dr. 
Stephen Mosher, of Union Springs, in that county, 
and with the exception of two years spent in De- 
troit, Mich., practiced here till his death, which 
occurred Oct. 8, 1853, at the age of 51. Eben- 
ezer Childs came here from Massachusetts in 1834 
and practiced till about 1849, when he went to 
North Carolina and died in the South. William 
H. Thomas came here from Allegany, his native 
county, in 1S37 and practiced here till his final 
sickness, dying here about 1S76. He was blinded 
in 1858 from accidental shooting. William Whit- 
ney, a son of Dr. Jonathan Whitney, one of the 
old pioneer physicians of Cayuga village, removed 
thence to Mt. Morris in 1839. About 1847 he 
removed to Chicago, where he died some time 
during the late war. John Sullivan Hunt, a 
brother to Dr. Hiram Hunt, whose parents were 
among the early settlers of Mt. Morris, studied 
with his brother Hiram and graduated about 1838. 
He practiced a few years at Union Corners, in this 
town, and at Mt. Morris about three or four years 
from 1845. He died here of consumption about 
1850. Henry Maxwell came here about 1846, 
and after practicing some four years returned to 
Lockport, whence he came. Alexander H. Hoff, 
the son of a clergyman of the Dutch Reformed 
Church, came herefrom the Hudson river coun- 
try about 1847. and succeeded Dr. Whitney, con- 
tinuing his practice here till about 1863, when he 
went to Albany. During the war he became a 
surgeon in the regular army and died while serving 
in that capacity after the war. He was succeeded 
by T. Romeyn Huntington, son of Dr. Hunting- 
ton, of Perry, whence he came about 1854. He 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — PHYSICIANS. 



297 



graduated at Philadelphia. After practicing some 
two years he returned to Perry. Alexander C. 
Campbell, who was born April 30, 181 2, came 
here in 1857 from Lima, where, and in Nunda, he 
had previously practiced. With the exception of 
some two years spent in Avon he practiced here 
till his death, Oct. 30, 187 1. 

David L. Williams came here from Elbridge 
about 1845, ar >d practiced till his death, February 
16, 1853, aged 34. He was the first homeopathic 
physician to locate here. W. T. R. Wells, who 
had formerly belonged to the regular school, came 
here from Covington, Wyoming county, about the 
time of Dr. Williams' death and practiced here a 
few years. He afterwards practiced electropathy 
and subsequently became a lecturer on that branch 
of medical science. He is now living in Roch- 
ester. 

W. W. Potter came here from Washington, D. 
C, in 1872, having served as a surgeon in the 
army, and at the close of the war established him- 
self in practice in that city. He left here in the 
summer of 1876 and went to Batavia, where he 
still resides. Augustus F. McKay came from the 
locality of Wilkesbarre, Pa., and succeeded Potter, 
continuing two years, during which time he became 
a convert to homeopathy. He returned to Penn- 
sylvania. Charles F. Morgan, a young man from 
Connecticut, came in 1870 and practiced a year or 
two with Dr. Joslyn. He went to Michigan. Dr. 
Spiegel, who had practiced some two years in Tus- 
carora in this town came here about 1877, and 
after practicing about a year returned to Utica, 
whence he originally came. 

Miss Mina A. Baker, a graduate of Ann Arbor, 
who was a native of Monroe county, but raised in 
Mt. Morris, practiced here about a year — 1876-7. 
She removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where she is 
now practicing very successfully. She was the first 
lady physician in Mt. Morris. 

Lewis G. Ferris, from Cayuga, settled about 1837 
or '38 in the locality of Brooks Grove, and prac- 
ticed till his death about 1850. He was preceded 
there by Dr. William Munson, who was one of the 
earlier practitioners of the town. 

Drs. Hiram Hunt, E. Childs and Alexander 
Campbell were among the most prominent physi- 
cians. Dr. Hunt was a heroic practitioner. When 
he undertook a case he did it with a firm decided 
hand, gave thorough doses of medicine, and was 
regarded as successful. Dr. Campbell was a man 
of very decided ideas. He had a happy faculty of 
impressing his patients with them, and was re- 



markably successful in gaining their confidence. 
His fame extended throughout the county. Drs. 
Hoff and Potter were regarded and proved them- 
selves distinguished surgeons. They were more 
noted as such than as physicians. 

The present physicians are : — Loren J. Ames, 
Zara W. Joslyn, Herbert M. Dayfoot, Henry Povall 
and A. L. Cook. 

Loren J. Ames was born in Royalton, Vt, July 
12, 1 815, and educated at the academy in his native 
town. He removed thence to Rochester in this 
State, and — in 1839 — to Geneseo, where, in 1840, 
he commenced the study of medicine with Drs. 
Bissell and Lauderdale. He attended lectures at 
Geneva Medical College and graduated there in 
1843. He established himself in practice in March 
of that year at Mt. Morris, where he has since pur- 
sued his profession. He was coroner of this county 
for twelve years, and postmaster of Mt. Morris 
from March, 1873, to May, 1877. 

Zara W. Joslyn was born in Mentz, Cayuga 
county, November 6, 1815, and received an acade- 
mic education at Wyoming, N. Y. He com- 
menced the study of medicine in 1839, with Dr. C. 
C. Chaffee, of Nunda, and in the spring of 1841, 
entered the Castleton Medical College of Vermont, 
where he graduated in June, 1842. In November, 
1853, he removed to Mt. Morris, where he has 
since practiced. 

Herbert M. Dayfoot was born in Georgetown, 
Canada, February 21, 1846. He received an 
academic education at Woodstock Institute in 
Canada, and Rochester University. In 1864, he 
commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Elias 
Vernon, of Hamilton, Canada. He attended lec- 
tures at the Buffalo Medical College and the 
Western Homeopathic College of Cleveland, grad- 
uating at the latter in 1867, in which year he com- 
menced practice in Mt. Morris, where he has since 
continued, with the exception of six months spent 
in Ithaca. 

Henry Povall was born in Bunbury, England, 
August 14, 1828. He was licensed in 1870 by the 
Eclectic Medical Association Examining Board of 
Liverpool, having previously read medicine with a 
private tutor for fifteen years, during ten of which 
he was engaged in practice. He emigrated to Mt. 
Morris in 1878. 

A. L. Cook was born in Stephentown, N. Y., 
September 4, 1.822, and received an academic edu- 
cation at Castile and Perry. At the age of twenty- 
one he commenced the study of medicine, but 
abandoned it after one season and engaged in other 



2 9 S 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



business. In 1874 he resumed his medical si 
He commenced practice at Oil City, I'a.. and re- 
moved to Mt. Morris in the spring of 1878. 

Lawyers. — "Bill" Haskell, a pettifogger, was 
the first to undertake to expound law in Mt. Mor 
ris. He came hereabout 181 2. He was illiterate, 
but possessed a good deal of native talent. He 
was an odd, uncouth genius, largely engaged in 
Justices' courts at an early day. He left here for 
the Western country about 1835. Simeon Kittle 
was contemporary with Haskell, who removed to 
Michigan, and a similar character. Both receded 
from civilization. 

The first representative in Mt. Morris of that 
elegant diction for which the bar of Livingston 
county has been so ably conspicuous was George 
Hastings, who was born in Clinton, Oneida county, 
March 13, 1807,* and graduated from Hamilton 
college at the early age of nineteen. His father 
was Dr. Seth Hastings, of Clinton. He studied 
law and was admitted to the bar in 1830, in which 
year he entered upon the practice of his profession 
111 Ml. Morris, where he resided till his death, 
August 29, 1866. He at once took a leading po- 
sition at the bar and had a large practice. He was 
appointed District-Attorney of Livingston county, 
May 27, 1839, and held the office till it was made 
elective in 1847. He was a Representative in 
Congress from this county from 1853 to 1855, and 
was County Judge from November, 1855 to 1863. 
He was a man, who, both in public and private life, 
evinced great purity and could not be tempted be- 
yond the line of rectitude. He was a prominent 
member of the Presbyterian church and noted in 
its councils. His widow, two sons and three 
daughters still reside here. 

Samuel H. Fitzhugh was born in Washington 
county, Maryland, in 1796, and graduated at Jef- 
ferson college in Pennsylvania. In 1S17 he re- 
moved to Canandaigua, where he prepared for the 
bar in the office of N. W. Howell. In 1820 he 
married a daughter of Judge Addison, of Wheeling, 
Va., where he practiced his profession until his re- 
moval to Mt. Morris in 1831. In 1840, he was 
appointed Associate Judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas of Livingston county. 

Reuben P. Wisner, who was born in Springport, 
Cayuga county, January 4, 181 5, was the next to 
engage in the practice of law in Mt. Morris. His 
early scholastic advantages were restricted by the 
limited means of his parents, but by assiduously 

* LanmatCs Dictionary of Congress. 17S. Proctor makes the date 
March 10, 1807. 



devoting every leisure moment to the culture of 
his mind, he made considerable progress in the 
languages, in rhetoric, logic and history. When 
old enough he became a farm laborer, working by 
the month in summer, and in winter engaged at 
cabinet making. He subsequently became bar- 
tender and clerk in what was then the principal 
hotel in Auburn, and there his passion for forensic 
display was stimulated by the great luminaries who 
congregated at that political center. By invitation 
he entered the office of William H. Seward, and 
after receiving his license remained in that office 
two or three years as assistant. In 1837 he located 
in Mt. Morris and formed a co-partnership with 
Judge Samuel H. Fitzhugh. The practice of the 
firm soon became extensive and lucrative. Mr. 
Wisner was an able and successful lawyer and 
possessed great character — qualities which soon 
gave him a high position at the bars of this and ad- 
joining counties. 

Clark B. Adams, who had studied law in Nunda, 
removed thence about 1843 to Mt. Morris and 
entered the office of Reuben P. Wisner. He was 
admitted to the bar about 1846, and practiced 
here till his tragic death on the 9th of December, 
1869. He was a man of fine abilities and good 
practice. 

McNeil Seymour was a native of Rome, Oneida 
county, and was educated at Oberlin College. He 
came to Mt. Morris in 1843, and entered the law 
office of George Hastings as a student. He was 
admitted to practice about 1847, and immediately 
after opened an office in Mt. Morris, where he 
practiced till his death in 1870. He represented 
this county in the Assembly in 1855. He was a 
man of superior ability, a sound lawyer, and was 
highly esteemed in the community, alike for his 
professional skill and probity, ami social qualities. 
In addition to his other accomplishments he pos- 
sessed a fine discriminating literary taste. He was 
a brother of the Hon. Norman Seymour, of Mt. 
Morris, the urbane and efficient secretary of the 
Livingston County Historical Society. 

Scott Lord came here from Buffalo in 1843. im- 
mediately after his admission, and practiced till his 
election as County Judge in 1S47, the first incum- 
bent of that office under the elective system. On 
his election as Judge he took up his residence in 
Oeneseo, where he practiced till about 1872, when 
he removed to Utica, where he formed a co-part- 
nership with Hon. Roscoe Conkling, and imme- 
diately took a leading position as a lawyer. He 
was a Representative in Congress from 1S75 to 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — PHYSICIANS, MANUFACTURERS. 



299 



1877, and at the expiration of his Congressional 
term, during which he distinguished himself as a 
parliamentary debater and tactician, he removed 
to New York, when his recognized legal ability 
secured for him a leading position among the mem- 
bers of the bar, and where he was more recently 
made conspicuous by his connection with the Van- 
derbilt will case. 

Charles L. Bingham, son of Dr. Charles Bingham, 
was born in Mt. Morris, April 25, 1827. He 
received an academic education in his native vil- 
lage, where, in 1848, he commenced the study of 
law with George N. Williams. He subsequently 
pursued and completed his studies with R. P. Wis- 
ner, of that village, where, immediately after his 
admission, in 1851, he entered upon the practice 
of his profession which he continued until August 
17, 1869, when he engaged in the banking business, 
which he still continues in company with his brother, 
Lucius C. Bingham, who is also engaged in mer- 
cantile business. 

The present attorneys are Albert M. Bingham, 
Thomas J. Gamble, Ziba A. Colburn, William A. 
Sutherland, John M. Hastings, Alexander H. Mc- 
Kay and Frank M. Joslyn. 

Albert M. Bingham was born in Perry, N. Y., 
October 15, 1825, and received an academic edu- 
cation at the Perry Center Institute. He com- 
menced the study of law in Michigan, with Judge 
Leonard, of Mt. Clemens in that State, in 1846, 
and after pursuing his legal studies there two years, 
he returned East and resumed them with Scott 
Lord, of Geneseo. He was admitted in 1850, and 
commenced practice about 1852, in Moscow, 
whence he removed April 1, i860, to Mt. Morris, 
where he has since practiced, with the exception of 
a period spent in the army from October, 1861, 
to January, 1863, in the capacity of 1st Lieutenant 
of Company C, 89th N. Y. Vols. In the fall of 
1879, he formed a co-partnership with Frank M. 
Joslyn, which still continues. 

Thomas J. Gamble was born in Groveland, in 
this county, Dec, 21, 1839, and educated at Tem- 
ple Hill Academy in Geneseo. He commenced 
the study of law April 3, 1859, with Wisner & Sey- 
mour, of Mt. Morris, and afterwards pursued his 
studies with R. P. Wisner, of that firm. He was 
admitted in December. 1865, and Jan. 1, 1866, 
formed a co-partnership with his preceptor, Mr. 
Wisner, which continued till July 7. 1872. Mr. 
Gamble has practiced here continuously since. He 
was Collector on the Genesee Valley Canal from 
1876 till its abandonment in 1S78. 



Ziba A. Colburn was born in Westmoreland, N. 
H., Dec. 6, 1839. He studied law with McNeil 
Seymour in Mt. Morris, and was admitted in 1869. 
He entered upon the practice of his profession in 
this village in 1870. 

William A. Sutherland was born in Hopewell, 
Ontario county, May 30, 1849, an d educated at 
Genesee College in Lima. In 187 1, he became a 
student in the law office of Judge E. A. Nash, of 
Lima, (now of Avon.) He was admitted to prac- 
tice in 1874, at which time he formed a co-part- 
nership with his legal preceptor, which continued 
till Jan. 1, 1876, when he moved toMt. Morris. 

John M. Hastings was born in Mt. Morris, July 
4, 1853, and was educated at the Union Free 
School and Academy of that village, and subse- 
quently at the College of the city of New York, 
where he commenced his legal studies, subsequently 
pursuing them with J. E. Lee, A. M. Bingham and 
Norton & Brown, all of Mt. Morris. He was admit- 
ted in January, 1875, and commenced practice in 
Mt. Morris in 1877. 

Alexander H. McKay was born in Sparta in this 
county March 2, 1853. He is a graduate of Fort 
Edward Collegiate Institute. He pursued his legal 
studies while acquiring his literary education, and 
completed them with John H. Martindale, of 
Rochester. He was admitted in 1877 and com- 
menced practice that year in Mt. Morris. 

Frank M. Joslyn was born in Mt. Morris, Aug. 
22, 1854, and received an academic education at 
the Union Free School of Mt. Morris. He com- 
menced the study of law in 1874, with Norton & 
Brown, of Mt. Morris, and completed his studies 
with Turner, Dexter & VanDuzer, of Elmira. He 
was admitted at Rochester in October, 1877, and 
commenced practice at Mt. Morris in the spring 
of 1878. In November, 1879, he formed a co- 
partnership with Albert N. Bingham, which still 
continues. 

Manufacturers. — -Mt. Morris has for many 
years been the seat of important manufacturing 
interests, and to-day takes a high rank in this 
branch of industry. 

Previous to 1820, Col. Ebenezer Damon was 
engaged in carding and cloth-dressing on a small 
stream in the west part of the village, and contin- 
ued until about 1835. The local name of " Damons- 
ville," by which that part of the village, as well as 
the stream, is designated, perpetuates his memory. 
Fed by the same stream on the steep side-hill, just 
north-east of the present residence of Dr. M. H. 
Mills, was the pioneer grist-mill of Mt. Morris. It 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



was a large four-story structure, operated by an 
immense overshot wheel, and known as the Sholl 
mill, from its owner, David Sholl, by whom it was 
built in i8i4or'i5. At Damonsville the water 
was diverted from the brook of that name and 
brought in an open ditch along the south bank of 
the deep ravine near Dr. Mills' residence, gaining 
a fall of twenty feet at the mill. Around the bluff, 
down the dugway and under the road to the mill, 
the water was conveyed in a wooden trunk. It 
was torn down in 1827. The flats around the 
base of the hill were inundated to the extent of 
about one hundred acres. They were partially 
drained by a ditch extending south-east to Casha- 
<|ua creek, about one and one-half miles distant, 
but were never completely drained until the dam 
was built across the river and the tail race con- 
structed in 1827. Prior to the erection of the 
Sholl mill, hard wood stumps and iron mortars were 
used as a basin to bruise the corn and make samp. 
Subsequently Dr. Fitzhugh's mill on Cashaqua 
creek in Sonyea (the Shaker settlement) received 
the principal business of this village, and earlier 
the Wadsworth mill at the foot of Conesus lake 
did a good deal of the milling for this place, espe- 
cially for Gen. Mills' distillery. 

From 1820 to 1830 Riley Scoville raised a quan- 
tity of hemp on the flats adjacent to the village, 
and on the horse-shoe flats just west of it, which 
he water-rotted and dressed by hand. The early 
settlers generally were engaged in raising hemp on 
the rich bottom lands, for the reason that it was 
transported with greater facility and with less lia- 
bility to injury than grain or other commodities, 
and had also a readier and greater market value. 
It was marketed at Baltimore by the Susquehanna 
and its tributaries, the shipping point being Ark- 
port on the Canisteo. 

But the enterprise which gave Mt. Morris its 
importance as a manufacturing center, and also 
gave a great impetus to its growth, was the con- 
struction of a dam across the Genesee river and a 
canal connecting that stream with Canaseraga 
creek, a little below the mouth of Cashaqua creek, 
in 1827. 

This improvement was the work of John R. 
Murray and William B. Rogers, of New York, and 
their associates, General William A. Mills and 
Jesse Stanley, of Mt. Morris, and was designed to 
open water communication by the Canaseraga and 
( lenesee between Mt. Morris and Rochester, but 
was never accomplished, though it has given Mt. 
Morris a valuable water power. At the intersec- 



tion of the canal with Canaseraga creek a guard- 
lock was built to lower boats to the level of the 
creek. The first dam was built of timber; the 
present one is a substantial stone structure, which 
also accommodated the canal while that was in 
operation, as it crossed the river at that point. 
Over this dam was built, in 1831, the first bridge 
over the Genesee between Mt. Morris and Leices- 
ter. 

In 1 83 1, John R. Murray built, in the interest 
of his maiden sisters — Mary and Hannah L. Mur- 
ray — a grist-mill, which was located adjacent to 
Humphrey's mill which was recently burned. It 
was rented to various persons; first to James 
Campbell and a younger brother. It was burned 
about 18C6. A second grist-mill was built about 
1841, by William Gay, who sold it to the Totten 
Bros. It finally passed into the hands of the late 
Asel Galbraith and burned during his ownership, 
about 1864. It was located some twenty rods 
north of the first one. William P. Allen bought the 
property and immediately after, in 1864, erected a 
saw and planing mill on the site, which he still 
operates. The works contain one circular log saw, 
several smaller saws, and one Hopkins planer. In 
1878 Mr. Allen added a cider-mill, containing two 
of Boomer & Boschart's cider-presses, and pur- 
poses the coming winter (1880) to put in a gener- 
ator for the manufacture of vinegar. 

Near the guard-lock, John Murray Ogden erect- 
ed a hemp factory about 1834. It was destroyed 
by fire in 1835, and never rebuilt. 

In 1824, John Runyan came from Livonia and 
manufactured bull-plows, with wooden mold-boards. 
In 1 83 1, in company with Charles W. King, he 
established a furnace on Eagle street, and manu- 
factured the Jethro Wood plow and other castings. 
About 1835, the establishment was sold to Albertus 
Child's, Runyan continuing to wood the plows dur- 
ing his life for Childs and his successors. He- 
died December 4, i860, aged seventy. Mr. Childs 
added to the business the manufacture of agricul- 
tural implements, including a smut machine of his 
own invention. About 1838, he sold to Gideon 
Henderson, who sold to James H. Rogers about 
1843, when the establishment was removed to its 
present location on the race. It passed successive- 
ly into the hands of H. C. Brown about 1850, Dr. 
Hubbard Foster about 1853, and the Bodine Bros., 
(John and Joseph) about 1858. 

In November, 1S69, the Bodine Manufacturing 
Company of Mt. Morris was organized, with an 
authorized capital of $150,000, for the manufac- 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — MANUFACTURERS. 



301 



ture of the "Bodinejonval Turbine Water Wheel," 
which was invented by Truman A. Hill, of Mt. 
Morris, and patented by him and Col. J. H. Bo- 
dine, the former owner of these shops. C. Laflin 
was chosen President, and George S. Whitney, 
Secretary and Treasurer of the company. From 
the organization of the company till about 1875, 
extensive sales were made, about 2,000 wheels hav- 
ing been shipped to the various States and Terri- 
tories, besides many to foreign countries. Subse- 
quent to that time the sales were greatly dimin- 
ished by the great financial depression of that 
period. In the fall of 1877, on the death of their 
President, Mr. Laflin, who had retained the office 
up to this time, the company sold the entire busi- 
ness to S. L. Rockfellow, then of Rochester, N. Y. 
Mr. Rockfellow took possession January 1, 1878, 
and on the first of March following associated with 
himself Frank Sleeper, of Mt. Morris. They im- 
mediately recalled Mr. T. A. Hill, from Jefferson 
City, Mo., to take charge of the shops. Mr. Hill 
brought with him the patterns of a grain drill which 
he had patented under the name of the " Missouri." 
Messrs. Rockfellow & Sleeper, besides doing a gen- 
eral foundry business, commenced the manufacture 
of this drill in limited numbers, adding a phosphate 
attachment, testing its merits, etc. In the fall of 
1879, they found it desirable to enlarge their busi- 
ness, and organized a stock company, which was 
incorporated under the name of the Genesee Val- 
ley Manufacturing Co., for the manufacture of the 
"Missouri Grain Drill," Fargo's V Tooth Harrow, 
the Bodine Jonval Turbine Water Wheel, Sad-irons, 
and to do a general foundry business. L. C. Bing- 
ham was elected President ; S. L. Rockfellow, 
Vice-President and Superintendent ; W. H. Coy, 
Secretary and Treasurer. The new company com- 
menced operations January 1, 1880, and are now 
turning out manufactured goods at the rate of 500 
drills, 300 harrows, and 100 tons of sad-irons, etc., 
per annum. They employ from 75 to 100 men. 

In 1831, Albertusand Ebenezer Childs, brothers, 
and then young men, came here from Massachu- 
setts, and were the first to introduce the culture of 
broom corn in this vicinity and the manufacture of 
brooms with wire. The business has since been 
continued and has developed into very respectable 
proportions. There are now ten broom factories 
in the village of Mt. Morris, employing in the ag- 
gregate more than forty hands, viz : — Swett Bros., 
Jacob Remmell, Jacob Sickles, James Kellogg, 
George A. Miller, Bump & Pray, Hurlburt & Son, 
Sweeney & Son, Miller & Co., John Samerson. 



In 1841, John R. Murray, Jr., and George T. 
Olyphant erected glass works on the flats north of 
the village, which subsided about 1848. The nine 
houses built in that locality were and are still 
known as the "Nine Sisters," and the locality as 
" Mullingar." John R. Murray also had a saw and 
planing-mill near and a little east of the head of the 
race which was burned down about i860. About 
1848, John R. Murray erected a paper-mill on the 
south end of the race. It was the last building on 
the race and stood directly south of the Exchange 
mills recently burned. Elijah Powers, from Mas- 
sachusetts, put in the machinery and operated it 
two or three years. In 1852, James Yeomans 
rented the mill and carried on the business until 
1856, when he became associated with his brother- 
in-law, R. J.Stanley. In 1857 Mr. Yeomans with- 
drew. Mr. Stanley continued the business about 
a year. It was operated for a short time success- 
ively by Augustus Conkey and J. E. Robinson. 
Wm. F. Jones, an Englishman, then bought the 
property — -about 1863 — and about 1868, removed 
the machinery to LeRoy. The building was after- 
wards occupied by Begole & Olp, (Joseph Begole 
and Joseph Olp,) for the manufacture of spokes; 
and subsequently by Joseph Begole and J. C. Prout, 
for the manufacture of barrels. It was burned 
while so occupied, m 1874. Originally, and during 
its continuance as a paper-mill, it was used for the 
manufacture of wrapping and tea paper. 

A planing-mill and manufactory of sash, doors 
and blinds, was established in the building now oc- 
cupied by Mr. F. B. Seymour, by a man named 
Chamberlin. Spencer & Ferris succeeded him and 
carried on the business several years — until i860 — ■ 
when they were succeeded by the present proprie- 
tor, Mr. Seymour, who, on taking possession, added 
to the business the manufacture of moldings and 
broom handles, of the latter of which he makes 
about 100,000 per annum. He was associated for 
a short time with John Ferris, who soon enlisted. 
The manufacture of sash, doors and blinds was soon 
after discontinued. 

The Exchange Mills (flouring and grist) were 
built in 1852, at a cost of $18,000, by Harmon 
Bros., (A. and E. Harmon, of Wheatland,) who 
sold them in 1864, to Samuel B. and Azel D. Gal- 
braith, natives of Dansville, the former of whom 
was engaged in milling business at Oakland, in the 
town of Portage, from 1857 to 1865, in which latter 
year he disposed of his mill property at Oakland 
and took up his residence in Mt. Morris. The 
Galbraiths operated the mills till their death. They 



302 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON' COUNTY. 



" did a large and prosperous business, and were 
sympathetic and liberal to the poor, always making 
advances to them from their mill of the staff of 
life, without security, and trusting the recipients of 
their bounty to pay." Samuel B. Galbraith died 
Dec. 7, 1876, aged 56, and Azel D., May 5, 1872, 
aged 43. Since their death the mills were owned 
by their heirs and were operated under the name of 
Galbraith & Hammond until they were burned on 
the morning of August 24, 1880. 

The Equity mills, (flouring and grist,) were built 
in 1866-7, by Humphrey & Braman, (W. H. 
Humphrey and C. F. Braman,) at a cost of $25,000. 
Mr. Humphrey bought his partner's interest in the 
property about 1874. and >till owns it. The build- 
ing was a wooden structure, with four stories besides 
attic and basement, and contained four runs of 
stones. Tt was located on the race on State street, 
directly opposite the Exchange mills, and was 
burned at the same time as the latter, which com- 
municated the fire to it. Mr. Humphrey has 
already rebuilt on the same site a mill of like ca- 
pacity and dimensions, 40 by 60 feet. The fall at 
this point, like that at the Exchange mills, is sev- 
enteen feet. 

A. B. Goff is doing a general machinist business, 
which he commenced June, 1876. His shop is 
located on the race which supplies the motive 
power. 

Pennington & Co., (J. \V. Pennington,) are en- 
gaged in the manufacture of the Little Tiger fan- 
ning-mill, which business they commenced April 1, 
1880. Connected with the establishment is a saw 
and planing-mill. but used only for their work. The 
building they occupy was erected in 1876 by E. 
Winegar, who occupied a part of it for a plaster- 
mill, for which purpose it is still used in part by 
Winegar & Cornell. Pennington & Co. have also 
a feed run, which they put in about Sept. 1, 1880. 
1. W. Pennington also deals in ready-made wagons 
and carriages, a business he established in June, 
1880; and he and William Allen have leased the 
site of the old Farmers' mill, which it is their pur- 
pose to purchase, and erect thereon a flouring-mill. 
Mr. Pennington and George W. Barney are also 
dealers in phosphates, a business they commenced 
in the fall of 1880. 

Messrs. Winters & Prophet, (John C. Winters 
and John M. Prophet.) me extensively engaged in 
canning fruit and vegetables. The business was 
commenced in January, 1878, by Mr. Winters, who 
associated Mr. Prophet with himself as partner in 
in April, 1879. They employ from 75 to 100 



hands, and sometimes as many as 125, the major 
portion of whom are women and girls. The busy 
season lasts from the middle of June to the middle 
of October. They have 105 acres under cultiva- 
tion, all planted to sugar corn. They also pur- 
chased and used the present season the crop from 
an additional twenty acres. They put up about 
a half a million cans, averaging two pounds each 
in weight. Corn is the principal article canned, but 
cherries, plums, pears, grapes, quinces, tomatoes, 
apples, strawberries and green peas are put up in 
their season. The "Empire" brand is labeled on all 
their goods. The business requires a capital of about 
$30,000. The works are located on the Mats in 
the north part of the village. In 1880, the firm 
opened a branch establishment at Medina, where 
from 50 to 75 hands are employed. 

The Genesee Valley Fruit Evaporating Co.. was 
organized May 1, 1880, for the purpose of drying 
fruit and vegetables by the evaporating process, 
and is composed of Morgan Hammond and G. W. 
Barney, Jr. They have an invested capital of 
$7,000, and employ forty persons, over two-thirds 
of whom are females. The works are in operation 
about eight months in the year. 

M. J. Noonan employs on an average thirteen 
persons in the manufacture of cigars, of which he 
makes 3.5,000 per month. He commenced busi- 
ness in 1868. 

The Schwartz Brewery, located on the berme 
bank of the canal, was established in i860, by David 
Schwartz, who carried on the manufacture of lager 
beer about fourteen years. In 1876, John E. 
White & Bro. acquired the property. It has not 
been operated as a brewery for about two years. 
The Mt. Morris Spring Brewery, located just oxer 
the south line of the village, was established in 
1862, in which year also the building was erected 
by John E. White & Bro., the present proprietors. 
They make about a thousand barrels of ale per 
annum. 

Banks. — The Genesee River National Bank was 
organized as the Genes,;- River Bank, May 2, 
1853, with a capital of $130,000. When the 
change was made to a National Bank, application 
for which was made May 31, 1865, the capital was 
reduced to $100,000; and February 6, 1877, 
it was still further reduced to $50,000, which 
it at present remains. The first Directors were 
John R. Murray, John Vernam,* Henry Swan, 
Hiram P. Mills, Reuben P. Wisner, Reuben Sleeper, 
Calvin Norton, Jesse Peterson, Lyman Turner, 

* Those whose names are in italics are dead. 






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VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — BANKS, HOTELS. 



303 



Calvin T. Chamberlain, David McDonald, Charles 
T. Flint, Samuel Skinner, Samuel J. Mills and 
Azariah Boody. The first officers were:— John 
Vernam, President; Calvin Norton, Vice-Presi- 
dent; E. C. Galusha, Cashier; H. W. Gregory, 
Teller. 

The bank opened for business Oct. 5. 1853, in 
the building now occupied by Thomas J. Gamble 
as a law office, which was fitted up for its accommo- 
dation. In 1866, it was removed to its present 
location, the Bank Block, on the corner of Main 
and State streets, which was built by a stock com- 
pany in 1865-6. 

Reuben Sleeper was elected President Dec. 13, 
1859, succeeding John Vernam, and was succeeded 
Oct. 7, 1S61, by Hiram P. Mills, who has since 
held the office. Calvin Norton was Vice-President 
until Nov. 19, 1859, when Reuben Sleeper was 
elected. John F. Barber was elected to that office 
Dec. 31, 1859, and still holds it. E. C. Galusha 
was succeeded as Cashier Nov. 1, 1858, by William 
Mills, who held the office till April 6, 1 86 1 . Jonathan 
E. Robinson succeeded him. H. E. Brown was 
elected cashier Nov. 1, 1864, and has since held 
the office. 

The first private bank in Mt. Morris, was estab- 
lished by George S. Whitney, who did business 
from about 1853 or 4, till 1S70. 

Bingham Bras'. Bank, Mt. Morris, (private,) was 
established August 17, 1869, by Messrs. Bingham 
Bros. & Brace, (Lucius C. and Charles L. Bing- 
ham and Sears E. Brace, the latter now of Roches- 
ter.) In 1876, Mr. Brace retired from the firm, 
and the business has since been conducted by the 
remaining partners, Charles L. Bingham being 
the manager. The Messrs. Bingham do a general 
banking business, and an extensive one in respect 
to their local accommodations to the business com- 
munity. Their bank occupies one of the oldest 
business sites in the village, having been used for 
business purposes ever since Mr. Miller first estab- 
lished himself here. It is also the business center 
of the village. The building was erected about 
'835, by David A. Miller, one of the first mer- 
chants in Mt. Morris. It was purchased by the 
Bingham Bros., in 1869, and was remodeled, en- 
larged and adapted to their uses as bankers. The 
block is now designated the Bingham Bank Block. 
The Messrs. Bingham are both natives of Mt. Mor- 
ris. Their father, Dr. Charles Bingham, removed 
from Bozrah, Conn., to Avon, in 18 10, and from 
thence in 1820 to Mt. Morris. 

Hotels. — The Seoville House occupies the site 



of the old Eagle Tavern, which was built and kept 
by Enos Baldwin, who came from Litchfield, Conn., 
in 1813, and kept the tavern till his death, Oct. 3, 
1817. His widow succeeded him and kept it till 
her death. May 25, 1844, the heirs transferred 
the property to Riley Seoville, who kept the house 
till his death, Feb. 6, 1852, aged 61. His widow 
and son Daniel A., each kept it a short period. In 
1855, Henry H. Seoville, another son, took pos- 
session and bought the property of the heirs. He 
has kept it continuously since, having changed the 
name from the Eagle Tavern to the Eagle Hotel 
soon after taking possession, and again, in 1875, 
to the Seoville House, by which name it is now 
known. The front part of the house was built in 
1834, by Riley Seoville, who also built the rear 
part in 1840. 

Enos Baldwin first located on the lot on which 
Woolever's cabinet shop now stands. His house 
stood a little north of that shop. Experiencing 
some difficulty in getting a title to that property he 
removed to the Seoville House corner, taking his 
house with him. 

The Dodge House likewise occupies an old tav- 
ern stand. The first tavern on its site was kept by 
Isaac Baldwin, who died about 1813. It was an 
unfinished house in 1818, when the widow Bailey 
came to this county. Baldwin's widow kept the 
tavern for a short time after his death, but was 
obliged to surrender it to her son-in-law, Joseph 
Thompson, who kept it several years, and until his 
death, April 30, 1829, at the age of 46. His widow 
kept it for some years after his death and finally 
exchanged it for property on Murray street. The 
present brick structure was erected in 1843, by 
Alvah Beach. There have been many occupants 
since, among them George P. Phelps, who called it 
the Phelps House, Dexter Dodge, the present pro- 
prietor, took possession of the house May 1, 1872. 

The Wallace House. — Phineas and Eli Lake 
came to this village with their families from Greene 
county, about 1816, and established themselves in 
the smithing business. The latter retired to his 
farm, now known as the "Anient farm," about t8i8, 
still pursuing his old vocation. Phineas continued 
the business in the village till about 1824, when he 
turned his house into a hotel, now known as the 
Wallace House, which was kept by him until 1826, 
and since then by Mr. Chase, Rial O. Moore, the 
Beaches, Wheelock, Delcampo, W. C. Green and 
others until 1864, when J. D. Wallace became the 
owner and proprietor and has so continued to the 
present year — 1880. 



3°4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The Burke House, situated on the canal, was 

built in 1842, by Ketchum, who kept it some 

years. Richard Burke, the present proprietor, took 
possession of the property in i860, and has kept it 
continuously since. 

Mt. Morris Water Works. — The project of 
constructing water works and supplying the village 
of Mt. Morris with an abundance of pure and 
wholesome water for domestic use and for fire pro- 
tection, has been a question of frequent discussion 
among its citizens for the past twenty-five years. 

Abfjut fifteen years ago a company was organ- 
ized to construct works ; George W. Phelps, 
President. The works were undertaken and, al- 
though water was brought into the village, the at- 
tempt proved a failure and the enterprise was 
abandoned by this company. 

In 1873, Dr. M. H. Mills published an article in 
the Mt. Morris press, showing the practicability and 
importance to the village of constructing water 
works, and the manner of providing the necessary 
capital. 

On June 3, 1879, a public meeting of the citi- 
zens was held in Wallace Hall in said village to 
consider the subject of constructing water works. 
By special request of the trustees of the village 
Dr. Mills appeared and addressed the meeting 
and submitted a plan for the construction of the 
works, coupled with a proposal to build them. 
This meeting, without a dissenting voice, indorsed 
and approved of said plan and proposal. The 
"Mills Water Works Company" was organized, 
and entered into a contract with the trustees of 
said village to construct the works and to supply 
the corporation of said village with water for twen- 
ty-three fire hydrants at $45.00 each per annum, 
and to furnish water for two public water troughs 
with drinking fountains attached, without charge, 
for thirty years, with the proviso that additional 
fire hydrants should be furnished on the line of 
any water-pipes hereafter laid, on the same terms. 

Water rights, land damages and all preliminary 
matters being adjusted, the works were commenced 
August 20, 1879, and prosecuted with energy and 
dispatch, and were substantially completed the 
same year. The water supply is obtained from a 
number of quicksand springs. The water is quite 
soft and very pure.* The works are operated on 
the gravity system. 

In December following an exhibition of the 
capacity of the works for fire purposes was made. 

* May jo, 1871;, by measurement, there was (lowing from the 1 
Henner spring, and from one of Fiddler's two springs, thirteen and 
half gallons in thirty seconds. 



A large concourse of citizens gathered to witness 
the display, which was under the direction of the 
Fire Company. Four streams at the same time 
were thrown upon and over the highest blocks of 
buildings on Main street, the streams reaching to 
the estimated perpendicular height of from seventy- 
five to eighty feet. 

The citizens express their satisfaction with the 
efficiency of the works, and their belief is that 
everything has been done in the best possible man- 
ner. The reputation of these works stand very 
high ; and, in fact, are not excelled by any of their 
capacity in the country. 

About seventy private families are now taking 
water and the number is increasing from year to 
year. 

No other so great an improvement for the fu- 
ture prosperity and health of the village could have 
been undertaken ; and there is little doubt but that 
it will eventually prove to have been a wise and 
sagacious investment for the father of the enter- 
prise. 

All the improvements in the construction of 
water works known to science have been adopted. 
Their cost was about $30,000. Dr. M. H. Mills 
is the sole owner and proprietor. "To him alone 
are the citizens of Mt. Morris indebted for having 
their beautiful village supplied with an abundance 
of pure and wholesome water and protected from 
the ravages of fire." 

Mt. Morris Fire Department. — Contempo- 
raneous with the incorporation of the village were 
the measures looking to the protection of the vil- 
lage property from the ravages of fire. The first 
village charter provided for the organization of fire 
companies to consist of not more than twenty-four 
individuals to every engine possessed by the village ; 
of one hook and ladder and company, to consist 
of not more than ten members, and the adoption 
of rules for their government, and to regulate the 
time and manner of their exercises. It authorized 
the village to provide engines and all necessary 
apparatus for the extinguishment of fires, and to 
require the inhabitants to provide and keep fire- 
buckets ; to compel them to aid in the extinguish- 
ment of fires, and to prescribe the mode of opera- 
tions and to protect property in case of fire. The 
amended charter of 1853 authorized the increase 
of the membership of fire companies to a number 
not to exceed forty each, and of the hook and 
ladder company not to exceed twenty. 

August 5, 1836, $500 were voted for the pur- 
chase of hooks and ladders, a fire-engine and hose, 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — FIRE DEPARTMENT, SCHOOLS. 



3°5 



" and in defraying the incidental expenses of the 
corporation." September 4, 1836, the President 
was authorized to order from the " American Hy- 
draulic Company," of Windsor, Vt., "a No. 3 Rota- 
tive Fire Engine, constructed for suction hose ; 
according to proposal, for the sum of $300." No- 
vember 21. 1839, Walker M. Hinman was appoint- 
ed Chief Engineer, and John N. Hurlburt, Assistant 
Engineer, and they were authorized to " enlist " 
twenty -four persons to form an engine company, 
and ten to form a hook and ladder company. 

July 28, 1849, the fire company was disbanded 
"for neglect of duty," and July 31, 1849, the hook 
and ladder company was disbanded for the same 
reason. The names of the officers and members 
of these companies are not given. On the dates 
respectively given, James G. Norton, Darius W. 
Stone, Robert R. Conkey, Norman Seymour, Jr., 
Frederick Davis, Jr., Joseph Garlinghouse, Jr., 
Rufus Hilliard, H. C. Brown, Jacob A. Mead, 
Samuel Rockfellow, Hugh Harding, F. L. Burfee, 
I. A. Burfee, A. T. G. Carroll, C. E. Martin, 
Wheeler Hinman, D. N. Bacon, Henry Root, A. 
N. Norton, Isaac Spees, B. P. Driggs, Noah North, 
Henry W. Maltbey, Levi Dalrymple were consti- 
tuted a new fire company, and George W. Branch, 
Hugh Harding, A. G. Miller, E. T. Baker, M. 
Goodwin, Norman Seymour, Jr., Maxwell Thorp, 
Charles C. Goodale, A. R. Fargo and Peter M. 
Murray were, on their petition, constituted a hook 
and ladder company. 

In 1852 a new engine was purchased of Thomas 
Snooks, of Rochester, for $750.00. January 18, 
i860, Reuben Sleeper was appointed "to consult 
with and attempt to reconcile the differences exist- 
ing between the fire companies of the village." 

At present the department comprises two fire 
companies, a hose company, a protective company, 
and a hook and ladder company. The equipment 
consists of two hand engines, two hose carts, a 
hook and ladder truck, and a protective cart. The 
water for fire purposes is supplied by the Water 
Works Company. Previous to the construction of 
the water works, cisterns, reservoirs and the canal 
were the dependence. 

Living Stream Fire Co. No. 1 was organized in 
1852 and incorporated in 1375, under the Act of 
May 2, 1873. It consists of about twenty-six 
members. John Gorman is foreman. 

Neptune Fire Co. No. 2 was organized in i860, 
and incorporated in 1875 under the same Act. It 
contains sixteen members. F. G. Harding is fore- 
man. 



Active Hose Co. No. 3 was organized in 1875 
and incorporated in that year under the Act of 1873. 
It has about twenty-five members. Charles J. 
Perry is foreman. 

Mt. Morris Hook and Ladder Co. No. 4 was or- 
ganized and incorporated in 1874 under the Act of 
1873. It has fourteen members. James McNielly 
is foreman. 

The Protectives were organized in 1876. They 
consist of eighteen men. Frank Burlingame is 
foreman. 

The following have been the successive Chief 
Engineers of the Fire Department from the first 
appointment to the present time, except the years 
1838, '63, '64 and '66, when they are not recorded : 
Walker M. Hinman, 1836-7; John N. Hurlburt, 
1839-42, 1848-50; Jesse Peterson, 1843-7; Henry 
Swan, 1851, 1853-7; Loren Coy, 1852; Archibald 
McCarthur, 1858, 1868; C. E. Martin, 1859; 
Newton P. Lee, 1860-1 ; A. Veazie, 1862; Henry 
H. Scoville, 1865; John C. Vernam, 186; ; T. L. 
Swan, 1869; Henry Phillips, 1870-4; Hathorne 
Burt, i875-'8o. 

Schools. — The Mt. Morris Union School was 
organized in the fall and winter of 1S44, by the 
consolidation of the four district schools then ex- 
isting in the village ; and in 1845, tne brick school 
house which occupied the site of the Union school 
building, was erected at a cost of $3,500. That 
structure was torn down in 1879 to make way for 
the present one. 

H. G. Winslow, who came to Mt. Morris and 
opened a private school in the fall of 1843, divid- 
ing the patronage between four district schools and 
as many private ones, became the first principal of 
the Union School on the opening of school in the 
new building about the first of November, 1845. 
He was assisted by Miss Emily Bradley, Miss Ellen 
Fisk and Miss M. Jane Church, than whom, says 
Mr. Winslow, "no man in such a position, ever 
had a purer, truer, nobler, better corps of assist- 
ants." Mr. Winslow served as principal until the 
fall of 1848. E. D. Wellar was also a prominent 
teacher of the Union School. The beautiful elms 
which now adorn the grounds were planted in 1846. 

In the summer of 1857, at the suggestion of 
Lester Phelps, the only survivor of the trustees of 
that period, the question of reorganizing under the 
act of 1853 was discussed ; and August 18, 1857, 
at a special meeting held for the purpose at the dis- 
trict school house, it was decided, with but one 
dissenting'vote, "that a Union Free School be 
established within the limits of District No. 1, in 



3° 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



the village and town of Mt. Morris," pursuant to 
the provisions of that act. The number of trustees 
was increased to nine, and they were constituted a 
Board of Education. The trustees then elected 
were, Norman Seymour, Jr., John Vernam, Loren 
J. Ames, Hiram P. Mills, Loren Coy, Clark B. 
Adams, Reuben Sleeper, Zara W. Joslyn, Thomas 
F. Wilcox. August 20, 1857, the Board met and 
elected Clark B. Adams, President; L. J. Ames, 
Clerk; E. C. Galusha, Treasurer; Moses Camp, 
Collector. 

The following have served as members of this 
Board, at different periods, since its organization : — 
W. H. Noble, C. L. Bingham, R. T. W. French, 
A. M. Bingham, A. F. French, Charles Woodman, 
S. L. Rockfellow, J. H. Hotline, A. B. Millard, 
W. A. Mills, Byron Swett, Win, Sickles, H. W. 
Mills, M. H. Mills, Warren Richmond, H. E. 
Brown, Philip Yeoman, F. F. Hastings, A. P. Dean, 
Hugh Harding, Archibald McArthur, E. A. Mills. 
H. S. Wigg. 

The gentlemen who have filled the office of prin- 
cipal since the organization of the Board, are: — 
Isaiah McMahon, G. S. Hastings, F. E. Pierce, 
H. M. Smith, H. M. Morey, W. M. Benson, A. J. 
Thomas, Richard Green, Z. A. Colburn, H. A. 
Balcom, Howard Allison, W. H. Allen, W. P. Hes- 
ton, I. O. Best, L. P. Bissell, Burr Lewis, E. C. 
Springer, J. F. Forbes, G. F. Slocum. The fol- 
lowing ladies have occupied the position of assist- 
ant in the academic department: — Ann Clark, 
Mary Green. Mary E. Joslyn, Jennie Chamberlain, 
Sarah A. Ford, Ann F. Kendrick, Sarah O. Peck, 
Kate Hinman, Ella Bacon, Sabry Phillips, Emma 
Darling. 

The new Union Free School building was erect- 
ed in 1879-80 at a cost of about $8,000, though it 
cost the contractors about $10,000. It is a noble 
brick structure — a credit to the enterprise of the 
village — and far surpasses any other public school 
building which has come under our observation in 
the county, except the Normal school in Geneseo. 
The funds with which it was built were raised on 
the bonds of the district, amounting to $8,000, 
and payable $1,000 each year from January 1, 
1 881, with interest semi-annually at 6 per cent. 
The bonds were sold to the First National Bank, 
of Dundee, at a premium of $128.50. The build- 
ing is 68 by 78 feet, two stories high, with a cellar 
under the whole. It is provided with four exits 
from the first story; is heated with three furnaces, 
with the best modern appliances for ventilation, 
and newly furnished throughout with modern fur- 



niture. In addition to this, the school buildings in 
the north and south sub-districts, both formerly 
used as district schools, are used for school pur- 
poses. One is of brick, the other of wood; the 
latter in the north sub-district. Each contains 
only one room, presided over by one teacher. 

The present teachers are: — Winfield S. Smith, 
Principal, commenced in 1879; Miss Kate L. 
Hitchcock, Preceptress, in 1880; Miss Emma L. 
Joslyn has taught for nine or ten years; Miss Car- 
rie L. ('.amble, 1879; Mrs. Ada Briggs, 1879; Mrs. 
Julia Annin, in south sub-district, in 1878; Mis. 
L. M. Burlingame, in north sub-district, has taught 
for nine or ten years. 

We gather the following additional information 
from the report to the Regents for the Academic 
year, ending May 30, 1879: — The library contained 
874 volumes, the original cost of which was 
$1,206.31, and the estimate value $850. The 
apparatus, which originally cost $546.46, was esti- 
mated at $330. The whole number of scholars 
taught during the year was 10 1, of whom 51 were 
males, and 50 females. Their average age was 
14.7 years. 

The revenues and expenditures were: — 

From tuition collected or considered collectable $91-50 

Apportionment from Literature Fund 20. 7S 

For the purchase ofbooks and apparatus 150.00 

From local taxes i, - ''' 1 '; 

$1,014.41 

For salaries of teachers 1,233.51 

For repairs of property belonging to Academy ..... 200.00 

For fuel and other incidental expenses 35 - 00 

For the purchase of books and apparatus 110.90 

For Librarian 30.00 

$2,014.41 

Churches.* — "Although the settlement of Mt. 
Morris was commenced about 1790," says-x Rev. 
Dr. Parsons, "we discover but little that is worthy 
of favorable notice in its religious character prior 
to 1814. * * * For the first twenty years after 
General Mills located here, there were very few re- 
ligious people who were attracted to this spot. 
The inhabitants generally paid no regard to the 
Sabbath, but both white people and Indians from 
the settlements around, were accustomed to con- 
gregate here on the Sabbath and spend the day in 
drinking, wrestling, shooting, horse racing and the 
like. We find it stated that in an early day the 
smoke of five distilleries might be seen ascending 
from this town. It was against such discourage- 
ments as these that the few Christians who gath- 
ered here in an early day and the preachers who 
visited the settlement were called to contend. "t 

• Promised data regarding the Free Methodist Church has not been 

furnished ; and owing i" tlit I.,., <>i the records >>: the Baptist Church we 
are unable to give its history. The church ediBce of the latter was buHl 
in 1S40. 

t From Historical Discourses, by Rev. Di I I past 

Presbyterian church, "t Mi Minis. July 9, .mil i'>. ifi-'\ from which we 
draw our materials tin the history of that church. 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — CHURCHES. 



307 



In 1810, after residing for a brief period in Ovid 
and Geneseo, Robert Chappel, of Colchester, Conn., 
with his wife, four sons and two daughters, selected 
this place as his home. He lived in a log house, 
not far from the site of the Wallace House; and it 
was there that the first services conducted in this 
town by a Presbyterian minister were held. That 
minister was Rev. Robert Hubbard, who, it is 
thought, then preached regularly at Dansville and 
Angelica. Mr. Chappel died in 181 1, aged 44. 

The Presbyterian Church of Mt. Morris was 
organized April 29, 181 4, in the new school house,* 
which was located on the west side of what was 
then an open square, not far from the site of the 
house of J. J. Ferris. The first or south half was 
built in the fall of 1813, and was about twenty-five 
feet square. About 181 5 it was lengthened by the 
addition of about twenty-five feet. A swing par- 
tition in the center was so adjusted that it could 
be closed when used for school purposes and opened 
when more room was required for religious servi- 
ces. Here the Church worshipped about eighteen 
years after its formation. The constituent mem- 
bers were Jesse Stanley, Jonathan Beach, Luther 
Parker, Enos Baldwin, Abraham Camp, Luman 
Stanley, Russell Sheldon, Almira Hopkins, Lucy 
Beach, Martha Parker, Sarah Baldwin, Mary Camp, 
Patty M. Stanley and Clarissa Sheldon. 

Soon afrer the organization Stephen M. Whee- 
lock, a licentiate, commenced his labors here and 
continued them two or three years. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Silas Pratt, who, it is supposed, 
commenced his labors early in 181 7. The Church 
was received under the care of the Presbytery of 
Geneva, Feb. 12, 1817. May 7, 1817, Mr. Pratt 
was ordained and installed pastor, the services 
being held in the barn of Deacon Stanley. 
His pastoral relation was dissolved by the same 
body April 9, 1818. 

A period of nearly twenty years elapsed before 
another pastor was installed over the Church, and 
many were the changes in ministers during this in- 
terval. Rev. P^lihu Mason soon succeeded Mr. 
Pratt, commencing his labors about June, 1818, 
and remaining till near the close of 1820, supply- 
ing during the first year the Church at Perry Center 
half the time, and the second year alternating 
between this place and Portage. His widow still 
lives in this village, aged 94 years. Mr. Mason 
was succeeded by Rev. Bartholomew F. Pratt, 
brother of Silas Pratt, who commenced his labors 

* There was a log school house prior to this time on the site of the 
Wallace House. 



in the spring of 1821, while a student of theology. 
He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of 
Ontario, Jan. 16, 1822. Feb. 1, 1825, he was 
ordained as an Evangelist in this village. He con- 
tinued his labors till the close of 1825. During his 
stay, in 1822, the membership was increased from 
79 to 153. The pulpit was next supplied by Rev. 
Wm. Lyman, D. D., who commenced his labors in 
the fall of 1825 and remained two years. Soon 
after he left, the pulpit was supplied for a short 
period by Rev. Abel B. Clary, after which it re- 
mained vacant about eight months. Rev. James 
W. McMaster commenced his labors in the fall of 
1828 and continued them till the fall of 1830. 

Dec. 7, 1830, Wm. H. Stanley, Wm. A. Mills, 
Alfred Hubbard, Asa Woodford and Abner Dean, 
were appointed a committee to build a church. It 
was erected in 1831, was 64 by 44 feet, and was 
located a little southwest of the residence of Gen. 
Mills, upon the public square, facing south. It 
was dedicated in January, 1832, Rev. S. H. Grid- 
ley, of Perry, preaching the sermon. The pulpit 
was at the front end, between the doors, with the 
singers' gallery behind it and over the vestibule. 
This arrangement proving unsatisfactory, a plat- 
form some two or three feet higher than the floor 
of the Church, was provided for the accommoda- 
tion of the singers a few years afterwards, by an 
additional building in the rear. 

In 1833 the public square was sold to supply the 
means for rebuilding the dam, which had been 
washed away. It was divided into village lots, 
which soon began to be occupied; as a conse- 
quence the society found the location of the 
church to be inconvenient, and removed it about 
twenty rods to the south, upon State street, a little 
west of the present site of the Free Methodist 
Church. At this time the building was lengthened 
making it 84 by 44feet; a session house, 40 by 24 
feet, erected just east of the church ; and sheds built 
in its rear. These improvements were completed in 
1841, and the house was re-dedicated, the sermon 
being preached by Dr. Lord, then of Geneseo. 
This structure, with the session house and sheds, 
were all swept away by fire during the night of Sept. 
29, 1852, this being the first very large fire that 
had occurred in the village. Before the fire was 
entirely extinguished measures were instituted for 
rebuilding, which resulted in the erection of the 
present edifice, located on the northwest corner of 
State and Stanley streets, on land donated by John 
R. Murray, Jr. It was dedicated Feb. 1, 1855, 
Rev. Darwin Chichester preaching the sermon. 



3oS 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The entire cost was about $10,000. For a time 
after the fire the congregation worshipped in the 
Methodist and Baptist churches. Temporary ac- 
commodations were soon provided however in a 
large room on the south side of Chapel street, 
where Mr. Barnhart's market is now located. This 
they occupied until the church was completed. 
The lecture room, located a few feet west of the 
church, was built in i860, and dedicated Nov. 
14th of that year. It cost, including furniture, not 
far from $600. 

The organ now in use was purchased in June, 
1864, at a cost of $1,100. The first bell was pur- 
chased in Albany in December. 1S34. It weighed 
810 pounds and cost $324. It was placed in the 
tower of the old church before its removal to State 
street. This bell proving defective another weigh- 
1,209^ pounds was substituted in its place about 
November. 1839, at an additional cost of $224. 
This also failing a third one, weighing 1,525 
pounds, was procured in November, 1844, at an 
additional cost of $200. The latter was destroyed 
when the church was burned, together with the 
town clock which for a number of years had been 
attached to it. The present bell, weighing about 
1,400 pounds, was purchased on the completion 
of the church. 

The Rev. Mr. McMaster was soon succeeded 
by Rev. Calvin Bushnell, of the Oneida Presbytery. 
He preached several months to the general accept- 
ance of the community and was called to the pas- 
torate, but for reasons which do not appear this 
relation was never consummated. His name last 
appears on the records Feb. 12, 183 1. Rev. 
James B. Wilcox commenced his labors within a 
few weeks after the above date and acted as stated 
supply for one year. He was followed by Rev. 
George W. Elliott, who supplied the pulpit for two 
years, till the spring of 1834. The next minister 
was Rev. Clark B. Goodrich, who commenced his 
labors August, 1, 1834, and continued them four 
years. He was installed Jan. 9, 1837. Rev. John 
Van Buren soon followed Mr. Goodrich, supplying 
the pulpit till the fall of 1S39. During the ten 
years terminating with this period 296 were added 
to the membership. 

Iu 1837 occurred the disruption of the Presby- 
terian General Assembly, which deeply agitated 
the churches in this section. This church, though 
many times among the breakers, was saved from 
actual division. 

Oct. 31, 1830, Moses Marvin and Ann his wife, 
Harriet Speas, Fanny Roland and Anna Sharp 



were dismissed in order to unite with others in the 
formation of the Second Presbyterian church of 
Ml. Morris. This church united with a school 
district in the erection of a house, which for a 
number of years was used for both church and 
school purposes. It was located on the west side 
of the State road, about five miles south of this 
village. The church was organized by a commit- 
tee of the Presbytery in 1830. and received under 
their care in January, 1831. It was disbanded 
about 1839, there having been a Dutch Reformed 
Church* established in the same locality about 
the same time with which a portion of the mem- 
bers connected themselves. Rev. Elam Walker 
was the first minister of the Second Church, and is 
remembered as a very forcible preacher. He was 
followed by Rev. Messrs. Hall, Ward and I.indley. 
The greatest membership was about fifty. Moses 
Marvin, Sylvester Roland and Clark Mather were 
elders and the two first named acted as deacons. 
The church maintained a prayer meeting ; also a 
Sunday school, of which S. Roland and J. McCrary 
were Superintendents. 

During the intense anti-slavery agitation between 
1820 and 1830 an attempt was made to blow up 
the church in Mt. Morris with powder when the 
people were gathered in it to hear an abolition lec- 
turer named Storrs. A quantity of powder was 
placed under the building and the slow match 
lighted, when happily it was discoverer! and ex- 
tinguished. 

Rev. Cyrus Hudson, after supplying the desk for 
about a year, was, on the 10th of September, 1840, 
installed pastor of the church. He continued his 
labors till Jan. 5, 1847. Rev. C. H. A. Bulkley 
soon succeeded Mr. Hudson, and was installed 
pastor Oct. 21, 1847. He remained nearly four 
years, being dismissed at his own request, and 
contrary to the wishes of the congregation gener- 
ally, Jan. 7, 1851. He was succeeded in the 
spring of 1851 by Rev. Darwin Chichester, who 
remained as stated supply till the summer of 1*55- 
Levi Parsons commenced his labors as a licentiate 
of the Presbytery of Cayuga, the first Sabbath in 
February, 1856, and was ordained and installed 
pastor July 10, 1856. His pastorate continues to 
the present time, covering nearly a quarter of a 
century of the church's history. 

• H It is not often thatarel I mes dwindled down to 

one trustee and only on n member, and both of these in the same 

person. But such an instance hasoccurred in Mt. Morris Ja Van 

Wagner, the sole surviving trustee of tin- True Reformed Dutch I him h 

has applied for I dissolve ll 'i n and sell thi prop 

erty." [Nunda News.) Tkt Onion and Constitution, Mt. Morris, 
April 22, 1880. 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — CHURCHES. 



309 



The first ruling elders were Jesse Stanley, Abra- 
ham Camp and Jonathan Beach. Subsequently 
there have been added to the sessions : — James 
Coe and Luther Parker, 1818; Asa Woodford and 
Oliver Stanley, 1820; John Pratt and James 
Conkey, 1829; George Kemp, Jr., and George 
Hastings, 1831; Harry H. Evarts and James H. 
Rogers, 1834; Reuben Weeks, Reuben Sleeper 
and Charles W. King, 1836; Marsena Allen, 1842; 
Henry Sheldon, Charles Holmes and Levi God- 
dard, 1844; Samuel J. Mills, Loren J. Ames, Milo 
H. Maltbie and Stillwell Burroughs, 1853; Loren 
Coy and Pomeroy Sheldon, 1857; Jonathan E. 
Robinson, Samuel L. Rockfellow and Justine 
Smith, 1862; Elijah N. Bacon, Frederick E. Hast- 
ings, Ziba A. Colburn and Jay E. Lee, 1871; 
Reuben S. Weeks and Wilder Silver, 1875. In 
1875 the church adopted the plan of limited elder- 
ship. 

Jesse Stanley and Jonathan Beach were the 
original deacons. Subsequently there were elected 
to this office : — Asa Woodford, ffm. Marvin and 
Abraham C. Camp, 183 1 ; James Conkey and 
Marsena Allen, 1834; Robert E. Weeks, 1861; 
Esek M. Winegar, 1862; James Beggs and Milo 
H. Maltbie, 1871 ; and Wilder Silver, 1879. 

In 1815, Mrs. Oliver Stanley first made an effort 
to establish a Sunday school, before there were any 
such schools in this section. She was assisted in 
her efforts by Emily, daughter of Luman Stanley. 
They met with many discouragements, and it was 
not until 181 7 that anything like a permanent or- 
ganization was effected. Of this there is no record, 
and no hint as to who was Superintendent. In 
1 8 18, Allen Ayrault was the Superintendent. 
Deacon Woodford is thought to have succeeded 
him, and for many years he ably discharged the 
duties of the office. At an early period some In- 
dian girls were among the pupils. The present 
Superintendent is Joshua Weeks. Loren Coy- 
acted as chorister of this church from 1846 to 1879. 
The membership of the church April 1, 1880, was 
273; the attendance at Sabbath school, 242. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Alt. Morris. 
The Methodists, if not the first, were among the 
first to cultivate this religious field, though the 
Presbyterians were the first to do so systematically. 
The first religious services in the town, however, 
were conducted by a Baptist, Rev. Samuel J. Mills, 
before referred to. The first Methodist preacher 
who visited this locality was, it is supposed, Rev. 
J. H. Hudson,_familiarly known as Father Hudson, 
who came here in 1S04 from Friendship, in Alle- 



gany county, guided by Indian trails and follow- 
ing the course of the Genesee to Gardeau having, 
he said, for the last thirty-five miles, " traveled over 
a country where not a white inhabitant had yet 
broken ground," where " all was forest, wilderness 
and river." He proceeded down the river to 
Squakie Hill, and thence to Allen's Hill. He 
found a few ''who called themselves Methodists" 
living on the flats and preached to them. From 
that time Mt. Morris became a stated appointment 
on the circuit whose head was at Canisteo, and ex- 
tended thence to the mouth of Genesee river, and 
thence east to Seneca lake. Rev. A. Owen, then 
presiding elder, sent Hudson a colleague in the 
person of Sela Paine, a young man, says Hudson, 
full of Holy Spirit and life. At the conference of 

1805, Paine was taken away and Frederick Stiars 
and Timothy Lee sent as additional help. In 

1806, J. B. Hudson, Gerard Morgan and John 
Richards were assigned to this extensive field. 
Hudson, speaking of the moral character of Mt. 
Morris at that time says : — " It was notorious for 
its whiskey and Sabbath desecration," " a charac- 
ter," adds Rev. T. Card us, from whose Historical 
Discourse we quote,* " which seems to have clung 
to the place during all the years of its existence." 
These pioneer preachers held services in the log 
school house which occupied the site of the Wallace 
House. A class, it is supposed, was formed among 
the few Methodists first met by Mr. Hudson on the 
flats, and " a constant attendant at this Methodist 
ordinance," says Mr. Cardus, " was the wife of Gen. 
Mills, her only path to and fro being an Indian 
trail." 

Mr. Hudson attended to the interests of the so- 
ciety here until 1814. In 1 815, Rev. Mr. Parker 
preached here. 

In 1816, a new circuit was formed, containing 
the following appointments : — Geneseo, Mt. Mor- 
ris, Nunda, Groveland, and parts of the towns of 
Livonia and Conesus. By request, Rev. Mr. Hud- 
son took its charge, receiving for his faithfully 
performed labors for the year, $100. In spite of 
all privations men of good ability found their way 
to this locality. Among these was Rev. Mr. Hoag, 
in 1820. In 1824, Louisa Kinney, Ebenezer Da- 
mon, Elizabeth Damon, Elizabeth Holtslander and 
Rebecca McNair were members. There were, 
doubtless, others, but none others are recorded. 

In 1827, Mt. Morris was still in the Geneseo 
circuit, of which Revs. B. Williams and M. Doud 

* History of the M. E. Church, Mt. Morris, by the pastor, Rev. T. 
Cardus, July 2, 1876. — Union and Constitution, Mt. Morris, July I}, 
1876. 



3io 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



were the preachers. They stayed, it is believed, two 
years. Two classes were then in existence, with 
forty members, Chester Grover and Benjamin F. 
Robinson being leaders, and the preaching was 
held in a frame school-house which stood near 
Father Arnold's. In 1829, Revs. Haywood and 
St. John became the preachers, and regular preach- 
ing was then held in the village, in a small school- 
house which stood on the corner of the lot where 
Mr. Moss now lives. 

In 1830, Mt. Morris was transferred from the 
Geneseo to the Angelica circuit. The preachers 
appointed were: — Revs. Jonathan Benson and 
Merrit Ferguson. "There was a revival all the 
year." The leaders were Ezra Kinney and Levi 
Keyes, the class of the former containing sixty 
members, and that of the latter, twenty-four. In 
1 83 1, Rev. J. Lent became the preacher, and the 
place of meeting was changed from the white to 
the long school-house. During Mr. Lent's minis- 
try, steps were taken to secure a church edifice. 
A site was selected on the lot where Dr. Joslyn 
now resides, and March 5, 1832, the contract for 
building the church was let to Benjamin Dodge, of 
Castile, who, in presenting his bill of costs amount- 
ing to $1,622.16 said: — "The house has cost me 
the above bill, besides all chorin' and runnin' 
about, and without anny prophit except on the 
frame and chargin' day wages." It was finished in 
January, 1833, and dedicated on the 4th of that 
month, Dr. Lackey, of Lima, preaching the dedi- 
catory sermon. The first trustees, at the building 
of the church, were: — Fbenezer Damon, Ezra 
Kinney, Leonard Hoskins and George W. Barney. 

Rev. Mr. Lent was removed in 1832, and was 
succeeded by Revs. Asa Story, Daniel Anderson 
and Wm. Gage Anderson, who remained on the 
circuit two years. After the dedication of the 
church, Mt. Morris was severed from Angelica and 
became the head of a circuit, with Anderson as 
sole pastor. The members at that time, with pos- 
sibly a few omissions, were : — Ezra Kinney, who 
was for twenty-six years a class leader, Louisa 
Kinney, Aylmer Keith, Eliza Keith, Eleanor Begole, 
Chester Grover, Martha Aldrich, Ebenezer Damon, 
Elizabeth Damon, Henry Lake, Clarinda Lake, 
John Hartsock, Jacob Chilson, Jr., Lucy Ann 
Chilson, Jonas Bellows, Charles Seymour, Peggy 
Miller, Wm. S. Parsons, Mary Parsons, Diadama 
Parsons, Asahel Parsons, Esther Parsons, Sally- 
Parker, Gordon Williams, Hiram H. Gladding, 
Julia Daboll, (afterwards Mrs. Green,) Gilbert G. 
Townsend, Rachel Townsend, George Eaton, 



Josiah Eaton, Noah Chapman, Daniel Miller, Sally 
Washburn, Lucy Cooper, John T. Keith, Satterlee 
Holland, G. W. Barney, Mary Barney, Daniel 
Cothreil. At this time Mt. Morris was in the 
Rochester district. 

Mr. Anderson was succeeded in the pastorate in 
1834 by Revs. Loren Grant and J. Robinson. 
J. H. Wallace was sent to this charge in 1835, and 
stayed two years. His colleague the first year was 
Rev. Mr. Benjamin, and the second, Mr. Atchison 
Wallace. Rev. S. W. Wooster was stationed here 
in 1837, but in a short time was removed to Perry. 
Rev. Mr. Hudson supplied the pulpit the remain- 
der of the year. Rev. Mr. Church was the pastor 
in 1836 and Rev. Mr. Hall in 1839-40. During 
Mr. Hall's pastorate, Rev. Mr. Farrell came on 
the circuit and labored a year and nine months. 
In 1842. Mt. Morris was placed in the Dansville 
district. Asa Abell was the preacher in charge. 
He stayed two years. 

In 1844 Rev. J. G. Gulick, a man of more than 
ordinary pulpit talent, became the pastor. The 
pulpit was supplied the succeeding year by Rev. S. 
Reed Cook. He was succeeded in 1846 by Rev. 
Alexander Farrell. Rev. John Parker was sent to 
this charge by the East Genesee conference in 
1848 and remained two years. 

In 1850 Mt. Morris was placed on the Lima 
district and Rev. Zyna J. Buck stationed here. 
He stayed two years, adding during the first year, 
by means of a revival, 43 probationers. In 1852 
Mt. Morris was in the West Rochester district and 
Rev. E. Latimer was the preacher in charge. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Ralph Clapp, who also re- 
mained a year. In 1854 Rev. Wesley Cochrane 
became the pastor. In February, 1855, it pur- 
chased the Episcopal church and the house which 
now forms the Methodist parsonage, giving in ex- 
change the old church and $500. This old church 
was sold to Geo. H. Summers in 1856, and removed 
from its location on Chapel street about 1865 to 
the south side of the Wallace House, on Main 
street. It is now known as Concert Hall, and is 
owned by the proprietor of the Wallace House. 
It was vacated by the Methodists in 1855, and the 
one received in exchange — the one now in use — 
occupied. Mr. Cochrane was succeeded after a 
year by Rev. Jonathan Benson, who had minis- 
tered to this people twenty-five years previously. 
In 1856 "the beloved Edson " became the pastor. 
He was succeeded in 1858 by Rev. H. T. Giles. 
Rev. R. Harrington took charge in 1859. In i860 
Rev. O. Trowbridge took the field, and after an 





1 



Mai\y Barney. George W- )3af\ney. 

GEORGE W. BARNEY. 



George W. Barney was born in the town of Newport, 
Herkimer county, Sept. 18, 1808. He is a son of Reuben 
and Sarah (Pierce) Barney, natives of Rhode Island. The 
former was born March 28, 177-1, in the town of Swan- 
zey, and the latter in the same town in 1777. They were 
farmers by occupation and moved from Rhode Island to 
Herkimer county in 1801, and resided there until they 
died, the father March 31, 1855, and the mother May 25, 
18-44. They had twelve children, eleven of whom grew 
up and married. 

Their names were as folows : Pardon, (dead,) Davelia 
Lorean, (dead.) Sarah, (dead,) Sophia, Mathilda, (dead,) 
Temperance, (dead,) George W., Angeline, Reuben, 
Louisa and Daniel. George W. lived at home, working 
on the farm and attending the district school until he was 
seventeen years of age. These were the only advantages 
he ever enjoyed for an education. On leaving home he 
was apprenticed to Wm. Talcott, of Little Falls, to learn 
the hatter's trade. Here he applied himself industriously 
and perseveringly to the acquisition of a thorough knowl- 
edge of the trade he had adopted for a livelihood. At 
the expiration of his term of service he went to Fairfield, 
N. Y., aud worked one winter. From thence he went to 
Albany. From" the last named place he went to Suffield 
and Hartford, Conn., and worked at his trade about six 
■months. Thus life opened before him its ragged path 
and bade him rely upon his own energies in surmounting 
its obstacles and achieving success. In 1828 Mr. Barney 
removed to Mt. Morris, where he found a wider field for 
the exercise of his maturing judgement aud his untiriug 
energies. 

Here Mr. Barney commenced his long, useful, and hon- 
orable career. He was engaged by Mr. Peter Peterson, who 
was carrying on business quite extensively here at that time, 
in the manufacture of hats, and dealer in hats, caps, furs 
aud clothing. In 1830 Mr. Barney bought out Mr. Peter- 
son and carried on the business about thirty-two years. 
In 18G0 Mr. B. closed out his business and from that time 
for many years his energies and capacity wei-e devoted 
to the discharge of the duties of the various offices of 
trust and responsibility that had been bestowed upon 
him, either by election or appointment. He was poor- 
master seveu years. County Snpt. of the Poor from 1868 
to January 1, 1880 ; was deputy sheriff of Livingston 
county six years. During the war of the rebellion he was 
U. S. detective four years aud now holds the office of 
deputy sheriff. During Abraham Lincoln's administra- 
tion he was post-master at Mt. Moms. July 12th, 
1865, he was appointed to the same office by Andrew 
Johnson. President of the United States, and re-appointed 
by Johnson June 18, 18GG. Owing to his refusal to sup- 
port the policy of Johnson's administration Mr. Barney 
was soon thereafter removed and Norman Seymour, Esq., 



was appointed to succeed him. Iu politics Mr. Barney 
was formerly a Whig ; but upou the formation of the 
Republican party he united with that aud has always been 
an active aud zealous supporter of its principles and 
measures. 

In the cause of Christ Mr. Barney has, since 1832, (at 
which time he experienced religion, ) been an ardent and 
faithful laborer. In 1847, at the 38th session of Gene6ee 
Conference, he was ordained Deacon of the Methodist 
Episcopal church by Bishop Hamlin, at Geneva. N. Y. 
In 1873 he was ordained Elder iu the Free Methodist 
church by Superintendent Rev. B. T. Roberts, at Perry, 
N. Y. He traveled as a circuit preacher eight years, 
while carrying on his business iu Mt. Morris, Iu his 
support of the church he has always been liberal. He 
gave largely of his means iu aid of the construction of 
the first M. E. church and parsonage ever built in Mt. 
Morris — has always been ready and willing to give liber- 
ally when the demands of the church were made upou 
him. His house was the home of the circuit preachers for 
many years. Mr. B. remembers when as many as twelve 
were gathered under his roof at one time. In 1829, Jan- 
uary 29, Mr. B. was united iu marriage with Mary, 
daughter of Garret C. aud Rebecca (Babcock) Peterson, 
the former of whom was born iu New Jersey, Feb. 25, 
1777, aud died Nov. 1, 1843. The latter was born Jauu- 
ary 25, 1782, and died March 8, 1840. They had eleven 
children, viz.: Jessie, born September 24, 1802: Sarah, 
born January 22, 1804, died January 22, 1838; Peter, 
born July 27. 180(1: William, born November 20, 1808; 
John, born January 26; 1810, died November 26, 1831 ; 
Mary, born February 28, 1813 : Jane, horn April 2(1, 
1814 ; Rebecca, born July 20, 1817; Caroline, born Jan- 
uary 28, 1822; Gilbert, bom August 5, 1824, and Harriet, 
born May 10, 1827, all of whom are now living, except 
Sarah and John. There have been born to Mr. aud Mrs. 
Barney eight children, two of whom died in infancy. 
Their names are as follows : Sarah, (dead,) Richard W., 
Mary, (dead,! George W., Alice M., and Charles W. The 
latter, a graduate from the Normal school at Geneseo, N. 
Y., is now in the Custom Honse, New York. Richard W. 
was a member of the 136th New York Infantry during the 
late war, and George W. enlisted in the 27th New York 
Infantry, and afterwards in the 14th New York Heavy 
Artillery, aud in both organizations was a drummer. 

Mr. aud Mrs. Barney celebrated their golden wedding 
Jan. 211, 1870. Like many other men who were aud are now 
the bone and sinew of the country, he lives in his seven- 
ty-third year, oue of the few old living landmarks of our 
couutry's pioneers, having led a life of integrity and 
uprightness of character, honored by all who know him, 
and at the writing of this brief sketch bids fair for more 
years of usefulness to his friend-.. 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — CHURCHES. 



unhappy ministry of one year went to another 
sphere of labor. Mt. Morris was dissociated from 
the church at Ridge, with which it had been con- 
nected, and reported a reduced membership of 
73. Rev. John Shaw next served a pastorate of 
one year. 

In 1862 Rev. J. L. Edson returned and remained 
three years. In 1865 Rev. A. N. Filmore came 
with his genial disposition. The church became 
too small and March 4, 1867, it was resolved that 
it should be remodeled and enlarged. This work 
was accomplished at a cost of about $4,500. Mr. 
Filmore remained two years till the fall of 1867, 
when Rev. C. M. Gardner entered upon a three 
years' ministry. The alterations to the church 
were finished during the first year of his pastorate, 
and it was re-dedicated by Dr. Mattison. 

In 1870 the Ridge was again annexed to Mt. 
Morris, under the charge of Rev. William Bradley, 
who continued his labors for three years, increasing 
the membership from 88 to 110. During the 
second year of his ministry Mt. Morris was con- 
nected with the Western New York conference 
and again returned to the Lima district. Rev. T. 
Cardus became the pastor in 1873 and added 
thirty-six to the membership during the first year 
of his labors here. The present pastor, Rev. 
James Hill, entered upon his labors in October, 
1877. The present membership (September, 
1SS0,) is 130; the average attendance at Sunday 
school, 100. The church is valued at $7,000; the 
parsonage at $3,000. The first Sunday school 
superintendent was FJzra Kinney, and Jennie Jas- 
per was the first teacher of the Bible class. 

The Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church, four 
miles south of Mt. Morris, has a membership of 
about fifteen. The church was built by the Bap- 
tists and bought of them many years ago. It is 
one of the oldest churches in this section of the 
country. 

St. John's Church, (Episcopal,) of Mt, Morris, 
was organized on Easter Wednesday, 1833. Rev. 
Thomas Meacham, rector, presided, and David A. 
Miller was secretary of the meeting at which the or- 
ganization was effected. Jellis Clute and Nehemiah 
Barlow were elected wardens and David A. Miller, 
John W. Montross, Walker M. Hinman, Phineas 
Canfield, Stephen Summers, Charles B. Stout, 
James S. F. Heald and Hiram Hunt, vestrymen. 
Hiram Hunt was elected clerk of the vestry. Ser- 
vices were previously held here occasionally by 
Rev. Mr. Croes, who was located at Geneseo, 
and were conducted in the school house on the 



west side of what was then the public square, 
which was bounded by Chapel, Main, Clinton and 
the second street north of Clinton, running parallel 
with it. In 1833, when Mr. Meacham commenced 
his labors, the services were transferred to a private 
school house belonging to David A. Miller, where 
they were continued until the church was built. 
Dec. 27, 1833, an invitation was extended to Mr. 
Meacham, who was then ministering to the church 
at Hunt's Hollow, to become the minister half the 
time at a salary of $250, including the missionary 
stipend — a salary like to that he had previously 
received. 

July 6, 1834, Charles B. Stout, Summers and 
Hiram Hunt were appointed a committee to draft 
a memorial to Trinity church, and David A. Mil- 
ler, Stephen Summers and Walker M. Hinman, to 
draft a plan for a church and procure a site for it. 
November 7, 1834, Hiram Hunt, David A. Miller 
and Walker M. Hinman were appointed a build- 
ing committee. At the next meeting, November 
17, 1834, Stephen Summers was substituted on the 
latter committee for Mr. Hinman, who requested 
to be excused from such service. At this meeting 
also the vestry made binding the writing of the 
committee with Charles B. Stout for the purchase 
of a building lot. December 28, 1834, the plan of 
a church presented by the committee appointed 
for that purpose was accepted, and the building 
committee authorized to proceed to expend the 
amount of subscription, and no more, in building 
a church. March 30, 1835, it was resolved to ex- 
change lots with Charles B. Stout for one on the 
corner of Chapel and Stanley streets. The corner 
stone of the church was laid July 3, 1835, by Rev. 
Henry J. Whitehouse, D. D., assisted by the rector, 
Rev. Thomas Meacham, and Revs. Win. P. Page, 
Rarand Karney and Richmond. Wm. Ham- 
lin was the architect, Walker M. Hinman, the 
builder, and Isaac A. Kemball, the mason. 

May 1, 1837, a call was extended to Rev. Henry 
S. Atwater to take charge of the parish, at a salary 
of $500, the rent of a house, and a missionary 
stipend if it could be obtained. June 30, 1840, 
the salary was increased to $600. 

August 14, 1837, it was resolved to separate 
from the Sunday school library certain books suited 
only to adults and make them the nucleus of a 
parochial library for the use of the congregation. 
At that time also the church edifice was formally 
donated to Rt. Rev. Benjamin Tredwell Onderdonk, 
D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of New York, by 
whom it was consecrated August 19, 1837. The 



312 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



church slips were sold at public auction September 
23, 1837 ; Phineas Canfield was the auctioneer. 

June 29, 1843, Rev. Charles D. Cooper was 
called to the rectorship, and March 5, 1845, was 
granted a leave of absence for one year. His 
resignation was accepted Dec. 21, 1846, to take 
effect March 1, 1847. June 21, 1847, a call to the 
rectorship was given Rev. Maunsell Van Rensse- 
laer, of Albany, and accepted. March 17, 1853, 
he tendered his resignation, which was accepted 
March 21, 1853. October 3, 1853, a call was ex- 
tended to Rev. Thomas L. Franklin and ac- 
cepted. His rectorship continued till the summer 
of 1871. 

The demand for increased church accommoda- 
tions being felt, March 4, 1S54. J. R. Murray. G. 
H. Summers, Henry Swan, John Vernam and \V. 
M. Hinman were appointed a committee to ex- 
amine and report at an adjourned meeting a plan 
and estimate of the cost of enlarging the church at 
the south end, so as to give an additional window 
on each side, and also of an alteration at the north 
end by throwing the vestibule into the body of the 
church and the erection of a new tower. At the 
next meeting Mr. Murray offered to purchase the 
church and lot at $1,500 and give the society a lot 
on which to build a new edifice. W. M. Hinman, 
Geo. H. Summers and John Vernam were ap- 
pointed to confer with pew holders and obtain 
their consent. A majority of the pew holders con- 
curring, committees were appointed to procure 
plans for a church, with estimate of cost, and solicit 
subscriptions for its erection. April 6, 1854, Mr. 
Murray modified his former proposition by an offer 
to erect a new church on a site opposite the old 
one, and convey the same to the vestry, provided 
that body would sell and convey to him the church 
building and lot then in use and pay him $1,500, 
provided also the vestry would accept the plan for 
a new church which he might propose, his proposi- 
tion to remain open one week. The vestry then 
resolved to build a new church, provided the same 
could be done without incurring a heavy debt, and 
the subscription committee were instructed to use 
their utmost exertions to raise $1,500 for that pur- 
pose before the next meeting, which was held on 
the 13th of April following. At that meeting the 
vestry accepted Mr. Murray's proposition of April 
6, 1854, the plan of a new church presented by him 
was adopted, and W. M. Hinman, Henry Swan 
and Jesse Peterson were appointed to enter into a 
contract with Mr. Murray in behalf of the vestry 
in accordance with his proposition. 



In 1856, an organ costing $1,000, (toward 
which the old organ was applied at $200,) and a 
bell weighing 1,930 pounds, were purchased for the 
new church, which was built at a cost of $25,000, 
and was consecrated September 18, 1856, by Wm. 
Heathcote De Lancey, I). D., LL. D., I). C. L., 
Bishop of the Diocese of Western New York. 

December 29, 1857, a deed from John R. Mur- 
ray and Mrs. Anna Vernon Murray, dated July 24, 
1857, of parts of lots 19 and 20 in the village of 
Mt. Morris for a parsonage site, was accepted and 
the thanks of the vestry tendered to Mr. and Mrs. 
Murray for their liberality and kindness.* 

That the office of vestryman was not a sinecure 
may be inferred from the fact that June 8, 1858, a 
fine of fifty cents was imposed upon each vestry- 
man or church-warden who should be "more than 
thirty minutes behind time, or be absent from any 
vestry meeting without a reasonable excuse." 

September 20, i860, Judge Charles H. Carroll, 
in behalf and at the expressed wish of his deceased 
daughter, Miss A. V. R. Carroll, donated to the 
vestry $500, to be invested, and the annual income 
arising therefrom devoted to the Sunday school and 
parish libraries alternately. In 1871, Hon. J. A. 
and Mrs. Mead donated to the parish a new com- 
munion set to take the place of one donated by 
Mrs. David A. Miller and in use from the organi- 
zation of the church. 

Mr. Franklin, who resigned June 23, 1871, to 
accept a call to the parish of Christ church, in 
Madison, Ind., was succeeded in the rectorship by 
Rev. L. Van Bokkelen, D. D., to whom a call was 
extended August 14, 1871. Dr. Van Bokkelen's 
resignation was accepted August 31, 1874. Jan- 
uary 17, 1875, Rev. Francis B. Dunham was called 
to the rectorship. His resignation was received 
and accepted February 15, 1877. Rev. George S. 
Teller took charge of the parish April 1, 1877. 
His resignation was accepted August 27, 1879, to 
take effect November 1, 1879. A call was given 
Rev. J. A. Massey, D. D., of Mobile, Alabama, 
October 15, 1879. 

The following have been the wardens of this 
church: — Jellis Clute, 1833; Nehemiah Barlow, 
1833-5; Stephen Summers, 1834-57;! David A. 

" VIrs. Annn Vernon Murray, wife of John R. Murray, died at Ca/r- 
novia, March 8, 1878. In accordance with her expressed wish she WM 
buried in the church yard, near tin* church which the generous bounty of 
herself and husband provided for this Parish, together with the lot on 
which the parsonage stands. The vestry granted Mr. Murray therigtal 
in perpetuity to use that part of the church yard he had designated as his 
family burial lot, and assumed the reverent care of the mortal remains: 
thus placed within theii grounds. 

t Died Aug. 5, 1*4-, aged 57". David A. Miller elected his successor 
Auj 15, '*■)-■ 



VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS — CHURCHES, SOCIETIES. 



3i3 



Miller 1S37, 1840-52; Col. Wm. Fitzhugh, 1838- 
39, (died in 1839;) Frederick A. Davis, 1847-51, 
1853; George H. Summers, 1852; W. M. Hin- 
man, 1853-67; Charles H. Carroll, 1854-65;* 
Hiram P. Mills, 1866-78; C. B. Adams, 1868-9; 
Robert H. Brooks, 1870-80; J. R. Murray, 1879- 
80. 

The following Vestry was elected March 29, 
1880; Wardens, John R. Murray, R. H. Brooks; 
Vestrymen, M. H. Mills, James Yeomans, Arthur 
Sawyer, C. L. Bingham, N. A. Seymour, Ozro 
Clark, L. C. Bingham, Wm. Harding. 

St. John's Churchy (Catholic,) Mt. Morris.— The 
first Catholic services in this vicinity of which we 
have information were held during the building of 
the canal by Father McGuire from Rochester, and 
about the second year of the progress of that work 
a house of worship was erected at " Brushville,"t 
(Tuscarora,) on land, the use of which was do- 
nated by Judge Carroll, of Groveland. When 
operations on the canal ceased the services were 
discontinued and the building, which was an inex- 
pensive one, was subsequently burned down. 

Among the earliest to conduct services in the 
village was Father Edward O'Flaharty, who 
preached in the school-house, in the hall which oc- 
cupied the site of the Greens' Empire Flock, (the 
latter of which was built in 1874,) and in the resi- 
dence of John Toole, at Damonsville. Occasional 
services were held till about 1S51, about which 
time a house of worship was erected on the site of 
the present fine brick structure, which was built in 
1869, and there they continued to worship until the 
present house was built, when the old one was 
torn down. At that time Father O'Brien was the 
pastor. The first priest stationed here was Father 
Riley, who had previously read mass here. He 
remained till his last sickness, his death occurring 
soon after at Buffalo. He was succeeded by 
Father McCool and numerous others. The pres- 
ent pastor, Rev. J. J. Donnelly, has labored here 
about six years. The Church has a large mem- 
bership, and a congregation exceeding in numbers 
that of any other church in the village. 

Mt. Morris Cemetery Association was incorpor- 
ated July 20, 1859. The incorporators were 
George W. Branch, Hiram H. Gladding, Justin 
Smith, Henry Swan, Reuben P. Wisner, Hiram P. 
Mills, George Hastings, Clark B. Adams, Reuben 
Sleeper, Norman Seymour, Jr., Abraham Wigg and 

•Died in 1865. Daniel H. Fitzhugh, M. D., elected his successor Sept. 
1, 1865. 

t This name is pvohably due to the fact that the locality was character- 
ized by a growth of low brush and the absence of large trees. 



Walter H. Noble, who were trustees by the char- 
ter, and seven of whom are buried in the new 
cemetery. The trustees met July 23, 1859, and 
elected the following officers : — Reuben P. Wisner, 
President ; Hiram P. Mills, Vice-President ; W, 
H. Noble, Secretary ; Reuben Sleeper, Treasurer ; 
Henry Swan, Clark B. Adams and Norman Sey- 
mour, Jr., Executive Committee. Mr. Noble has 
held the office of Secretary since the organization 
of the Association. George Hastings succeeded 
Mr. Wisner as President in 1863, and was followed 
by Clark B. Adams in 1867, and by Hiram P. Mills 
in 1870. Mr. Mills still holds the office. 

The Association purchased 15.57 acres of land 
about three-fourths of a mile west of the center of 
the village of Hiram P. Mills and Abraham Wigg, 
for which they paid $100 per acre. The grounds 
were immediately laid out by H. B. Allen, a civil 
engineer of Arcade, at a cost of about $400. The 
Association have since expended $6,426 in the 
general care of the grounds, inclosing them with a 
fence, and in building a receiving vault, gateway, 
bridges, &c, all of which, together with the pur- 
chase price, the cost of laying out the grounds, and 
$1,510.47 now in the treasury, has been realized 
from the sale of lots ; while only about one-fourth 
of the plot has been sold. The grounds occupy a 
beautiful eminence overlooking the village. They 
present a pleasing diversified surface, are hand- 
somely laid out, and tastefully adorned with trees 
and shrubbery. 

The present officers, elected in June, 1880, are : 
Z. \V. Joslyn, Hathorne Burt, C. L. Bingham, \V. 
H. Noble, Hiram H. Gladding, H. E. Brown, L. 
J. Ames, Norman Seymour, H. P. Mills, Ozro 
Clark, Henry H. Scoville, Hugh Harding, Trus- 
tees ; Hiram P. Mills, President ; Norman Sey- 
mour, Vice President ; W. H. Noble, Secretary ; 
C. L. Bingham, Treasurer; H. E. Brown, Superin- 
tendent, a position he has held for the last fourteen 
years ; Porter Kellogg, Sexton ; Z. W. Joslyn, 
Hathorne Burt, Dr. L. J. Ames, Executive Com- 
mittee ; C. L. Bingham, H. E. Brown, H. H. 
Scoville, Investing Committee. 

Societies. — Mt. Morris Lodge No. 122 F. 6r* 

A. M. was instituted in 1847. The charter mem- 
bers were: Wm. D. Morgan, farmer; John Ver- 
nam, farmer ; Joseph Favor, merchant ; Eli Lake, 
blacksmith ; Alfred Dean, carpenter ; Henry Max- 
well, physician ; Ebenezer Damon, clothier ; Elias 

B. Driggs, tinsmith; Walker M. Hinman, mechanic; 
Prentice Pendleton, mechanic; George G. Wil- 
liams, mechanic; David A. Miller, merchant, and 



314 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Samuel II. Fitzhugh, attorney, all residents of Mt. 
Morris. Win. 1 >. Morgan was the first Master. 

The present offii ers are: James Yeomans, Mas- 
ter; Henry G. Ames, S. W.; H. M. Dayfoot, J. 
\\'.; Hathorne Burt, Treasurer; John M. Hastings, 
Secretary; Win. J. l'ressey, S. D.; Dr. Frank II. 
Mover, J. I).; John W. Sickles, Tiler. 

Past Masters — Wm. D. Morgan, Henry Max- 
well, John N. Hurlburt, Elias I!. Driggs, Judson 
C. Goodrich, Henry Wells, Loren Coy, John Ver- 
nam, Charles L. Bingham, McNeil Seymour, 
George N. Williams, Archibald McCarthy, James 
Yeomans, T. T. Swan, Charles W. Stevens, Walter 
H. Humphrey. 

The lodge meets the first and third Mondays of 
each month in the Empire Block. It numbers 
about 85 members. 

Mt. Morris R. A. C. No. 37 was organized in 
ICS50 and warranted Feb. 5, 1S50. Moseley Stod- 
dard was the first High 1'riest, John N. Hurlburt 
the first King, Elias B. Driggs the first Scribe. 

Present officers — Loren Coy, H. P.; James Yeo- 
mans, K.; Wm. H. Swan, Scribe; Charles L. Bing- 
ham. Treasurer ; Hugh Harding, Secretary. The 
present membership is 29. The Chapter meets 
on Wednesday of each month on or preceding the 
full of the moon. 

Among those who have passed the chair are 
fohn N. Hurlburt, Moses Stoddard, Moses Camp, 
McNeil Seymour, James Yeomans and Loren 
Coy. 

Genesee Valley Lodge No. 129 A. O. U. IV. was 
organized Jan. 30, 1878. The charter members 
were: Morgan Hammond, P. W. M.; Dr. H. M. 
Dayfoot, M. W.; W. R. Hinds, Foreman; Henry 
H. Scoville, Overseer; Henry Wigg, Recorder; 
Wm. H. Swan, Financier; Adam Sech, Receiver; 
John White, Guide ; John Brown, Inside Watch- 
man ; George White, Outside Watchman, and 
Hathorne Burt, A. F. McKay, Henry Gale, L. A. 
|. Gage, Joseph Fraley, Charles H. Gladding, 
lames Yeomans, P. S. Moxon, N. A. Seymour, 
John C. Winters. The lodge meets every Thurs- 
day evening. The present membership is 39. 

Mt. Morris Lodge No. 111 /*.'. O. J/. A. was 
organized July 21, 1S79. The charter members 
were: Wm. A. Sutherland, I'. 1'.; Norman A. Sey- 
mour, I'.; Wm. ( ). Mosman, V. P.; Charles H. 
Scoville, Secretary; I'. P. Hastings, Treasurer ; W. 
H. Buell, Conductor; James Hill, Chaplain; 
Eugene Ferris, Inside Guard; John V. Sickles, 
Outside Guard; Herbert M. Dayfoot, Medical 
Examiner; C. F. Braman, William Sickles, W. 



Richmond, Trustees, and Hathorne Burt, W. II. 
Humphrey. Addison P. Wisner, H. S. Wigg, 
Charles J. Perry, John 1 ). Wallace. William Chap- 
pell, P. Durkin, James McNeilly. Janus M. Chil- 
son and James S. Mosman. The present number 
of members is 24, four having been admitted and 
four suspended since the organization. The lodge 
meets each alternate Friday evening. 

TUSCARORA. 

Tuscarora is a post village situated on Cashaqua 
creek in the south east part of the town, some six 
or seven miles south of Mt. Morris, on the line of 
the Genesee Valley canal and the Rochester, Nunda 
and Pennsylvania railroad. The business of the 
place has been ruined by the abandonment of the 
canal. It contains two churches, (Presbyterian and 
Free Methodist,) but only one church building, one 
hotel, kept by Samuel Lashell, two stores, a grist- 
mill, cheese factory, two wagon shops, (kept by 
L. J. Colburn and Harrison Hagadorn,) two 
blacksmith shops, (kept by Frederick Layman and 
William Naraganz,) one harness shop, (kepi by 
Squire Rumsey.j a saw-mill, and a population of 
159. The settlement here, says Hotchkin. was 
commenced in 1822-23, by Messrs. Culver, Bab- 
cock and Caulkins. 

Prominent among the merchants who have done 
business in this place were Benjamin Irish, who 
occupied the building next south of Mr. North- 
way's store some sixty years ago, John and David 
LaRue, Elias Kinney, who was afterwards associ- 
ated with John Sherwood, William Townsend, 
Henry and Sidney Alden, Demorest «.V- Son. and 
William Petrie, from 1839 to 1873. The present 
merchants are Prank A. Northway and Edward R. 
Crevling. Mr. Northway commenced business 
August 24, 1872, and was successively associated 
with L. H. Barron, R. K. Bergen, C. Whiteneck, 
the latter of whom he bought out May 1, 1879. 
The business was established about forty years ago 
by Jared P. Dodge in the building next south of 
the store now occupied by Mr. Northway, and 
now used by him as a storehouse. Mr. Dodge 
removed some ten years later to Mr. Northway's 
present store and continued in trade till 1865, ex- 
cept at intervals, when his sons A. ami A. C. 
Dodge, and later A. C. Dodge ami E. Youngs, 
carried it on. In 1865 he sold to Hand & Post, 
(Wesley Hand and Jacob Post,) the former of 
whom sold toTallman T. Van Arsdale about 1867, 
and Van Arsdale to Lucius H. Barron about 1871. 



TUSCARORA. 



315 



Post sold to Mr. North way, the present proprietor, 
in 1872. Mr. Northway is the postmaster at this 
place, having received the appointment June 1, 
1878. E. R. Crevling came here from Sparta, his 
native town, and commenced business May 1, 
1874. He was associated one year, in 1879, with 
W. M. Crevling, under the name of E. R. & W. 
M. Crevling 

Dr. James S. Sharp and Orville L. Rowe, are 
the physicians at Tuscarora. Dr. Sharp located 
here in 1864, and Dr. Rowe in 1879. 

The grist-mill at Tuscarora was built in i860, 
by David LaRue, who operated it about eight years, 
when he was succeeded by the present proprie- 
tors — Garrett, Barckley and David Miller — broth- 
ers. It contains three runs of stones, and is pro- 
pelled by water from the Cashaqua creek, which 
has a fall of ten or twelve feet. 

The saw-mill is located on the same stream 
about half a mile above the grist-mill. It was built 
about i860 by Isaac Hall and David LaRue, who 
operated it till the death of Mr. LaRue, July 8, 1876, 
when Mr. Hall purchased the latter's interest, and 
still operates it. The mill contains one circular 
log saw. The creek at this point has a fall of 
about nine feet. A former saw and lath mill at 
this place, owned by J. P. Dodge, was swept off 
bodily and completely by the great flood of Sep- 
tember, 1 86 1, which nearly equalled that of 1835. 

The Tuscarora cheese factory was built in the 
spring of 1877, by a stock company, who still own 
it. It receives from 1,000 to 6.000 pounds ol 
milk per day. There are two other factories in 
the town ; the Johnson factory, a small one, located 
near the Shaker settlement; and the Genesee 
River cheese factory, which was built, and is still 
owned by a stock company, about 1874, and re- 
ceives somewhat more milk than the Tuscarora 
factory. 

The Tuscarora House was built in 1841, by 
John and David LaRue, who kept it until i860, 
since which time it has been kept by Samuel La- 
shell. The first tavern in the village, which forms 
the rear part of the present hotel, was built about 
fifty-five years ago, by Wm. Babcock. 

The First Presbyterian Chureh of Tuscarora 
was organized in 1839, by Rev. Israel Hammond, 
with eleven members of the Dutch Reformed 
order. January 20, 1844, it was incorporated as 
The First Protestant Reformed Dutch Chureh of 
Mt. Morris. At this time Israel Hammond was 
the pastor, and had been from the organization. 
Aaron Conover, Garret VanArsdale, Peter Van- 



Nest and William Howell were the elders; and 
John L. Tallman, Aaron Hall, Abraham S. Thomp- 
son and Stephen Birch, deacons. Says Hotchkin : 
"The church was organized as a Presbyterian 
church, and named the Second Presbyterian 
Church of Mt. Morris, February 26, 1846. The 
number of members in November of that year was 
thirty-six. The church was received under the 
care of the Presbytery of Ontario June 2, 1846. 
Rev. Israel Hammond was five years the pastor of 
the church while it was connected with the Re- 
formed Dutch denomination, and during this period 
the church was aided in the support of its pastor 
by the Synod's Board of Missions."* 

October 25, 1852, Stephen Birch, Wm. N. Hall, 
Aaron Conover, William Yules, Isaac VanDeven- 
ter, William VanDeventer, William Post and Rev. 
Thomas S. Dewing met for the purpose of 
re-incorporating. Rev. Thomas S. Dewing was 
then pastor. Stephen Birch and Wm. N. Hall were 
chosen to preside, and James Concklin, Wm. N. 
Hall and Isaac VanDeventer were elected trus- 
tees. The name was then changed to " The Pres- 
byterian congregation of Tuscarora." 

In 1870, the church united with the Presby- 
terian church at Union Corners, in the west 
edge of West Sparta, and January 2, 1871, 
the combined organization elected as first trus- 
tees; Hezekiah Johnson, L. J. Colburn, R. R. 
Concklin, from the Tuscarora congregation, and 
Wm. Slaight, Andrew Suydam and Peter D. Green, 
from the Union Corners congregation. Wm. E. 
Jones was then the pastor, and continued such 
till September, 1873. John Jones, then located at 
Geneseo, next supplied the pulpit for a few months 
and was followed by Rev. T. Dwight Hunt, then 
the pastor at Nunda, who supplied the pulpit for 
six months. This union between the two churches 
was dissolved in the spring of 1874. 

The church was built in 1844. The church now 
numbers ninety-eight members. The present pas- 
tor is Rev. John Mitchell, who has served them 
about a year. Mr. Mitchell is also the superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school, the average attend- 
ance at which, as reported in January, 1880, was 
ninety-one. 

The Free Methodist Chureh of Tuscarora was 
organized in August, 1875, with about thirty mem- 
bers, by Rev. R. M. Snyder, the first pastor, who 
had held services from March previous, and sus- 
tained pastoral relations two years. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Wm. Southworth, who remained 

•HoU/t&m's History of IVcsleni New York, //>. 58Z, 58). 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



till the fall of 1880. Services have been held in 
the school house since the organization. The 
present number of members is seventeen. 

Brooks Grove. 

Brooks Grove, an early post-village, is located in 
the south part of the town, on the main road from 
Mt. Morris to Nunda. Its derives its name from 
having been the place of residence of one of Mt. 
Morris' most substantial farmers and intelligent and 
trusted business men — Gen. Micah Brooks* — a 
son of David Brooks, A. M., of Cheshire, Conn., 
the latter of whom was a graduate of Yale College, 
a member of the Connecticut Legislature at the 
time of Burgoyne's surrender, and a delegate to the 
State Convention that adopted the United States 
Constitution at Hartford. In 1796, Micah Brooks, 
who was born in Cheshire, Conn., in 1775, and edu- 
cated by his father, visited the Genesee country on 
a tour of exploration, and again in the fall of 1797. 

In 1823, in connection with Jellis Clute and 
John B. Gibson, he purchased of Mary Jemison 
the major part of the Gardeau Tract, a fine por- 
tion of which he selected for a farm and residence 
in the locality which bears his name, where he died 
July 7, 1857. During his residence here he ex- 
erted a marked influence upon the agricultural and 
other interests of the town and vicinity — an in- 
fluence perpetuated by his sons Lorenzo H. Brooks, 
of Caneadea, and Micah VV. Brooks, the latter of 
whom resides on the homestead farm and is the 
present postmaster at Brooks Grove, an office to 
which he was appointed in January, 1862. The 
residence of the late Gen. Brooks was destroyed 
by fire in the summer of 1875. 

" The history of Micah Brooks," says Turner, 
" furnishes a remarkable instance of a man well edu- 
cated, and yet unschooled, for," he adds, "he 
never enjoyed in all, a twelve months of school 
tuition ! The small library of his father, a good 
native intellect, intercourse with the world, a lauda- 
ble ambition and self-reliance, supplied the rest." 
He was a "successful teacher," a "competent 
Justice and Judge," an able debater, and "the 
author of able essays upon internal improvements 
and other subjects." Even in his old age he was 
"a vigorous writer, and a frequent contributor to 
the public press."f 

Ridge. 

Ridge is a hamlet containing a Methodist church,}; 

•See portrait and biography of Gen. Micah Brooks on another page. 
1 Pioneer History of 'Phelps 6* Gorham's Purchase, pp. 197,198 
; Tin t Inn. h is (.n the same charge as Mt. Morris, and has been 
noticed in connection with that Church. 



a blacksmith shop and a wagon shop. Jonathan 
Shank, who keeps the blacksmith shop, also keeps 
the post-office. It is about midway between Mt. 
Morris and Brooks' Grove, on the road from the 
former village to Nunda. 

War Rkcord. — The military record of Mt. Mor- 
ris is very incomplete ; while the record of the 
legislative action of the town in regard to the part 
taken by it in the war of the Rebellion is even more- 
so. The latter, with the exception of a single item, 
relates wholly to the provision made for the indi- 
gent families of volunteer soldiers from this town, 
and even in that respect it is evidently incomplete. 
But such facts as we have been able to glean from 
these sources, and additionally from the partially 
preserved columns of the local press of that period 
we give, regretting our inability to give more ample 
and exact information in regard to this important 
and interesting portion of the town's history. Hap- 
pily we are able to gather the earliest action of the 
town in this eventful period from the columns of 
The Livingston Union of April 22, 1861, and sub- 
sequent early action from later issues. 

The first war meeting in the town was held pur- 
suant to the following notice : — 

" We, the undersigned, citizens of Mt. Morris, for 
the purpose of responding to the call of our Gov- 
ernment, for the protection and defense of our Na- 
tional honor and prosperity, request that a public 
meeting be held on Monday evening, April 22(1, at 
Empire Hall. Let there be a prompt attendance." 
This was signed by the following prominent 
citizens of the place : — 

Z. W. Joslyn, A. Conkey, 

W. A. Mills, P. H. Hinman, 

J. A. Mead, McNeil Seymour, 

J. Conklin, J. Olp, 

C. B. Nash, G. VanHouten, 
H. Scoville, John H. Bodine, 
H. Ruggles, S. L. Rockfellow, 
N. Seymour, G. S. Whitney, 
H. Swan, L. C. Bingham, 
H. W. Miller, S. McNeilly, 

R. P. Wisner, H. Woodford, 

I. McNeilly, C. P. Winegar, 

G. W. Phelps, W. G. Thompson, 

J. Vernam, H. Bump, 

D. D. Strain, A. M. Bingham, 
H. Skillin. G. W. Branch, 
M. Clark, J. E. Robinson, 
L. Coy, R. T. W. French, 
H. M. Smith, H. G. Ames, 

E. L. Ament, C. T. Wygant, 
H. R. Miller, W. Humphrey, 
O. H. Phillips, J. S. Thompson, 
S. E. Brace, W. Hinman. 

" Pursuant to the above notice." says the report 
in the Union, "one of the most enthusiastic meet- 




GENERAL MICAH BROOKS. 



This brief record commemorates the life and services of one who lived 
in the most eventful period of human history, excepting only the 
years made memorable by the life and teachings of the Saviour of the 
world. Micah Brooks was born a subject of George III-, at the time the 
American colonies were resolving upon open revolt— he died eighty-two 
years later, having witnessed and taken part in the most remarkable changes 
that ever occurred in government, society, industry, science, and art. He 
was the son of David Brooks, who was the son of Enos, who was the son 
of Thomas, who was the son of Henry Brooks, who came from Cheshire, 
England, to Cheshire, Conn. He had fought under Oliver Cromwell, 
and the restoration of ("has. II , was offensive to him and caused him to 
remove to America- His son Thomas settled fourteen miles north from 
New Haven, and the (own to which he removed was called Cheshire, af- 
ter the place of his father's nativity, at least so read the family records. 
His grandson, David, the father of Micah, was born in Cheshire, Conn., 
in June. 174+. and married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Doolittle of 
Wallingford, Conn., who was a son of David, the son of Abram Doolittle 
who came from England. He wasgraduated at Yale College in 176?. and 
received the degree of Master of Arts. He also studied theology and 
was dulv ordained as a minister, but continued to conduct his farm at 
Cheshire, taking a prominent part in the discussions and agitations that 
preceded the Declaration of Independence Hewas appointed amember 
of the Vigilance Committee for the town of Cheshire, to prevent the con- 
sumption of tea and other artictes unjustly taxed by the British govern- 
ment, the inhabitants having voted not to use them. On the breaking out 
of hostilities he joined, as a private soldier, the first company organized 
in his town, but afterwards became Quartermaster of his regiment. When 
occasion required he served as chaplain and in emergencies, shouldered 
his musket. He was also a member of the State Legislature and a dele- 
gate to the state convention that adopted the U. S. Constitution at Hart- 
ford. Later in life he retired to his farm in Cheshire and died there in 
1X02. 

Micah Brooks was born May 14, 1775, on his father's estate in Cheshire, 
Conn., where he spent the first years of his life, and acquired the studi- 
ous and diligent habits which distinguished him through life. Schools were 
few and poor duiing the Revolution, and the years that followed, but Micah 
belonged to a family that had the benefit of parental discipline and instruc- 
tion and where reading was enjoined and enjoyed. Thus he acquired habits 
of observation and research that made his mind a repository of useful knowl- 
edge He was ihe oldest of his father's familv, which consisted of Micah, 
David, Elizabeth, Benedict, Laura. Charity, Polly, Patty and David, all 
of whom lived to maturity except David, the second son, who died in 
his sixth year ; and all, excepting Patty, married. Micah Brooks gave 
from his own recollection, a very interesting account of the period imme- 
diately following the Revolutionary war, and it was published in Turner's, 
Phelps and Gorham's Purchase. In 1790 in common with many sons of 
New England, he explored the regions of the west, visited the Mnhawk, 
Susquehannah, Seneca, and the Genesee, and saw many pioneers in their 
lonely cabins, suffering privations, but full of hope. In the fall of 1T97 he 
visited the land of promise the second time remaining at East Bloom- 
field during the winter and keeping the district school there. Mr. James 
Sperry gives an account of this venture as follows : " In the fall of '97, a 
young man with a pack on his back, came into the neighborhood of Gunn, 
the Bronsnn's, &c and introduced himself as a rchon] teacher from the 
land of steady habits, proposing that they form a new district and he would 
keep their school. The proposition was accepted, all turned out and built 
a school-house, the young man assisting, and he kept school there that 
winter and the one following, and the house wasentirelyfilled- My father 
sent eight children to ;his school ; there we learned for the first time, that 
the earth is round — an old hat with a chalk line 'round it for the equator 
served as a globe to illustrate the revolution of the earth on its axis. Al- 
though the schoolmaster was a favorite with parents and pupils, they 



thought hewas tellmg something he knew nothing about, and still believed 
the earth was flat, and immovably fixed." 

In those days to be a good surveyor was a ereat accomplishment and a 
vast amount of surveying was to be done. Micah Brooks studied the art 
with Prof. Meigs, and held a certificate from the court of New Haven 
County, appointing him "surveyor within and for said county." In the 
fall of 1798 he madea tour, on foot, toNiagara Falls, following the Indian 
trails and stopping over night with Poudry and his Indian wife at Tona- 
wanda- In 1799 lie purchased a farm in East Bloomfield, paying six dol- 
lars per acre for it. The price of land soon declined, speculators having 
run the price up too high. In 1803-4 good lands on the Holland Pur- 
chase was bought for three dollars per acre. Mr. Brooks immediately 
commenced clearing his land, boarding with Deacon Bronson and giving 
two days' work for one week's board- In 1800 he was associate com- 
missioner with Hugh McNair and Matthew Warner, to layout a road from 
Canandaigua to Olean, and another from Hornellsville to the mouth of the 
Genesee river. Subsequently he found much use for his chain and com- 
pass in laying out roads and running lines on his wild lands in Livingston 
and Allegany counties. In 1801 he built a small frame house, then re- 
turned to Conn., and brought out two sisters to keep house 
for him, but as they soon married, he went back again to Conn., 
and December M, 1802, was there married to Mary, daughter of 
Deacon Abel Hall, of Lyme, Conn. Frugal, industrious, intelli- 
gent and public spirited, he became a prominent and useful citizen 
In the militia he rose through successive gradations to the rank of Major 
General. In 1S06 he was elected Justice of the Peace, in 180S assistant 
Justice of the County, the same year was elected to the Legislature from 
Ontario Co., and in the war of iSnserved in three campaigns as Lieut. - 
Col. He waselected to Congress in 1814, representing a very large terri- 
tory and serving on important committees. In 1821 he was elected to the 
New York state convention that revised the state constitution, and was a 
presidential elector in 1824 For twenty years he was a Judge of Ontario 
county courts. While a member of Congress he presented to that body 
a petition drawn by DeWitt Clinton, asking ihe national government to 
aid in the construction of the Erie canal. Some twenty years later he ad- 
dressed a large convention at Rochester, presided over by Judge Nathan 
Dayton, of Lockport, urging the "speedy enlargement" of the Erie 
canal— which was effected with manifest advantage to the state and nation. 

February 1,1839, delegates from several counties assembled at Cuba, 
Allegany County, to torward the completion of the New York and Erie 
Railroad, which had been chartered seven years before, but which, owing 
to the great commercial revulsion of 1837, and the magnitude of the un- 
dertaking, had not been completed. Gen. Brooks was chosen president 
of the convention, and addressed that btdy : his speech was pub- 
lished in the papers and widely circulated. In 182 j in connection with 
John B. Gibson and Jellis Clute, he purchased the lands of Mary Jemi- 
son. and soon after removed to them ; the place of his residence is known 
as H Brook's Grove." In 1833 he bought 6,iS2acres in Caneadea, Alle- 
gany Co, consideration $8,000. His wife having died, hewasagain, Sep- 
tember 2. j, i8jJi married to Eliza Chattin, who died in 1863, without issue. 
His sons were, Lorenzo H., of Caneadea, now deceased, and Micah 
Wooster, who is married and resides at the homestead. His daughters 
were, Marcia, wife of Henry O'Reillev, Clarissa, wife of Theodore F. Hall, 
of Kansas, Catharine, a mute, very intelligent and highly educated, now 
deceased, Laura, residing at Brook s Grove, and Cornelia, wife of Geo. 
Ellwanger, of the Mt- Hope Nurseries, at Rochester. In politics. Gen- 
Brooks was a firm supporter of the Whig party- He was master of him- 
self, temperate in his habits, uoright in his dealings, kind, compassionate 
and forbearing July 7, 1857, his life work being done, he leaned back in 
his chair and died, without a struggle. A public meeting of citizens testi 
fied to the respect in which he was held, and the "press "of the country 
announced that a true patriot and useful citizen had departed. 



MOUNT MORRIS — WAR RECORD. 



117 



ings that ever occurred in our village took place. 
At 7 p. m., our bells chimed most furiously, bring- 
ing crowds of our citizens into Main street. 
Our band was out playing spiritedly the Star 
Spangled Banner, Hail Columbia, Yankee Doodle, 
and other national airs. The stars and stripes 
were displayed from our hotels, churches and 
dwellings in great profusion. At an early hour 
Empire Hall was filled. Hon. John Vernam called 
the meeting to order, nominating R. P. Wisner to 
preside. Mr. Wisner, on taking the chair, made a 
stirring patriotic speech, eliciting rounds of ap- 
plause. * * The following gentlemen were 
selected as officers of the meeting : Vice-Presidents, 
John Vernam, H. Bump, Dr. Branch, H. Swan. 
H. P. Mills, Rev. T. S. Franklin, R. Sleeper, W. 
A. Mills, George S. Whitney ; Secretaries, Mc- 
Neil Seymour, L. C. Bingham, A. Conkey." 

Stirring and patriotic speeches were made by 
Messrs. Wisner, Vernam, Franklin, Ames, A. M. 
Bingham, Janes and Hastings ; after which a com- 
mittee consisting of Geo. S. Whitney, C. E. Mar- 
tin, McNeil Seymour, Reuben Sleeper and C. B. 
Adams were appointed to raise and distribute 
funds for the support of the families of volunteers. 
C. E. Martin was duly authorized to raise a com- 
pany, and half the requisite number signed the roll 
for volunteers before the meeting adjourned. It 
was then left at the American Hotel for additional 
signatures. Lucius Southwick, of the Shaker 
Society in Groveland, was present on the rostrum, 
and declared that his fraternity were ready to pay 
their quota for the support of the war. In referring 
to the meeting, the Union says : — 

" The love of country has obliterated party- 
lines — but one spirit and sentiment prevails — that 
insurrection and treason must be put down." 

On the 27 th of April a liberty pole was raised at 
Tuscarora and the stars and stripes flung to the 
breeze. It was saluted by martial music and 
thirty-four guns. The people were addressed by 
Dr. Joslyn, Capt. Martin, A. Hall and R. P. Wis- 
ner. "A large share of patriotic spirit was ex- 
hibited. Several names were added to the list of 
volunteers, and liberal contributions were made to 
the Patriotic Fund." The Livingston Union, of 
May 1, 1 86 1, says, "our volunteer company is 
nearly full, and will be prepared to leave for Elmira 
in a few days." The same paper says that up to 
April 27th, $1,678 had been contributed for the 
support of volunteers from this village and vicinity. 
Conspicuous among the subscribers is the name of 
John R. Murray, who subscribed $250 — the largest 
individual subscription. Seven others subscribed 
$100 each, viz: — George S. Whitney, R. P. Wis- 
ner, George W. Branch, R. Sleeper, Bump & Pray, 
Frederic Davis and C. B. Adams. 



Capt. Martin's company, with seventy-seven en- 
listed men and eleven commissioned and non- 
commissioned officers, left for Elmira, Thursday, 
May 16, 1 86 1, and was there designated Co. G of 
the 27 th Regiment. The following were its 
officers: — Captain, Charles E.Martin; Lieutenant, 
Joseph H. Bodine ; Ensign, Oscar H. Phillips ; 
1st Sergeant, John J. Kellogg; 2d Sergeant, Ed- 
win C. Bennett ; 3d Sergeant, Edward Williams ; 
4th Sergeant, Wm. M. Nimbs ; 1st Corporal, E. 
R. Parker; 2d Corporal, George W T . Bingham; 3d 
Corporal, William Biggs; 4th Corporal, George 
Bennett. The occasion of their leaving was made 
a grand ovation. The Livingston Union, of May 
22, 1861, says: — 

" Thursday last, the day appointed for the de- 
parture of our volunteers to Elmira, was one never 
to be forgotten by the citizens of our village. 
About 2 o'clock p. m. the crowd began to gather in 
Main street, until it was one mass of men, women 
and children. The occasion was one of thrilling 
interest — its equal never before witnessed in our 
town. Our worthy volunteers were drawn up in 
line to receive the parting blessing of their fellow- 
citizens. The ceremonies were impressive and 
affecting — stout hearts gave way and tears flowed 
freely. Speakers as well as listeners were sensibly 
affected, and the moistened eyes of hundreds grate- 
fully expressed the deep solemnities of that interest- 
ing occasion." 

The ladies were indefatigable up to the last 
hour in providing garments, etc., for the comfort 
of the men. About 4 o'clock the procession started 
for the depot, followed by the entire crowd. 
" Here," says the Union, " the scene was really 
affecting, as the parting moment had come. Amid 
loud cheers, waving of handkerchiefs, falling tears, 
and aching hearts, the volunteers left for Elmira." 

With this much accomplished Mt. Morris did 
not relax her efforts. The good work so nobly 
begun was continued. On Saturday, May 18, 
1 86 1, a pole 112 feet long, surmounted by a large 
gilt ball, was raised on thegrounds of the late Gen. 
Brooks, and stirring addresses were made by Rev. 
T. L. Franklin, R. P. Wisner, A. M. Bingham and 
Capt. Randall, of Portage, urging the people to 
rally to the defense of a suffering country. On 
Saturday, June 1, 186 1, a liberty pole was raised 
in the village amid impressive ceremonies, and ad- 
dresses were made by C. B. Adams, Revs. Story 
and Keyes, R. P. Wisner, Col. Sleeper, A. M. 
Bingham, Hon. Wm. Scott, N. Seymour, Drs. 
Joslyn and Ames and Prof. Smith. 

The second company of volunteers from Mt. 
Morris was raised by Capt. C. W. Burt, whose in- 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



defatigablc efforts enabled him to leave with his 
company for Elniira, September 13, 1861. The 
company was escorted to the depot by the band 
and a large number of citizens. Among its mem- 
bers was A. M. Bingham, a lawyer of this village, 
who had done much in the way of addressing meet- 
ings to encourage enlistments. The number neces- 
sary to fill it were obtained while at Elmira, a re- 
cruiting office being kept open in Mt. Morris for 
that purpose. It was attached to the 89th Regi- 
ment, commanded by Col. Fairchild, and left 
Elmira for Washington, December 6, 1861. 

During the war Mt. Morris furnished 285 men ; 
of whom 1 was a substitute, 8 reenlisted, 1 was 
drafted, 233 resided in the town, and 27 were na- 
tives of the town. They were distributed through 
various organizations as follows, as nearly as can 
be ascertained from the records : — 51 in the 136th, 
40 in the 27th, 10 in the 130th, 6 in the 89th, 5 in 
the 104th, 2 each in the 24th, 58th and 133d, and 
1 each in the nth, 15th, 33d, 140th and 147th in- 
fantry regiments ; 2 in the 4th New York artillery, 
1 each in the 2d and 24th batteries, and 1 in the 
5th Rhode Island artillery; 29 in the 24th New 
York cavalry : 2^ in the 1st dragoons, 3 in the 8th 
and 1 in the 3d cavalry regiments. This, like 
other details of the records is manifestly incom- 
plete; while in regard to bounties, it only shows 
that a town bounty of $100 was [laid to 60 indi- 
viduals, and of $300 to 31; a county bounty of 
$300 to 16, of $100 to 1 and of $75 to 1 ; and a 
State bounty of $75 to 1. We simply cite this to 
show how unreliable and unsatisfactory is the data 
from which to compile these local histories of the 
rebellion. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MYRON H. MILLS. 

Myron H. Mills was born in Mt. Morris, Dec. 
8, 1820. He is a son of Maj.-Gen. Wm. A. Mills 
and a grandson of Rev. Samuel^ Mills, one of the 
earliest evangelical preachers of the county of Living- 
ston, south of Avon. This distinguished clergyman 
was a graduate of Yale College : uniting many promi- 
nent mental qualities with a superior education, he 
was well qualified, in every respect, for the duties of 
his sacred profession. He was a native of Derby, 
Connecticut. Soon after completing his theological 
education, attracted by the glowing accounts of the 
beauties and promised wealth and greatness of the 
1 renesee Valley, about the year 1792 he immigrated 



with his family to that part of Livingston county 
now known as C.roveland, and settled in Williams- 
burgh, then a mere hamlet. This was the first village 
in that county, and for a time was the successful 
rival of ( leneseo. But more powerful influences 
favoring the latter, it became the county seat, and 
the growth of the former was at an end, and the 
population gradually decreased, until at last then 
was left no trace of the once busy little town. 

The Rev. Samuel J. Mills preached the great truths 
■ if the gospel t<> the pioneers in an acceptable and 
profitable manner, and he became an object of af- 
fection and love to the early settlers about him. 
A few old apple trees standing to the left of the 
road after crossing the Canaseraga bridge going to 
Geneseo, planted by his hands, mark or nearly so, 
the site of his ancient home. In the midst of his 
prosperity his house was consumed by fire. This, 
together with the unlucky turn of a land specula- 
tion, so g-eatly disheartened him that it superin- 
duced a disease known as the Genesee fever, which 
soon terminated his life. At the request of James 
Wadsworth, Sr., his remains were interred in the 
cemetery at Geneseo. After his death his family, 
with the exception of Wm., — afterwards General 
Mills, — returned to New England, and became resi- 
dents of New Bedford. William with that penetra- 
tion, comprehension and sagacity which were strong 
features in his character, had a clear conception of 
the destined wealth and greatness of the country 
about him, and he determined to remain in the 
country, and move on with it to success, prosperity 
and usefulness. 

As a conseqence his name is enrolled in the 
history of Western New York, among its lead 
ing pioneers, and he is spoken of asa chief artificer 
in the erection of that noble and distinguished civil 
edifice — Livingston county. When only seventeen 
years of age, he settled at Allen's Hill — now Mt. 
Morris — and with his own hands prepared the ma- 
terial for the log house which was for a long time 
his home. Among his many Indian neighbors 
there was only one white man, Clark Cleve 
land, a mason by trade. The myriads of dusky 
sons and daughters of the forest, became to 
young Mills his friends and he proved to be a great 
favorite with them, whose generous sentiment they 
recognized by giving him the name of "Sa-nun-ge- 
wa" — interpreted signifies a big kettle or generous 
man. To this day among the old Indians on the 
Allegany and Cattaraugus Creek reservations tin- 
village of Mt. Morris is called "Sa-nun-ge-wa-ge," in 
honor of his memory. He spoke the Indian language 
fluently, giving it the peculiar sound of the "red 
man's" vernacular. He witnessed the subduing of 
the wilderness, the increasing population and the 
changes of the country, until it developed into a 
region that lost little when compared with the Yale 
of Tempe and the gardens of the Ffesperides. He 
erected the first framed house in the village of Mt. 
Morris. It stood on State street nearly opposite 
the present residence of Mr. Moss. In the year 
1803 he was united by marriage to Susannah H. 
Harris of Tioga l'oint, l'enn. Ten children were 




^C^XZ^^^^C^^ 



MYRON H. MILLS. 



3i9 



born of this happy union, of whom nine grew to 
maturity and four are still living, viz: Samuel J. 
Mills and Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hamlin of Iowa, Mrs. 
Susan H. Branch and Dr. Myron H. Mills of Mt. 
Morris. Gen. Mills was not only a friend to the In- 
dians, but it is stated he never permitted a settler 
to lose his property for want of means to meet the 
payments due on his land. So notable did he be- 
come in this respect, that he was known and called 
by the original settlers, the "father of Mt. Morris." 

General Mills was the first Supervisor of the 
town of Mt. Morris, holding the office for nearly 
twenty years in succession. He saw his old and 
life-long friend, Moses Hayden, who had been ap- 
pointed March 28, 1821, First Judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas, take his seat for the first time 
on the bench of the new county. He was also the 
first President and prominent organizer of the Liv- 
ingston County Agricultural Society, and was di- 
rector in the old Livingston County Bank — the first 
banking institution opened in the county. He or- 
ganized the first militia company in what is now 
Livingston county. When the war of 181 2 broke 
out General Mills was among the first to respond 
to the call of his country, and served as a soldier 
on the frontiers. By rapid gradations, he rose to 
the rank of Major-General in the service of the 
State. His command embraced Livingston, Gen- 
esee, Ontario, Steuben, Monroe and Allegany 
counties. On occasions of public parade and drill 
of his command, which occurred in the fall of the 
year at the principal villages in the above counties, 
he, like the President of our times, says an old set- 
tler, " was the observed of all observers." 

Among the distinguished gentlemen who have 
served on his military staff were Col. Reuben 
Sleeper of Mt. Morris, Gen. Frank Granger of 
Canandaigua, Hon. Daniel D. Barnard and Hon. 
Charles J. Hill of Rochester. Col. Hill is one of 
the Ex-Mayors of Rochester, N. Y., and is still 
living in the 86lh year of his age, honored and re- 
spected for his many virtues, by the entire com- 
munity where he resides. Gen. Granger subse- 
quently became Postmaster-General and a member 
of the President's Cabinet, and Daniel D. Barnard 
a Member of Congress. 

Gen. Mills become a large landed proprietor, 
was influential and public spirited, but his useful 
and active life was suddenly terminated, while yet 
in the vigor of his manhood. After partaking of his 
dinner, April 6th, 1844, he retired to his room for 
his customary after-dinner nap, from which he 
never awoke in this world. He died from disease 
of the heart, at sixty-seven years of age, leaving an 
extensive landed property to his nine surviving 
children. 

Dr. Myron H. Mills, to whom we have already 
referred, is a citizen of Livingston county, whose 
interests are his interests, and whose prosperity and 
advancement are a source of unqualified gratifica- 
tion to him. After receiving an excellent English 
academic education, he entered upon the study of 
his chosen profession — medicine and surgery. 
I pon a thorough preparatory course in the office of 



Dr. Hiram Hunt his father's old friend and family 
physician, he entered Geneva Medical College, 
from which he was graduated in March, 1844. In 
June, 1845 he became a resident of the city of St. 
Louis, where he commenced the practice of his 
profession, and hardly had six months passed away, 
before the young physician had gained a remunera- 
tive practice, and was surrounded by strong and 
influential friends and holding the position of phy- 
sician to the City Hospital. 

In the spring of 1846, when the government had 
declared war with Mexico, Dr. Mills was ambitious 
to serve his country, resigned his office in the city 
hospital, volunteered as a private in Captain Hud- 
son's company, then being raised and organized in 
St. Louis for the war, but before being mustered 
into the United States service, he applied for the ap- 
pointment of Assistant Surgeon in the U. S. Army. 
His application to the proper authorities for the 
position he desired, being made at the suggestion 
of, and indorsed by influential friends. He went 
to Fort Leavenworth, five hundred miles from St. 
Louis, to present his papers in person toC.cn. 
Stephen VV. Kearney, who was to command the 
"Army of the West," and if possible to obtain his 
endorsement to his papers, before making applica- 
tion to the Secretary of War's office at Washington. 
In this his efforts were successful, and he received 
his appointment, and served through the entire 
war. He was wounded at the battle of Canada, 
New Mexico, but remained on the field until the 
close of the action — the ball striking the fleshy 
portion of the right leg below the knee. Lieut. 
Irwin, near the Doctor at the same moment, was 
severely wounded by a musket ball. 

Mr. Mills being fresh from the graduating schools 
of medicine and surgery, was the first to introduce 
the " flap operation" in amputations in the army 
of the west, the "circular" being the former in use 
from time immemorial. For this he was promoted 
by Surgeon DeCamp, of Baltimore, of the United 
States Army, to the head of the Medical and Sur- 
gical department of the army. After the close of 
the war while in Washington attending the court 
martial of Col. Fremont, Hon. Wm. L. Marcy then 
Secretary of War, tendered him a commission as 
Assistant Surgeon in the regular army, under the 
Act known as the ten regiment bill, to increase 
the standing army, which he declined. After an 
absence of nearly three years, he returned to Mt. 
Morris, and soon after at the request of a commit- 
tee of citizens, delivered an address on the " Mexi- 
can war and its incidents," which, by special 
requests from committees, was repeated in Nunda 
and Perry. In June, 1849, Dr. Mills was united 
in marriage to Mary E. Mills, only daughter of 
Hiram P. Mills, Esq., of Mt. Morris. She is a 
most estimable lady, possessing those admirable 
traits of character which make the domestic circle 
cheerful and happy. The marriage has been one of 
happiness and reciprocal affection, deepened and 
brightened by the flight of time. Six children were 
the fruits of this marriage, two of whom only sur- 
vived to maturity. 



320 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



In the spring of 1850, the Dr. removed to Roch- 
ester, N. Y., where he opened a drag-store, and al- 
though the business proved remunerative, it was 
too small and contracted a business to suit his 
broad and comprehensive mind. He therefore 
embraced the first opportunity presenting itself to 
sell out his stock of goods, and engaged in the con- 
struction of public works for the State of New 
York. Here he found ample scope for his busi- 
ness qualifications, and was rewarded by a liberal 
compensation, which afforded him a competency 
for life and enabled him to retire from business in 
the fall of 1868. 

In 1863, he was appointed a delegate by the 
Mayor and Common Council of Rochester, to re- 
present that city in the National Ship Canal Con- 
vention, held at Chicago in June of that year. 

In November, 1870, he removed to Mt. Morris, 
his native village, and purchased the homestead 
grounds upon which he was born, but which had 
passed out of the family. He enlarged and taste- 
fully improved the mansion, constructing elaborate 
and costly outbuildings, embellishing the grounds 
which embrace nearly five acres of land with pleas- 
ing walks and shrubbery. This home is situated 
in the northern part of the village, at the extremity 
of Main street, and overlooks the broad valley of 
the Genesee for miles around. The imagination 
can hardly conceive of a more beautiful situation. 
The view of the surroundings and landscape 
scenery would inspire the muse of a poet, and 
imbue the imagination of the painter with all the 
beautiful inspirations of his creative art. Here the 
representative red-men of the forest used to come 
in bygone times to see " Sa-nun-ge-wa," (General 
Mills) their friend and counselor — not unfrequent- 
ly settling difficulties between the white settlers and 
the Indians, as well as other matters of more grave 
import. 

Here Mary Jemison, better known in history as 
the "Old White Woman," paid, it is said, her last 
visit in the Genesee Valley, the cherished home of 
her youth, before leaving for the Buffalo Creek 
Reservation, in 1830, to reside. 

Here upon these grounds, made historic by the 
white and red man. Doctor Mills ("Hod-a-gents- 
sa-nun-ge-wa," a title given him by the Seneca 
nation of Indians in honor of his father, which in- 
terpreted signifies in the Indian tongue " Doctor 
Big Kettle ;" in our language, Dr. Mills,) devotes 
a large share of his leisure time to literary pursuits. 
He was one of the founders of the Livingston 
County Historical Society, also of the Livingston 
County Pioneer Association. He has been presi- 
dent at different times of both societies, and has 
labored zealously for their success, which appears 
now established. 

He is known as an easy, flexible and forcible 
writer. Under the jionul, plume of " Corn-planter" 
is the author of a series of articles on Indian history. 
He also published an elaborate and the only com- 
plete history of the Mt. Morris tract. The Doctor 
has attained much reputation as a public speaker 
and lecturer. He delivered an address before the 



Wyoming Historical Pioneer Association at the 
dedication of their log-cabin at Silver Lake, in 1878, 
and was there greeted by an immense audience, 
20,000 people having assembled at the lake on that 
occasion. His address before the State Associa- 
tion of Mexican War Veterans, at Detroit, Sept. 
14, 1880, was another masterly effort. His review 
of the results and benefits of that war to the coun- 
try, and the claims of the veteran soldiers upon 
the government for a pension, are unanswerable. 
In February, 1878, he delivered a lecture on the 
Pre-Historic Races in America, by special invita- 
tion, at Dansville. His audience consisted of the 
clergy, lawyers, physicians, professors in the Semi- 
nary, and leading business men, and literary ladies 
and gentlemen of the place, who were unanimous 
in their approval. 

In August, 1877, he delivered an oration on the 
occasion of the annual meeting of the Livingston 
County Pioneer Association, at Long Point, Con- 
esus Lake, holding the vast audience, thickly inter- 
spersed with ladies, for more than an hour, during 
the last half of which a threatening thunder storm 
seemed rapidly gathering, with but limited shelter 
accomodations at hand, save that offered by the 
friendly and wide-spread branches of the stately 
forest trees. 

He has delivered at various times acceptable 
addresses upon agriculture and its kindred sub- 
jects before the Farmers' Association of his town, 
on the occasions of their annual gatherings after 
harvest. To him they look for counsel and advice 
in local affairs effecting their welfare. He is a 
fearless and bold advocate of the people's interest 
and is regarded by them as one of the few men in 
whom implicit confidence can be placed. 

He is President of the Board of Fducation of 
Mt. Morris, President of the " Mills Water Works 
Company," was appointed in December, 1880, by 
the Board of Supervisors of Livingston county on 
the commission to devise ways and means to sup- 
ply the Poor House, Insane Asylum and other 
buildings belonging to the county with an abundant 
supply of pure water for sanitary purposes, domestic 
use and for fire purposes. The commission was a 
success, and reported to the Board in April, '81, 
for their consideration, plans of the work with esti- 
mated cost, to supply upon the "gravity system" 
the two former requirements, also the latter. 

In politics Dr. Mills has always been a Demo- 
crat, firmly, but never obtrusively, sustaining his 
principles. He was never an office seeker, pre- 
ferring private life and its retirement and the good 
opinion of his fellow citizens to public office, 
although occasionally accepting positions of honor 
and public trust tendered him. He admires in men 
the distinction of moral worth, integrity, industry 
and virtue, and all men who possess these traits 
are equal in his estimation. 

Though retired from active business life, what- 
ever tends to promote the growth of his native vil- 
lage or beautify it, finds in him a zealous and 
efficient advocate. A son of a pioneer who was 
conspicuous for enterprise and upright dealings, 



JONATHAN PHILLIPS — CHESTER FOOTE. 



and valuable in doing those things which have so 
largely tended to make Mt. Morris reach its present 
advanced and progressive condition, it is not sur- 
prising the son should emulate the example of his 
father, and reflect his virtues in whatever pertains 
to the public interests and welfare of his native vil- 
lage. In 1873 he published an article exhibiting 
the feasibility and necessity of constructing water 
works to supply the village of Mt. Morris with 
water, and June 4th, 1879, at the request of the 
Trustees of the village, met the citizens in a public 
meeting to discuss the subject to which he had 
previously called their attention. His able and 
well matured plans for the construction of water 
works were accepted, and the works were con- 
structed the same year with that push and energy 
characteristic of the man, who furnished the entire 
capital himself. The expectation of the public 
in their construction were more than realized 
and a grand success was achieved. The health of 
the village has materially improved since the con- 
struction of these works, aside from the great con- 
venience of an abundant supply of pure and whole- 
some water for sanitary and domestic purposes 
brought to the doors of the citizens, as well as to 
protect their property from destruction by fire. 
For this enterprise, and the great blessings result- 
ing therefrom, the citizens are indebted wholly to 
Dr. Mills. 

Courteous, kindly disposed, self-reliant, clear- 
headed and gentlemanly in his demeanor, Dr. Mills 
never stops at trifles, but presses right on to the 
successful completion of whatever he undertakes. 
In his domestic relations he is peculiarly fortunate 
and happy. Two amiable and accomplished daugh- 
ters — Jennie and Isabell, and their estimable 
mother — adorn his household and contribute 
largely to his happiness. 



JONATHAN PHILLIPS. 

Jonathan Phillips was born in Romulus, (now 
Varick,) Seneca county, November 2, 1S10. His 
parents were Samuel and Sarah (Scoby) Phillips, 
natives of New Jersey. They settled in Cayuga 
county, about 1800, and soon thereafter in Seneca 
county. They came into this county in 1826, 
where the father died December 22, 1874, aged 
eighty-eight years, and the mother January 31, 
1870, aged seventy-eight years. They had eleven 
children, only three of whom are now living, viz: — 
Calista, Isaac and Sophronia. Jonathan, the sec- 
ond of the family, when in his twenty-second 
year, left the home of his parents, (where he had 
lived up to that time, assisting his father oh the 
farm and attending the district school winters, the 
only advantages for an education he ever enjoyed,) 
and worked land on shares for about five years. 
Then he bought the farm on which he lived till lie 
died, and which is. now operated by his widow. 
He moved into a log house which was on the 
place and occupied that until he finished the pres- 



ent fine residence in 1853. He at first purchased 
only 50 acres, but added from time to time till he 
owned 360 acres in his home farm, and in other 
localities about 200 acres, making his estate con- 
sist of 560 acres. He was a most thorough and 
successful farmer, and for about sixteen years be- 
fore his death was very extensively engaged in buy- 
ing and selling live-stock; and it may safely be 
said that as a farmer and speculator he was to be 
ranked with the first in the town of Mt. Morris. 

In politics he was a Republican, but never an 
office-seeker. He took a lively interest in the suc- 
cess of his party, and sustained its measures and 
advocated its principles with a warmth that is al- 
ways characteristic of the earnest partisan. 

April 25, 1832, he married Violetta, daughter of 
Richard and Hannah (Keeler) Akers, natives of 
New Jersey, who came to Seneca county in 1823, 
and to this county in 1825. Her father died De- 
cember 22, 1866, aged about ninety years, and her 
mother, aged ninety-six years, is still living and 
residing in Michigan with her daughter Jane, wife 
of Samuel Klady. They had seven children, four 
of whom are now living, viz: — Violetta, Jane, John 
G., and Aaron. He died March 15, 1870, in the 
sixtieth year of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips 
have had three children as follows : — Sarah Jane, 
born February 10, 1833, married Charles Moyer, 
of Mt. Morris and died February 5, 1875 ; Janette 
H., born June 23, 1839, and died January 16, 
1842; Adella Z., born May 2, 1850, married L. 
DeWitt Smith, of Geneseo, and lives now with the 
mother on the old homestead. 



CHESTER FOOTE. 

Chester Foote is one of the oldest residents now 
living in the town of Mt. Morris. He was born 
in the town of Kingsboro, Montgomery county, N. 
Y., April 27, 1790. His parents were Joseph, Jr., 
and Beersheba (Burr) Foote, of Conn. Joseph, Jr., 
was born about 1755. He served his country 
during the Revolutionary war as cavalryman. He 
died in Kingsboro in 1790, aged about 35 years. 
His wife survived him many years, and died in 
Ohio at the great age of one hundred years. They 
had four children, Levi, Joseph, Beersheba and 
Chester, of whom Chester alone is living. The 
mother married for her second husband Isaac 
Flowers, by whom she had three children, Lucy, 
Sylvia and Livinia, all now dead. For her third 
husband she married Thomas Thompson, of Ohio. 
No children were born of this marriage. 

After the death of his father, which occurred when 
Chester was about two months old, Mrs. Foote 
kept her four children together as long as possible, 
but soon had to place them out among her rela- 
tives until they became old enough to support 
themselves. At the age of nine years Chester was 
taken into the family of his uncle Aaron, a brother 
of his father's and lived with him until his marriage 
with Fanny Hoofcoot, Feb. 25, 1812. She was 
born in 1792. 



322 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Four years after this marriage Chester moved to 
Trenton, Oneida county, where he carried on 
farming about three years. In 1817 he moved 
with his family, consisting of wife and one child, 
and what few goods he had to Western New York, 
passing through Mt. Morris, which was then a 
small settlement, to his destination at Plum Creek, 
Allegany county. He found a small settlement 
at Nunda, also one at Solomon Williams' on the 
old short tract road, which was merely marked out 
through the woods. A short distance beyond -Mr. 
Williams' there was a very steep hill, on which the 
snow had been thawing quite rapidly, so that the 
horses' feet balled up, causing them to slip and 
stumble so badly that before reaching the top of 
the hill the horses were drawn back again by the 
weight of the sleigh to the foot of the hill. After 
several attempts they succeeded in gaining the 
summit and about dark reached a creek in which 
the melting snow had caused the water to rise so 
high that it carried off the log bridge which spanned 
it. Finding it impossible to cross with the sleigh, 
he unharnessed the horses and placing his wife on 
one rode the other himself and carried the child. 
After crossing the creek, while on their way, his 
wife, not being accustomed to riding on horseback, 
would occasionally fall from her elevated position, 
and he would spread a blanket on the snow and 
lay the child on it while he helped her to mount 
again. 

About twelve o'clock at night they reached their 
destination, and the next day he brought over the 
sleigh and goods. They brought provisions with 
them sufficient, as they thought, to last till they 
were started, but provisions were becoming so 
scarce among the settlers that when a new comer 
arrived they flocked in in such numbers to make 
acquaintance and get something to eat that in a 
few days the future began to look gloomy to Mr. 
Foote and his family. While meditating on the 
subject one evening, they fancied they heard a 
voice, saying: "Arise and get thee hence;" and 
obedient to the summons, they packed their goods 
the next day and returned to Mt. Morris where 
they settled about a mile south of the village, on 
land owned by the father of John R. Murray, the 
latter now a resident of Mt. Morris. Here Mr. 
Foote lived about three years, when he moved to 
West Sparta, where he resided till about 1832, 
when he purchased and moved to the farm in Mt. 
Morris where he now lives. Here his first wife 
died June 10, 1827, aged sixty-four years, ten 
months and three days. 

In 1863 he married Mary Bingham, and 
having rented his farm to his son Norman, moved 
to Nunda and resided there six years, when the 
death of his second wife occurred. He then re- 
turned to his farm. Since leaving Nunda he has 
lived at times with all of his children. 

In 1870 he sold his farm to his son Norman, 
with whom he spends half of his time and the re- 
mainder with his son Giles W. He is a remark- 
ably well preserved man, but the signs of old age 
are manifesting themselves in the loss of hearing 



and impaired eyesight. There have been born to 
him eight children, one of whom died in infancy. 
Those that reached maturity are named as follows : 
Maria, born Dec. 31, 1813, died Dec. 13, 1839; 
Eliza, born Nov. 8, 1816, died April 15, 1854; 
Ciles W., born July n, 1S1S; Chas., born Oct. 15, 
1822; Norman, born Sept. 15, 1824; Mary, born 
Sept. 14, 1826, and Harriet, born Jan. 8, 1S34. 



COL. REUBEN SLEEPER. 




(COL. REUBEN SLEEPER.) 

Col. Reuben Sleeper was born in Laurens, 
Otsego county, February 22, 1798. He was of 
Quaker descent and enjoyed vigorous health, 
being of temperate habits. He early espoused 
the temperance reform and abandoned the sale of 
spirituous liquors, even at a sacrifice of business 
interests. With only a common school education 
he, at sixteen years of age, entered upon a clerk- 
ship in his native town in a " general dry goods 
and variety store." In 182 1, he, with his partner, 
Abner Dean, engaged in the mercantile business at 
Manlius, Onondaga county. In 1823, they re- 
moved to Mt. Morris, and for some time kept the 
only store in that town. For years their goods, 
bought in New York, were brought up the Cenesee 
river from Rochester, being, from Rochester, poled 
up, on flat boats, a distance of one hundred and 
thirty miles. Also goods were brought by teams 
from Albany in favorable weather. After occupy- 
ing a small wooden store for four years, they re- 
moved it, and erected the first brick building in the 
place. In 1828 the partnership was dissolved, the 
brick building being sold to the partner of Mr. S., 
and he opened in another building a store, continu- 
ing there till he built a store on a lot adjoining his 
residence. In April, 1827, he married Lucretia C. 



CONESUS — ORGANIZATION. 



3*3 



daughter of Rev. Dr. Lyman, of East Haddam, 
Conn., who survives him. On the incorporation of 
the village in June, 1835, he was chosen President 
of the Board of Trustees, and at the time of his 
death was the last survivor of the Board chosen at 
that time. He retained that position several years, 
the late Hon. George Hastings acting as clerk. 
After the death of the first president of the Genesee 
River Bank, he was chosen President, and served 
in that capacity for a long time. Col. Sleeper was 
widely known throughout the Genesee Valley and 
Western New York, as a successful business man 
and a man of strong and earnest convictions, of 
great industry and sterling integrity. On all public 
questions he was independent and acted without 
regard to self-interest or policy. Being early 
known as an Abolitionist, his house for years was 
the resting place of fugitives from slavery, fleeing to 
the Queen's Dominions, and his integrity of charac- 
ter and strict sense of justice led him to adopt and 
advocate principles that were not popular with the 
people. He was a man of culture and extensive 
reading and a courteous gentleman. During a 
residence of about fifty years he held many posi- 
tions of public trust with credit to his sagacity and 
integrity. He retired from active business in 1856, 
but at the time of his death, May it, 1872, was 
director of the Genesee River National Bank, hav- 
ing held that position since its organization, and 
being a public spirited man he took an active in- 
terest in all public improvements. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
History ok the Town of Conesus. 

I^HE town of Conesus is situated on the eastern 
border of the county, and contains an area of 
six square miles. It is bounded on the north by 
Livonia, on the south by Sparta and Springwater; 
on the east by Canadice, (Ontario county ;) and 
on the west by Groveland. 

The town lies between the beautiful lakes of 
Conesus and Hemlock. Its surface is quite uneven, 
with a higher general elevation than any town of 
the eastern range. 

Several ranges of hills extend through the town, 
most of them small ; the largest being the "Mar- 
rowback Hills." in the eastern part, and what is 
known as "Turkey Hill," in the western part.* 

At points in the larger range the hills rise to an 
elevation of several hundred feet, in which vicinity 

* These names are of local derivation. The name " Marrowback,'' as 
applied to the largest range, was derived from this instance : Two men — 
inhabitants of the town — engaged in a personal conflict. One of them 
was from this legion of hills, and he getting the better of his adversary 
the bystanders exclaimed to the vanquished — ''He's got too much mar- 
row in his back for you, boy !" 

Turkey Hill was so named on account of the numerous fowls of that 
species stolen from the dwellers in the valley by pillaging families who 
lived on this hill. The name signifies " Many Stolen Turkeys." 



several fatal accidents have occurred, the most no- 
table being that of the death of a citizen named 
Hamilton who, in an attack of delerium tremens, 
leaped over the rocks and was dashed to pieces 
below. 

From near the center of the town begins the 
Calabogue valley* which extends into Springwater. 

The town derives its name from Conesus Lake, 
which was named for the celebrated Indian chief, 
Conesus. f 

The town was first organized in 1821 as Free- 
port. 

Before the year 1820 Conesus was divided into 
two parts, the eastern, belonging to the town of 
Livonia, and the west part to the town of Grove- 
land. 

At that tlate the two towns belonged to the 
county of Ontario, and all of the different articles 
of agreement for lands were dated in the above 
named towns and county before 1820. 

In 1820 the first attempt was made for the or- 
ganization of the town, but on account of certain 
irregularities the organization was not effected till 
1821. 

The name Freeport was given to the town by 
the early squatters, who supposed the land to be 
free to all who came here to settle, and who as 
erroneously supposed that building a brush fence 
around their quasi claims was all that was neces- 
sary to secure to them the future ownership.}: 

When a few years after the actual owners came 
and claimed the land, some of the squatters, when 
they discovered the invalidity of their titles, left for 
parts unknown, while a number who had thus 
seized their land, supposing it to be without an 
owner, refused to yield their claims, causing no little 
disturbance and some important law suits which 
were in the courts of the State for several years, 
but which were finally decided in favor of the right- 
ful owners. 

For three years the town retained the name of 
Freeport, when, in 1824, through the influence of 
a man named Bugbee, it was changed to Bowers- 

*Or Calabogue Hollow, as it is sometimes called. The name signifies 
11 The Headless Place." 

t The Indian name for Conesus Lake was Ga-ne-a-sois, or Gah-nyuh- 
sas, meaning— H Place of Nanny Perries," — a small mealy berry which 
al one time grew there in great profusion. 

X Doly's History says the name of Freeport was derived from the 
following circumstance : — 

" A squatter, who had been a sailor, settled on a particular lot neat the 
brow of the western hill. 

"After fencing it in and making si improvements, he was forcibl) 

driven oft by the owner. The ejection provoked the landless pioneer, 
who, at somepains, published his version of the story, urging that how 
ever ready other sections might be to welcome emigrants, this particular 
region was no ' free-port. 1 

This, from the meaning of the term, " free-port," would seem to be the 
most probable version, though the other is given as correct. 



3 2 4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



ville, in honor of the Bowers family who then owned 
here a large tract of land. 

The inhabitants, however, soon became dissat- 
isfied with this name and petitioned the legislature 
to again change it. This petition was signed by a 
large number of inhabitants. At the same time a 
remonstrance was raised against the proposed 
change which did not prove successful, and after 
retaining the name of Bowersville one year it was 
in 1825 changed to Conesus, which name it lias 
since retained. 

Among the early purchasers of land in this town 
were Phelps and Gorham, a number of years before 
the first settlement of the town was made by white 
men. 

After they had retained possession of the land a 
certain length of time, they transferred their claims, 
in part, to Henry Bowers and Sir William Pulteney, 
and a small tract to what was then known as the 
Canandaigua Academy, situated at Canandaigua, 
N. Y. 

This tract consisted of five lots, which, a few 
years after, were numbered as lots Nos. 16, 54, 80, 
89, no, a total or 814 acres. 

In 1 819 or '20, a few years after Bowers and 
Pulteney had obtained possession, they laid this 
tract of land out into lots, and numbered them 
from r to 139, including a tier of lots on the east 
side of Hemlock lake that formerly belonged to 
the town, which were numbered 10 and 20, and 
parts of lots 30, 39, 40, and 57, which have since 
been transferred yj the county of Ontario. They 
also laid out part of Hemlock lake into lots, as 
Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, which they reserved for those 
who wished to purchase water privileges. 

A few years after Mr. Bowers died, his prop- 
erty, consisting of seventy lots, was divided among 
his five children as follows: John Bowers, 13 lots ; 
Mary Campbell, 14 lots; Mary Ann Duane, 15 
lots; Harriet Mumford, 14 lots; and Rebecca 
Scott, 14 lots. 

Soon after his death the heirs came to the town 
and sold their claims to those who desired to pur- 
chase at the extremely low price of from eight to 
ten dollars per acre. It was upon their arrival 
that the squatters departed, or refusing to yield 
their occupancy, caused the important but tedious 
suits at law. 

The Pulteney claims, which consisted of fifty- 
eight lots, have now almost ceased to be known. 

Their lands were sold to different purchasers, 
and those lands belonging to the Canandaigua 
Academy have also passed into other hands. 



The first settlement of the town was begun in 
the year 1793, although there are evidences that 
some one settled here prior to that date. Some of 
the settlers of 1800-05, pastured their cattle on 
what was known as the " Olcutt clearing," which 
was situated on what is now called Turkey Hill. 
This clearing had an area of some five acres, well 
covered with grass, and surrounded by a log fence, 
in the center of which stood a cabin where had 
lived the person when clearing the land. In 1806, 
this cabin was nearly gone to decay, and the indi- 
cations were that the tract had been cleared a num- 
ber of years, but by whom it was never known, as 
he was gone when the first settlers came, and no 
record of his life has ever been found. He must 
have settled here about 1793, if not before; but 
as the attempted location may have been made by 
some venturesome squatter, and as there exists no 
authentic record of it, the first permanent settle- 
ment must be ascribed to James Henderson who, 
in the year 1793, came from Pennsylvania, and 
located at the head of Conesus Lake, where he 
built a log house on lot 49, on land now owned by 
B. F. and R. F. McMillen. 

In 1 795, he was followed by Hector McKay, who 
located on lot 108, about three-quarters of a mile 
north of the site of Scottsburgh. Here he built a 
log house, in the construction of which he procured 
the assistance of friendly Indians from Allen and 
Squakie Hills. In the following spring he pur- 
chased the land on which he resided at the time of 
his death, the date of which is unknown. He was 
buried in the south part of the town in the old 
cemetery, known as McKay's burying-ground. 

The family of James Henderson * consisted of a 
wife and several children, who came here with him 
to mingle their fortunes in an unknown wilderness 
filled with varied trials and discomforts. 

Mr. Henderson was by occupation a mill-wright, 
and soon after his arrival here — probably about 
1794 — built the first saw-mill near the site of 
Conesus Center. This was a great aid to the in- 
coming settlers, in preparing material for their 
houses, in raising which they obtained the aid of 
other settlers throughout the county. 

In iSi6 and '17 he built the old woolen and 
fulling mill that used to be situated in the gully at 
the head of Conesus lake. This mill has for 
many years been abandoned, and nothing now re- 
mains of that once famous factory but the stones 
that were used for its foundation. 

In this mill in 1818 or '19, William Scott, of 

* Better known throughout ilie town .is Squire Henderson. 



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71 




CONESUS— EARLY SETTLERS. 



325 



Scottsburgh, carded the first yards of cloth ever 
carded in the town. 

In 1 80 1 Squire Henderson's family was pre- 
sented with a child, which lived but six months — 
the first white birth known to have occurred in this 
town. 

A son of Squire Henderson, James Henderson, 
Jr., was killed at the battle of Queenstown, Canada, 
October 13th, 1S12. At the time of his death he 
had reached the age of twenty-five, and held the 
office of Quartermaster in his regiment. 

Squire Henderson, the pioneer, quietly sleeps in 
the town of Richmond ; other members of the 
family have passed away, and the name of Hen- 
derson has become extinct, although there are de- 
scendants of the family still living who are among 
the most worthy citizens of the town. These de- 
scendants are: — Frank and R. F. McMillen, a 
brother, Charles McMillen, who is United States 
Minister to China, and William H., Nelson N. and 
Henry S. Gilbert, grand-children. 

After the advent of Henderson and McKay, the 
settlement of the town progressed quite rapidly. 
Among the settlers who immediately followed those 
hardy pioneers were Jacob Durham in 1795, and 
Jesse and Jacob Collar in 1796.* 

Jacob Collar was one of the most useful citizens 
of the town. He was born in Sussex county, New 
Jersey, February 25, 1770, and in the spring of 
1 796, at the age of twenty-six, came with his father, 
Jesse Collar, to Conesus and located on lot No. 
109, in the southwestern part of the town, about 
one-half mile north of Scottsburgh, where they 
built a log house. 

In coming here from the then far away State of 
New Jersey they were assisted by one horse and an 
ox team, and the condition of the route through 
the forests was such that they were twenty-eight 
days in making the journey. When they arrived 
at the Great Bend in the Susquehanna river they 
were obliged to cut their way through what was 
then called the beach woods, and for many days 
their journey did not average seven miles per day, 
while the teams had to subsist on the scant herb- 
age of the highway. 

When night came upon them they would build a 
large fire, cook their scanty meal, and then roll 
themselves in their blankets and sleep till another 
morning came with its tedious journey and attend- 
ant difficulties. 

In this way the journey was conducted to and 
through Dansville, their only guide from being lost 

* For whom Scottsburgh at au early day was called Collaitown- 



in the dense forests being the blazed trees along 
the route. 

Upon arriving in the town they procured the aid 
of Wigot Andrews, James and Samuel Culbertson 
of the town of Groveland, and Isaac and Darling 
Havens, of Sparta, to assist them in raising their 
house. The timber being so thick they had but to 
cut and peel the logs and roll them up to place. 
The first year their food, which they had to buy 
mostly of the Indians, consisted of corn — wheat 
could not be obtained at any price — for which they 
paid at the rate of six shillings per bushel. There 
being no grist-mill near, they ground the corn by 
burning a hole in a stump, pouring the corn in it, 
and then pounding it into meal, from the finest of 
which they made their bread. 

Jacob Collar died in the fall of 1S65, ending his 
useful life at the age of ninety-five. He was buried 
in the McKay burial ground. 

In 1802 there came to the town of Conesus a 
singular man known by the inhabitants as Maloy, 
the hermit. He located on lot 19, bordering on 
the shores of Hemlock lake, where he built him a 
log cabin quite remote from any civilization. Here 
he lived the life of a hermit, refusing to mingle 
with any white people who sought to become ac- 
quainted with him. He seemed desirous to retreat 
further into the forest to escape the encroachment 
of civilization, and when other settlers began to lo- 
cate around him he packed his effects and moved 
to the Ohio river, where his career became lost to 
the settlers in Conesus. 

We give here others of the prominent pioneers, 
and the lots by them settled : — 

John McNinch, lot 70, in 1803. 

Samuel McNinch, lot 78, in 1803. 

James McNinch, lot 91, in 1805. 

Jabez Lewis, lot 5, in the fall of 1805. 

John McMillen and Elias Chamberlin, about 
1805, located on lot No. 6, each building there a 
log house. 

Joseph Richardson at about the same time 
settled on lot 13, and in 1808 Davenport Alger 
also located there and built a log house. 

Francis Richardson, in 1803, settled on lot 136, 
and a few years after committed suicide by hang- 
ing himself to a limb of a tree. Repeated incar- 
ceration in jail for debt, at which times his family 
suffered severely, caused him to become insane. 

Joseph Allen settled on lot No. 81, in 1806. 

John Richardson settled on lot No. 14, about 
1806. 

Moses Adams, lot 133, in the spring of 1806. 



326 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Samuel and Matthew McNineli. lot 101, in 
1806. 

Elijah Richardson, lot No. 15, in 1807. 

Joseph Gilbert, lot No. 12, in 1808. 

Charles Thorp, lot 134, about 1808. 

John Robeson, (or Robinson,) lot 25, about 
1808. 

William Johns, lot 18, in 1809. 

Joshua (rile, lot 22, in 1809. 

Eli Clark, lot 23, in 1810. 

Lot No. 24 was first settled by Harvey May, 
who built the first log house there in the spring of 
1806. This tract was afterward divided into sev- 
eral village lots, and is now known as Foot's Cor- 
ners. 

Peter Bevins, lot 39, about 18 10. 

Hinman Janes, lot 60, about 1S10. 

Simeon Root, lot ^^, soon after joined by Joseph 
George, who erected a log house on the same land 
in 1 810. 

Lot 43 was first settled and the first log house 
built thereon by Abel Root, about 1807. This 
tract is now known as Union Corners, a small 
hamlet. 

Matthew McNinch, who settled lot 10 1, was 
born in Sussex county, N. J., March 3, 1784. In 
early infancy his parents moved to Northumber- 
land county, Pa., and in 1806, at the age of twen- 
ty-two, he moved with his father's family to Cone- 
sus. His father had come here about two years 
previously, leaving his family in Pennsylvania; then 
he returned to his home, and as the family were 
about to start on their journey to this town he was 
taken sick and died shortly after. Matthew Mc- 
Ninch died in :866, and was buried in the McKay 
burying ground. 

Jabez Lewis, who in the fall of 1805 settled on 
lot No. 5, was born in Vermont. In 1802 he 
moved to Lima, this county, where he remained 
one year, removing from there to Richmond, On- 
tario county. In the fall of 1805 he came to Con- 
esus and built a log house on lot No. 5, and sent a 
son and daughter there to live and clear up the 
land. In 1806 he moved the rest of his family 
here to live. He was one of the soldiers of the 
Revolution. 

( >ne of the later and prominent settlers was 
Alexander Patterson, who came to the town in 
]Si4, and in the following year built the first log 
house on lot No. 4, on which land he lived the 
remainder of his life. 

He was born in Vermont, and at an early age 
resolved to make Conesus his future home. Hav- 



ing but limited means — not more than sufficient to 
reach the town — he resolved to peddle his way 
through, and by so doing save what little he had 
earned to aid him when he had reached his new 
home. So, procuring a small traveling trunk and 
the necessary articles, he set out on foot, accom- 
panied by a companion who was also bound for 
Conesus. All the first day he tried to dispose of 
his goods but met with no success, which so dis- 
couraged him that on the second day he presented 
his companion, who was suffering from the cold, 
with a pair of mittens, and then threw his trunk 
across his shoulder and resolved to peddle no more. 
On his arrival at Conesus he took up his residence 
with the family of Jabez Lewis, who were then liv- 
ing on lot No. 5. A short time after, he married 
Lucy, one of Lewis' daughters, with whom he 
lived happily over fifty years. He died in 1866. 

Among other prominent early settlers were the 
parents of John Young, Governor of New York 
State in 1846. 

John Young was born in Bennington, Vt., in 
1804, being but four years old when his parents 
came to this town. He attended the Academy at 
Lima, N. Y., from which school he was graduated, 
and at the age of sixteen taught school in Conesus, 
receiving nine dollars per month. About the year 
1823, he began the study of law with A. A. Ben- 
nett, at East Avon, and in 1829 was admitted to 
practice in the Supreme Court and opened an 
office at Geneseo. In 1832, with Hon. George W. 
Patterson, he was elected member of Assembly 
from this county. 

From 1833 to 1837 he was representative in the 
Twenty-fourth Congress from this Congressional 
district, and also in the Twenty-seventh Congress 
from 1 84 1 to 1843. He was also member of As- 
sembly in 1845-6. As a Whig in 1S46, he was 
elected Governor of this State by about 11,000 
majority over the Hon. Silas Wright. In July of 
1849, he was appointed Assistant United States 
Treasurer, at New York, which position he held 
until his death. 

He was an able lawyer, occupying a front rank 
in his profession, and the dignified positions which 
he held and graced were a just return for his years 
of patient toil and" untiring energy. He died in 
New York, April 23, 1852, and lies buried at Tem- 
ple Hill, Geneseo. 

Nathaniel Cole was another prominent after 
settler. He was born in Rensselaer county, N. V., 
July 4, 1776, — the memorable day in the history 
of our nation. 



CONESUS— EARLY SETTLERS. 



'■7 



At the age of eleven his father moved to within 
five miles of Ballston Springs, N. Y., where they 
remained a few years, moving from there, when he 
was twenty-two years old, to Aurelius, Cayuga 
county, N. Y., and from that town to Conesus, ar- 
riving here March 23, 1815. 

At that time most of the town was a wilderness. 
His first land was purchased of William Williams, 
lot No. 104, on which Mr. Williams had done but 
three days' work. Here he built a log house, and 
the first year cleared five acres, and the next, seven 
acres. 

In 1816, he aided in building the Wing saw-mill 
on lot 104, which for many years has ceased to be 
in use. 

Even in his early days here the nearest grist-mill 
was at Hemlock lake. Wheat was then worth 
fourteen and corn ten shillings per bushel ; while 
potatoes, brought from Livonia, commanded one 
dollar per bushel ; and even at those prices both 
grain and potatoes were scarce. The scarcity and 
high prices were due to a severe frost which oc- 
curred in 18 1 6, appearing in July and followed on 
the 10th of September by another equally as severe. 
This frost caused much hardship among the settlers, 
especially to those on the Marrowback hills, where 
there were some who did not have a mouthful of 
bread for three successive weeks. 

This brief famine caused some of the settlers to 
become insane on account of the suffering of their 
families. Among those thus seriously affected was 
Micah Spencer, who settled on lot 69, — a poor 
man of proud spirit — the suffering of whose family 
made such an impression on his mind as to make 
him demented. 

In 1817, Mr. Cole moved on lot No. 79, where 
he was obliged to plan every way to procure pro- 
visions. The most successful plan was in burning 
wood and selling the ashes therefrom, and with the 
proceeds purchasing the necessaries of life. Mr. 
Cole died in 1868, at the advanced age of ninety- 
two. 

Mrs. Jane McNinch,* wife of James McNinch, 
who came here in 1806, was born in Washington, 
Columbia county, Penn., April 24, 1788. At the 
age of seventeen, October, 1805, she was married 
to James McNinch. In February, 1806, in com- 
pany with Matthew, Annie and John Scott and 
Matthew McNinch, she moved from Columbia 
county to this town, arriving here about the 1st 
of March, and stopping at the house of James Hen- 
derson at the head of Conesus lake. Her hus- 

* Grandmother to Win. P. Boyd, Esq., of Conesus. 



band, who was a mill-wright, had remained to 
attend to his mill, but in a few months joined her 
here. 

One of his brothers, John McNinch, came to 
Conesus about 1804, and his father and others of 
his brothers came soon after, and rented a farm of 
Squire Henderson near the head of the lake, and 
early in the fall of 1804 the father returned and 
brought the rest of the family here to live. 

In the summer of 1806, James McNinch took 
up lot in in the south part of the town, where he 
cleared a small area and built a log house into 
which they moved in the fall of 1806. In that 
same year Mrs. McNinch and her husband moved 
to Dansville, where he had engaged to tend mill 
for Mr. Rochester. This mill, in the early part of 
the winter, was destroyed by fire. They then re- 
turned to Conesus, and in the spring they moved 
to Frost's Hollow, Ontario county, where for two 
years Mr. McNinch tended mill, when they again 
returned to Conesus where they lived two years. 

In the spring of 181 3, they went to Lakeville, 
town of Livonia, where for ten years Mr. Mc- 
Ninch tended mill for Mr. Bosley. At the expira- 
tion of that time they moved again to Dansville 
where they remained two years, and then returned 
to Conesus where they passed the rest of their life. 

When they first came to the town, all of their 
trading was done at Dansville. The merchants 
there would sell no person more than a quarter of 
a pound of tea and two pounds of coffee at a time, 
for which the purchaser paid from three to four 
shillings per pound for coffee, and from six to 
twelve shillings for tea. Sugar and molasses could 
scarcely be obtained at any price. Their grist was 
carried to Hemlock lake on horseback, as there 
was no road but a foot path through the forest. 

James McNinch died of consumption Novem- 
ber 8, 1839. Jane McNinch died March n, 
1869, at the age of eighty-five, and was buried in 
the north part of the town in what is known as the 
Alger and Boyd burying ground. Mrs. McNinch 
resided several years among the Indians at the 
head of Lake Conesus, where, during the summer 
months, large numbers would encamp about the 
inlet for the purpose of hunting and fishing. Before 
the cold weather of fall set in, the most of them 
would depart for the south to pass the winter, re- 
turning when spring came. At times through the 
summer they would become quite troublesome, 
and often it was not safe for a white person to be 
seen near the inlet. These times were occasioned 
chiefly by their use of intoxicating liquors which 



328 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON CoLNTY. 



the settlers sold to them. When not under the in- 
fluence of liquor they were friendly and docile. 
The settlers living near them generally endeavored 
to keep on friendly terms with the Indians, and 
whenever they wished to borrow pots and kettles 
in which to cook their food always managed, if 
possible, to accommodate them. These the In- 
dians were careful to return, cleaned in their own 
way, but not at all limes to the taste of the 
loaners. 

When the news of sickness among the settlers 
reached the Indians, the squaws would come with 
roots and herbs to doctor them. Of these herbs 
they made teas, and to assure the whites that they 
were not poisonous, they would taste of them first 
before offering to the patient. In most cases these 
simple remedies were sure to cure the diseases that 
were prevalent at that time, and especially the dis- 
eases incident to children. 

The habits and customs of the early settlers 
were nearly as primitive as those of the Indians. 
The houses of those early days were rude affairs, 
as compared with the dwellings of to-day. They 
were uniformly of logs, either round or hewn on 
two or more sides, and between the logs to keep 
out the wind and cold, the chinks were plastered 
with mud, or filled with strips of wood sharpened 
on one side and wedged firmly in. In rearing 
these primitive houses the pioneers held logging 
bees, to which the settlers far and near would 
come to assist in the erection of the home for the 
new comer. When the house was raised they 
would cut places for doors and windows, before the 
doorway hanging a blanket, and for the windows 
using sheets of greased paper or the hides of wild 
animals. The roof was covered with the bark 
peeled from the logs used in the construction of 
the cabin, and bound on by poles to keep it from 
blowing away. The floors were made of slabs of 
basswood hewed on one side and with the round 
side turned down. In one end of this rude building 
they constructed a fire-place on which they placed a 
back log from two to three feet thick, with one half 
the size for a forward log, and between these logs 
they would pile huge sticks of wood, before whose 
cheery blaze, surrounded with no comforts, and 
pinched by all the privations and trials of pioneer 
life, the)' passed their evenings as happily as do 
their descendants who live in costlier and more 
( omfortable homes. 

But few of these relics of that pioneer age exist. 
In a few years not a vestige will remain of the log 
cabins under whose bark roofs those hardy men 



and women lived lives of heroic devotion and en- 
durance. 

In 1816, there were but four frame buildings in 
the town, three of which were barns. The house 
was burned a number of years ago. One of the 
barns belonged to Davenport Alger and one to a 
Mr. Younge. The rest of the buildings through- 
out the town were of logs. 

Early Merchants, Early Events. — The busi- 
ness interests of the town developed but slowly. 

The pioneer effort in that direction has been as- 
cribed to Squire Henderson who in 1794 — the next 
year after his arrival — built the first saw-mill. 

One of the earliest merchants was Harvey May, 
who, in 1S19 opened a small store at what is now 
known as Foot's Corners, and near the residence 
of Nathaniel Cole, Jr. He sold general merchan- 
dise to the settlers, taking his pay in ashes which 
he converted into potash. 

In 1820 or 21, he was succeeded by Martin 
Neal, who began business on a larger scale, which 
he continued a few years. Harvey May and 
Samuel Chapin in 1822 built here the first frame 
store in which merchandise was ever sold. 

In 1818 Andrew and Gardner Arnold opened a 
store at what is now Conesus Centre. 

The first grist-mill was built in 1824. 

The first school-house was built in 1810, in 
which year Polly Howe taught the first school. 

The first preacher was Rev. Mr. Goodale, who 
in 1795 preached in the southwest part of the town 
for the Free Will Baptists. 

Another early and noted minister was Rev. 
Baldwin Wright. 

The first Church built was the Methodist at 
Conesus Centre in 1836. 

The first marriage was that of Hugh Harrison 
and Elizabeth Collar in 1796. 

The first birth was that of a daughter, Jane, to 
Squire Henderson in 1S01. 

The first death was that of Elizabeth Collar * in 
1801. 

The first resident minister was Rev. Mr. Ing- 
ham (or Ingraham) in 1808. 

The first Justice elected by the people was 
Samuel Robinson in 1829. 

One of the most noted early physicians was 
Doctor E. Campbell. 

The oldest person ever known to have died in 
the town was Lucy Bates, born in 1725, and dying 
in 1832, at the age of 107 years. 

* Probably wife to Hugh Harrison, whose marriage to an Elizabeth 
Collar, the reader has noticed. 






CONESUS-SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION AND WAR OF 1812. 



329 



Near the head of Lake Conesus, occurred in the 
year 1779 a memorable battle between the Indians 
and a portion of General Sullivan's army. The 
army passed through the northwestern part of the 
town, entering nearly on lot No. 6, and pursued a 
direct course to the head of the lake. 

Gen. Hand's light corps encamped on land once 
owned by Doctor McMillen, while the main body 
of the army encamped about three-quarters of a 
mile southwest of what is now Conesus Centre. 
This spot was on part of the farm taken up after 
the war by Lemuel Richardson, who was a Revo- 
lutionary soldier and also a member of Sullivan's 
expedition. 

Since the settlement of the town the plow has 
unearthed many relics of that memorable cam- 
paign, among which is a brass or copper plate, 
worn on the hat, inscribed " U. S. Rifleman." 

In the center of this plate is an eagle with out- 
spread wings, holding in one claw an olive branch, 
and in the other a bow and bunch of arrows. This 
was found by Bennett R. Boyd while working for 
Hiram Boyd on lot 1 4. 

On land of Nathaniel Cole, Jr., a bullet mould 
was found capable of running twelve balls of the 
size of an old style horse pistol. 

Numerous mementos have been discovered of 
the Indians who formerly inhabited this region. 

Warren Wheeler, who came here from Vermont, 
in 1816, says that in the fall of that year an Indian 
mound, or burying ground, was discovered near the 
head of Conesus Lake, in which, in a sitting pos- 
ture, were found the remains of a number of In- 
dians, with the arms and trinkets with which they 
had been buried. 

The mound was about thirty feet in diameter 
thatched overhead with stones. 

Revolutionary Soldiers.— Conesus has the 
honor of once being the home of ten or more of 
the patriots of the Revolution who came here after 
the close of the war and resided until their death. 

The list of these soldiers as near as can be learned 

although there may have been others who made 
this town their home— is as follows :— Francis 
Horth, Aaron Hale, Lemuel Richardson, David 
Sopher, Jabez Lewis, Charles Chamberlin, Paul 
Sanborn, Theophilus Jackson, Thaddeus Gage, 
Isaiah Bacon. Five of these patriots lie buried in 
the cemetery at Conesus Centre, two in South Li- 
vonia, one in the McKay burial ground, one in 
Hart's and one in Springwater. In those graves 
which are honored by their presence they have 
slumbered many years, and no records exist con- 



cerning the majority of them. It is learned that 
Thaddeus Gage was born in the year 1750, and in 
1776, when but twenty-six years of age, entered 
the Revolutionary army with which he served in 
five campaigns. 

Francis Horth was born in Rhode Island in 
i75 6 - At the age of nineteen he joined the army 
and served nearly five years, participating in the 
battle of Stillwater, and being present at Saratoga 
when Burgoyne surrendered his sword to General 
Gates. He died in 1844 at the age of 88. 

Aaron Hale was born near the city of Boston. 
At the age of twenty-one he entered the army and 
was present at the battles of Bunker Hill and Ben- 
nington. In 18 15 he came to Conesus where he 
lived until his death in 1821. He was buried in 
the town of Springwater. 

War of 181 2. — In this war, as the town was 
not thickly inhabited, there were but few who 
joined the American forces. Among those who 
entered the field at that time were James Hender- 
son, who was killed at the battle of Queenstown, 
Andrew Carter, Andrew Arnold, Tyranis Ripley, 
B. F. Fosdick, Asa Stevens, Benjamin Clapp. 
Elijah Webster, and Daniel and Samuel Monger. 
Erastus Lewis served as one of the minute men, 
and when the news of the British advance on Buf- 
falo reached the town he was called out to oppose 
the enemy. In an engagement between the Amer- 
can and British forces, on the enemy's side of the 
river, in which the British were aided by a large 
number of Indians, he took his position behind a 
log fence, and as the enemy advanced he began to 
fire upon them. After firing several shots he dis- 
covered that he was alone, his comrades having 
fallen back and deserted him. Under a heavy fire 
from the British he jumped up and ran after them, 
reaching his companions with only a bullet hole 
through his hat. 

Two brothers, Joseph and Jonathan Richardson, 
both cripples, participated in the battle of Chip- 
pewa, fought July 5, 1814, in which battle Joseph 
was killed by a ball passing through his heart, and 
Jonathan was taken prisoner by the British. He 
was taken to Montreal, and from there to Halifax, 
from which place, after some six months imprison- 
ment, he was released. Joseph Richardson, Jr., a 
son to Joseph who was killed, was also captured 
by the enemy, but in a few days escaped. 

The friends of Joseph Richardson visited the 
battle-field, where among the other dead gathered 
for burial they found his remains, which they 
brought home and buried at South Livonia. 



33" 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Andrew Carter, whose name is given in the 
above list, entered the army when scarcely twenty 
years of age, and soon after becoming disheartened 
he deserted and returned home to suffer trials 
greater than those from which he had fled. 

He was soon missed, and an immediate search 
was made for him, which, had he been re-taken, 
would have resulted in his death for desertion. 
Learning that he was pursued he took refuge in 
what is known as Purchase Gull, where through 
one long winter he hid away among the pines and 
rocks, from whose recesses when the nights came 
he would cautiously emerge and seek food at the 
log cabin of James McNinch. 

Several times officers came from Buffalo and 
searched for him, ransacking this house, exploring 
the gulleys, and laying every plan for his capture, 
but through the aid of Mrs. McNinch he escaped. 
In the branches of a huge hemlock he built a nest, 
covering it with bark, in which through the winter 
storms he lay until spring, when the search was 
abandoned. He died a number of years ago in 
Scottsburgh, respected by all as a worthy and 
upright citizen. 

As a relic of this war Hiram Boyd, Esq., has in 
his possession a captain's commission given sixty- 
seven years ago to his father, Phillip Boyd. It is 
dated at Albany, March 2, 1814, and is signed by 
Daniel 1). Tompkins, Governor of the State, and 
by J. Kutsch Van Rensselaer, Secretary. 

Flood of 1835. — In the fall of 1835 the town 
of Conesus experienced the most disastrous flood 
known since its settlement by the pioneers. 

The flood was caused by a furious storm which 
swept over the southern portion of the town, and 
when it reached Calabogue Hollow the rain fell in 
torrents, filling the ravines with a rush of water 
which soon covered the flats below, carrying every- 
thing before it to destruction, until its fury was 
abated at Conesus lake. Trees and fences were 
whirled away like straws before the wind, and the 
residents on the flats flew to the hills for safety, 
some of them barely escaping with their lives. On 
the eastern bank of the gully stood the millwright 
shop of Bell & Hedges, which was swept away 
as the unfortunate owners were endeavoring to 
save their tools. The body of Bell was found next 
day a short distance from the ruins, but the body 
of Hedges was not found until the next July, 
when it was discovered buried beneath a pile of 
ilooilwood near the head of the lake. 

Town Officers.- — The first town meeting was 
held at the head of Conesus lake, April 4, 1820. 



This meeting proved to be illegal, as the legislative 
act to form a new township from parts of Grove- 
land and Livonia, which was passed in the early 
part of the preceding winter, contained a special 
clause that there should be no town meeting or 
election of officers until the spring of 1821. Soon 
after the passage of this act the inhabitants, un- 
aware of this clause, issued notices for the election 
of town officers on the day mentioned, when they 
nominated Davenport Alger for Supervisor and 
Phoenix Squibbs for Town Clerk. These nomina- 
tions not being satisfactory to a large number of 
the inhabitants, they determined to place in nom- 
ination two other candidates. In this determina- 
tion they experienced some difficulty, for at that 
time they were but little acquainted with each 
other's ability to hold office. They finally resolved 
to try Thomas Collar for Supervisor, although for a 
long time they were in doubt as to his ability ; but be- 
lieving that a man who kept up as good fences as 
Mr. Collar did would make a good Supervisor, 
they placed his name on the ticket and succeeded 
in electing him, together with Samuel Chapin, Jr.. 
as Town Clerk. 

The illegality of the election was soon discovered, 
and in 1821 was held the first legal town meeting, 
at which Davenport Alger was elected Supervisor, 
and Samuel Chapin, Jr., Town Clerk. 

The other officers elected at that time were as 
follows: — Assessors, Jesse McMillen, Alexander 
Patterson, Zenas Whilen ; Overseers of the Poor, 
Alexander Patterson, Thomas Collar ; Highway 
Commissioners, Jesse McMillen, Joel Gilbert; 
Constable and Collector, Peter Stiles ; School 
Commissioners, Jesse McMillen, Joel Gilbert, 
Erastus Wilcox; Inspectors of Schools, Andrew 
Arnold, Samuel Chapin, Jr.. Elias Clark. 

From that date to 1880 the succession of Su- 
pervisors and Town Clerks has been as follows : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 



1822. 


Samuel Chapin, Jr. 


Andrew Arnold. 


1823. 


Andrew Arnold. 


Davenport Alger. 


1824- 


25. 


Peter Stiles. 


1826. 


Alex. Patterson. 


H it 


1827- 


28. David C. Higgins. 


David Gilbert. 


1829. 


Andrew Arnold. 


Joshua Huntington 


1830. 


Samuel Robinsonji 


. B. F. Fosdick. 


1831. 


Jotham Clark, Sen. 


tt tt 


1832. 


Eli Barnes. 


.. If 


1833- 


Jotham Clark. 


(C tt 


IS34- 


35.Gardner Arnold. 


it it 


1836. 


Harvey Purchase. 


tt tt 


IS37. 


Jotham Clark. 


tt a 


1838. 


Hosea Gilbert. 


Joseph Wells. 


1839. 


Robert Bayles. 


Charles Pixley. 


1840. 


Gardner Arnold. 


tt tt 



CONESUS — TOWN OFFICERS, CHURCHES. 



33 » 



1841. Robert Bayles. Charles Pixley. 

1842. Hector Hitchcock. Justus Allen. 

1843. Luther Chapin. " " 

1844. Hector Hitchcock. " " 
1S45. Robert Bayles. Benoni F. Fosdick. 
1846. Hector Hitchcock. " " 
1847-48. Solomon Hitchcock. " " 
1849. Robert Bayles. " " 
1350. Davenport Alger. " " 
1851-52. Lewis C. Kingsbury. " " 
1853—56. George F. Coe. " " 
1857-58. Henry L. Arnold. " " 
1859-62. Ezra W. Clark. 

1863-64. R. Fulton McMillen. " " 

1S65. Ezra W. Clark. " " 

1866. Henry C. Coe. " " 

1867. Ezra W. Clark. 

1868. Solomon Hitchcock.* " " 
1869-72. Henry C. Coe. t " " 
1873. Jotham Clark. " " 
187+ " " William H. Mills. 
lS 7S-7 6 - Amos D. Coe. " " 
1877-80. George F. Coe.J " " 

The following officers were elected April 5, 
1 881: Supervisor, R. Fulton McMillen; Town 
Clerk, William H. Mills; Justice of the Peace, 
Floyd McNinch ; Highway Commissioner, William 
P. Whiteman ; Assessor, James C. McNinch ; Over- 
seer of Poor, David Coleman ; Collector, Andrew 
F. Kelleman; Constables, Andrew F. Kelleman, 
John C. Coe, George Jerome, Timothy Bailey, 
Sanford Allen ; Game Constable, Luman H. Bald- 
win ; Excise Commissioner, Patrick McNinch; 
Inspectors of Election, William A. Miller, Charles 
C. Gray. 

Churches. — For many years after the settle- 
ment of the town the pioneers were without regu- 
larly organized religious societies and were depend- 
ent on occasional preachers for the ministration of 
the gospel. At first their nearest place for wor- 
ship was at what was then known as Buell Hill, in 
Livonia, where the Presbyterians held service. 
About 1 8 10 the Methodists began to hold religious 
services in private houses throughout the town, 
followed soon after by the Baptists, who had as an 
occasional preacher a minister named Ingham.? 

A society of the Christian order was organized 
near May's (now Foot's) Corners in 1818, but it 
existed only a (ew years. Of this order Rev. Syl- 
vester Morris, who settled here in 18 18, was after- 
ward an honored pastor. Mr. Morris was born in 
the town of Paris, Oneida (now Clinton) county, 

* Appointed. 

t Died February 22, 1880. 

J Mr. Coe died and R. F. McMillen was appointed to fill the unex- 
pired term. 

§ Or Ingraham, who settled in Conesus about 1808, and who was the 
first resident minister in the town. 



N. Y., Nov. 30, 1S01. In 1S15 he moved to East 
Henrietta, N. Y., and from there to Conesus in 
1818. In 1847 he was ordained as a minister in 
the Central New York Christian Conference, 
which was formed in pioneer times by circuit riders. 
He died February 14, 1877. 

Rev. John Hudson became a resident here in 
1815, and when in about 1816 the Methodists 
organized a society at Conesus Centre he became 
the pastor of that denomination. 

Of the Methodist Episcopal Society thus organ- 
ized there are no records until the erection of its 
church edifice in 1836. 

The church was dedicated January 28, 1837, by 
Rev. James Hemmingway, Presiding Elder. First 
Board of Trustees— Thomas Youngs, Jesse Gray, 
Justin Allen. 

The first preacher in charge was Rev. E. 
Thomas, followed by Revs. Jacob Scott in 1837, 
William Jones in 1838, Carlos Gould in 1839, 
Chandler Wheeler in 1840, Sheldon Doolittle in 
1841, C. L. Brown in 1842, Wesley Cochrane in 
1843, John Wiley in 1844, E. O. Hall in 1845, 
Geo. Wilkinson in 1846, Theodore McElhaney in 
1847-9, Hiram Sanford in i85o,Veranus Brownell 
in 1851-2, Z. I. Buck in 1853, W. M. Haskell in 
1854, Jonas Dodge in 1855, Samuel McGerald in 
1856, Otis B. Weaver in 1857, Myron De Puy in 
1858, Isaac McMahon in 1859-60, James Knapp 
in 1861, L. L. Rogers in 1861-3, E. Lattimer in 

1864, Robert T. Hancock in 1865, John Parker 
in 1866-7, D. Hutchins and Mr. Blakeslee in 

1865, T. J. O. Woodin in 1869-71, G. J. Du Bois 
in 187 1-2, J. Duncan in 1873, J. VY Blanchard in 
1874, A. M. Bancroft in 1875, R. T. Hancock in 
1876, J. D. Recqua, 1876-7, J. W. Barnett in 
1877-8, Porter McKinstrey in 1878-9, A. E. Tan- 
ner in 1879-80. 

This church edifice was destroyed by fire Decem- 
ber 30, 1 87 1 , and the meetings were held in a school 
house for two years and then in the First Univer- 
salist Church until the fall of 1876, when a new 
church was erected. 

This church was built and furnished at a cost of 
$4,000, and was dedicated November 15, 1876, 
by Rev. B. I. Ives. 

Board of Trustees: David Coleman, Samuel 
Maring, William L. Perrin, Orville Chapin, Daniel 
Trescott, Secretary. 

The First Universalist Church. — This society 
was organized December 19, 1835. Among early 
members were Joshua Huntington, H. J. Hunt- 
ington, Gardner Arnold, Hosea Gilbert, Daven- 



33* 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



port Alger, Alexander Patterson, Enoch Wilcox, 
Robert Bayles, Solomon Hitchcock, Lewis Clark, 
Timothy DeGraw, David Gilbert, Samuel Buckley. 

A. Stevens, Hiram Boyd, Darius Morris, J. T. 
Beach. 

The erection of a church edifice was begun in 
1836 and was completed in 1837. 

The church was built at Union Corners, on land 
owned by Timothy DeGraw. Here the society 
worshipped until the erection in 1873 of a more 
commodious church in the village of Conesus 
Center. This church was dedicated by Rev. W. 

B. Randolph in March, 1874. 

Among the pastors who officiated in the early years 
of the society were: — Rev. (). Roberts, Rev. Mr. 
Tompkins, Rev. O. B. Clark, Rev. J. A. Dobson, 
Rev. W. B. Randolph. 

The first pastor after the erection of the new 
church was Rev. G. W. Montgomery, who remained 
three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. 
Baker who presided one year. The next pastor 
was Rev. Nelson Snell, one year, succeeded by the 
present pastor, Rev. John Charles Mclnemey, 
who came in April of 1880. 

St. Williams Catholic Church. — The church 
edifice of this society was erected in 1876 by Rev. 
Father Seymour, the resident pastor of St. Mi- 
chael's church, Livonia, from which place Conesus 
was attended. Previous to this time there was no 
regular place of worship in the town, the people of 
that faith being obliged to attend the church at 
Livonia Centre, except when Father Seymour came 
and held service in the school-house kindly opened 
by the Trustees for that purpose. The church 
erected for the accommodation of the society is a 
very neat structure, and was completed and suita- 
bly furnished by Father Murphy, who succeeded 
Father Seymour, Nov. 7, 1877, and who attends 
this charge from Livonia Center, where he resides. 
Since the erection of the church the members have 
done remarkably well in reducing the indebtedness 
incurred, which at this date does not amount to 
one hundred dollars. The ground upon which 
the church was erected was purchased by William 
Egan, a member to whom much is due for his un- 
tiring zeal in procuring a place of worship. Among 
the many generous non-Catholics who contributed 
liberally toward the erection of the church were 
Amos D. Coe, F.zraW. Clark, Solomon Hitchcock, 
Jotham Clark, Fulton McMillen, George F. Coe, 
T. F. DeGraw, and W. H. Mills. 

The membership numbers about twenty families, 
prominent among whom are those of Patrick Ryan, 



C. McCinty, B. Lawn, John McGinty, William 
Dunne and Martin Berrigan. 

Services are held in the church every third Sun- 
day at nine o'clock, a. m. 

Population. — The population of Conesus in 
1870 was 1,362; of which 1,262 were native. 100 
foreign, 1,357 white, and 5 colored. 

In 1875 the total number of inhabitants was 
1,371 : of which 1,263 were native ; foreign 108 ; 
and white 1,371. 

At the last census, 1880, the total population 
was 1,397; a gain of35 in ten years. 

School Statistics. — The first school districts 
in Conesus were organized in the year 1820, Jan. 
21, under the direction of Jesse McMillen, Erastus 
Wilcox, School Commissioners. These are known 
as Districts 6 and 7. 

There are 9 districts in the town which, in 1880, 
employed ten teachers. During [880 school was 
taught 441 3-5 weeks, with an average attendance 
of 186. The number of children in these districts 
over five and under twenty-one is 443. Of that 
number 347 attend school during some portion of 
the year. The amount paid as wages to teachers 
during the yearwas $1,734.09. The district libra- 
ries were valued at $75.00, and the amount paid 
out on them in 1880 was $404. Total value of 
school houses and sites, $6,235. 

Total amount paid for school apparatus during 
the year, $2.1 1. 

Total amount expended on school houses, sites, 
repairs, furniture, &c, $174.30. Total incidental 
expenses for the year, $264.52. Total valuation 
of districts, $7,645.79. 

Printing Establishments. — The only enter- 
prise of this kind in the town is Boyd's Job Print- 
ing Establishment, situated in the northern part of 
the town at what is known as Conesus post-office. 
The business was established by the present pro- 
prietor, William P. Boyd, in 1875. The estab- 
lishment has every facility for job printing. 

Mr. Boyd is a practical mechanic. The press 
which he uses in his office was made by himself, 
and he also manufactures for the trade, his presses 
giving general satisfaction. 

Besides the labor attendant on his business, Mr. 
Boyd is a well known and interesting contributor to 
the press of the county and State. He and Hiram 
Boyd, his father, have made the history of Conesus 
an especial study, and it is to them that we are 
indebted for the material used in this history 
of the town, much of which appears in its original 
form. 







The subject of this brief memoir was the son of 
John C, and Anna (Dixon) Coe, who moved to 
Livonia at an early day, being among the pioneers 
of that town. 

He was born in Livonia in 1816, and moved to 
Conesus in 1843. He was twice married, first to 
Roxy Howe, of Livonia, who lived but a few years ; 
afterwards to Alta A. Stone, also of Livonia. To 
them were born three children, viz: — Annie C, 
John C, and G. F. J., all of whom survive him. 
At the time of his death, Mr. Coe was 64 years of 
age, and had been for many years a prominent 
citizen of his town, and well known throughout the 
county. That he greatly endeared himself to the 
people of his town, the many public offices he held 
tully testify. For eight years he represented the 
town of Conesus as Supervisor, having been elected 
to that office in 1853, reelected in 1854-5 and'56, 
and also in 1 877-78-79 and '80. The board of 
Supervisors, recognizing his particular fitnesss for 
the position, elected him chairman of that board in 
[880, which position he held at the time of his 
death. 

As a public officer, he was faithful, vigilant, 
and trustworthy, guarding carefully the interests of 
the county at large, as well as of his own imme- 
diate constituents. A favorite among his ac- 
quaintances, keen in perception, and full of the 
trv of wit. genial and pleasant to all, his pres- 



ence brought sunshine into every gathering in which 
he mingled. He was one whom nature fitted for 
the highest responsibilities of life, possessing clear 
and accurate judgment combined with broad and 
liberal views, and unbounded benevolence. He 
was a kind and generous friend to the poor. Being 
full of sympathy for all the distressed or unfortu- 
nate, he never allowed a suffering or needy appli- 
cant to be turned away empty-handed, thereby ex- 
emplifying in his daily life the distinguishing tenet 
of his religious faith, which was the fatherhood of 
God and the brotherhood of man. He was socially 
honest, and what lie said to-day, he was ever will- 
ing to repeat to-morrow. In the community in 
which he lived, the foot-prints of his kindness and 
charity will remain long after the mould of time has 
gathered on the tablet erected to his memory. Mr. 
Coe was a member of the Masonic fraternity, hav- 
ing become so in 1858. His death which was a 
peculiar!) sad one, occurred November 9, 1880. 
Returning from a meeting of the Board of Super- 
visors, which he left in apparent health, when almost 
in sight of his home, he was attacked with heart 
disease, a difficulty which had troubled him occa- 
sionally for some years, and stricken down instantly, 
breathing out his precious spirit in solitude where 
no eye beheld him except the Eye that never sleep- 
etli. So true is it, that in the midst of life, we are 
in death. 



UNION CORNERS — FOOT'S CORNERS — CONESUS CENTRE. 



Hiram Boyd came to Conesus in 1821, at the 
age of sixteen, and is known as one of the most 
successful and intelligent farmers of the town. 

Union Corners. 

Union Corners is situated about half a mile 
north of Conesus Centre, on lot No. 43. It has 
some eighteen or twenty houses, and about fifty 
inhabitants. 

The first house was built here in 1807 by Abel 
Root. The only business place is a tailor shop 
conducted by John Magee. The first tailor shop 
was built here by a Mr. Bates in 1820. In 1837 
he was succeeded by Gardner Arnold, who built 
the first frame tailor shop, in which for a few years 
he carried on a successful business when it was 
burned down. 

John Magee, the present merchant tailor, was 
born in Ireland in 182 r, and came to America 
when ten years old. He came from New York to 
Conesus as a permanent resident in 1846, and in 
1850 built his store in which for thirty years he 
pursued his business until Sunday, March 6, i88r, 
when both his store and his dwelling house were 
destroyed by fire. 

Foot's Corners. 

Foot's Corners is a small hamlet about a mile 
south of the northern boundary of the town. In 
the early settlement of the town this place was 
called May's Corners, for a family of that name who 
made the first settlement here in 1806. The ham- 
let contains ten or fifteen houses and was once the 
chief place of the town. In earlier days it had a 
store, tavern, and blacksmith shop. The tavern 
was built about sixty years ago by Harvey May 
and Samuel Chapin. 

The store was built about the year 1835 by 
Foster Foot, from whom the place derived its pres- 
ent name. 

Both tavern and store have been abandoned for 
many years. This place at an early day was a 
noted resort for races, general trainings, and other 
amusements. 

Conesus Centre. 

Conesus Centre, the chief business place of the 
town, contains a population of about two hundred. 
It is situated nearly in the center of the town on 
the line of the New York, Lake Erie and Western 
Railroad. The first permanent settlement known 
to have been made here was by Jacob Durham, 



about the year 1800, who built the first log-house. 
The village contains three churches, one hotel, 
post-office, a harness shop, and three stores. 

The first store was opened here in 181 7 by Mr. 
Arnold and his nephew, Gardner Arnold. Their 
place of business was in a log building. 

The first hotel was built by Daniel Bump be- 
tween 1830 and '35, which was destroyed by fire a 
number of years ago. The post-office was estab- 
lished here in 1819 with Andrew Arnold as post- 
master, and B. F. Fosdick as post-rider. In 1823 
a mail route was established between Conesus Cen- 
tre and Springwater, and Rev. Sylvester Morris 
was the first to perform the service of post-rider on 
that line. The present post-master is William H. 
Mills, who was appointed in 1874, succeeding B. 
M. Moulton who had held the office some four or 
five years.* 

The hotel is kept by Dr. G. K. Vincent, who is 
also extensively engaged in the manufacture of 
perfumery and flavoring extracts, and various med- 
ical compounds. This business was founded by 
G. K. Vincent in 1873, and is conducted by G. K. 
Vincent & Co. The medicine and extracts man- 
ufactured by this firm have met with great success 
and the business bids fair to live among the prom- 
inent manufactures of the county. 

William H. Mills, general merchandise, has been 
in business here ten years. He was born in Grove- 
land, February 24, 1845, and has been a resident 
of the town twenty-seven years. 

Lewis & Stark, (Gilbert L. Lewis, Arthur A. 
Stark,) general merchandise, have been in business 
as a firm since April 1, 1880. 

John Dodge, general hardware, has been in bus- 
iness here since 1876, coming here at that time 
from Liberty, Steuben county, in which place he 
was born July 15, 1847. 

Frank S. Gilmore, jeweler, has been in business 
two years, coming here from Springwater, N. Y. 

William A. Miller, harness-maker, has been en- 
gaged in that business "here seven years. He was 
born in Dansville in 185 1, and came to Conesus 
eight years ago. 

Dr. Jesse B. Losey is the only practicing physi- 
cian in the town. He was born in South Dans- 
ville, Steuben county, October 20, 1828, gradu- 
ated at Castleton, Vt, in 1857, and came to Cone- 
sus in i860. During the war of the Rebellion he 
served as Assistant Surgeon in the 2 2d New York 
Cavalry. 

* The town has also another office, known as Conesus post-office, in 
the northern part of the town. The post-master is Joseph H. Rowland. 



334 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Soldiers ok the Rebellion. — When the war 
cloud of the Rebellion broke over the land the 
town of Conesus promptly and enthusiastically re- 
sponded to the call both in money and men. 

The town stood two drafts, and had the honor 
of being able to furnish the requisite quota of vol- 
unteers without compelling the drafted men to en- 
ter the service. 

Through the enthusiastic efforts of the inhabit- 
ants, who with fife and drum recruited on the 
Sabbath day as well as during the week, the de- 
sired number of men was obtained, and they 
marched from the town to carry the flag on the 
bloody fields of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, York- 
town and Richmond, and in Sherman's triumphant 
march to the sea. 

The total enlistment from the town, under the 
various calls was seventy-eight. The amount of 
money raised to procure enlistments was $3,100, 
and of that amount $1,900 was raised by a tax 
upon the town, the balance being procured by in- 
dividual subscription. Besides that amount $700 
were raised as donations to hospitals and sanitary 
commissions. 

The following is the list of the volunteers and 
the regiments in which they enlisted : — 

One Hundred and TMrty-sixtk Regiment: — 
Henry L. Arnold, entered as Captain of Company 
I, was promoted to Colonel of the regiment, and 
was wounded in battle at Bentonville, N. C, 
March 19, 1865. He is now in Geneseo, N. V. 

Matthew Mead, Second Lieutenant, Company 
I, served through the war. Now in Rochester, 
N. V. 

Charles Bullard, First Lieutenant, Company not 
known, was wounded. 

William Lawn, Sergeant, Company I, killed at 
the battle of Resaca,* Ga., May 16, 1864; buried 
on the field. 

LaFayette McFarlin, Company I, enlisted in 
1862. Died in hospital at Washington, in August 
of 1863. 

Watson Thomas, Company I, enlisted in 1862 ; 
taken sick, came home on a furlough, and died in 
November, 1863. 

John Duane Alger, Company I, enlisted in 1862 ; 
died at Camp Smoky Hollow, Va., in the fall of 
1863. 

Jerome Henry, Company I, enlisted in 1862; died 
in the hospital at Washington, in the spring of 
,863. 

James Conlen, Company I, enlisted in 1862 ; lost 

* Another record says lie was killed ai Chattanoog 



an arm at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, but served till 
close of the war. Now living in Conesus. 

Charles Beadle, Company I, served till 1864, 
when he was discharged. Now in Wisconsin. 

Orville M. Chapin served through the war. Now 
in Conesus. 

Allen Timbrooks, Company I, served through 
the war. Now in Michigan. 

James McGlin, Company I, wounded and taken 
prisoner at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. Was 
taken to Libby Prison, and was afterwards released 
and returned to his regiment. Now in Livonia, 
N. Y. 

William Poland, Company I, discharged in 1863, 
at Stafford Court House for inability. Now in 
Conesus. 

Henry Compton, Company 1, was Company 
cook. Now in Illinois. 

James Compton, Company I, deserted in 1863, 
after the first day's battle at Gettysburg. 

Chester Gould, Company I, served till fall of 
1863. Lost his voice and was honorably dis- 
charged. Now near Pontiac, Michigan. 

Joel Johnson, Company I, was discharged on 
account of inability. Now in Springwatcr, N. Y. 

Horace Wing, Company I, was discharged on 
account of sickness, in 1863. Now proprietor of 
the Clinton House, Dansville. 

Harrison Coleman, Sergeant, Company \, served 
through the war. Now in Saginaw, Michigan. 

Joseph Barnhardt, Company I, discharged at 
Washington in the fall of 1862. In 1863 he re- 
enlisted in the 14th Heavy Artillery. Was wound- 
ed at the battle of Cold Harbor, in 1864. Now 
in Canadice, Ontario county, N. Y. 

Abram Tittsworth, Company I, was discharged 
on account of inability in 1862. Now in Kalama- 
zoo, Michigan. 

Orlando O. Webster, Company I, deserted in 
1863. Was drowned in Conesus lake in 1873. 

William Cole, Company I, deserted after the 
first day's battle of Gettysburg. 

Theodore Acker, Company I, enlisted in 1864, 
at Savanah, Ga. Now in Michigan. 

Robert F. Bullard, Company 1. was wounded at 
Mission Ridge, Tenn., in November of 1864. 
Now in Perry, Wyoming county, N. Y. 

Samuel Maring, Company I, died in the hospi- 
tal in 1863. 

Reuben Cole, Company I, deserted in 1863, af- 
ter the first day's battle at Gettysburg. 

Isaac Philhouse, Company I, enlisted in 1862. 
Was discharged in 1865. Now in Conesus. 




Geoi\ge Wilhelm. 



CONESUS— WAR RECORD. 



335 



John Gill, Company I, was wounded at Gettys- 
burg in July, 1863, and was honorably discharged. 

A. T. Thompson, (dead,) Samuel Compton, 
Henry Piatt, (dead,) John Tiemey, Christopher 
Sylvester, Wm. Burdick.* 

Of those who enlisted in other regiments in de- 
fense of the Union, G. Wiley Wells, at the break- 
ing out of the Rebellion was one of the first from 
this town to tender his services, entering the 27th 
Regiment New York Volunteers, and serving with 
credit to himself until the expiration of his term 
of enlistment. Upon his return he recruited for 
the 130th Regiment, afterward changed to the 
First New York Dragoons, and on reenlisting was 
commissioned as First Lieutenant. At the close 
of the war he removed to Mississippi, from which 
State he went as a Representative to Congress, and 
under President Grant's administration was U. S. 
Consul to China. 

Wilber Payn, enlisted in 1864 in Company K, 
1 88th Regiment. Was wounded at battle of Five 
Forks, Va., April 1st, 1865. Now in Conesus. 

Daniel Sliker, Sergeant, Company D, 188th Regi- 
ment. Now in Ohio. 

Morgan Shafer, Sergeant, 188th Regiment. Now 
in Conesus. 

Peter Sawdey, First N. Y. Dragoons. Now in 
Springwater, N. Y. 

Daniel Hoose, enlisted in 1864 in Company K, 
1 88th Regiment. Was honorably discharged at 
close of the war. Now a farmer in Sparta, N. Y. 

William Gray enlisted in 1861. Died in Michi- 
gan ; date unknown ; buried in Conesus. 

William Harrison enlisted in 1864 in U. S. Navy. 
Was discharged in 1865 on account of sickness. 
Now in Conesus. 

Theodore Redmond enlisted in 1863 in 14th 
Heavy Artillery. Served till 1865 ; was discharged 
and afterwards went to Michigan, where he died in 
1872 or '73. 

Lucius Doud, Company G, First N. Y. Dragoons, 
was shot in battle at Todd's Tavern, Va., and is 
supposed to have died of lockjaw. 

William Sleiter, Company G, First N. Y. Dra- 
goons. Now in Livonia. 

Jesse B. Losey enlisted in 1864 in 22nd N. Y. 
Cavalry as assistant surgeon. Now practicing phy- 
sician in Conesus. 

William Egan, transferred to invalid corps in 
1864. Now in Conesus. 

Henry Timbrooks enlisted in 1861 in Company 



•Of this list there are no records to show the date of death, or the 
present residence of the living. 



B, 104th Regiment. Reenlisted at Mitchell Sta- 
tion, Va., in 1864. Was wounded at second battle 
of Bull Run, and at Laurel Hill in 1864. Now 
mail carrier in Conesus. 

Joseph Orr, 93d N. Y. Volunteers. Now in 
Conesus. 

Joseph Harvey, Company K, 188th N. Y. Vol- 
unteers, was promoted to First Lieutenant. Now 
in Saginaw, Mich. 

Chauncey (or Charles) Wilder, Company B, 
104th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, died at Camp 
Rathbun, Albany, in 1862. 

John Piatt, Company B, 104th Regiment N. Y. 
Volunteers, was discharged in November of 1862 
on account of inability. Died in Conesus in 
1864. 

Albert Piatt, Company B, 104th Regiment N. 
Y. Volunteers, was wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., 
July 1, 1863. Died in Steuben county since the 
war. 

Truman Powell, Company B, 104th Regiment 
N. Y. Volunteers, discharged in 1862, on account 
of inability. Now in Kansas. 

William Henry Gould, Company B. 104th Regi- 
ment N. Y. Volunteers, discharged with his regi- 
ment in 1865. Now in Springwater. 

Jacob Gray, Company I, 188th Regiment N. Y. 
Volunteers, discharged at close of the war. Now 
a farmer in Conesus. 

George Northrop enlisted in March, 1864, in U. 
S. Navy. Was drowned at Tunica Island, La., in 
1864. 

John Duane Scott * enlisted March 20, 1864, in 
U. S. Navy. Served faithfully through the period 
of his enlistment. Now in Conesus. 

Charles Bush, 104th Regiment N. Y. Volun- 
teers, was killed by a cannon ball in the first battle 
in which the regiment was engaged. 

Joseph Thomas, Company H. First Michigan 
Volunteers, killed by accidental discharge of a gun 
in the hands of a comrade. 

Jason Spencer, 13th Regiment. Killed. 

William Wilson, 188th Regiment. 

Manson Sanborn, 13th Regiment. 

William Spears, 130th Regiment. 

John Brown, 104th Regiment. 

William Brown, 22nd N. Y. Cavalry. 

Charles Ray, 130th Regiment. 

Moses Acker, captain's waiter, 130th Regiment. 

Moses Slater, 130th Regiment. Missing. 

George Patten, iSSth Regiment. 

* To whom, and to James Conlon and W. P. Boyd, we are indebted 
for this soldiers' record. 



33 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Marcus Hutchin, 188th Regiment. 

Livingston Clark. 21st N. Y. Cavalry. 

Israel Wells, 21st N. Y. Cavalry. 

Ward More, 21st N. Y. Cavalry. 

Charles Holmes, 104th Regiment N. Y. Volun- 
teers. 

Alvin Beers, 188th Regiment. 

Marshall Morris, 13th Regiment. Dead. 

George Clarke, 13th Regiment. Wounded 
slightly. 

Arlington Sylvester,* Gilbert Lewis, John Mc- 
Ninch, John Swartout, James De Forster. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GEORGE WILHELM. 

Among the early settlers of this county the Wil- 
helm family deserve special mention, and are of 
German origin. Three brothers came over from 
Germany about the year 1700, and settled one 
each in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. 
John, the father of George and progenitor of this 
family, was born in New Jersey. He was the 
father of eight children — six sons and two daugh- 
ters. Jacob, the sole surviving member of the 
family, lives in Woodhull, Steuben county, N. Y. 
George, the subject of this brief memoir, was born 
September 2, 1 791, and December 25, 181 5, was 
married to Sarah Bailey, of Yates county, N. Y., 
by whom he had ten children, viz: Ursula, John, 
Jonathan, Benjamin F., William B., George, Elsie 
Ann, James G., Rhoda, and Phillip C. 

March 22, 1828, he moved to the town of Sparta, 
taking his goods on sleighs. Here he purchased 
one hundred and forty-three acres of land, on 
which only fifteen acres had been partly cleared, 
and built a frame barn. In 1835 he erected 
a frame building on the place previously oc- 
cupied by a rude log hut, and by his sturdy will 
and industry made a clearing on what is now a 
finely cultivated farm. He held the position of 
road commissioner several terms, and he never 
sought political preferment, but was satisfied to 
devote his energies to the task he had undertaken 
— that of clearing and making a comfortable 
home for his family out of the wilderness he had 
selected as a foundation. Three of his children 
are now living — John and William, who occupy 
farms in Conesus, and Jonathan, in Springwater. 
He died March 7, 1855, and his wife October 20, 

187.S. 

As an individual member of this family, John is, 
perhaps, the most prominent and successful. He 

* Company and regiments of these are unknown. 



is the second child, was born September 14, 1818, 
and April 23, 1843, was married to Leora, daugh- 
ter of Ozias Humphrey, of Springwater. They 
had eight children, six of whom are now living, as 
follows: — Emily A., Sidney S., Elsie J., Solon H., 
Eugene B. and Martha V. His first business ven- 
ture was in a saw-mill, which he ran in connection 
with his father about four years. His first pur- 
chase of land was one hundred and eighteen acres, 
to which he has added at different times, until he 
is now the owner of about four hundred acres, in- 
cluding the old homestead. He deals extensively 
in cattle and sheep. On one of his trips through 
the Western States he stopped at the town of Mil 
ford, Oakland county, Michigan, where, there 
being no bank and the business needing one, he 
became one of the originators of an exchange 
bank. The increasing population, however, de- 
manded a national bank and they changed the Ex- 
change bank to the National bank of Milford, of 
which Mr. Wilhelm is vice-president. Two of his 
sons, Sidney S. and Solon H., seem to have in- 
herited their father's business qualifications and 
hold responsible positions. Sidney S. was elected 
Supervisor of Holly, Mich., in April, 1881, and is 
cashier of the Merchant's National bank there, to 
which position he was appointed at the early age 
of twenty-one years, and Solon H. is the cashier of 
the National bank of Milford. The two brothers 
are extensive dealers in lumber, their transactions 
amounting to millions of feet of the same each year. 
Of the family all are married, excepting Martha 
and Eugene who reside at home, the latter assist- 
ing in the management of the large farm which he 
occupies with his father, and which is a very pro- 
ductive one, the soil being a loam and clay sub- 
soil. 

In his domestic relations, Mr. Wilhelm is a kind 
and loving father, teaching his children by an up- 
right life the value and importance of virtue, and 
inspiring them with worthy ambitions to be true 
men and women in the loftiest sense of the word. 
His teachings are not forgotten, but are fully ex- 
emplified in the lives of his children. 



ANDREW N. PERRIN. 

Among the younger men who were natives of 
this county, few, if any, are more deserving of 
special mention than Andrew N. Perrin. 

His father, William Perrin, came here from 
Washington county, N. Y., about 1825, and pur- 
chased the farm situated about half a mile south of 
Conesus Center, and which is still in the family. 
December 27, 1833, he was married to Sybil 
Chamberlain. 

They had three sons, the eldest of whom is the 
subject of this sketch, and was born September 1, 
1839. The others are, Win. L. and Lewis D. 




M^mnumw &, pshhib, 



ANDREW N. PERRIN— JOEL GILBERT. 



337 



Perrin ; also two daughters, Mary M. and Sybil S., 
who have died. 

Mrs. Perrin died July 26, 1847. Mr. Perrin 
married, as his second wife, Rhoda M., daughter 
of Titus Curtiss, of Groveland, by whom he had one 
child, Luna L. 

Mr. Perrin, Sr., became one of the leading citi- 
zens and farmers of the county, and was well- 
known in the State and beyond for his superior 
stock, especially in the line of merino sheep, and 
horses. 

He died December 8, 1853, truly respected and 
lamented, and was burred in the cemetery at South 
Livonia. 

A picture of the " good old home " is given in 
this volume. The father's death occurring when 
Andrew N. was fourteen, 'left him, with the widow, 
the main reliance of the other children. With a 
brave young heart, he entered upon the responsi- 
bilities of the situation, and by virtue of his work- 
ing on the farm in summer and teaching in winter, 
the following eleven years witnessed all the family 
well cared for, and each of the children with a 
good education ; Andrew N. having found time 
also to spend two years in Brockport Collegiate In- 
stitute. 

William L. married Sallie, daughter of S. K.. 
Foote, of Louisville, Ky. Lewis D. married Ger- 
trude, daughter of Patrick McEntee, of Perry, N. 
Y. Both these sons reside at Olean, N. Y., suc- 
cessfully engaged in the oil business. Andrew N. 
was married May 8, 1867, to Linda, daughter of 
C. G. Williams, of Waukesha, Wisconsin. They 
have five children : — William, Marion W., Sybil 
M., Linna and Charles W. 

In 1865 he engaged in the development of oil in 
Western Pennsylvania, and in 1868 located at 
Titusville, Pa. 

After passing through the vicissitudes incident 
to that business, he appears in the front rank of 
prominent men in position and character. 

He is part owner and a manager in the Tide 
Water Pipe Line Company, which transports, by 
pipe line, from the oil regions to the seaboard, two 
millions or more barrels of crude oil annually ; 
and has recently added refining on a large scale 
to its business of transportation. 

Under appointment of the Governor, he is a 
member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agri- 
culture, where his early experience will be of great 
value. 

He is also under appointment, by the President, 
as a Commissioner from Pennsylvania to the 
World's Fair proposed to be held in New York in 
1883. 

In 1880 he was elected Mayor of the city of 
Titusville, which position he still holds. 

As a public speaker he takes high rank in both 
matter and manner. In a word, by natural en- 
dowments and expanding personal character, he is 
one of those reliable, rising men, who are not only 
successful in private life, but are also needed by 
the community in the administration of its more 
important and public affairs. 



JOEL GILBERT. 

Joel Gilbert, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Vermont, May 4th, 1792. He was the son of 
Moses Gilbert. He moved to Conesus about the 
year 18 10, and was married to Maiia Henderson, 
of Conesus, August 31st, 1819. She was the 
daughter of Samuel Henderson, who was one of 
the oldest settlers in the town. The result of his 



i«^ -.-=— 




(JOEL GILBERT.) 

marriage was four children viz :— Theodore H., 
Nelson N., Win. H. and Henry S. Nelson N. 
married Alta, daughter of John Coller, of Sparta. 
Her grandfather, Jacob, was among the first settlers 
of that town. 

Wm. H. married Julia A., daughter of Wm. 
Carnes and Phcebe Shay, a family noted for their 
longevity; in 1870, at a re-union of the family of 
Mrs. Carnes, there were five generations sitting at 
one table. 

William H. Gilbert's family consists of five 
children:— Estella M., Nettie E., Wm. Sherman, 
Henry N., Luella E. Wm. H. occupies the old 
homestead, which is pleasantly situated on the 
eastern shore of Conesus lake. 

Henry S. married Emeline. daughter of Riley 
Scott, of Conesus. Three children were born to 
them : — Helen M., Ermie E. and Henry S. Theo- 
dore lives in Oregon. The subject of this memoir 
was one of the oldest and a highly respected citizen 
of the town in which he lived. Although never 
seeking office, he held the position of Assessor for 
a number of years. He possessed the nerve and 
energy peculiar to the sturdy New England stock 
from which he sprang. In politics he was a Re- 
publican at the time of his death. Prior to the 
war he was an Andrew Jackson Democrat. He 
died February 7th, 1870. His wife died January 
}oth, i860. 



33« 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 
Histor\ oi the Town oi Leicester. 

LEICESTER is the central town on the west 
border of Livingston county, and is bounded 
on the north by York, east by Geneseoand Grove- 
land, south by Mt. Morris, and west by Castile. 
Perry and Covington, Wyoming count)'. 

It was formed March 30, 1802, under the name 
of " Lester," in honor of Lester Phelps, son of 
Oliver Phelps, a partner of Nathaniel Gorham. 
This name was changed February 9, 1805, to the 
present one. 

Its surface is undulating, but grows more level 
as the Genesee river is neared, along the valley of 
which are extensive flats. The soil is mostly a 
sandy and clayey loam on the uplands and a rich 
alluvium on the flats. The principal streams are 
the Genesee river which forms its eastern and 
southern boundary, and Beard's and Sam's creeks 
which are tributary to it. Rice's Falls are located 
upon the former stream and have a tall of fifty feet. 
Beard's creek derives its name from the famous 
Indian chief, Little Beard, who was killed June 1st, 
1806, at Stimson's tavern, by being pushed out of 
a door in a drunken quarrel between some Indians 
and whites. 

On the farm of Win, DeForest exists a very fine 
fossiliferous deposit which is full of interest to the 
geologist, so much so that the Moscow shale and 
fossils are widely known. 

At the time of its formation, Leicester embraced 
a territory quite large in area extending about sixty 
miles north and south, and twelve miles east and 
west, with the following original recorded boun- 
daries : — " Commencing on the eastern transit at 
the southwest corner of South Hampton, thence 
east to the Genesee river, thence south on that 
river to a point near the junction of Canaseraga 
creek and Genesee river, thence directly south to 
Steuben county, and on the west line of Steuben 
county to the Pennsylvania line, thence west on 
the Pennsylvania line to the east transit, thence 
north on the east transit to the place of beginning." 
At this time the eastern tier of townships of Alle- 
gany county were included within the bounds of 
Steuben county, but were annexed to Allegany 
county, March 11, 1808. Angelica was set off 
from Leicester, Feb. 25, 1805, and included all of 
the town south of the southern boundary of Mt. 
Morris. Perry, Wyoming county, which then in- 
cluded Castile and a part of Covington, was set oil 



March n, 1S14, and Mt. Morris, April 17, 1818. 
March 26, 1819, the north part of Leicester and 
the south part of Caledonia were united to form 
the town of York, leaving the town reduced to its 
present boundaries. 

There is more than usual historical interest at- 
tached to this town from the fact that within its 
borders was located three of the principal villages 
of the Senecas — Little Beard's town, Squakie Hill 
and Big Tree — and it was here, also, that the ob- 
jective point of General Sullivan's noted expedition 
against the Iroquois confederacy was located, anil 
from whence, August 17, 1779, he commenced the 
retracing of his footsteps, having accomplished the 
total destruction of all of the Iroquois towns. 

It was to Little Beard's town that Boyd and 
Parker were taken after their capture; and it was 
near the flouring mill, at Cuylerville, that they were 
so cruelly tortured and put to death by the Indians 
under the sanction of Col. Butler, Commander of 
the British Rangers. This town at the time of its 
destruction contained upwards of one hundred and 
fifty houses, and was surrounded by orchards and 
fertile fields of corn. It was here, also, that Mary 
Jemison lived for a number of years previous to its 
burning. 

After the commencement of the Revolutionary war 
white persons of both prisoners and allies were fre- 
quently seen at this place, as it was considered the 
headquarters of the Senecas. 

Among the prisoners was one Joseph Smith who 
was taken prisoner in 1776, by the Indians in 
Cherry Valley. He remained with them as prison- 
er until the close of the war in 1783, when he was 
released. The Indians afterwards made him, in 
conjunction with another prisoner, Capt. Horatio 
Jones, a present of a tract of land five miles square, 
bounded as follows : " Commencing at a point near 
the junction of Canaseraga creek and Genesee 
river, running west five miles, thence north five 
miles, thence east to the Genesee river, and thence 
south along said river to the place of beginning." 
At the treaty held at Geneseo in 1797, but part 
of this grant was confirmed, only three by five 
miles being allowed. Smith was rather eccentric 
in his habits, and through his open-hearted dispo- 
sition and willingness to assist his friends financial- 
ly, finally lost all of his property. He died at 
Moscow. 

Through some misrepresentation on the part of 
< (liver Phelps, he obtained control of a large por- 
tion of Horatio Jones' share, and upon Phelps' 
failure these lands were transferred to the State of 





Photo, by Merrell, Gsneseo- 



MR. \- MRS. JAMES K. BEEBE 



Russell Beebe, father of James E., was born in 
Canada, and came with his parents, when a mere 
child, to Whitehall, Washington county, N. Y., 
where he resided until nineteen years of age. He 
then concluded that the then far west in the 
Genesee Valley, was the place where a young man 
should commence to make for himself a home 
and a fortune. Selecting the Genesee flats he 
settled there and remained about two years, when 
he engaged to work by the year for William Wads- 
worth, with whom he remained about three years. 
From that time he worked by the month for 
different parties until the year 1814, when May 
29, he was married to Orville, daughter of Joseph 
and Hannah Bell, of Leicester. He was then 
superintendent of the Rogers farm and continued 
in that capacity for the ten years following, when 
he bought a farm one mile north of Moscow, 
where he lived until he died March 14, 1864, his 
wife having died in May, 1862. Their family 
consisted of five children, three sons and two 
daughters, four of whom are now living. 

James E. is the eldest child and the only one 
residing in the town of Leicester. He resided 
with his parents until nearly twenty-three years of 
age, and his education was such as he could 



obtain at the district school, which he attended 
winters, working on his father's farm during the 
summer. December 25, 1839, he was married to 
Caroline F. Royce who was born March 31, 182 1, 
and was daughter of Samuel and Betsey (Reed) 
Royce, of Leicester. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe lived 
with his father one and a half years after their 
marriage, when they moved to where he now 
resides, and for five years lived in the log house 
which then stood where his present residence is 
now situated. He then erected the fine and com- 
modious farm house which he now occupies. 
They have had five daughters, four of whom are now 
living, and three of whom were born in the old log 
house. Emily M. is now Mrs. Charles Beck with, 
living in Bethany, Genesee county. Dora M.,wife 
of Edward J. Van Sickles, of Mt. Morris. Ruth A., 
now Mrs. Albert Filkins, of Bethany, Genesee 
county, and Sarah E. is now Mrs. Augustus Burt, 
of Perry, Wyoming county. Carrie L. died Sept. 
22, 1880, at the age of twenty-two years. 

Mr. Beebe has filled several important offices of 
trust in town. He has been commissioner of 
highways and assessor for a number of terms and 
also auditor. He is a practical farmer and well 
deserves the success that has followed his efforts. 



LEICESTER — KARI.V SETTLERS. 



339 



Connecticut. This land was divided into lots and 
parcels about 1813. At the time of the donation 
to Smith and Jones the flats were valued at 75 
cents and the uplands at 25 cents per acre. 

To Joseph Smith was bom, in Geneva, in No- 
vember, 1787, Mar)', said to have been the first 
white female child born west of Utica ; and to 
Horatio Jones, at Geneva, was born, December 
17, 1786, William Whitemore, the first white male 
child born west of the same place. 

To Ebenezer Allen is ascribed the honor of mak- 
ing the first settlement soon after 1783, but did not 
remain but a short time, the first permanent settlers 
being Horatio and John H. Jones, in 1789, 
although John H. and George Jones had come in 
the year previous, for the purpose of cutting grass 
and stacking hay preparatory to the settlement the 
next year. They cut the grass from about nine 
acres a little east and south of the bridge over Beard's 
creek, on the road to Cuylerville, and after secur- 
ing the hay, left but returned in the fall and plowed 
and sowed to wheat the ground they had mowed 
over in the summer. This is believed to have been 
the first wheat sown west of the Genesee river. 

Captain Jones and his family, consisting of his 
wife and three sons, Win. W.. George and Hiram 
and a hired girl by the name of Sally Griffith, 
moved into the town in June, 1789, and located in 
a small hut located near the field of wheat sown 
the fall before. It was here that the first white 
birth occurred in the town, that of James Jones, 
who was born May 5, 1791. Jamesand his brother 
George were taken prisoners by the Indians near 
Lewiston in 1813 during the war with Great Britain. 
After their capture a difficulty arose between their 
captors as to the division of the prisoners, and dur- 
ing the quarrel they were both cruelly tomahawked. 
Sally Griffith who came in with Captain Jones' 
family afterwards married Benjamin Squires of 
Geneseo. The first death in the town was that of 
Mrs. Horatio Jones, in June, 1792. The first inn 
was kept by Leonard Stimson, who established in 
1797 a tavern near the bank of the river, about a 
fourth of a mile north of Jones' bridge. In 1803 
he built a frame building, and used it as a tavern. 
This was the first frame house built in the town 
and was afterwards bought by Charles Jones. It 
stood on the site of his residence, being incorpo- 
rated in the same. The first frame barn was built 
by Capt. Horatio Jones in 1796 and was the first 
frame building in the town. It was erected a little 
west of Jones' bridge. 

The facilities for the transportation of grain dur- 



ing the early history of the town were extremely 
limited and being debarred by the expense of trans- 
portation from sending the bulk of the grain raised 
away to market, they were perforce compelled to 
create a market for it at home, by converting it 
into something more easily carried, and it was not 
but a few years after the settlement of the town, 
before a distillery sprang up, built by John H. 
Jones on the old Fort farm where Col. W. W. Jones 
afterwards lived. Since that time there have been 
eight other distilleries in operation, although at 
present the business has entirely died out. 

A great deal of this liquor found a " home mar- 
ket " also, as is witnessed by the fact that no less 
than sixteen taverns have had existence in the 
town. Besides Stimson's tavern there was the 
Pine tavern, which at first was only a log shanty in 
the woods kept by Joseph Simonds, a tavern kept by 
Francis Richardson on the farm afterwards owned by 
Hiram Crosby, one kept by Pell Teed, one at the 
river on the road between Geneseo and Moscowkept 
by James Forbes, and one at the Jones Bridge kept 
by Mr. Whitmore, all of which were the earliest in 
the town. Dennison Foster kept tavern on the 
place afterwards owned by Geo. Lane, in a house 
which he erected for this purpose, and which was 
afterwards purchased by Wm. Robb, who moved 
it to Moscow in j8i6, where he fitted it up as a 
store and occupied it for a few years. 1 1 was after- 
wards occupied successively by Allen Ayrault, Ly- 
man Ayrault and Daniel Gates, and was finally 
incorporated in the tavern afterwards kept by a 
Mr. Pratt. Col. Joseph White was another early 
tavern keeper at Leicester. 

Elder John B. Hudson, an early Methodist 
preacher who settled in Geneseo in 1808, states in 
his "narative" that "Lester was at this time 
(1808) known as a thinly scattered settlement, 
certainly not noted for its morality, and still less so 
in regard to religion. Whiskey and Sabbath dese- 
cration were then and there notoriously prevalent." 
Another writer says : " For a number of years 
after the first settlement of the town the inhabi- 
tants were beyond the reach of the healthful influ- 
ence of civil authority. Intemperance was general 
and crime was of frequent occurrence." All this, 
however, has long since undergone a change, and 
Leicester, freed from the incubus of alcohol, has 
taken a front rank among the towns of the county 
for the industry, thrift and law abiding spirit of its 
inhabitants. 

Old Leicester village was laid out in 1800 about 
three-fourths of a mile east of Moscow by Augus- 



34° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



tus Porter. The first postmaster in Leicester was 
Nicholas Ayrault. 

The formation of roads received due attention 
from the early settlers, and some of the principal 
thoroughfares from Geneseo passed through this 
town. The first recorded roads in the county were 
one located in Geneseo in 1791 and one in Avon 
in 1797. In 1792 a gentleman from Boston jour- 
neying from Canawaugus to Fort Niagara says 
that " there was no path except an Indian trail 
which was sometimes very difficult to follow, and 
no white man lived on the route." Soon after this, 
as the settlements increased in number, temporary 
paths were opened through the forest, through 
which, by means of "blazed" trees the traveler 
could wend his way with a sense of safety against 
losing his way through the forest, even if the road 
was rough and primitive in its construction. One 
of the earliest roads in the town was from the set- 
tlement first known as Old Leicester to Batavia, 
and from thence to Lewiston ; another was opened 
from Leicester directly west twenty-five miles to 
the town of Sheldon, while a third road starting 
from the same point as the other two was laid off 
in a south-westerly ^direction to the Alleghany 
river. Eetween Beard's creek, at this time, and 
Leicester village was a swamp which though pass- 
able was during wet seasons mostly under water. 
The highway from Leicester to Mt. Morris was the 
continuation of the present road leading south 
from Leicester to its intersection with the present 
road a few rods south of the school house at 
Squakie Hill. From thence north to Moscow in 
1 81 8 the present traveled road was opened and 
made passable for teams, mainly through the efforts 
of JellisClute, who with Thomas and VVm. Clute were 
prominent early settlers, coming from Schenectady. 
The old road from Leicester village to Rice's 
Falls came across Moscow green, thence by the 
northwest corner through the center of the ceme- 
tery and from there to the falls. In regard to the 
means of crossing the river we have only been able 
to glean the following items : Daniel Curtis, in 
1804-5 kept a f err y across the river on the road 
leading from Geneseo to Leicester. The first 
bridge built south of Avon was called the Jones 
bridge, and was erected in 18 16. In 1831 this 
bridge was carried away by a large freshet, and 
was not rebuilt till 1832-3. The bridge at Mt. 
Morris was built in 1830, washed away in [832, 
and rebuilt two years later. The Cuylerville bridge 
was erected in 1852. 

Besides the early settlers already mentioned thai 



wielded a prominent influence in the early history 
of this town there were Jesse Wadhams, Joseph 
White, Joseph Edmunds, Gideon T. Jenkins, after- 
wards the first sheriff of the county, Festus Cone, 
Dr. Asa R. Palmer, Justin Dutton, Col. Jerediah 
Horsford, Samuel Miles Hopkins, Col. Win. Ly- 
man, Elijah Hunt, Alexander Ewing, Theodore 
Thompson, and others. Jedediah Richardson set- 
tled in Leicester in 18 16. His son Hiram \V. 
Richardson was born in 181 7. and is now living in 
the town. Col. Lyman's wife was a daughter of 
Capt. Horatio Jones, and was born in Leicester ; 
she died March 14, 1875, aged seventy-one. Cap- 
tain Horatio Jones, already mentioned, was born 
Dec. 17, 1703. in Penn. He enlisted in the Con- 
tinental army in 1780, and was captured by the 
Indians that same year and taken to their home. 
He lived with them till after the close of the war. 
He died in 1836 and is buried in Geneseo. 

The industrial interests of the town have been 
quite prominent in their time. Besides the nine 
distilleries already mentioned, there have been five 
grist-mills, the first of which was erected by Oliver 
L. Phelps, on the west branch of Beard's creek at 
Rice's Falls in 1797, and was burned in 1S17 and 
the second one by Noah Benton, near Mos- 
cow, in 1799. The one at Cuylerville was first 
built in 1844, by Col. Cuyler. There have been 
three fulling mills in the town, two of them as early 
as 1815, viz: one built by Peter Roberts and 
Samuel Crossman in the gully, north of the resi- 
dence occupied by Lewis Newman, and one built 
by Peter Palmer. Three tanneries have been 
in operation, conducted by Messrs. Ira Holmes, 
Cone & Ferry and Spencer. The first saw-mill 
was built by Ebenezer Allen, at Gibsonville, in 
1792, Samuel M. Hopkins owned a brewery in 
1820. 

The first upland farm cleared and cultivated was 
that ofjosiah Risdon's, and was situated a little 
north of Cuylerville. It was afterwards owned by- 
David Bailey. The first physician was Paul New- 
comb. 

In September, 1825, there was held at the 
Academy in Moscow an important treaty with the 
Seneca Indians. ( )n the part of the United States, 
Major Carroll, Judge Howell and Nathaniel Gor- 
ham acted as commissioners, Jasper Parish was 
Indian agent and Horatio Jones acted as inter- 
preter. This treaty was held mainly for the purpose 
of extinguishing the title of Mary Jemison to the 
Gardeau reservation by purchase by the whites. 
The land amounting to nearly 18,000 acres was 



LEICESTER — TOWN OFFICERS. 



34i 



bought by Henry B. Gibson, Micah Brooks and Jellis 
Clute. The Indians soon after this sale was con- 
summated, moved away to their reservations west. 
In 1 S 1 5 the Synod of Geneva proposed opening 
a school at Squakie Hill for the instruction of the 
Indian children, provided a school house could be 
built for that purpose. Rev. Daniel S. Butrick 
engaged to have a suitable school house provided 
which was completed _in November, 1815. Soon 
after the completion of the house a school was 
opened for the Indian children under the care of 
Col. Jerediah Horsford, who was employed for the 
purpose by the above mentioned Synod. At the 
time of this school the number of Indians at the 
place, old and young, was about eighty. 

August 20, 1841, occurred a most notable event 
in the history of the town. On that day, in the 
presence of large delegations from Livingston and 
Monroe counties, the remains of those brave 
men who formed Lieut. Boyd's scouting party 
and who were so cruelly sacrificed, were, to- 
gether with the remains of Boyd and Parker, taken 
to Rochester and there interred in Mt. Hope ceme- 
tery. The remains of Boyd's unfortunate comrades 
were exhumed August 16, from the farm of James 
Boyd, in Groveland, having been buried " near 
where they so bravely fell. Boyd and Parker were 
buried near the bridge at Cuylerville. The two 
small streams that join near here were at this time 
(1841) named respectively Boyd's and Parker's 
creeks in their honor. 

The first town meeting was held March 1st, 
1803, at the house of Joseph Smith, who then 
lived very near the spot that Col. Cuyler's farm 
house was located. This Joseph Smith was the 
one to whom, in company with Horatio Jones, the 
Indians granted a tract of land. 

At this meeting there were elected the following 
officers : — 

Supervisor, John H. Jones; Town Clerk, Geo. A. 
Wheeler; Assessors, Samuel Ewen, Alpheus Harris, 
Dennison Foster ; Collector and Constable, Peres 
Brown ; Poor Masters, Benjamin Gardner, Adam 
Wisner; Commissioners of Highways, George Gard- 
ner, Wm. Mills, Joel Harvey ; Fence Viewer, Daniel 
Curtis ; Pound Keepers, David Dickinson, James 
Dale, Joel Harvey; Path Masters, Abel Cleveland, 
Samuel Hascall. 

The following have been the successive Super- 
visors and Town Clerks : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 



1804-06. John H. Jones. 
1807. Tom Lemen. 



Daniel Curtis. 
Jared Spalding. 



808-09. Tom Lemen. 



John H. Jones. 
Wm. A. Mills. 

Jellis Clute. 

Abraham Camp. 
a a 

Joseph Butrick. 
Jellis Clute. 

Joseph White. 
Jellis Clute. 
ElihuScofield. 
Jellis Clute. 
Allen Ayrault. 
Felix Tracey. 
Geo. W. Patterson. 
Daniel H. Bissell. 
Horatio Jones, Jr. 
Daniel H. Bissell. 



sio. 

811-13. 

814. 

815. 

816. 

817. 

81S. 

819. 

820-21. 

822. 

823. 

824-25. 

826. 

827. 

828. 

829. 

830. 

831. 

832. 

833-3+ 

835-36. 

837. 

838. 

839-40. 

841. 

842. 

843-44- 

845- 

846. 

847. 

848-50. 

851. 

852. 

853- 

854. 

855- 

856. 

8S7- 
858. 

859- 

860. 

861. 

862. 

S63. 

864-66. 

867. A. M. Wooster. 

868-70. John H. Jones. 

871. 

A. M. Wooster. 



Wm. Jones. 
Justin Dutton. 
Jellis Clute. 
Justin Dutton. 

(C a 

John Baldwin. 
Joseph White. 
Hezekiah Ripley. 
John Baldwin. 
Jerome Curtis. 
Wm. Lyman. 

a (( 

Jerediah Horsford. 
n tt 

Daniel Gates. 
Wm. Lyman. 



H. A. Wilmerding. 
Ebenezer Walker. 
H. A. Wilmerding. 
Daniel C. Maxson. 
Ephraim Cone. 
M. N. Burchard. 
H. A. Wilmerding. 



Daniel P. Bissell. 
Geo. W. Patterson. 
H. N. Wheelock. 

Richard H. Wells. 

Wm. W. Wooster. Sylvanus L. Young. 

Wm. M. Older. 

Horatio Jones, 3d. 

Wm. M. Older. 

D. B. Noble. 

Henry Tilton. 

D. B. Noble. 
John H. Jones, Jr. Gideon Thompson. 
John Kennedy. Erastus Brooks. 

Wm. W. Wooster. Wm. W. Sears. 
Hiram D. Crosby. Wilbur H. Boies. 



John H. Jones. 
John Kennedy. 



Thos. J. Jones. 



W. W. Wooster. 
W. B. Wooster. 



W. B. Wooster. 



John H. Jones. 
A. M. Wooster. 
Wm. C. Dwight. 



James McCarter. 
Barney Van Vleet. 
Wm. C. Dwight. 
E. N. Bacon. 
N. E. Clute. 
A. E. Clute. 

Chas. O. Atherton. 

it a 

Dorus Thompson. 
P. A. Phillips. 
Austin S. Smith. 
Dorus Thompson. 



872. 

873- 
874. 

875- 
876. 

S77. " Bingham Knapp. 

878-79. Jas. C. Wicker. D. Thompson. 

880. C. O. Atherton. " " 

The following officers were elected April 5th, 
1881 : Dorus Thompson, Supervisor; Squire P. 
Utley, Town Clerk ; George W. Lane, Justice of 
the Peace ; William B. Wooster, Highway Com- 
missioner ; John Robinson, Assessor ; Martin S. 
Wheellock, Overseer of the Poor ; George W. 



342 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Richardson, Collector; Oeorge W. Richardson. 
Harrison Harrington, Ira Green, Reuben G. 
Moses, Constables ; Daniel G. Ten Eyck, Came 
Constable; Henry H. Warner, (vacancy.) James 
Brophel, Excise Commissioners ; James E. Beebe, 
John W. Kellogg, Louis A. Allen, Inspectors of 
Election. 

At the first town meeting it was voted that $400 
be raised for the expense of the town for the year, 
and also that a bounty of five dollars be offered 
for every wolf killed in the town. 

The following order appears on the town 
records : — 
Ontario County, ss : 

To Samuel Hascall, Poor master of the District 
of Leicester : — In the name of the people of the 
State of New York, you are hereby authorized and 
required to warn and see that each and every per- 
son hereafter named doth faithfully work the num- 
ber of days opposite their respective names on the 
road, beginning at the northeast corner of the 
square against the Indian town, thence from the 
southeast corner of said square to the river at 
"Squarker" Hill, thence east from the place of 
beginning to the top of the hill at Leonard Stim- 
son's, and make returns of your proceedings to the 
Commissioners of Highways according to law. 
Hereof fail not at your peril. Given under our 
hands this the 31st day of May, 1803. 

Ceo. Gardner, 
Joel Harvey, 
Wm. A. Mills, 
Com'n'rs of Highways. 

The following are the names appended : — John 
Redford, Stephen Hoyt, Warner Finton, Wm. 
Carter, John H. Jones, John Solomon, James and 
Stephen Dale, Joshua Quivey, John Griffith, Wm. 
White, James Blakesley, Martin Griffith, Willard 
Lewis, John Sample, Andrew Rose, Wm. Rose, 
John Lewis, Josiah Rirden, Ralph Brown, Elijah 
Hunt, Ceo. and Eli Cooper, John Shackleton, 
Peres Brown, Ransom Harmon, Ephraim Fosster, 
Denison Foster, Geo. Gardner, Joel Harvey, Major 
Nobles, Daniel Curtis, Benjamin Gardner, Benj. 
Gardner, Jr., Geo. A. Wheeler, Joseph Smith, 
Peter Myers, Adam Wisher, Josiah Jewett, Caleb 
Shaw, David and Joseph Pond, Josiah and John 
Hovey, David Philips, Moses Wilson, John Knuckle, 
Jacob Holden, Aaron Wheeler, Josiah Hovey, Jr., 
Simeon and Guerdon Hovey, John Bonard, Rich- 
ard Cramer, Teeple, Jonathan Jinner. 

The following names were appended to a similar 
order sent to Wm. A. Mills : Clark and Abel Cleve- 
land, Joseph Philips, Jared Spalding, Thos. Philips, 
Alpheus Harris, Isaac Powel, David Dickerson, 
Lewis Mills, Wm. A. Mills, Alexander Mills, Bela 



Elderkin, Samuel Patterson, Dorastus P. Snow. 
Zebulon Tubbs, Squire Haskin, Phineas Bates, 

Robert Wilson, Lauraby, Amos Solomon, 

fohn K.invon, Geo. Minigar and James Haskins. 

At an election held in this town April 26, 27, 
28, 1803, there were forty-five votes cast. In 1810 
there were fourteen votes cast for Governor. 

In the war of the rebellion Leicester contributed 
her full share and it is a matter for serious regret 
that a perfect record of those who so bravely vol- 
unteered from this town at the time of their coun- 
try's peril and who laid down their lives upon the 
altar of liberty, should never have been made. 
The following is a copy of all that appears on the 
town records essentially pertaining to its military 
record. 

April 5U1, 1864, the following resolution was 
passed : — 

"Resolved, That the Board of town auditors be 
authorized to pay such sums of money to the indi- 
gent families of the soldiers from this town now in 
the service of the United States or that may be 
called into such service during the present year as 
in their judgment shall from time to time be deemed 
necessary to make such families comfortable, and 
that the same be levied upon the taxable property 
of said town the same as other town expenses and 
not to exceed One Hundred and Fifty Dollars." 

August 15, 1864, it was 

"Resolved, That the town of Leicester pay for 
volunteers who may enlist under the last call of 
our President for five hundred thousand men dated 
July 18, 1864, in addition to all other bounties the 
sum of three hundred dollars for those who may 
enlist or be mustered in, to the credit of said town 
for one year, and six hundred dollars for those en- 
listing for three years until the quota is filled. 

" Resolved, That the town pay the sum of five 
hundred and twenty-five dollars to men that are 
drafted under the late call of the President for five 
hundred thousand volunteers and who furnish a 
substitute." 

September 12, 1864, the following resolution was 
passed : — 

" Resolved, That the Supervisor of the town of 
Leicester be and is duly authorized to pay for vol- 
unteers to fill the quota of said town under the call 
of July 18, 1864, for five hundred thousand men 
for the service of the United States, not to exceed 
the sum of one thousand dollars to each recruit." 

The following school statistics for the town of 
Leicester were taken from the last report filed with 
the county clerk, which bears date of October 1, 

1877:- 

Number of licensed teachers employed at the 
same time for twenty-eight weeks or more, 12; 



3F ipl 





Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Atherjon. 



OLIVER ATHERTON. 



Oliver Atherton, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Chesterfield, Cheshire county, N. 
H., Dec. 5, 1806. He was the second son of 
a family of seven children, four sons and three 
daughters. He remained at home with his 
parents, assisting his father on the farm, until 
19 years of age, when he went to Warsaw, 
now Wyoming county, and in partnership with 
a man named Marvin, bought the stage route 
running between LeRoy and Angelica. This 
proved to be a bad investment, for his part- 
ner was unreliable, and he then commenced 
working in a hotel for Col. Wm, Bingham, of 
Warsaw, with whom he remained two years. 
After this he drove the stage for Gen. McEl- 
wain, from Warsaw to Moscow, and in 1838 



commenced the grocery and restaurant busi- 
ness in Moscow, where he continued till his 
death, which occurred Feb. 5,^865. 

Mr. Atherton was successful as a merchant, 
careful, prudent, and industrious. Feb. 27, 
(1839,) he was married to Maryette. daughter 
of William and Clarinda Knapp, of Perry, 
Wyoming county. They adopted a son who is 
as dear to Mrs. Atherton as though he were her 
own. He carries on the same business, begun 
by his father and occupied the same building 
until 1880, when he moved to the present large 
and commodious building near the old one. 

In politics, Mr. Atherton was a Republican, 
supporting his party by his vote only, never 
interfering with others in their political views. 



LEICESTER — VILLAGE OF MOSCOW. 



343 



number of children between five and twenty-one 
years of age residing in the town Sept. 30, 1877, 
552 ; number of children attending school during 
the year, 428; average daily attendance, 229.950; 
whole number of days attendance through the 
year, 34,685 ; number of volumes in district library, 
263; value, $140; 10 school houses, all frame; 
value of sites. $800; value of school houses, $4,355 ; 
size of sites, 2 acres 77 rods; assessed value of tax- 
able property in the district, $1,289,820. 

Statement of receipts and disbursements for the 
school year ending Sept. 30, 1877 : — 

RECEIPTS. 

Amount on hand Oct. I, 1876 $ S7.78 

Amount apportioned to district I, J75-47 

Amount raised by tax 1,717.2} 

Amount from teachers' board and other sources .... r6.oo 



-$3,116.48 



DISBURSEMENTS. 

For teachers' wages .. $z, 5S1.19 

For libraries ... S.41 

For school apparatus 10.46 

For school houses, sites, fences, out-houses, repairs, 

furniture, etc 1 19- 12 

For all other incidental expenses JP-'o 

Amount on hand Oct. 1st, 1877 145. iz 



-$1,216.48 

The following from this town have held distin- 
guished positions in various places : — 

John H. Jones was appointed one of the Judges 
of Genesee county at its organization in 1802 and 
continued on the bench of that county till Living- 
ston county was formed in 1821. He was after- 
wards Side Judge in Livingston county for a few 
years. Gideon T. Jenkins was the first Sheriff in 
the county, and also served in the State Legisla- 
ture in 1819. Samuel Miles Hopkins and Felix 
Tracy both served in the legislature. Col. Hors- 
ford was in the legislature in 1830, and Geo. W. 
Patterson in 1832-33-35-36-37-38-39-40, twice 
Speaker during that time. John H. Jones, Jr., in 
1857, and Lyman Odell were elected to the assem- 
bly. In 1814 Samuel M. Hopkins was elected a 
member of Congress and served one tern. J. 
Horsford was elected to Congress in 1850. Geo. 
W. Patterson was elected Lieutenant Governor in 
1848 on the Whig ticket. Prof. Eben Horsford, a 
chemist of note, is a native of this town. 

Moscow. 

In the year 181 1, Samuel Miles Hopkins came 
to Livingston county ; but it was not till 1S13 that 
he finally made a permanent location in Leicester. 

In 1814, he made arrangements with his brother- 
in-law, Jesse Wadhams, to erect a large hotel at 
Leicester village. Mr. Wadhams, therefore com- 
menced operations and collected part of the ma- 



terial for the new house when some difficulty arose 
between Mr. Hopkins and some of the villagers in 
which Mr. Hopkins felt himself much aggrieved, 
and, in consequence of which, he determined to do 
nothing towards the advancement of that settle- 
ment. Mr. Hopkins soon after had completed the 
plans of another village, and in accordance there- 
with the present village of Moscow was laid out, 
and the plot surveyed in August, 1814, John Smith, 
of Groveland, acting as surveyor. 

Samuel Miles Hopkins was an eminent lawyer, 
and a brother to Mark Hopkins. He graduated 
at Yale College in 1791, and in 1792 became the 
pioneer lawyer in the village of Oxford, Chenango 
county, which was then just budding into promise. 

In 1817, Mr. Hopkins was considered to be 
worth about $75,000, which, three years later, 
owing to a depreciated currency — the legacy of 
the war of 181 2-15 — was wholly absorbed in the 
payment of his debts. 

In 1822, he moved with his family from the 
Genesee Valley to Albany, and engaged in the 
practice of his profession. In 183 1, he removed 
to Geneva, N. Y., where he died October 8, 1837, 
aged sixty-five. He represented the 21st District 
in Congress in 1813-15; was a member of Assem- 
bly from Genesee county (which then embraced 
the town of Leicester,) in 1820-21; represented 
the Western District in the State Senate in 1822 ; 
and March 7, 1825, in conjunction with George 
Tibbits and Stephen Allen, was appointed a 
Commission to sell the State prison at Newgate 
(which was inadequate to accommodate the con- 
victs in the eastern section of the State.) and build 
a new one — at Sing Sing. He was much respect- 
ed as a philanthropist and a Christian. 

The land upon which Moscow is located, was, 
at the time it was surveyed, covered with a young 
growth of hickory and oak. When first laid out, 
the square was bounded about one rod south and 
three or four rods north of its present limits, and 
was donated to the town for a public square and 
the land sold by the original proprietor with that 
understanding. The roads running east and west 
from it were six rods wide, but encroachments 
have been made upon both, and afterwards held 
by occupants of adjoining lands. 

The first building of any kind built in Moscow 
was a barn erected by Jesse Wadhams. The first 
public house in the place was built and kept by 
Jesse Wadhams in 181 4. He was succeeded by 
Gideon T. Jenkins who kept it for some little time. 
The building was afterward used as a residence 



344 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



by Horatio Jones. Homer Sherwood and Joseph 
White, from Leicester, each built a tavern in Mos- 
cow soon after and kept them for some time. Col. 
Jerediah Horsford succeeded Mr. Sherwood in 
business in 1848. Jerediah Horsford first opened 
a public house in Moscow in 1817 and kept it 
about twenty years. The Moscow Academy was 
built in 1 815—16 and was one of the first institu- 
tions of the character in Western New York. In 
the first few years of its existence it drew pupils 
from as great a distance as Canandaigua and Buf- 
falo. With the decadence of the village the acad- 
emy gradually lost its patronage, until it was finally 
closed. The building is now used as a black- 
smith shop. The first physician in Moscow was 
Asa R. Palmer, and John Baldwin, who came 
from East Bloomfield in 1 8 1 4, was the first lawyer. 
The first public school house built in Moscow was 
the one known as the " old brick school house," 
built in 1817. The first store was opened in 1815 
by Nicholas Ayrault. 

A weekly mail, sometimes on foot and on horse- 
back, was established between Moscow and Angel- 
ica by the "short tract.'' Previous to 1817 settlers 
of Mt. Morris had to go to Moscow for mail. 

The first newspaper in the county was estab- 
lished in Moscow by Hezekiah Ripley in 181 7 
under the name of the Moscow Advertiser am/ 
Genesee Farmer. In 1821 James Percival pur- 
chased the paper, and removing it to Geneseo 
continued it under the name of The Livingston 
Register. According to French's State Gazetteer 
Moscow village was incorporated in 1856, although 
no mention of this fact is found elsewhere. 

The following includes all of the present business 
of the village : — 

F. H. Mover, M. D., came to Moscow in June, 
1876 ; was graduated from Buffalo Medical College 
in 1872. 

J. Denton, M. D., came to Moscow in 1879 anc l 
succeeded to the practice of T. A. Denton, who 
located here in 1876. He was graduated from 
Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York city, 
in 1879. 

D. Thompson, general store; business estab- 
lished in Moscow, January, 1856. 

C. O. Atherton, general store, drugs, etc.; com- 
menced business in 1864, and succeeded to the 
business established by his father, Oliver Atherton, 
in 1838 soon after his settlement here. 

Edmund W. Sears commenced the boot and 
shoe business in 1842, and has since carried it on 
in this village. He is the son of Franklin Sears, 



who came to Groveland in :8i6. Mr. Sears 
came to Moscow in 1828 ; he has been postmaster 
since May i, 1865, succeeding F.rastus Brooks. 

St. James Hotel was built by Henry Bush in 
1836 and was opened as a temperance house, but 
was not financially successful. Catharine Rail 
now owns the property. E. P. Hill has been land- 
lord since February, 1880. 

There are three blacksmith shops, kept by John 
McMahon, Mathew Shirley and Wm. Grant; also 
two wagon shops, kept by Anthony Shaler and 
Wm. Grant. I.eander Rowley keeps a shoe shop. 

Churches — The Presbyterian Church of Mos- 
cow was organized in June, 1817, by Rev. Abra- 
ham Forman of Geneseo, with the following origi- 
nal members : — Asahel Munger, Eunice Munger, 
Asahel Munger, Jr., Lydia Munger, Hinman A. 
Boland, Amanda Munger, Asa R. Palmer, Abijah 
C. Warren and Bathsheba Warren. Asahel Mun- 
ger, Abijah C. Warren and Asa R. Palmer were 
chosen the first elders. Previous to the organiza- 
tion of this Church, Moscow had been favored 
for some time with opportunities for religious wor- 
ship though not regularly. Rev. Mr. Wheelock 
is recollected as being the first one to preach the 
" Word of God" in the village ; coming at inter- 
vals from Mt. Morris, where he then resided. The 
first resident pastor was Rev. Elihue Mason, who 
came in 1816, from Barkhampstead, Mass., and 
remained here two years. He came here under 
the patronage of the Congregational Missionary 
Society of Connecticut, an organization that did 
much to render the life of the hardy pioneers 
brighter and their physical burdens easier to bear 
from the religious teachings and associations of 
those early missionaries. Rev. Mr. Mason after- 
wards moved to Mt. Morris, where the last sixteen 
years of his life were spent. The first person added to 
the Church was Mrs. Polly Dutton, the daughter 
ofCapt. Joseph Smith, spoken of previously as the 
first white female child born west of Utica. She 
was married to Justin Dutton, who died in Mos- 
cow in 1S15. 

At the time of its organization the society wor- 
shipped in the chapel of the Moscow Academy, and 
continued to hold their meetings therein until their 
present church building was finished in 1832. This 
building was erected at a cost of $3,000, and was 
repaired in 1868. 

Rev. Elihue Mason was the first pastor after the 
organization of the society. Rev. S. T. Mills fol- 
lowed him in July 1820, though what interval in- 
tervened between him and Rev. Mr. Mason, is not 






VILLAGE OF MOSCOW — CHURCHES. 



.3-15 



definitely known. He remained till 1826. Rev. 
Ames P. Brown filled the pulpit from May, 1827 
till 1829 ; Rev. J. Walker, 1829-1833. After Rev. 
Mr. Walker, Rev. Mr. Schaffer filled the pulpit for 
a short time, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel 
Porter from November, 1833 — 1835. The first 
settled pastor was Rev. John H. Redington, who 
remained from September, 1835, till his death Sept. 
15, 1841. It was during his pastorate that a divi- 
sion of the church occurred between the old and 
new schools — so-called. The "new school" party 
retained possession of the church, and Mr. Red- 
ington with the " old school" faction were obliged 
to seek accommodations elsewhere. They ac- 
cordingly built a small church on the east of the 
the park. After Mr. Redington's death, Rev. 
J. W. McDonald succeeded to the pulpit Sept. 
19, 1841. 

In the "New School" branch Rev. Mr. Gilbert 
officiated from 1838 to 1841, and Rev. E. H. 
Stratton from February, 1842, till 1845. It was 
in the latter year that Mr. Stratton succeeded in 
uniting the two branches into one harmonious 
church. After the consolidation, Rev. J. W. Mc- 
Donald officiated as pastor till 1848. From July, 
1849, till July, 1856, Rev. L. Leonard served as 
stated supply. Rev. Walter V. Couch then sup- 
plied the pulpit for three months, and was followed 
by Rev. J. M. Harlow, January 25, 1857-64; Rev. 
F. DeW. Ward, D. D., two months ; Rev. G. R. 
Howell, March, 1864, to fall of 1865; Rev. W. D. 
McKinley, January, 1866, to April, 1873; and Rev. 
F. Gutelius, the present pastor, since July, 1874. 

The present membership of the church is ninety ; 
of the Sunday-school, one hundred and forty. M. H. 
Crosby is the superintendent of the Sunday-school. 

Rev. Herman N. Barnum, son of D. T. Barnum, 
and formerly of this church, has been a missionary 
at Harpoot, Turkey, for twenty-four years. Miss 
Sarah Dales, daughter of John B. Dales, D. D., 
went from this church, some years since, to Cairo, 
Egypt, where she is now located. Elam H. Walk- 
er, Wm. Wilder, Charles Ferry, John B. Dales, 
D. D., — who is now located in Philadelphia, and 
who is a prominent divine — and George Lane, 
have all been ordained ministers from members of 
this church. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Moscow. — 
The Methodists at an early day in this vicinity 
were sufficient in number to warrant the formation 
of a church organization and they were accordingly 
placed on a circuit though the date cannot be as- 
certained. In 1829 they built a church edifice. 



The succession of pastors since 1840 has been 
as follows : — 

Revs. Richard Wait, Selleck, and Richmond, 
in 1840; Fellows, Hood and Baker, in 1844; Asa 
A. Abel and G. W. Barney, in 1845 \ ]■ w - Hinds, 
1846; J. B. Jenkins and Z. Hurd, 1847; C- D. 
Burlingham, 1848 ; G. Hines, 1849; H. May and 
G. W. Terry, 1850; J. J. Gridley, 1851; W. C. 
Kendall, J. A. Wells and J. H. Wallace, 1852-53 ; 
Wm. D. Buck and J. P. Rent, 1854-55 ; J. G. Mil- 
ler, 1856 ; A. W. Luce and D. Nichols, 1857 ; Geo. 
W. Terry, 1858; A. Newton, 1859; A. Kendall, 
1860-61 : E. Thomas, 1862-63; J- Hager, 1864; 
J. H. Rogers, 1865; L. L. Rogers, 1866; H. F. 
Osborne, 1867; J. C. Whiteside, 1868: J. W. 
Vaughn, 1869; W. D. Buck, 1870; John Irons, 

187 1 ; King, part of 1872; C. D. Rowley, 

1873; E. C. Hermans, 1874; R. F. Kay, 1876; 
W. V. Cliff, 1878; B. F. Hitchcock, 1879; Isaac 
Harris, 1880. 

This church is one of three on the circuit sup- 
plied by Mr. Harris, the other two being Greigs- 
ville and Fowlerville, in the latter of which places 
Mr. Harris resides. 

The present membership of the church is about 
35, with about the same number in the Sunday- 
school. E. W. Sears is the Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school. The church edifice was repaired 
in 1848, and again in 1872-73 ; the latter time at 
an expense of about $1,300. 

The First Baptist Church of Leicester was or- 
ganized in 1843, Elder O. D. Taylor officiating as 
the first pastor. Their house of worship was erect- 
ed the following year. This church has experi- 
enced various vicissitudes during its existence and 
has been quite irregularly supplied with pastors. 
As near as can be ascertained, the following 
have filled the pulpit at the times stated; although 
as the records are lost it is impossible to verify the 
dates : The first pastor, Mr. Taylor, was succeed- 
ed by Rev. Mr. Kneeland, and he by Rev. Mr. 
Wadsworth, who supplied them about two years. 
He was followed by Rev. Mr. Leggett, who only 
remained a short time, after whom there was no 
regular pastor for several years. In 1857, Rev. 
R. Marien took the charge as the next regular 
pastor and remained about two years. The pulpit 
was then vacant, except occasional preaching, until 
1 86 1, when Rev. J. Coley came and remained two 
years. Rev. Bela Palmer came in 1864, and re- 
mained three years. Prof. Waterbury, of Gene- 
seo, supplied the pulpit from 1870 till 1872. Rev. 
Mr. Delano, who came soon after and remained 



346 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



two years, was the last regular minister. Since 
then only occasional services have been held. The 
church membership has been largely merged with 
that of the Mt. Morris church. At its organiza- 
tion the membership was about twenty-five, and 
at one time was over ninety. The society still 
owns the building in Moscow. 

Mrs. Sarah Jenkins was one of the first settlers 
in the vicinity of Moscow, and was the wife of 
Gideon T. Jenkins, who moved from Auburn in 
1807 to the Holland purchase, stopping over night 
on his way at Dennison Foster's, who then kept 
tavern in the house where Rev. George W. Lane 
now lives. In 1815, Mr. Jenkins kept hotel in the 
house where one of his daughters, Mrs. Clarinda 
Jones now lives. He was the first Sheriff of the 
county, and the first person from the village elect- 
ed to the State Legislature. 

Jerediah Horsford was born in Charlotte, Vt., 
1791. He came to Moscow from Mt. Morris in 
1817, and kept public house in the house at the 
foot of the square, now occupied by Mr. Austin 
Weaver. He was a member of Congress in 1856. 
He died in January, 1875. 

CUYLERVILLE. 

Cuylerville is situated on the old Genesee Valley 
canal, between Geneseo and Moscow, and owes 
its origin to the construction of the canal which 
stimulated business at this point. It derives its 
name from Col. Cuyler, who settled here about 
1833, and who took a prominent part in laying out 
the village in 1840. 

The first ware-house at Cuylerville was built by 
Seymour Phelps in 1841, and now stands next to 
the canal bridge. Col. Cuyler built one very soon 
after. Col. Cuyler built the large distillery in 1851, 
and in 1S55 it was burned. He rebuilt it the 
same year, but failed in business soon after. His 
son, George Cuyler, and Stephen Slocum after- 
wards operated it about two years. It was then 
idle till about 1873, when George Cuyler again 
placed it in operation and continued it about two 
years, since which time it has been idle. 

Cuylerville reached the height of its prosperity 
in 1848, in which year it was incorporated as a vil- 
lage. At about this time there were four ware- 
houses located here, owned by Lyman Odell, A. 
Baker, Bowman & Burt and Col. W. T. Cuyler. 
H. Truesdell, A. Baker, Jos. Wheelock and Mr. 
Gordon were conducting mercantile business here 
at about that time. The old building just south 
of Mr. Wheelock's was built in 1846 by Mr. Fish 



as a storehouse and store. It was converted into 
a malt-house about 1858, and was operated as such 
by Thomas Copeland for a few years. It was last 
in operation in 1874 under a Mr. Curtis. 

The Cuylerville Mill, situated just east of Cuy- 
lerville, was built by Col. Cuyler in 1S44. Win, 
Marsh operated this mill as early as 1856, but 
since 1878 it has been run by his son, David 
Marsh. This mill was for some time idle on ac- 
count of the mill dam being torn down by the 
State. The dam was replaced in 1878. 

The present business consists of J. S. Wheelock, 
general merchant, commenced business in 1845, 
keeping then a canal grocery; M. S. Wheelock, 
general store, commenced in 1856, in 1858 relin- 
quished business till 1 868, when he resumed ; Sco- 
ville House, \V. B. Scoville proprietor, was built as 
the " National Exchange" in 1841 by Chas. Phin- 
ney, and opened by Truesdell Lamson, who kept 
it five years, operated since 1871 by Mr. Scoville; 
Farmer Hotel, John Black, proprietor ; Alanson 
Decker, blacksmith. 

J. S. Wheelock has been postmaster since 1863 
and succeeded Melvin Dales. 

Cuylerville is located upon the site of Little 
Beard's town, the most prominent of the Seneca 
villages elsewhere spoken of. 

The United Presbyterian Chinch 0/ Cuylerville. 
— About 1840, at the time Cuylerville commenced 
springing up into existence, there were no facilities 
offered to the inhabitants for religious worship at 
this place, with the exception of occasional visits 
from Rev. A. Blakie, of the York Church. A par- 
tial church organization was effected soon after, 
and a supply furnished by the Synod. In the 
spring of 1844 efforts were made to erect a house 
of worship which was completed in 1846. At the 
same time application was made for a church organ- 
ization to the Presbytery of Caledonia. 

A committee met July 1st, 1845, for the pur- 
pose of organizing a church with the following 
named members : Hugh Sales, Margaret Sales, 
Eliza Sales, James Hutton, Henry Van Vecten, 
Ann Van Vecten, Andrew Rome, Jane Rome, 
James Niven, Clarissa Niven, John D. Fraser 
and Sarah Fraser. The church organization 
was not completed, however, till April 7, 
1847, when the election of elders took place, John 
Kennedy, Matthew Crawford and Hugh Rippey 
being elected to that office. John Kennedy is still 
living. 

Rev. James B. Scouller was called November 4, 
LS46, and commenced his labors in January, 1847, 



GIBSON VILLE— JOHN SEARS ROYCE. 



347 



but was not installed till April 7, 1847. He left 
in April, 1852. Rev. W. C. Somers commenced 
June 1, 1853, and remained a little over three 
years. Rev. F. M. Proctor's name appears first 
upon the records March 7, 1859, and last October 
28, 1865. Rev. John Rippey, the present pastor, 
commenced December 26, 1866. 

The present membership of the church is about 
80, and of the Sunday school about 95. The Sun- 
day school superintendent is Wm. B. Wooster. 

The present elders are John Kennedy, now 90 
years of age, and who has been elder since the or- 
ganization of the church, John McKercher, David 
Donnan, Joseph N. Rippey, Wm. B. Wooster 
and John F. McKercher. 

Gibsonvili.e. 

Gibsonville is a post village and lies in the south- 
ern portion of the town, south-west of Mt. Morris, 
and is situated on the outlet of Silver Lake. It 
was named in honor of Henry B. Gibson, ofCanan- 
daigua. Ebenezer Allen was the first settler here 
in 1792, and while here built the first saw-mill in 
the town. 

The Silver Lake Paper Mills are located here, 
and are operated by water power. Geo. H. West 
is the proprietor. The buildings cost four thousand 
dollars; capacity of mill, 3,000 pounds per day; 
ten men employed. They manufacture rag, hard- 
ware, manilla and tea papers. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN SEARS ROYCE. 

About the year 1815 a man who during his life 
was widely known as " Deacon Samuel Royce," in 
company with his good wife, Betsey Reed Royce, 
emigrated from the town of Lyme, New Lpndon 
county, Conn., to Leicester, Livingston county. 
There Mr. Royce purchased a tract of timbered 
land from John Gregg, and with the aid of his sons 
in due time converted it into a productive farm. 
Upon this same homestead which he had created, 
Deacon Royce died on July 12, 1850. He could 
look back upon a life well spent, adorned with 
Christian virtues, commanding the respect of many 
friends and the love of the family. He was a 
member of the close communion Baptist church, 
and the father of eleven children, ten of whom are 
now living. 



Among these children was one named John 
Sears Royce, the subject of this sketch, who was 
born in Leicester July 15, 1819. His boyhood 
and youth were passed on his father's farm, and 
although young Royce found much hard labor be- 
fore him, he battled manfully with it till eighteen 
years of age, when his father became convinced 
that his son was born with an inventive genius that 
would not contentedly brook the narrow restraints 
of farm life. 

Fortunately for John, his father desired the 
happiness and future welfare of his children as 
much as the immediate advancement of his own 
affairs, and cheerfully allowed his son to act at will, 
and bade him God-speed in the broad field of in- 
vention. 

The young inventor's first work was a threshing 
machine, the entire drafting and pattern making 
for which was done by himself, and the result was 
a better machine than any in existence at that 
time. When twenty-two years old, Mr. Royce in- 
vented and perfected a plow, which was a favorite 
with many farmers of that day, and was widely 
known as the Genesee Valley Plow. He then 
took out his first patent on a metallic spoke sus- 
pension wheel for carriages, which was followed 
by improvements in portable steam engines, and 
afterward by his great work on mowers and 
reapers. 

In the year 1849, when thirty years of age, Mr. 
Royce was married to Louisa M. Boom, of Litch- 
field, Herkimer county, N. Y., and in thus select- 
ing a life partner he was most fortunate, his wife 
proving a true helpmeet in all his labors. Mrs. 
Royce is spoken of as endowed with caution and 
prudence, combined with good business capacity, 
and prominent in the social circle in which she 
moves. She is looked up to and respected by a 
large circle of acquaintances and many valued 
friends. Seven children have been born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Royce, (of whom six are now living) viz: 
Ida A., Samuel J., (deceased,) Cora I., Jennie L., 
J. Byron, Carrie M., and Eva D. This family 
have been nurtured to habits of industry and 
characters of respectability. 

In the year 1850, Mr. Royce took out a patent 
for a Rockaway carriage, which proved successful 
and in the manufacture cf which he was engaged 
for nearly ten years, when he began the work 
which was destined to become the crowning 
achievement of his life — the invention of the com- 
bined mower and reaper, known as the Empire 
Harvester. During that era this was a successful 
machine, and Mr. Royce continued its manufac- 
ture till the year 1870. These combined machines 
weighed from 1,200 to 1,500 pounds, and the 
practical-minded inventor readily perceived that 
farmers were injuring their horses in causing them 
to draw these great weights of moving machinery 
over the soft fields, and immediately employed his 
mind in constructing a plan for a machine which 
should require less power than the ones then in 
use and yet do the work so successfully ac- 
complished by a man with a slender "cradle." 



34§ 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The result was the machine known as the Royce 
Reaper, and the first one constructed weighed ,570 
pounds. It was a perfect sure ess and possessed 
ample weight and power for cutting the heaviest 
grain. 

During the years 1871, '72, and '73, a few of 
these machines were made, well tested by farmers, 
some improvements made, and in the year 1874. 
Mr. Royce took out patents in the United States, 
and Canada, covering nine claims. This machine 
worked a revolution in that branch of business, 
and still continues in almost universal use. 

It was a proud triumph for Mr. Royce when his 
reaper secured, as it did, the first prize for 
simplicity, ease of draft, lightness and quality of 
the work done by it, at the great three days' trial 
of the Centennial exhibition. Since that time, 
the Royce Reaper has invariably been awarded 
first prize whenever exhibited in competition in 
the States and Canada, and it is not exaggera- 
tion to state that Mr. Royce has made more 
valuable improvements in reapers than any other 
inventor. 

Not satisfied with the success already achieved, 
in the year 1878, Mr. Royce invented and patent- 
ed two other reapers, differing widely from each 
other, as well as from the first. One is known as 
the Centennial reaper, and the other as the Little 
Joker, the patent for which covers thirty-two claims, 
and which has never been presented before the 
public, but will, we trust, in due time make itself 
favorably known. 

Mr. Royce's last work is the invention of a 
header, thresher, cleaner and bagger, which, pre- 
diction says, will work an entire revolution in har- 
vesting and reduce the cost of it to a nominal 
sum. It is expected that this machine will cut 
and prepare for market twenty acres of grain in a 
day, and its weight is not to exceed 800 pounds. 
For this great work all farmers will forever be 
grateful to the inventoi. 

In speaking of Mr. Royce's characteristics it 
should be noted that he combines with his inven- 
tive genius, great energy and executive ability; 
otherwise he never could have reached his present 
measure of success. He is a born inventor, has 
loved the solution of mechanical problems from 
boyhood, and his mechanical ideas always possess 
originality and simplicity — two great elements of 
success. The influence of his genius has left its 
impression upon many branches of industrial sci- 
ence. The light reaper that bears his name is the 
pride of his life, an honor to its inventor, and, like 
many others, the work of his life will live after 
him. 

Mr. Royce is radically temperate in all respects, 
and earnest and industrious in his habits. He 
possesses generous impulses, and has never turned 
a deaf ear to the wants of mankind. Being social 
in his nature, he is ever ready to promote the wel- 
fare and happiness of his family and those sur- 
rounding him. Now, while living, he is respected 
by all who know him, and when his work is done 
he will be mourned by many. 



WILLIAM WHITMORE. 

William Whitmore was born in 1802, and came 
to Livingston count) with his father, George Whit- 
more, who took up land at what is now known as 
Jones' Bridge, in the town of Leicester, and there 
kept the first hotel in that part of the county. He 
was the second son of a family of eight children, 
and lived at home until he was twenty-one years of 
age, working on the farm and attending school 
winters. He then bought a farm near what is now 
known as the "High Banks," forming' a nucleus 
for the large fortune he afterwards accumulated, 
owning, at the time of his death, eight hundred 
acres of land. 

About the time of his first purchase he was mar- 
ried to Nancy L., daughter of Jedediah and Tri- 
fosie Richardson, of Leicester, who came from 
Massachusetts at an early day; Mrs. Richardson 
being an aunt of the late Charles Sumner. This 
marriage proved a very happy one, and of the 
eleven children born to him, four are still living. 
Daniel W., is a farmer in Ashland, O., but has 
been honored to some of the most important offices 
in his county. Sally Ann was the wife of Samuel 
O. Roberson, of Geneseo. He was a mill- 
wright and farmer, and died in Leicester, where 
he came to reside a year before his death, which 
occurred February 4, 1865. His wife survived 
him fifteen years and died December 23, 1S80, 
leaving one son, William W. Roberson. Miss 
Emily Whitmore, who resides on the Col. White 
farm, is the only daughter living, and it is through 
her generosity that the portraits of her father and 
mother appear in this work. 

George W., was married to Sarah Jane Ostrom, 
of Leicester, by whom he had two children — Wm, 
1L. who resides in Leicester, on the old Ostrom 
homestead, and Nancy I... who resides in Paris. 
France. John is married and resides in Jersey 
City, N. J. William, Jr., is married and resides in 
Farmer City, 111. He and John together own the 
old homestead on the " High Banks." 

In politics, Mr. Whitmore, Sr.. was a Democrat, 
but never thrust his views on others, and allowed 
every man to vote and think as he pleased. 

James M., the youngest son, when about twenty- 
one years of age, went to St. Louis, and at the 
close of the war was a book-keeper in Benton Bar- 
racks. Since that time his relatives have heard 
nothing from him, and mourn him as one who is 
dead. 



CHAPTER XXV. 
History ok 1111. Town of Groveland. 

GROVFLAND, the central town in Livingston 
county, is bounded on the north by Geneseo, 
on the east by Conesus, on the south by Sparta 
and West Sparta and on the west by Mt. Morris. 



m 



•09 Vfc 





' 



GROVELAND — EARLY SETTLERS. 



349 



It was formed April 6, i8i3,from Sparta, and con- 
tained in 1875 a population of 1,366. 

In its physical characteristics it is one of the 
finest towns in the county, both as regards the 
fertility and value of its farming land, and the 
many picturesque views that greet the eye. Near- 
ly three fourths of the town consists of an elevated 
table-land that slopes gradually, as the boundaries 
of the town are neared, to the valley of the Cana- 
seraga on the south and east and to the inlet and 
head of Conesus lake, on the west. 

To Groveland belongs the honor of having had 
located within its borders the first village in the 
county — Williamsburgh — which was situated mid- 
way between Mt. Morris and Geneseo. Nothing 
so strongly illustrates the erroneous ideas in relation 
to the future of this section held by the early hold- 
ers of the large tracts of western lands, as they 
were then called, than the founding of this village, 
which, commencing under such influential patron- 
age, soon reached the zenith of its prosperity, 
and then, giving away to fhe march of events, 
gradually lost its prestige, so that now not a build- 
ing remains to testify to its original prosperity. 

The first purchasers of the Indian territory 
between the Genesee River and Seneca Lake had 
sold an immense estate to Robert Morris, of 
Philadelphia, who in turn offered his lands for 
sale in the principal cities of Europe. The repre- 
sentations of his agents gained much attention 
from men of capital, and three gentlemen of Lon- 
don, Sir William Pultney, John Hornby, and 
Patrick Colquhoun, purchased that noble estate 
which has since borne the name of the English 
baronet. Their agent, Captain Charles William- 
son, visited America, and excited by the reports 
transmitted by him, the associates indulged in 
brilliant dreams of the destiny of the wilderness 
which had fallen into their hands. 

Charles Williamson, the first agent of the Pult- 
ney estate, was a native of Scotland. He entered 
the British army in youth, and during the Revolu- 
tionary war held the commission of captain in the 
twenty-fifth regiment of foot. His regiment was 
ordered to America, but on the passage Captain 
Williamson was captured by a French privateer. 
He remained a prisoner at Boston till the close of 
the war. On his return to Europe, he made the 
acquaintance of the most distinguished public 
men of England, and was often consulted 
concerning American affairs. On the or- 
ganization of the association of Sir William 
Pultney and others, he was appointed its agent, 



and entered zealously into the schemes for 
colonizing the Genesee forest. 

Captain Williamson was a man of talent, hope, 
energy and versatility, generous and brave of 
spirit, swift and impetuous in action, of ques- 
tionable discretion in business, a lover of sport and 
excitement, and well calculated by his tempera- 
ment and genius to lead the proposed enterprise. 
His spirit was so tempered with imagination, that 
he went up to the wilderness, not with the dry 
and dogged resolution of one expecting a labor 
of a lifetime in subduing the savage soil, but in a 
kind of chivalrous dashing style, to head an 
onslaught amongst the pines, and to live a "Baron 
of the Backwoods'' in his Conhocton Castle, 
ruling over forests and rivers, after the manner of 
the old Norman nobles in England. 

Having landed in Baltimore in 1791, and taken 
the steps required by our naturalization laws, he 
received in his own name, from Robert Morris, a 
conveyance of the Pultney estate and began im- 
mediately his preparations for the colonization of 
the same. Of these preliminary movements there 
is but little to be said. It appears that he 
corresponded extensively with men whom he 
sought to engage in his enterprise, that he opened 
communication with many planters of Virginia 
and Maryland, proposing a transfer of themselves 
and their households from the worn-out planta- 
tions of the South, to the fresh woods of the 
Genesee ; that he traveled much through the 
country and made active exertions by personal 
application and by advertisement to induce farmers 
and emigrants of the better sort from Great 
Britain to settle upon his Northern lands. He 
established his centre of organization and cor- 
respondence at the village of Northumberland, Pa. 

In the winter after his arrival in America, Capt. 
Williamson made a visit to the Genesee by way 
of Albany and the Mohawk. In the upper valley 
of the Mohawk he passed the last of the old settle- 
ments. From these old German farms the road 
was but a lane, opened in the woods, passable 
only on horseback, or in a sledge. A few cabins, 
surrounded by scanty clearings, were the only in- 
dications of civilization which met his eye, till he 
stood amongst a group of cabins at the foot of 
Seneca Lake. The famed Genesee estate was 
before him. Surely few city builders of ancient or 
modern times have gazed upon districts which 
offered less encouragement to them than did the 
wild Iroquois forest to the hopeful Scot. A little 
settlement had been commenced at Canandaieua. 



.55° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The Wadsvvorths were at Big Tree. The disciples 
of Jemima Wilkinson, the prophetess, had estab- 
lished their new Jerusalem on the outlet of 
Crooked Lake, and, scattered through the, vast 
woods, a few hundred pioneers were driving their 
axes to the hearts of the tall trees, and waging war 
with the wolves and panthers. Beyond the 
meadows of the Genesee Flats, was a forest 
as yet unknown to the ax, which har- 
bored several tribes of savages wavering be- 
twixt war and peace. British garrisons, surly 
from discomfiture, occupied the forts at Oswego 
and Niagara ; colonies of Tories, including in 
their numbers, men of infamous renown, dwelt on 
the frontiers of Canada, on lands allotted to them 
by the Crown, and there were not wanting those 
amongst the military and political agents of the 
provincial government who incited the jealous 
barbarians to the general slaughter of the back- 
woodsmen. 

In the following summer Captain Williamson 
determined to open a high road from Northum- 
berland to the Genesee. The only road leading 
to the north from the mouth of the West Branch 
followed the valley of the Susquehanna, which at 
this point, to one going above, begins a long and 
unnecessary ramble to the east. A direct road to 
the Genesee would cross a ridge of the Alleganies. 
An Indian trail, often trod during the Revolution 
by parties from the fastnesses of the Six Nations, 
ran over the mountains ; but to open a road 
through the shattered wilderness, which would be 
passable for wagons, was deemed impossible. 
After a laborious exploration, however, by the 
agent and a party of Pennsylvania hunters, a road 
was located from " Ross Farm " (now Williams- 
port) to the mouth of Canaseraga Creek, on the 
Genesee, a distance of one hundred and fifty 
miles. This road was opened in the ensuing 
autumn by a party of German emigrants. 

The fortunes of this German colony formed 
quite a perplexing episode in Captain Williamson's 
history. The simplicity, the sufferings and the 
terrors of these Teutonic pioneers were sources of 
much amusement to the rough backwoodsmen, 
and their passage through the wilderness and over 
the wild Laurel Mountains was in early times an 
event so momentous that although the matter has 
strictly but little reference to the history of this 
county, it may nevertheless be permitted to recount 
their frights and tribulations. 

It seems that Mr. Colquhoun, who conducted 
the business affairs of the association, became ac- 



quainted in London with a certain Dr. Berezy, a 
German of education and address, who engaged to 
collect a colony of his countrymen, and conduct 
them to the Genesee lands under the auspices of 
the association. Capt. Williamson seems not to have 
favored the scheme, but while living at Northum- 
berland in 1782, the colony arrived, and it fell 
upon him to devise some plan of disposing of this 
very raw material to the best advantage. There 
were about two hundred of them, men, women and 
children. Though stout and healthy enough, they 
were an ignorant and inexperienced people, accus- 
tomed to dig with the spade in the little gardens 
of the Fatherland, and as unfit for forest work and 
the rough life of the frontiers as babes. 

It was determined to send them over the moun- 
tains to the Tioga, thence by the valleys of that 
river and of the Conhocton to Willianisburgh on 
the Genesee. It was necessary to give the emi- 
grants in charge to some reliable and energetic 
guide and Benjamin Patterson, the hunter, who 
was well acquainted with the German language, 
and in whose judgment and resolution Capt. Wil- 
liamson had entire confidence, was employed in 
this capacity. He was abundantly provided with 
money and means. Seven stout young Pennsyl- 
vanians, well skilled in the use of the ax and the 
rifle, were chosen by him as assistant woodsmen, 
and these and the Germans were to open the road, 
while the guide, in addition to his duties as com- 
mander of the column, undertook to supply the 
camp with game. 

It was in the month of September when the emi- 
grants appeared at the mouth of Lycoming creek, 
ready for the march to the northern paradise. A 
little way up the creek they commenced hewing 
the road. Here the Germans took their first les- 
sons in woodcraft. They were not ready appren- 
tices, and never carried the art to great perfection. 
We hear of them in after years sawing trees 
down.* 

Owing to their extreme ignorance of anything 
pertaining to woodcraft their march progressed 
slowly and with great suffering to all. They became 
mutinous. " I could compare my situation," said 
the guide, " to nothing but that of Moses with the 
children of Israel. I would march them along 
a few miles, and then they would rise up and rebel." 
Mutiny effected as little with the inflexible com- 
mander as grief. He cheered up the down-hearted 
and frightened the mutinous. They had fairly to 

* 4t An old gentleman who came over the road in an e.irly day says the 
trees looked as it they had been gnawed down by the beaver." Tit'/trr'* 
Phelps and Gorluim's Purchase^ 



GROYELAND— EARLY SETTLEMENT OF WILLIAMSBURGH. 



35' 



be driven. Once, when some of the men were 
very clamorous, and even offered violence, Patter- 
son stood with his back to a tree and brandishing 
his tomahawk furiously said, " If you resist me I will 
kill you — every one of you." Thereupon discipline 
was restored. 

They worked along slowly enough. At favor- 
able places for encampment they built block- 
houses, or Plocks, as the Germans called them, 
and opened the road for some distance in advance 
before moving the families further. These block- 
houses stood for many years landmarks in the wil- 
derness. September and October passed and it 
was far in November before they completed the 
passage of the mountains. 

At the place now occupied by the village of 
Blossburgh they made a camp, which from their 
baker, who there built an oven, they called "Peter's 
Camp." Patterson, while hunting in this neigh- 
borhood, found a few pieces of coal which he cut 
from the ground with his tomahawk. The Ger- 
mans pronounced it to be of good quality. 

Pushing onward seven miles further they made 
the " Canoe Camp," a few miles below the present 
village of Mansfield. When they reached this 
place their supply of provisions was exhausted. 
The West Branch youths cleared two acres of 
ground ; Patterson killed an abundant supply of 
game, and went down with some of his young men to 
Painted Post, thirty miles or more below. He 
ordered provisions to be boated up to this place 
from Tioga Point, and returned to the camp with 
several canoes. He found his poor people in utter 
despair. They lay in their tents bewailing their 
misfortunes, and said that the Englishman had 
sent them there to die. He had sent a ship to 
Hamburgh, he had enticed them away from their 
home, he had brought them over the ocean on 
purpose that he might send them out in the wil- 
derness to starve. They refused to stir and begged 
Patterson to let them die. But he was even yet 
merciless. He blustered about without ceremony, 
cut down the tent poles with his tomahawk, roused 
the dying to life, and at length drove the whole 
colony to the river bank. 

When the Germans saw the slender canoes 
they screamed with terror, and loudly refused 
to entrust themselves to such shells. The 
woodsmen, however, put the women, the chil- 
dren and the sick, into the canoes almost by main 
force, and launched forth into the river while the 
men followed by land, thus making the journey to 
Painted Post. 



It was now December. They had be;n three 
months in the wilderness, and were not in a con- 
dition to move onward to the Genesee. Patter- 
son with thirty of the most hardy men, kept on, 
however, and opened the road up the Conhocton 
to Dansville and the place of destination. The 
others remained through the winter of 1793 at 
Painted Post. 

The whole colony was conducted to the Genesee 
in the spring. There was, at this time, a single 
settler in the valley of the Conhocton above the 
settlements near Painted Post. 

After manifold tribulations, the Germans were 
at last deposited at the Genesee, with the loss of 
but one man, who was killed in the mountains by a 
falling tree. The subsequent fortunes of this ill- 
starred colony can be told in few words.* 

At Williamsburgh they were abundantly pro- 
vided for. Each family received a house and fifty 
acres of land, with a stock of provisions for pres- 
ent use, and farming utensils. Cattle and sheep 
were distributed amongst them, and nothing re- 
mained for them to do but fall to work and culti- 
vate their farms. Hardly a settlement in Western 
New York had such a munificent endowment as 
the German settlement on the Genesee. But it 
soon became apparent that the leader of the colo- 
ny had failed to regard the instructions of Mr. Col- 
quhoun. Instead of recruiting his numbers from 
the sturdy and industrious Saxon population, as 
directed, he had collected an indiscriminate rabble 
from the streets of Hamburgh, not a few of whom 
were vagabonds of the worst kind. They were lazy, 
shiftless, and of the most appalling stupidity. 
Breeding cattle were barbacued. Seeds instead of 
being planted in their fields, vanished in their ket- 
tles ; and when provisions were exhausted, Captain 
Williamson was called upon to dispatch a file of 
pack-horses to their relief. The emigrants were 
greatly disappointed in the land which received 
them, and complained with bitterness of the 
treacherythat enticed them from the blessed gutters 
of Hamburgh, first to starve in frightful mountains, 
and then to toil in hungry forests. 

At length they broke out into open and outra- 
geous rebellion. Captain Williamson, who was on 
the ground was assailed by Berezy and the rabble, 
and as he himself says, " nothing could equal my 
situation but some of the Parisian scenes. For an 
hour and a half I was in this situation, (in a corner 
of a store between two writing desks,) every instant 
expecting to be torn to pieces." However with the 

•Turner's Hist, of Phelps & Gorham's Purchase. 



.?5 2 



HISTORY OF UY!N<;ST()\ COUNTY. 






assistance of a few friends, he kept the mob at bay, 
till Berezy at length quelled the tumult. The col- 
onists then drove away or killed all the cattle on 
the premises, and held a grand carousal. The 
mutiny lasted several days, till the sheriff of On- 
tario mustered a posse of sufficient strength, and 
descended upon them by forced marches, and 
made prisoner the ringleader. Berezy, in the mean- 
time, had gone to the east, where he made arrange- 
ments for the removal of his colonists to Canada. 
This transfer was at last effected, greatly to the 
relief of the London Association and their agent, 
to whom the colony had been, from the beginning, 
nothing but a source of expense and vexation. 

Col. Williamson believed that this was to be a 
most important point in the future as the com- 
merce of the country developed, on account of its 
being located at the junction of two important 
water-courses, thus affording water communication 
through two sources to this point, and thence on to 
Lake Ontario. He little dreamed at that day that 
the future carrying business was to be done bj 
the railroads or even by the canal to the entire 
abandonment of the old water channels. Col. Wil- 
liamson entertained great expectations in regard 
to the future of this place believing that it was to 
be the great commercial centre of Western New 
York. In a letter to a friend he writes : — 

"On the Genesee river a great many farms are 
laying out ; sixty-five miles from its mouth, is a 
town marked out by the name of Williamsburgh, 
and will, in all probability be a place of much trade. 
In the present situation of things, it is remote, 
when considered in a commercial point of view but 
should the port of Oswego be given up and the lock 
navigation be completed, there will not be a carry- 
ing place between New York and Williamsburgh." 

The village of Williamsburgh contained at one 
time, a good hotel building, a dry-goods store, a 
distillery, blacksmith and grocery shops, a grain 
warehouse, and about forty dwellings. Services 
were occasionally held in a portion of the ware- 
house by the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, a Presbyterian 
minister. He was the pioneer minister in the 
valley south of Avon. He is the grand-father 
of M. H. Mills, Esq., of Mt. Morris. A more 
extended account of him can be found on pages 
289 and 318. 

A post-office was established here in 1792, it 
being the terminus of a post-route then established 
ftom Whitestown to this place. In 1798 there 
were three frame buildings here besides several log- 
houses. 

M. H. Mills. M. I)., of Mt. Morris, in an 



address before the Livingston County Pioneer 
Association, in August, 1877, states as follows: — 

"The first school taught in the county was at 
Williamsburgh, in 1793, by Samuel Murphy. The 
first tavern was kept at this place by Wm. Lemon, 
in 1797. The first grist-mill was erected on lot 
58. in 1797. The first store in the county was at 
Williamsburgh, and kept by Alexander McDonald, 
a Scotchman. The first race-course for running 
horses was made by Col. Williamson, in 1793, and 
was located on the Genesee flats at, or near, the 
continence of Canaseraga creek and Genesee river, 
at a short distance from Williamsburgh. Here 
sporting men came from New York, Albany, Phil- 
adelphia and Baltimore for several years, but the 
enterprise was abandoned." 

The Albany Gazette of July 15, 1793. contains 
an advertisement of the Williamsburgh Fair and 
Genesee Races, which states that an annual fair 
for the sale and purchase of cattle, horses and 
sheep would be held at Williamsburgh, at the great 
forks of the Genesee, commencing on Monday, 
the 23d of September, 1793. These fairs were 
continued for some years with quite marked suc- 
cess. 

Following the tract of Mr. Williamson when he 
broke in from Pennsylvania and made a com- 
mencement at Williamsburgh, settlers soon began 
to drop into the valley of the Canaseraga. In 
Groveland, other than at Williamsburgh, John 
Smith was the pioneer. He was from New Jersey, 
a surveyor in the employ of Mr. Williamson. He 
purchased a mile square, upon which he resided 
until his death in 1817. 

Benjamin Parker, a step-son of John Smith, 
John Harrison, William and Thomas Lemon, Wm. 
Kelley, and James Rosebrugh, were among the 
earliest. Smith in 1799 built a mill between Hor- 
nellsville and Arkport, and as early as 1800 took 
lumber from it to the Baltimore market. 

Michael Roup was an early pioneer upon the 
uplands in Groveland, with his son, Christian 
Roup. He died during the war of 181 2. Michael 
Roup, of Groveland, is his son. 

The early minister that visited the neighborhood 
was the Rev. Mr. Gray. 

Other early settlers were: — Samuel Niblack, 
(Niblack's Hill,) William Martin, Samuel Stillwell, 
John Yance, Doty, Ewart. Wm. Magee, Win. Mo- 
Nair, Samuel Magee and Darling Havens. 

Wm. Magee settled in 1796 where John Hart- 
man now lives, on the valley road, and came from 
Sussex county, N. J. He was one of three broth- 
ers who came from Ireland. William married in 
New Jersey, and had eight children, — four boys 






I 

m # 





(Photo, by Eetls, Dar.sville. ) 



Mr, & Mrs. Charles Hendef^shott. 



CHARLES HENDERSHOTT. 



Among the pioneer families of Groveland, may 
be mentioned the antecedents of our subject, (Jhas. 
Hendersliott. He was the son of Jacob and Mary 
(Thomas) Hendersliott, and was born in Columbia 
county, Pa. Oct. 10, 1805, the eleventh child of a 
family of twelve of whom four are still living. When 
four years of age he came into this county with his 
parents who remained in Avon over a year, and 
settled in Groveland in 1814, purchasing 137 acres 
of land at twenty shillings per acre. He lived at 
home assisting his father in improving that land 
whii li is now one of the finest farms in Groveland, 
and at his father's death, which occurred in 1847, 
at the advanced age of 84 years, this farm was 
willed to him with a codicil to the effect that 
he pay the other heirs a consideration. His 
mother, Mary Hendersliott. died in 1834, aged 72 
years. 

Charles Hendersliott is second to none in his 
town, as a practical farmer, and not only owns the 
old homestead, with a hundred acres adjoining, 
but also a farm in Allegany county. He is now in 
his seventy-third year, but personally attends to his 
farm and its interest and does not appear more 
than fifty years of age. 

December 21, 1848, he was married to Lois P., 
daughter of Andrew and Wealthy 1 >. (Hughes) 
Metcalf. of Cooperstown, Otsego county, N. Y., 
who was horn in Harpersfield, Delaware county, 
July 29, 1820, and moved to Otsego county, with 
her parents when four years of age. The result of 



this union was four sons, of whom three are still 
living, viz: Chas. A., born September 11, 1850, 
is married to Agnes M. Creg, of Belmont, Alle- 
gany county, and resides near the old homestead 
in Groveland. Frank M.. horn Feb. 27, 1852, is 
married to Hattie E. Buckland, and resides in 
Buffalo. Chester A. was born Jan. 5, 1854, and 
resides at home. Edward F,., born Feb. 3, 1859, 
and died Aug. to, 1862. 

Mrs. Hendershott is an exemplary and con- 
scientious member of the Groveland Presbyterian 
Church, having united herself with it more than 
twenty years ago. In sickness or distress she has 
ever been ready to assist, and is always kind to the 
poor and needy. Her ancestors are an old family 
and Mrs. H. is able to trace them back as far as 
the landing of the Mayflower. Her grandfather 
and his three brothers and two cousins 1 ame from 
Connecticut to Cooperstown in or about the year 
1795, an( ' settled on what is now known as " Met- 
calf Hill." Mrs. Hendersliott says she has heard 
her father say he has attended school when thirty 
of the scholars' names were Metcalf. Andrew Met- 
calf, the father of Mrs. H, was a son of Roger 
Metcalf, one of the pioneers of Otsego count}-, and 
was the oldest of six children. He died September 
2d, 1880, at the advanced age of 85 years, having 
out-lived all his brothers and sisters. 

In politics Mr. Hendershott was formerly a Whig. 
but is now a Republican, having acted with that 
party since tS56. 



GROVELAND — EARLY SETTLERS. 



353 



and four girls — six of whom were born after his 
arrival in Groveland. His children born in Grove- 
land are: — Hugh, now in Conesus; Elizabeth, who 
married Samuel Ewart, (now dead,) of Geneseo, 
and who is now living in that place ; Charles, who 
died in Groveland, January 9, 1850; Rebecca, who 
died in Groveland, April 9, 1857; Julia Ann, who 
married Darling Havens, (both dead); and John, 
born July 18, 1812, now living on the old home- 
stead, which was first occupied by his father about 
1806. 

William McNair settled at Williamsburgh in 1798. 
Darling Havens was an early settler, coming pre- 
vious to 1795, but soon after located where the 
Havens' now live in Sparta. The Zehner Mills, 
located on Canaseraga creek were built by Isaac 
Havens, a son of Darling Havens. 

Darling Havens remained but a short time when 
he removed to Sparta. 

Jacob and Mary Hendershott were early set- 
tlers, coming into the town in 181 4. They were 
formerly from Columbia county, Pa., where Charles 
Hendershott, who now lives upon the old home- 
stead, was born. Jacob Hendershott died in 1847 
and his wife in 1834. 

Michael Johnson emigrated from Ireland and 
came in 1804 to Geneseo, from whence in 1806, 
he removed to Groveland. He died in 1835 
on the homestead. He had five children : Nancy, 
married Samuel Culbertson ; Margaret, married V. 
P. Whitbeck,of Avon, (dead); John, born 1810. 
died 1827; Matilda, married Michael Kelly, of 
Groveland ; and Richard, born Nov. 25, 1815, 
married Matilda Ebenriter, of Groveland, was 
Member of Assembly 1870-71. 

Upon the pages of the town record are the 
names of Daniel Ross, Levy Dunn, Hugh Mc- 
Nair, William Harris and William Kelly, in 1797 ; 
Elias Harrison, William McNair, John Rosebrugh 
and John Hampton, in 1798; and Thomas 
Bailey and David Crook, in 1S05. 

Among the most prominent of the settlers from 
i8io-'2o may be mentioned William Fitzhugh 
and Judge Charles Carroll. 

William Fitzhugh was of a family, the name and 
service of which are intimately blended with the 
history of the stirring events of the Revolution in 
the colony of Maryland. His father, Col. William 
Fitzhugh, held the commission of colonel in the 
British army, retired upon half pay, when the 
troubles between the colonies and the mother 
country commenced, and whose son, Col. Peregrine 
Fitzhugh, was first commissioned in a corps of 



light horse, but in a later period of the war was 
enrolled in the military family of Washington. 
William, another son, served as a colonel in a 
division of cavalry, and after the war was a 
member of the Maryland Legislature. Previous 
to 1800, Col. Peregrine Fitzhugh had made the 
acquaintance of Mr. Williamson, and had visited 
the Genesee country. When Col. William Fitz- 
hugh first visited the country in 1800 in company 
with Col. Nathaniel Rochester, Major Charles 
Carroll, and several others, he brought a letter of 
introduction to Mr. Williamson from his brother, 
for himself and Col. Rochester ; Major Carroll as 
would seem from the reading of the letter, having 
previously known him. During this visit, in 
addition to a third interest in the " 100 acre 
tract " at the Falls of the Genesee, purchased in 
company with Messrs. Rochester and Carroll, he 
jointly, with Mr. Carroll, purchased on the Can- 
aseraga, in Groveland and Sparta, 12,000 acres of 
Mr. Williamson, paying $2.09 per acre. Their 
tract embraced the old site of Williamsburgh, Mr. 
Williamson having abandoned his enterprise of 
forming a town there after the failure with his 
German colony. Leaving their property in the 
care of an agent, Messrs. Fitzhugh and Carroll 
did not emigrate with their families until 1816, 
when a division of the joint purchase was made. 

Col. Fitzhugh died in 1830, aged 78 years ; his 
wife, who was the daughter of Col. Daniel Hughes, 
of Washington county, Md., died in 1829, aged 
56 years. 

Dr. Daniel H. Fitzhugh, a son of Col. William 
Fitzhugh, was a very prominent citizen of Grove- 
land. He was born in Maryland in 1794, and 
came to Groveland in 181 6 to superintend the 
erection of their new home. He died April 23, 
1 88 1. He was the last male representative of his 
father's family. He left a family of four sons and 
six daughters. 

Dr. Fitzhugh has always been prominently iden- 
tified with the best interests of Livingston county. 
He was member of Assembly in 1843 ; was for 
many years President of the Genesee Valley Na- 
tional Bank, of Geneseo, and was President of the 
Livingston County Historical Society for the first 
two years of its organization. 

He was a man of delightful social accomplish- 
ments and highly appreciative of humor. He was 
not a greattalker ; indeed, rather the reverse. Hos- 
pitable in the extreme, a full house was his delight. 
Of close business habits, he was never deceived by 
the same person twice. He attended in the 



354 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



minutest details to the care of his estate up to the 
very last day of his life. He was a true fiiend, a 
valued neighbor, and a courteous gentleman, em- 
phatically of the old school in habits, manners and 
appearance. 

Charles Carroll's connection with Messrs. Roch- 
ester and Fitzhugh. and his advent to this region 
with them in 1800 has been noticed. He had pre- 
viously, in the year 1798, with a brother, Daniel 
Carroll, been here upon a tour of exploration. 
They came via the Susquehanna route with pack 
mules, made a general survey of the country, were 
pleased with it, but made no investments until 
1S00. Their residence in Maryland was at Belle- 
vue, near Hagerstown ; the earlier home of the 
family had been upon the site of the city of Wash- 
ington. The capital of the United States now 
occupies a portion of the estate of their father, 
Charles Carroll, who was a cousin of " Charles 
Carroll, of Carrollton." 

Major Carroll died at his residence in Groveland 
in 1837, aged 60 years. Among his sons were 
Charles Carroll, who was a representative in 
Congress of the Livingston and Ontario dis- 
trict and a State Senator, and William T. Car- 
roll, a clerk of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. His daughters became the wives of Henry 
Fitzhugh, of Oswego; Moses Tabbs, of Washing- 
to, D. C.j Dr. Hardage Lane, of St. Louis. The 
eldest son was the private secretary of Mr. Clay at 
Ghent, becoming soon after the clerk of his father, 
who held the office of receiver at Franklin, Mis- 
souri. He was killed in an affray which occurred 
in that town. 

The institution of slavery at one time had a 
foothold in Groveland, as is witnessed by the fol- 
lowing extracts from the town records: — 

"June 6, 181 7. 

"I hereby certify that on or about the 7th day of 
December, 1816, last past, I brought with me the 
following slaves, to-wit: Nancy, born the 20th 
day of May, 181 ij Barbary, born in December, 
1810, and Nelly, about twelve years of age, all of 
whom I have held for many years previous to my 
removal into the State of New York. 

R. A. Fitzhugh." 

"I, Wm. Fitzhugh, late a citizen and former resi- 
dent of the State of Maryland, having on the 19th 
day of November, in the year of our Lord 181 7, 
arrived in the town of Groveland, Ontario county, 
State of New York, with the intention of perma- 
nently residing therein, do make oath on the Holy 
Evangelist of Almighty God that the slaves here- 
inafter mentioned are my property and belong to 
me, and that I removed them with me into the 
aforesaid town of Groveland on the said 1 gth day 



of November, 18 17, and that to the best of my 
knowledge and belief their sexes and ages are as 
follows, to-wit: Males — George, born July 17, 
1801 ; James, born July 7, 181 1: Adam, born 
April 14, 1 S 1 5 ; Henry, born March 25, 1816; 
Samuel Harrison, born December 26, 1806. Fe- 
males — Ann Harrison, born July 17, 1805; Agness, 
born December 20, 1808." 

"November 13, 1815. 

" 1 hereby certify that on or about the 15th day 
of June past I brought with me the following slaves, 
to wit : David, about fifteen years in April, 1816; 
Nany, thirteen years in June, 1 816 j Milly, eleven 
years in March, 181 6; Sarah, nine years old in 
February, 18 16 ; Nan, seven years old in Novem- 
ber, 1815, all of whom I held for some years pre- 
vious to my removal to the State of New York. 
Ch. Carroll, of Bellevue." 

Among the early physicians of the town were 
Dr. Warren A. Cowdery, Lockwood Lyon, Edward 
Lauderdale and Walter E. Lauderdale. Dr. Lyon 
was here as early as 1820, and was a very promi- 
nent man in town affairs. Walter E. Lauderdale 
is now located in Geneseo, where a more extended 
account of him may be found. 

At the annual election of the town of Groveland, 
held at the house of Wm. Doty, inn-keeper, the 
first Tuesday of April, 1813, the following persons 
were elected : — 

Samuel Niblack, Supervisor : James Rosebrugh, 
Town Clerk ; Hugh McNair, John Jones and Chris- 
tian Roup, Assessors ; Daniel Ross, John Slaight 
and Samuel Begole, Commissioners of Highways ; 
Abraham Harrison and Aaron Norcross, Overseers 
of the Poor ; Wm. Doty, Constable and Collector ; 
Davenport Alger, Constable ; John Hampton, 
Samuel M. Mann and Enoch Squibb, Fence View- 
ers ; Wm. Doty, Nathan Ogden, John Oman, Ira 
Travis, David Crooks, John Vance, Wm. R. F'e- 
gole, Philo Mills, Ebenezer McMasters, Benj. 
Price, Samuel Henderson, Eli Clark and Thomas 
Young, Overseers of Highways. 

At an election held at Wm. Doty's on April 2, 
1816, the following persons were elected and privi- 
leges granted: — 

Samuel Niblack, Supervisor ; David Coursen, 
Town Clerk ; James Rosebrugh, James Henderson 
and )ohn Smith, Commissioners of Common 
Schools; Enoch Squibb, Wait Arnold, John Jones, 
David Coursen, Samuel Niblack and John Vance, 
Inspectors of Common Schools; Wm. Doty and 
Daniel Ross. Overseers of the Poor; Simeon Root. 
Constable ; Wm. P. Begole and Elijah Holmes, 
Fence Viewers; Robert Burns, Thomas Philips. 
Elias Harrison, Stephen Bonker, Jacob Hender- 
shott, John Scott, Samuel Ward, David Schull, 



.>*•& ■ 








Mr. &• Mrs. John Gilman. 



PHILLIP OILMAN. 



Previous to the war of the Revolution, the parents of 
Phillip Gilman emigrated from Hanover, Germany, to 
Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1 756. In the early 
part of the Revolutionary war he enlisted in the Conti- 
nental army and adhered to its fortunes to the end of the 
struggle, participating in the battles of Brandywine, 
Germantown and others of that eventful period. While 
in the battle of Germantowu he was shot in the left breast 
by a musket ball, the ball passing through his lungs and 
being extracted two days after from under the left shoul- 
der blade. After he was wounded he broke his musket 
over a stump to prevent it from being of use to the Brit- 
ish, who then occupied the battle ground, and concealed 
himself under some hay in a barn, where a party of Brit- 
ish dragoons fed their horses and departed before day- 
light, without seeing him. At sunrise, wishing a drink 
of water, he made his way to a well near by, and there 
met a woman who directed him in the way to reach the 
American army and avoid the British. After remaining 
a short time in the hospital, he, notwithstanding the 
urgent protest of the surgeon, again joined the army, 
and by a strong will and vigorous constitution, was safely 
carried through. In 1779 he served under General Sulli- 
van in his contest with the Iroquois Indians. Little is 
known of his individual experience in that campaign 
although he was so greatly pleased with the beauty of the 
" Canaseraga country," as he called it, that its praise was 
constantly on his lips until he became one of its residents. 



He was married to Maria Clara Haasler, daughter of a, 
merchant then in Reading, Pa. In 1791 when Captain 
Williamson, on his way from Europe to the Genesee 
country, came up the Susquehanna with a company 
of emigrants he engaged to work for the Captain in his 
mills at Bath, where he remained till the spring of 1800, 
when he removed with his family of five sons and five 
daughters to Sparta, and there cleared a home in the 
forest. Always retaining a hearty dislike to the British, he, 
during the war of 1812, encouraged his sons to take an 
active part in their country's service, and the four who 
were old enough relieved each other in guarding the lines 
at Buffalo. 

John Gilman, son of Phillip, was born in Bath, 
Steuben county, in the year 17!H, and removed with 
his father's family to Sparta, where his youthful days 
were spent in assisting to subdue the forest and im- 
prove the farm on which he spent the remainder of his 
life. When eighteen years of age he was drafted for 
three months' service in defending the lines against the 
British at Buffalo. In 181'J he was married to Jennie, 
daughter of James Scott, Esq., who had removed to 
Sparta from Northumberland county, Pa., in the year 
180G. For fifty-two years they passed a happy married 
life and raised a family of three sons and three daugh- 
ters, of whom only one survived them. John Gilman 
died April 27, 1871. His wife survived him nearly six 
years and died April 10, 1877. 



GROVELAND — TOWN OFFICERS, WAR RECORD. 



355 



Charles Carroll, Andrew McNair, Hector W. Hey, 
James Henderson, Davenport Alger, Alexandria 
Patterson, Thomas Young, Joseph George, Moses 
Gilbert, Samuel Culbertson, Michael Johnson, 
John Hyland, Stephen Cole, Nathan Thorp and 
Peter Murren, Overseers of Highways. 

Privileges granted : — 

" Win. Doty is to have the privilege of selling 
and retailing spirituous liquors on days of town 
business, when done at his house." 

" Wm. Willson is to have the privilege to sell 
spirituous liquors on days of town business by pay- 
ing one dollar for the time already sold." 

" Also that James Henderson shall have the priv- 
ilege of selling spirituous liquors on the first day of 
election, April 16, 1816." 

The following has been the succession of 
pervisors and Town Clerks. 



Su- 







Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


1813-14. 


Jas. Rosebrugh. 


Samuel Niblack. 


1815. 


Samuel Niblack. 


Christian Roup. 


1816. 


(< k 


David Coursen. 


1817. 


Chas. Carroll. 


David Coursen. 


1818. 


EC ,. 


Warren A. Cowdery. 


1819-20. 


Wm. Fitzhugh. 


David Coursen. 


1821. 


CC cc 


Wm. Learning. 


1822. 


Chas. H. Carroll. 


• C cc 


1823-26. 


David Gamble. 


John Jones. 


1827. 


Daniel Kelly. 


cc cc 


1828-29. 


tt cc 


Wm. Aten. 


1830-32. 


Daniel H. Fitzhugh. Lockwood Lyon. 


1833- 


tt tt 


John Morrow. 


1834. 




L. C. Lyon. 


1835. 


Daniel Fitzhugh. 


CC CC 


1836-37. 


W. E. Lauderdale. 


Chas. Goheen. 


1838. 


Reuben Field. 


cc cc 


1839. 


Chas. H. Carroll. 


Josiah Fisher. 


1840. 


cc cc 


Chas. Goheen. 


1841. 


Daniel H. Fitzhugh. " 


1842-43. 


Daniel Kelly. 


CC CC 


1844. 


cc cc 


John Benway, Jr. 


1845 




David Gamble. 


CC cc 


1846 




tt tt 


Chas. Goheen. 


1847 




Wm. Ewart. 


Hugh C. Lattimore. 


1848 




Chas. H. Carroll, 


John Aten. 


1849 




Wm. Ewart. 


tt H 


1850 




CC (C 


Phineas Barber. 


1851 




Edward P. Fuller. 


John Benway, Jr. 


'852-53- 


Edward Logan. 


Hugh C. Lattimore. 


l8 54-55- 


Harvey Ewart. 


it ti 


1856. 


Augustus Palmer. 


John Benway. 


1857- 


Nathaniel B. Mann. Thos. Gamble. 


1858. 


cc CI 


John Benway. 


'859- 


Edward P. Fuller. 


u a 


i860. 


tt cc 


Chas. Goheen. 


1861. 


tt cc 


John Aten. 


1862. 


a cc 


Chas. Goheen. 


1863. 


John Hartman. 


John Aten. 


1864-65. 


John Hartman. 


a a 


1S66. 


Orimel Bigelow. 


tt a 


1867-68. 


John Hartman. 


tt a 


1869 


-72. 


Geo. S. Ewart. 


(< tt 



1873. Hugh W. McNair. John Aten. 

1874. Geo. S. Ewart. I: 

1875. Hugh McNair. " 

1876. Jerome A. Lake. " " 

1877. Geo. W. Kelly. " " 

1878. Jerome A. Lake. Geo. G. Fox. 
1879-80. John W. Sickly. John Aten. 

The following officers were elected April 5, 1881 : 
Supervisor, John W. Sickly ; Town Clerk, James 
B. Harrison ; Justice of the Peace, Frank S. Lee ; 
Richard J. Kelly, (vacancy ;) Highway Commis- 
sioner, John P. Titsworth ; Assessor, B. F. Cul- 
bertson ; Overseers of the Poor, H. W. Ogden, 
Andrew Boyd ; Collector, John Lee ; Constables, 
John Lee, Andrew Gray, Patrick Wall, Richard E. 
White ; Game Constable, Richard Johnson ; Ex- 
cise Commissioners, William Aten, David Gray; 
Inspectors of Election, George S. Ewart, John K. 
Slack. 

At an election held in the town of Groveland, 
which commenced April 30, 1816, at the house of 
James Henderson, and closed May 2, at the house 
of William Willson, there were cast for Daniel D. 
Tompkins, for Governor, forty-three votes, and for 
Rufus King for Governor, fourteen votes. 

The report of the School Commissioners to the 
County Clerk of Ontario county, made May 20, 
1816, reports that there were six full districts and 
one part of one, the amount. of moneys received 
was $79.99, the number of children taught in the 
district were 280, and the total number of children 
between the ages of live and fifteen years were 366. 

War Record. — The record of the part that 
Groveland took in the war of the Rebellion is very 
meagre. The following is all that is recorded in 
relation to the subject : — 

September 19, 1863, a resolution was passed to 
raise $100 that same fall "for the relief of the 
wives and children of the volunteers and those or- 
dered into the service of the United States, accord- 
ing to an Act passed by our State Legislature on 
the 17th day of May, 1863." 

September 23, 1864, at a town meeting held for 
the purpose of filling the quota of said town under 
the last call, it was voted by a majority of the votes 
cast that said town raise a sum not exceeding one 
thousand dollars for each, for the purpose of filling 
the quota of said town, and that the amount be 
assessed and collected from the taxable inhabitants 
of said town at the two next annual collections. 

At a special town meeting held in and for the 
town of Groveland at the house of Richard Mate, 
in said town, on the 3d day of February, 1865, 
for the purpose of voting upon a proposition to 






.55'' 



HISTORY OF LIYINGST< i.N I i lUNTY. 



raise money upon the credit of said town for pay- 
ing bounties to volunteers into the military and 
naval service of the United States, it was voted by 
a majority of the electors present that the board of 
town auditors of said town issue the bonds of said 
town to the amount of $400 to each volunteer to 
fill the quota of said town under the last call oi the 
President for three hundred thousand men. 

At a special town meeting held the 4th of March. 
1865, it was voted that the sum of $300 be ex- 
pended by the board of town auditors in cases of 
actual necessity for the relief of the families in said 
town whose natural supporters are in the military 
and naval service of the United States, or who have 
died in said service. 

Groveland Corners. 

The principal hamlet in the town is Groveland 
Corners. The present business consists of a black- 
smith shop kept by Wm. Mate, a shoe shop kept 
by S. Pease, and one general store kept by Geo. 
Fox. Millard Sickly formerly kept store here, 
succeeded by John Magee from 1878 till the fall of 
1880. 

Abraham Harrison kept tavern at the corners 
about 1825 and remained till as late as 1830 in 
the house across from the store. The Presbyterian 
parsonage was built about 1840 as a hotel by John 
Morrow, who had then a store here. The present 
postmaster is L. M. Bradley, who was appointed 
in the latter part of 1SS0. His immediate prede- 
cessors were John C. Magee, M. F. Sickly, Geo. 
G. Fox, Harris Harvey and John Aten. 

The Presbyterian Church of Gnm-land was or- 
ganized in 1809,* by Rev. John Lindsley, and 
consisted of sixteen members and three elders. 
The early Minutes of Session being carried to the 
General Assembly by Rev. Mr. Lindsley were un- 
happily lost. 

In the year 18 18, the congregation obtained the 
services of Rev. Silas Pratt, who ministered to 
them each third Sabbath for one year. On Janu- 
ary 10, 1819, the church was taken under the care 
of the Presbytery of Ontario. 

In the Minutes from 1818 to 1824, the names 
of Samuel Culbertson, Thomas Ward, John Jones 
and Abraham Harrison appear as ruling elders ; 
and January 1, 1824, Michael Johnson and Wm. 
Learning were installed as their associates in offii e. 

» This date is given on the authority "i Rev. Mr. Lindsley, although 
Rev. Silas Pratt states that the church 01 anized in 1795, by the 

General Assembly through the efforts of their missionary, Rev. Mr. 
Thatcher. 



Their present house of worship was erected in 
1829 — the builder being Henry Yroman ; and the 
trustees were Messrs. G. W. Merrill, Daniel Kelly, 
John Harrison, A. Harrison, Michael Johnson 
and (ieorge Bennett. One of the articles of agree- 
ment between the builder and trustees read as fol- 
lows : — 

"The said party of the second part (viz: trus- 
tees,) agree to deliver all the material on the spot 
where the said building is to stand; to ask the 
hands and furnish the //</u<>r for raising of the 
building and be at the expense of the same." 

The congregation had previously worshipped 
in a school-house that stood opposite to the Gully 
school-house. 

From the departure of Rev. Pratt, in 1828, regu- 
lar services were intermitted, but Rev. Mr. Mas- 
ter and Rev. Mr. (Dr.) Bull, of Geneseo, occasion- 
ally administered the sacrament. On the roth of 
March, 1831, Rev. Isaac Crabb was installed as 
the first pastor, on a salary of $300 per annum, 
payable in semi-annual installments, but was 
obliged to close his labors May 12, 1833. Rev. 
George E. Sill was employed as stated supply for 
one year from August 28, 1833, and Rev. George 
Freeman, of the Presbytery of Geneva, occupied a 
like position for about three years. February 7, 
1836-, Messrs. John Yance, Samuel C. Culbertson, 
John J. Groesbeck and Daniel Kelly were added 
by ordination to the eldership. From April, 1836, 
to May, 1841, Rev. Orrin Brown, of Champlain 
Presbytery, was stated supply: and July 30, 1S40, 
Rev. Silas Pratt again assumed charge, continuing 
for three years. February 27, 1842, the Session 
took preliminary steps toward transferring the 
church to the Presbytery of Caledonia, and the 
change was made March 20, 1842. A minority 
protested and organized under the Presbytery of 
Ontario; but this division was but temporary, and 
in the autumn of 1842. the church placed itself 
under the care of the Presbytery of Steuben. 
From the fall of 1843 to 1845, Rev. Lewis Cheese- 
man presided. He was followed by Rev. Richard 
Kay, who remained three years, and from February 
5, 1849, to April 5, 1850, Rev. John C. Vanl.iew 
presided. In the fall of 1850, Rev. S. Smith Stur- 
ges commenced his services as stated supply, con- 
tinuing till the summer of 1853. Rev. John J. 
Carroll took charge of the pulpit January 1, 1854, 
and presided there ten years, and upon his retire- 
ment Rev. F. DeW. Ward, of Geneseo, filled his 
place, but remained only two months, and was fol- 
lowed, after a brief interval, by Rev. Robert L. 
Conant, who acted as stated supply a few Sabbaths, 




Mar^y Bickel Eeenf^iter. 



Mary Bickel Ebenriter was born in Lehigh 
county, Pa., Nov. 15,1792. Her father, Henry 
Bickel, was a native of Switzerland, born May 
24, 1748, and died April 5, 1826. Her mother 
was born in Pennsylvania, near Bethlehem, 
July 16, 1759, and died Oct. 19, 1830. 

Peter Ebenriter, was born in Northampton 
county. Pennsylvania, June 21, 1790. His 
grandfather was a native of Germany, and came 
here and took part in the Revolutionary war 
with England. When Peter was four years of 
age, the family moved to Lehigh county, near 
Allentown, where, when old enough, he worked 
with his father till the death of the latter in 
1825. As Peter continued to work the farm 
until 1833, his education was necessarily limi- 
ted to the district school of that day, but he was 
a man of good judgment and discernment, and 
was one of a company of volunteers who went 
to Philadelphia to defend the flag of his coun- 
try against the attack of the English in 1812. 



Sept. II, 18 1 2, he was married to Mary 
Bickel, and they lived on his father's farm 
until 1833, when they moved to the town of 
Groveland. They had one son and seven 
daughters, three of whom are now living. 
George Ebenriter occupies the old homestead, 
and it is due to his liberality that his mother's 
portrait appears herewith, (his father never 
having had one taken). 

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ebenriter were both 
members of the Groveland Presbyterian 
Church, having joined that organization about 
the year 1834, Mr. Ebenriter by a letter from 
the Church at his home in Pennsylvania. Both 
lived the life of exemplary christians, and all 
of the family became members of the same 
Church. Mr. Ebenriter died Feb. 12, 1873, 
and his wife Feb. 13, 1874, mourned by all 
who knew them. Mrs. Ebenriter had doubly 
endeared herself to all and was ever ready to 
assist a neighbor when in trouble or sickness. 



EAST GROVELAND — NORTH SPARTA. 



357 



and in April, 1863, was succeeded by Rev. Stuart 
Mitchell. Rev. Henry L. Doolittle then followed, 
and remained three years. Rev. John Jones, D. D., 
supplied the pulpit for a short time when Rev. 
Thomas Dobbin became pastor, resigning August 
15- '875. 

August 1, 1876, the superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school was Orimel Bigelow, and the trustees 
were David Gray, William Aten and Samuel Cul- 
bertson. The church membership reported May 
1, of that year was 143. 

August, 1876, Rev. David Conway came and 
remained one year. Rev. Chester Murray served 
the church from January, 1878, till April, 1879, 
followed in May by Rev. Andrew J. Hardie, who 
remained till September, 1880, since which date 
there has been no pastor. The present acting 
elders are David Drake, Foit Benway and Orimel 
Bigelow. Present membership about 128. 

East Groveland. 

East Groveland, formerly known as Hunt's 
Corners, is located in the northern portion of the 
town and contains a post-office, store and Metho- 
dist Episcopal church. The present store was 
built in 1870 by J. DuBois. The present propri- 
etor is Geo. G. Fox. The post-office has been 
kept by Elijah Hunt, James Van Antwerp, James 
Ward, Hugh Kelly and J. L. Whitney. 

The First M. E. Church of Groveland is located 
at East Groveland, formerly known as Hunt's Cor- 
ners. The following is the certificate of its incor- 
poration : — 

" We, the subscribers, do certify that at a meet- 
ing held at the school house near John Hunt's, in 
the town of Groveland, in the county of Living- 
ston, it being the place where the members and 
friends of the M. E. Church statedly attend divine 
worship, on the 14th of March, 1826, of the male 
persons of full age being members and friends of 
the M. E. Church, held in pursuance of public 
notice given two successive Sabbaths or meeting 
days, and at least fifteen days before the time of 
meeting, for the purpose of reorganizing themselves 
according to the act entitled ' An act to provide 
for the incorporation of religious societies ' passed 
April 5, 1813. That John Arnold and John Hill, 
two of the members of said society were duly 
chosen to preside at the said meeting and election 
of trustees, and we do further certify that at the said 
meeting Wm. Doty, Jonathan Doty, Lemuel B. 
Ginnings, John White and John Salmon were 
elected to serve as trustees of said church, and we 
do further certify that at the said meeting, that 
the said society to be reincorporated should be 
called and known by the name and title of the 



' First Society of the M. E. Church in Groveland,' 
which elective resolutions and proceedings we do 
certify were had in our presence. Given under 
our hands and seals the 14th day of March, 1826. 

" |ohn Arnold, 
"John Hill." 

The deed for the church lot was given March 7, 
1825, by Daniel and Mary Ross to the trustees of 
the church, and the church was built about the 
year 1828. 

The first records attainable bear date January 
18, 1834, at which date Rev. Abner Chase was 
presiding elder and Rev. Joseph McCrary was pas- 
tor. In 1835 John Parker was the pastor, and 
from that year to January, 1843, tne minutes are 
missing, but in 1843 Rev. J. G. Gulick and Rev. 
I )a\ id Ferris were preachers, and in October of the 
same year Rev. Robert Parker took the place of 
Rev. David Ferris. From that year the various 
ministers filled the position in the following 
order: — 

Revs. C. L. Bowne in 1845, S. W. Alden in Oct., 
1846, E. B. Fuller in 1848, Alex. Farrill in Aug., 
1848, Leveret Richmond in Sept., 1849, Wesley 
Cochran in Sept., 1850, J. Chapman in 1852, J. L. 
S. Grandenin 1854, S.Brown in 1855,0 L. Bowne 
in 1857, Wm. Mattison in i860, Geo. W. Wilkin- 
son in 1862, Geo. VanAlstyne in 1863, B. Mande- 
ville in 1864, W. W. Mandeville in 1865, B. F. 
Hitchcock in 1866, L. D. Chase in 1867, Jas. S. 
Lemon in 1869, F. D. Blakeslee in 1872, J. B. 
Countryman in 1874, T. J. O. Woodin in 1877, J. 
E. Tiffany in 1879, P. R. Stover in 1880. 

The membership numbers 66 and the Sunday 
school 100, with Daniel Morris as Superintendent. 
Among the prominent members may be mentioned 
Daniel Morris, Frank Barber, Harvey Ewart. Ed- 
ward Parks and Elijah Hunt. John White was a 
member for about sixty-three years and died June 
27, 1880, in the ninety-second year of his age. The 
parsonage was built about 1848. The circuit 
preacher is Thomas Carlton. 

North Sparta. 

North Sparta is a postofiice situated in the 
southeast portion of the town, a short distance 
north of McNair Station on the Dansville branch 
of the New York, Lake Erie and Western railroad. 
The postofnee was moved from Sparta in 187^ 
since February of which year, Samuel Wambold 
has been postmaster. 

Wm. Johnson kept a store at this place since 
about 1847, and continued the same till his death 



353 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



in September, 1872; during the latter portion of 
his life carrying on business in a store located 
across the road from the present one. C. E. 
Warabold is the present merchant, and has been 
in business since 1878. 

Xehner's mills (grist) located here, were built in 
1826 by Isaac Havens, a son of Darling Havens, 
of Sparta, and were purchased by Abram Zehner, 
who run them till 1865, when Stephen Wambold 
took charge and has since continued. A saw mill 
was added about 1842. There are about seven 
feet fall at this place. The mill contains two runs 
of stones and one upright saw. 

Son ma. 

The Society of Christian Believers. — In the year 
182 1 there began a religious awakening in Wayne 
county, N. Y., which continued with an increase 
for several years. The people of that section 
having learned something of the doctrines of Be- 
lievers, applied to the society at Mt. Lebanon for 
aid in establishing a society in Western New York. 
Brethren from Mt. Lebanon visited the people in 
the year 1826. Finding them to be thoroughly in 
earnest, a site was selected and purchased for the 
location of their society. The tract of land 
decided upon contained about 1,296 acres; situ- 
ated partly in the town of Sodus and partly in the 
town of Huron. It was purchased of Robert C. 
Nicholas, Feb. 23d, 1826, and the Believers took 
formal possession of their property March 1st of 
the same year. In the month of May following, 
there were sent from the churches at Mt. Lebanon 
and Niskayuna, four missionaries, viz. : Flders 
Jeremiah Talcott and John Lockwood, and El- 
dresses Esther Bennet and Lucy Brown. These 
were to be the leaders of the newly-formed society 
at Sodus. Under their ministration the society 
continued to increase in numbers and prosperity 
at that place for several years. They erected 
some buildings and lived very comfortably. 

In the year 1836, when the Sodus Canal Com- 
pany was formed, with the intention of building a 
ship canal from Clyde to Great Sodus Bay, the 
projected course of the canal lay through the land 
which the Believers had purchased. The Canal 
Company offered to buy the property, and the 
people, not wishing to be subjected to the incon- 
convenience and associations which a canal would 
bring, accepted the terms of the company, and the 
sale was effected on the 21st day of November, 
1836. Having thus disposed of their home, it 



now became necessary for the Society to secure a 
future abiding place. 

After much inquiry and due deliberation, they 
finally purchased the property where they are now 
located, consisting of 1,670 acres of land in the 
town of Groveland, Livingston county. N. Y. This 
was bought of Dr. Daniel H. Fitzhugh in January, 
1837 ; and afterward additional land was pur- 
chased, making in all about 1,800 acres. The 
Society at that time numbered 145 members or 
thereabouts ; who, soon after the bargain was con- 
cluded, commenced moving to their new home in 
Groveland. This move was accomplished during 
the years 1837-38, and in the month of April. 
1838, the Sodus property passed into the hands of 
the Canal Company. 

There was necessarily much privation suffered 
by the people in beginning anew to establish a 
home; but they immediately set about cultivating 
the soil, erecting buildings, and striving to provide 
themselves with accommodations and comforts as 
fast as possible. In the year 1S39, the office was 
built, and soon afterward the church, then the 
mills, a flouring mill, (since destroyed by fire) and 
a saw mill. The foundation for the present 
dwelling was laid in 1858. Previous to that time 
and during the time of building, a part of the 
Society occupied the house formerly used as a 
dwelling by Dr. Daniel H. Fitzhugh and his family. 
The remainder of the people lived in other smaller 
buildings which were on the place when they 
bought it, until better accommodations could be 
provided. This Society has met with many losses ; 
some by several fires which have occurred here, 
ami others by the dishonesty and unfaithfulness of 
trustees, who, betraying the confidence reposed in 
them, have left the Society, taking with them 
much of the property which had been consecrated 
for the benefit of all the members. 

In spite of all obstacles, however, those who 
have remained true to their faith have continued 
making improvements, erecting commodious build- 
ings, and by constant toil have steadily risen from 
a state in which they were barely supplied with 
the necessaries of life, to a condition of com- 
parative comfort, though not of ease, for it is one 
of the principles of their faith that all should 
engage in manual labor to provide for the susten- 
ance of the body. It is now more than forty years 
since the removal of the Believers from Sodus, 
and more improvements have been made in their 
property and belongings since the year 1S61 than 
in all the previous years. The ministers or leaders 



lb 



lagzh 9 3 3 3 3 



:>i. . 



Eta» iA •■/■'■■ 



■^'V-V'/^; 



The Sewinc House. 





i office 

2 horse barn 

3 MEETINGHOUSE 

4 DWELLING HOUSE 

5 SEWING HOUSE 

6 DINING ROOM 8^ DAIRY 



The Home or the Socie 

VULGARLY CABLED SHAKERS. 




' '■■ ¥ " \ ^1 7j f ^ T ^ i? j|r 




M^sk 



^_^_>_ 



E. tH E IfiMR'"^ 



, ., - . . y 



Fruit House and Laundry. 




christian Believers 
K Livingston, Go, N.Y. 



7 FRUIT HOUSE 8t LAUNDRY 

8 STOCK BARN 

9 WOOD 8( CARRIAGE HOUSE 
10 BOILER HOUSE 

I I JOINER SHOP 

IS BROOM SHOP 

13 SCHOOL HOUSE 



WILLIAM K. MANN. 



359 



who first came to Sodus, have long since died ; 
but their places have been filled by worthy 
successors, who have striven to maintain the doc- 
trines that were established in the first days of 
their church. There have been many seceders 
from the faith causing a declension in numbers, 
but the fundamental principles, as taught and 
practiced by the founders of the Church, have 
ever been preserved in their purity by the faithful, 
and to-day the Believers claim to have a faith, 
which has stood the test of more than a hundred 
years. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM K. MANN. 

Samuel Mitchell Mann, son of Samuel Mann 
and Margaret Keith Mann, grandson of John and 
Mary Mann, was born on the 25th day of August, 
1781, in the township of Horsham, Montgomery 
county, Pa., where the family still reside in the 
fourth and fifth generations, in the same substan- 
tial stone house, and on the same farm originally 
bought by the founder of the family from the 
Penns. 

Samuel M. Mann came to Western New York 
in 1805, with his brother-in-law, Samuel McNair, 
and located in what was then the town of Sparta, 
Ontario county, now Groveland, on a farm of 240 
acres in the wilderness, and upon which there had 
not been cut a stick of timber He returned the 
following year to Pennsylvania, and in September, 
1806, married Susan, daughter of General John 
Borrows, of Northumberland county, Pa. Susan 
was a native of Philadelphia county. 

They removed to their farm in Groveland, where 
they died after raising a family of nine children, 
seven of whom are still surviving, and six of them 
in this county. Dr. Josiah Stockton Mann, son 
of Samuel and Susan Mann, has been a practicing 
physician in Posey county, in the State of Indiana, 
for more than forty years. Samuel Mann and 
wife lived to be four score years of age. 

The subject of this sketch, William Keith Mann, 
was born in the town of Groveland, on the 15th 
day of September, 181 r, and was the third son of 
Samuel M., and Susan B. Mann, and now resides 
within one-half mile of the place of his birth. He 
has always been a farmer, and has sometimes dealt 
in produce. Mr. Mann cannot boast of the ex- 
aggerated advantages of modern schools, but may 
claim to be a graduate of the district school, the 
school of the people, whose advantages were made 
use of by him to its fullest extent. 

He was married on the 28th of March, 1837, to 
Sarah D. McNair, by whom he had eight children, 



five of whom are living ; one in Indiana, one in 
Pennsylvania, one in Colorado, and two in Grove- 
land. In 1863 he was married to Mrs. Fanny M. 
Wheelock, by whom he has one daughter. 

Mr. Mann well remembers when it was quite as 
common to see an Indian as a white man ; and 
when bears and deer were often seen, and rattle- 
snakes were killed by children singly, or hunted by 
men and killed by the score. 

Mr. Mann has always had laudable ambitions, 
probably induced somewhat by pride of ancestry, 
as he can trace the blood of the Stocktons, Hub- 
bards and Manns of New Jersey ; and of the Keiths, 
Borrows, Torberts, Andersons and Mitchells of 
Pennsylvania, in his veins. Both of his grandfathers 
and one of his great-grandfathers were Revolutionary 
patriots and servedin the war of Independence. His 
great-grandfather, John Borrows, enlisted in the 
war with five sons, and two step-sons by the name 
of Wood, and out of the eight in the family but 
three returned — the father, Nathaniel and John Jr. 
One perished in a prison-ship in New York harbor, 
one was blown up on a vessel in the same harbor, 
when every soul perished, and a third fell at the 
battle of Camden, in South Carolina. John Jr., 
was promoted and remembered by his government, 
and subsequently was appointed a General in the 
war of 181 2, and raised a brigade and was ready 
to march to.the lines when peace was proclaimed. 
He was State Senator and Prothonotary of the 
county of Lycoming several years, and otherwise 
honored and respected. 

William K.'s aspirations for learning led him to 
spend a few months at school in Geneva after he 
was 21 years of age, on his own responsibility, 
when his board, tuition and stationery did not cost 
him over fifty cents per week, and when he wrought 
on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays to pay for 
his fuel by chopping and sawing wood, cleaning 
and digging ditches, and other jobs that were hon- 
est that he could get to do. He returned to his 
father's in the spring and continued to work for 
him as if a minor till in his 23d year, when he en- 
gaged in teaching school for several winter terms, 
still working on the farm in summer. Subsequent 
to his marriage, for a series of years, he worked 
lands on shares by the halves, and at times had 
contracts on the public works, when he bought the 
farm on which he now resides and has continued 
to add to it until he is now in possession of 840 
acres, but his misfortunes have compelled its 
incumbrance. 

Being a man of decided opinions, one whose 
convictions were clear and conclusive, and believ- 
ing that "no man has a right to say he will do as 
he has a mind to unless he has a mind to do right," 
he has always been a total stranger to policy, born 
without fear. If he thought a certain course right 
he was sure to say so if all the world beside him 
said otherwise, and if he thought it wrong it was 
sure to meet with his most emphatic condemna- 
tion. His views on temperance were adopted 
early, amidst persecution, and never regretted, ami 
he can now say truthfully that he never bought, 



3 6 ° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



offered, or received a glass of intoxicating liquor at 
any public bar or elsewhere, since his views were 
formed, which was when he was 13 years of age. 

Politically he was born an Anti-Mason about the 
time William Morgan was abducted and murdered. 
He thinks the whole society of Masons responsible 
for the crime by trying to prevent the punishment of 
the perpetrators by encouraging their witnesses to 
treat the case with contempt, and treating them 
as if they had been martyrs in some righteous 
cause after they had served or paid the penalty of 
the law. He voted with the Anti-Masonic party 
until they united with the Whigs. His sympathies 
were with the Democrats, and his first vote for 
President was cast for that noble Democrat, 
Andrew Jackson. He continued to vote with that 
party until it seemed to him the only principles 
left it were the loaves and fishes and slavery. He 
abandoned the party in disgust and went in with 
the Republicans, voted for John C. Fremont, twice 
for Abraham Lincoln, twice for Gen. Grant, for 
R. B. Hayes, and lastly for Jas. B. Garfield. He 
prides himself on being called a Republican and 
in belonging to the party that carried us through 
the war and saved the country; proud of the glori- 
ous company of such men as William H. Seward, 
A. Lincoln, D. S. Dickinson, J. A. Dix, E. Morgan, 
Stanton, Sherman, (Irant, Sumner and hosts of 
others that were originally Democrats. 

Mr. Mann is decidedly of the notion that the 
Methodist minister was right when he said that 
"the man who sells seven feet of wood for a cord 
is no Christian," and he envys not the man's 
morals that thinks he can pay a just debt by bank- 
rupt or assignment laws. 

His earliest recollections of the pioneers of this 
town which dates back to the close of the last 
war with Great Britain, embraces the McNairs, 
Robertsons. Yances, Baileys, Rosebrughs, Cul- 
bertsons, Lattimores, Brans, Stillwells, Kellys, 
Barbers, Hendershotts, Roups, Hylands, Magees, 
Berrys, Thompsons, Harrisons, Dotys, Gambles, 
Carrolls, Fitzhughs, Scholls, Mills, Ewarts ; nearly- 
all from New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Most of 
them are dead, many removed, some have not even 
left one to transmit their names. The first clergy- 
man he heard in this town was Rev. Lindsley. 

We can find descendants of men of this town 
in almost every State and Territory west of this, 
and not a few in the South. The changes are al- 
most incredible in other respects from hard labor 
to machinery, from the Indian paths, to railroads 
and telegraphs, and the rise in the value of land 
from $2,00 per acre to $100. We might search 
long for a race of men more distinguished for lon- 
gevity than these pioneers. 



and Jennie (Boyd) Logan, natives of the same 
county, who came to this country in 1820, and 
settled permanently in the town of Sparta, near 
Scottsburgh, where they remained till they died, 
the mother in 1861, and the father a lew years 
later. They had seven children, viz: — Jennie. II 
waul. Sarah, James, Mary, John and Andrew, all 
now living in this county, except Sarah, who re- 
sides in Tecumseh, Michigan. Edward lived at 
home with his parents until 1846, when he settled 
where he now lives in the town of Groveland. 

March 13. 1S50, he was married to Adeline, 
daughter of John W., and Sarah (Magee) Latimer, 
of Groveland. She was born June 18, 1824. Her 
father came with his parents from Pennsylvania 
when very young. 

Mrs. Logan's paternal ancestry were English. 
Her mother was born in the State of New Jersey, 
of Irish parents, of whom the father died February 
22, 1865, and the mother July 27, 1834. They 
had six children: — William McNair. James, Hugh 
C, Caroline and Adeline, (twins,) and Elizabeth. 

Mr. and Mrs. Logan had three children, all of 
whom died in infancy. Mr. Logan has been flat- 
teringly recognized by his townsmen by election to 
various offices of his town. He was elected Super- 
visor in 1852, and again in 1853. and has been 
Road Commissioner. In politics he is a Republi- 
can, and firm in the support of his party's meas- 
ures and principles. He is a member of no reli- 
gious denomination but attends the Presbyterian 
church at Groveland Centre, of which his wife is a 
worthy member. 



EDWARD LOGAN. 



Edward Logan was born in county Antrim, Ire- 
land, in July, 1813. His parents were Edward 



ISAAC PRAY. 

Isaac Pray was born in Winfield, Herkimer 
county, N. Y., April 22, 1812. His grandfather, 
John Pray, left his native State, Nov. 1. 1794. and 
with his family, settled in Litchfield, where he 
engaged in farming. Soon discouraged in this he 
went to Ballston, Saratoga county. His son 
James, father of our subject, was born in Poster. 
R. I., in 1782, and was about twenty-one years of 
age when his father went to Ballston. July 28, 
1805, he was married to Cornelia Patterson, of 
Winlield, who died Nov. 10, 1856. Before his 
marriage he engaged in the manufacture of pot- 
ash, that being one of the leading industries of 
that early day, and disposed of his potash to parties 
in Albany. This was a good business venture 
and gave him a fine start in life. With Mr. Sim- 
mons as a partner, he built a saw and grist mill on 
one of the head branches of the Unadilla river, 
near a small hamlet which is not now remembered. 
A (nw years after he disposed of his interest there 
and engaged in the distilling business. He soon, 
however, became dissatisfied with this and en- 
gaged in farming ever after. In May, 1S32, he 
came to Groveland and bought the farm where 
Isaac now resides, and where he lived till his 
death, which occurred Nov. 16, 1873, aged 91 



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JOHN WHITE — LIVONIA 



3 6] 



years and 6 months. Isaac Pray resided with 
his parents till 19 years of age, and enjoyed only 
the limited advantages of the district school of 
those early days for an education. He afterwards 
went to Ohio where he engaged in farming for five 
or six years, and in 1837 went to visit his parents 
in Groveland, when his father prevailed upon him 
to remain at home and assist him on the farm 
which he bought in 1864, and which consisted of 
nS£ acres of land. 

February 6, 1836, he was married to Jane, 



daughter of Frederick Lewis Mills, of Mt. 
by whom he had two daughters, Harriet 
Frances I., the latter of whom married 



Wyant, of Oroveland. 
a Republican, at all 
times working in the 
interests of his party, 
but never wishing to 
hold any office. In 
religion Mr. Pray and 
his family are Baptists, 
Mrs. Pray having been 
a member of that 
church for more than 
forty years. 



In politics Mr. 



Morris, 
M. and 
William 
Pray is 



Photo, by Merrell, Geneseo. 



JOHN WHITE. 

John White was 
born in the town of 
Pi qua, Northumber- 
land county, Penn., 
December 25, 1788. 
In 1794, his parents 
with their family em- 
igrated to the town of 
Lima, where they lived 
for four years, then 
purchased and remov- 
ed to a farm, (long 
know as the Ram- 
beau farm,) one and a 

half miles southeast of the village of Geneseo. 
In these boyhood days Indians were often his com- 
panions in the games of wrestling and ball playing. 

In 1 805 while yet but a youth he started out for 
himself and began the battle of life in earnest. In 
company with a brother and a friend he followed 
the Indian trail westward to the " Holland Pur- 
chase" where each purchased a farm in the unbroken 
forest, but all living together for a year in a rude 
log-cabin doing their own house-work, and furnish- 
ing their cabin in the style of those days. Split 
bass-wood logs fastened on standards of different 
heights serving for tables and chairs, and maple 
wood dishes were their only supply. 

He cleared a portion of his farm and built a 
house and on Jan. 6th, 1807, was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Anna Griffith of Geneseo. In 1808 
he united with the M. E. Church and from that 
time forward his religious faith and principles con- 



trolled him in all the duties and relations of life. 
In 18 1 3 he returned to this vicinity and bought 
the farm in Groveland, on which he resided for 62 
years. Thus did he become identified with the 
early settlement and material prosperity of the 
town where so great a portion of his life was spent. 
He held for many years the various offices within 
the gift of his townsmen, truly the gift for he never 
solicited a vote nor even voted for himself, and in 
the discharge of these duties his record is of one 
who did his work well and honorably. 

In 1826, he assisted in the organization of the 
M. E. Church at East Groveland, was elected 
trustee and class-leader, which offices he held until 
his death. In the same year he with Lemuel B. 

Jennings donated a 
lot of five acres to be 
occupied as a parson- 
age ground, and it is 
still used for that pur- 
pose. He was the 
first farmer in Grove- 
land to break away 
from the then prevail- 
ing custom of provid- 
ing ardent spirits for 
his laborers, while to 
protect the pioneer 
temperance lecturer in 
his work he has even 
interposed his own 
powerful physical 
frame as a barrier in 
the door against the 
enemies of the tem- 
perance cause. 

Firmness of purpose 
and perseverance in 
duty characterized 
him in every position 
he was called to oc- 
'• cupy. He died in 

Geneseo at his home 
with his only remain- 

(JOHN WHITE.) ing chM Josq?h ,,. 

White, June 27th, 1880, in the 92d year of his age. 





I^Hl 
of 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

History ok the Town of Livonia. 

1 E town of Livonia lies on the eastern border 
of the county. It was formed February 1 2, 
1808, from Richmond, Ontario county, which, at 
that date, was known as Pittstown. A portion of 
its territory was taken off in 1819, and, with other 
territory of Ontario county, formed into the town 
of Conesus. 

The town is bounded on the north by Lima and 
Avon ; on the south by Conesus and Canadice 



362 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



(Ontario county,) on the east by Richmond, (On- 
tario county,) and on the west by Geneseo. It 
contains an area of 22,81 1 acres, the soil of which, 
in the low lands, is a clayey loam, and on the 
higher lands an admixture of sandy and gravelly 
loam. 

In the southern part the surface is somewhat 
hilly ; in the northern part, gently undulating. 

The name, Livonia, was derived from a Russian 
province, and was proposed by Col. George Smith 
at the time when the Legislature was petitioned for 
the formation of the town. 

The township contains five villages — Livonia, 
Livonia Center, Hemlock Lake, South Livonia, and 
Lakeville. Gullburgh, in the southeastern part, is a 
name given to a small settlement of a few scatter- 
ing houses ; and Hamilton Station, in the northern 
part, is a small station on the line of the Erie rail- 
road. 

The only streams of importance are the outlets 
of Hemlock, Conesus, and Canadice lakes — the 
two former lying partly within the eastern and wes- 
tern borders of the town — and Kinney's creek, a 
small stream which rises in the southern part, flows 
northerly and southerly and empties into the mill- 
pond at the village of Hemlock Lake. 

The first settlement of Livonia was begun by 
Solomon Woodruff in 1789.* He came from 
Litchfield, Conn., and located on lot 32, just south 
of Livonia Centre, and a little east of the present 
residence of Buel D. Woodruff. Here he made a 
clearing, on which he built a log house, and then 
returned to Connecticut and brought his wife and 
son Austin, then three years old, together with his 
household effects, in an ox sled, to Livonia. 

On that lone winter's journey, their second born 
little boy sickened under exposure and hardships. 
When they reached Bristol, Ontario county, he 
died in his mother's arms, and there on the sum- 
mit of one of those bleak hills the father dug a 
rude grave by the way-side, in which they laid their 
little one, and then with saddened hearts pursued 
their journey. 

Arriving in Livonia, Mr. Woodruff found that 
the log-house which he had so patiently constructed 
had been burned down by the Indians during his 
absence, and that his wife and surviving child were 
homeless in this region of wilderness. 

He immediately began the erection of another 
house, and while it was in the course of construc- 
tion his wife and child stayed with the family of 
»- 

* On the tombstone over his grave the date of his incoming is placed 
at 1790 ; but that was a mistake made at the time of its erection. Fn > 1 
gives the date as 1 7y2, which is also incorrect. 



Oideon Pitts, the nearest neighbors, at the foot of 
Honeoye lake. 

In this log cabin, when completed, Solomon 
\\'i» j«1i uft' and his resolute wife Susannah began 
their pioneer life. — the initial movement toward the 
settlement and civilization of the town. 

For a number of years the nearest mill was seven 
miles east of Canandaigua, at a place now known 
as Shortsville, where Mr. Woodruff carried his grist 
on his back, or on an ox yoke, there being no ac- 
cessible wagon road through the forest. 

The Indians then in this locality were often 
troublesome. Soon after their arrival here, when 
Mr. Woodruff was absent from home one day, his 
son Austin was stolen by a passing band of Indians. 
When the father returned and discovered his loss 
he immediately started in pursuit, overtaking the 
Indians on the shore of Hemlock lake, and single 
handed contended with them and rescued his child. 

At another time while at work alone he was sur- 
prised by a company of Indians, his first intimation 
of their presence being the savage war-whoop. 
Looking up he found himself confronted by their 
levelled guns. Bareing his. breast he stood erect 
before them, without a quiver of a muscle ; 
whereupon, struck by his coolness, they lowered 
their weapons, saying such a brave man should 
not die. 

In 1794, February 19, a second son. Phillip 
Woodruff", was born, being the first white child 
born in the town. 

He was in after years a lawyer of considerable 
repute in the County courts, and a noted patron of 
education in the common schools of the county. 
He was a member of Assembly two terms in 1849 
and 1850. 

In that same year, 1794, Solomon Woodruff kept 
the first tavern in the town in his log-house- 
Beneath that humble roof the discrowned and 
exiled Louis Phillipe, King of France, who, with 
the Duke de Liancourt, wandered in these western 
wilds, received a night's lodging and the hospitable 
care of Solomon and Susannah Woodruff. 

Their cabin also sheltered for a time a lad who 
was afterwards known as the celebrated Presby- 
terian divine, Rev. Dr. Joel Parker, who in 1858, 
at a meeting of the general assembly in Rochester, 
saitl to a daughter of his benefactors, " Whatever 
under God 1 am or have done in my life I owe to 
Mrs. Susannah Woodruff." 

Solomon Woodruff died January 18, 181 1. Su- 
sannah, his wife, died in 1828. 

The only direct descendant now living of those 




-0^ ^cr^p^^CyJ^T 



The subject of this biography was born in Dorset, Vt., March J, i779 ? 
while his parents were moving from Scituate, Rhode Island, to Claren- 
s don, Rutland county, Vt. His ancestors on both sides were of English 
descent, and were noted for their strong native talents. 

Joseph Smith came from Northumberland county, England, to North 
Carolina. His descendants moved to Rhode Island. Of these, John 
Smith, of Scituate, Rhode Island, was the grandfather of George Smith, 
and was connected by inter-marriage and common ancestry with the 
Hopkinses, Wilkinsons, Harrises, and other prominent families there. 
His wife, and the grandmother of George Smith, was Miss Hopkins, a 
near relative of Stephen Hopkins, the signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. They had six sons, viz: — Richard, Joseph, Jonathan, Oziel, 
Thomas, and Hope, all of whom served in the Revolutionary Armv, 
either as commissioned officers or common soldiers. Thomas was killed 
in one of its battles. Their fourth son was the father of Col. George 
Smith. Oziel Smith was born in Scituate, where he married Margaret 
Wahon, the mother of George Smith. They moved to Clarendon, Vt., 
where she died June 10, 170.J, aged 39 years. Oziel Smith afterwards 
moved to Livonia, N- Y-, where he died September, 1S18, aged 7S 
years. 

Some of Margaret Walton's relatives held office under the British 
government at the breaking out of the Revolution, and adhered to its 
cause. The majority of the relatives— some of whom were Quakers- 
sided with the colonies. 

George Smith's school opportunities, owing to pecuniary losses of his 
father, and the limited resources of a new and sparsely settled country, 
were limited to three months in a common school at ten years of age, and 
about ten weeks at the age of fourteen. 

While working at the carpenter and joiners' trade he studied evenings 
by getting a pile of shavings which he could reach with one hand and 
throw on the fire for a light while he held his book in the other. 

Thus availing himself of every opportunity, he improved till he taught 
a common school in the winter. He afterwaid studied surveying, which. 



in connection with farming, he made a principal business during the lat- 
ter portion of his life. 

In the winter of 1798, he came from Vermont to Lima (then Charles- 
town, ) X. V , in the employ of Joel Roberts, driving a team of two yoke 
of oxen and a horse, loaded with agricultural implements, making the 
journey in twenty-two days, and arriving in February. He remained in 
Lima until the spring of 1801, when he moved to Livonia, then Pittstown, 
to work with John Woolcot at the carpenter and joiners' trade and mill- 
wright business. In the winter of 1803, he worked on the Court House 
at Batavia, and in the fall of that year erected a saw-mill for the Holland 
Land Company at Oak Orchard Falls, now Medina, N. Y. 

Though not a professed politician, he early took an active interest in the 
political questions of the day. In 1S00 he took the only Republican news- 
paper taken in his neighborhood, which was published at Hartford, 
Conn- He became prominent in promulgating its doctrines, and gave 
his iirst vote in that year for Thomas Jefferson for President; and voted 
at every succeeding Presidential election, including Grant's second term, 
and also at the fall election of iS7j, about five weeks before his death. 

He married Sally Woodruff in January, 1807, and they settled on the 
"Col. Smith Homestead Farm" in Livonia, where she died February 
*7, tSj?, aged 51 years. She was a daughter of Nathan Woodruff, who 
moved with his family from Litchfield, Conn , in iSoi. She rode on 
horseback all the way, carrying a weaver's reed on her lap to use in the 
new country. She was tall, of fair complexion, with dark brown hair and 
blue eyes ; of cheerful and benevolent disposition, and ever ready with 
sympathy and relief for the suffering of others. She had a strong consti- 
tution and good health until bitten by a rattle-snake, when crossing a 
field in Livonia, at the age of nineteen. The poison rankled in her sys- 
tem ever after, filling her remaining years with suffering, which only 
ended with her death. She was the mother of seven sons, only three of 
whom survived her, —Lewis Edwin, born November Z5, tSiz; George 
Woolcot, born May 16, 1S15, and Daniels Oziel, born February 20, 
1S19. 



COLONEL GEORGE SMITH. 



Lewis E., who after some common school and academic educational 
advantages, studied law. He attended the Cambridge University Law 
School under Judge Story and Simon Greenleaf. He practiced the pro- 
i held some lown offices,— including Super- 

four years in succession— represented the county of Livingston in 
the Legislature in 1868 and 1869, and moved with his family to Rochester, 
X Y . April, 1871, where he now n 

George Woolcot, who, after graduating at Hamilton College, N. V., 
taught an academic school .it Livonia, then studied medicine, and finally 
settled in Xiu York City, where he now resides, practicing his profes 
successfully by the sole use of animal magnetism. 

Daniels O., became blind when thirteen years of age, and attended the 
school for the blind in New York City, devoted his time mostly to music, 
and died in October, iS54i aged H years. 

Lewis E., married Lucy Boardman, of Trumansburg, I 
county, N- Y, the daughter of Allyn and Phebe Boardman, January 
u, 18*4. They have one son, George Herbert Smith, born December 
11, 1857. 

The two sons, Lewis E., and Giorge W., and the grandson George 
Herbert, are the only suiviving descendants of George Smith. 

Col. George Smith was married again December it, 184J, to Widow 
Helena H. Slout. of lit Bloomfield, < Intario county, N. Y. She died 
March (\ 1S4S, aged ?i yeai 

George Smith was five feet eleven and one-half inches in heighr, of 
strong constitution and muscular frame, and weighed one hundred and 
seventy pounds. He bad dark complexion, black hair and eyes, and 
great physical strength ; was of a cheerful and social disposition, loved 
to tell and bear a good story, and won many firm and lasting friends. 

After holding the office of Ensign and Captain of a company in a regi 
nu-nt commanded by Lieut. -Col. William Wadsworth, he was commis- 
sioned by Gov. Tomkkins, in May, 1811, "first Major" of the regiment 
commanded by Lieut. -Col. Joseph W. Lawrence. When the war of 1812 
commenced, he volunteered his services and was accepted. His regiment 
not being called for, he was assigned to the regiment of Col. Peter Allen, 
and marched to the Niagara frontier. When the order came to attack 
Queenstown he was detached, and ordered to take charge of the boats 
and transportation across the river. As the main part of our forces 
reached the other side. Gen. Wad iworth with a small force took boats for 
the purpose of supporting the movement, and taking command of the at- 
tacking party. He directed Major Smith to raise the flag of his regi- 
ment; he promptly stepped into the boat and unfurled the colors, and 
they all passed safely over though under the constant fire of the British 
artillery. He had the honor of planting this flag on the British battery 
when captured. When this service was performed, he was sent out under 
Col. Winfield Scott of the regular army to drive away the Indians who 
were firing at our troops from a piece of woods, which was promptly ac- 
complished. These duties performed, he picked up the musket of a 
dead soldier and joined the ranks for further service. After the Heights 
were retaken by the British, he was made prisoner at the general surren- 
der, and taken to Fort George, and at the end of a week was rele.i 
parole and returned home. In May, i8l6t he was commissioned by Gov. 
Tompkins, Lieut. Col. of the 94th Regt. of Infantry, and in Sept. 1S17, 
commissioned by Gov. Clinton, Colonel of the same regiment. He 
served two or Jiree years and then resigned. 



He was appointed Justice of the Peace by the Governor in 1819, and 
held the office about eight years. 

lie had a strong practical intellect, abhorred all shams and acts of dis- 
simulation, and had little respect for lawyers who would talk on either 
1 pay. One- day during his official term as justice, as he was get- 
ting in hay under a threatening sky, he was reminded of a suit to be tried. 
He left the field, heard the testimony, and immediately declared judge- 
ment for the plaintiff; when the defendant's lawyer, with an expression 
of surprise on his face, said, "Your Honor, I was about to offer some 
remarks on the testimony and law in the case. " He replied, " Never 
mind now, when I have more leisure we'll attend to that if you wish. " 
He was largely instrumental in getting Livingston County set off, and 
1, its organization in 1811 elected its first representative, and sat 
in the Legislature of 1 Si;, where he wore a suit of clothes made of wool 
;. his own sheep, anil spun and wove by his wife. 
He v 1 ted in 1823, with Hon. George Hosmer, of Avon, and 

sat in tin. several sessions of [824. In 1S20 he waselected supervisor of 
Livonia, the name of which town was selected by him in 1808. He held 
lhat and other town offices from time to time, sometimes being elected 
the minority. 
He early embraced the doctrine of the ultimate salvation of the whole 
human for years a member of the Universalist Church, and 

died happily a firm believer in its doctrines, retaining his mental faculties 
to the last. He believed with the poet that *'an honest man is the 
noblest work of God." and showed his faith by his works through a 
long and somewhat eventful life. He was ever the victim of his benevo- 
lence in indorsing and becoming surety for others. He would scold 
about the delinquents, then pay his losses cheerfully, and work on, earn- 
ing more money by his labor than any man of his time in Western New 
York. He always commanded the highest wages for planning and ei 
mg public buildings, mills, mill dams, and bridges, and works of difficult 
mechanical construction. He was always industrious and despised idle- 
ness ; unlike "of the present day, who look on with gloved 
hands, he would direct and oversee his twenty men, and at the same time 
do as much, if not more work than anyone of them. This habit lasted 
him through life. When in his ninety-fifth year he said his eyesight was 
so poor he could not read over fifty pages a day, and he wanted some- 
tlving to do, and did plan, "set out, '* and, with the aid of a common 
laborer, frame and erect a small barn for his son in Rochi 

Though not a visionary, he had for years before his death occasional 
l * visions, " as he called them, and of which he spoke as they 
occurred. The tred in the form of a scroll unfold- 

ing before him, on which was written, in large plain letters, 
not always in the same words, but always to the same import.— -and which 
night or day, with eyes open or closed, he could read,— that an era was 
approaching when the civilized nations of the world would adopt substan- 
t '.ill v a Republican form of government, and that the religious sects 
would all come to a like uniformity in belief and practice, and that this 
would occur in Dec, 1892. 

IK resided in Livonia until April. 1871, when lie moved with his son to 
Rochester, N- Y., where he died December 9, iS7j, aged 94 yi 
months and 6 days. 

He bet ame a member of the Masonic order early in life, was 
with prominent and responsible positions therein, and was buried near his 
early homestead in Livonia with the customary services of that fraternity 



LIVONIA — EARLY SETTLERS. 



3 6 3 



two hardy pioneers is Morris Woodruff, who lives 
in the town of Geneseo. 

A grandson, Buell D. Woodruff, son to Austin, 
now lives on the farm originally located and cleared 
by Solomon Woodruff. 

Other early settlers here were Daniel Lindsley, 

about 1793; Higby and Peter Briggs in 

1794, David Benton and Jesse Blake in 1798, 
Nathan Woodruff", Ruel Blake and Thomas Grant 
in 1801, and Smith Henry previous to the year 
1800. The most of those settlers were from Con- 
necticut. 

The first death was that of a child of Mr. Higby 
in 1797. Dorias Peck taught the first school in 
1798-9. 

The first school house stood on the land of Sol- 
omon Woodruff", in what is now the garden of Buell 
D. Woodruff. 

Isaac Bishop kept the first store in 1803-4. Mr. 
Higby built in 1795 the first saw-mill on the outlet 
of Hemlock lake, and the first grist-mill was built 
on the same outlet in 1799 by Seth Simonds, of 
Bristol, for Thomas Morris, of Canandaigua. 

About the year 1800 John Bosley built near 
Lakeville the mill widely known as " the Bosley 
mill." This mill was afterwards burned down, and 
in 1822 Edmund Bosley erected another mill on 
this site, which was also burned. 

In 1835 Lucius F. Olmstead & Co. again re- 
built it, and the mill is now owned by Clark & 
Sons. 

The first frame house was built for David Ben- 
ton in 1 80 1, and the builders were Col. George 
Smith and John Woolcot. 

A son to John Woolcot, Harry B., aged seventy- 
seven years, now lives here. 

Col. George Smith * was one of the most promi- 
nent and influential men of this town. He was 
born in Dorset, Vt., March 3, 1779, and came to 
the Genesee country in 1798, locating in Lima, 
where he lived till 1801, when he removed to Li- 
vonia and began life here as a millwright, carpen- 
ter and joiner in company with John Woolcot. 

In the war of 181 2 he bore a prominent part. 
In 18 19 he was appointed justice of the peace, 
which office he held eight years. At the organiza- 
tion of the county in 1821 he was elected Member 
of Assembly, and again in 1823, and sat in the four 
sessions of 1824. He died in Rochester, N. Y.,at 
the home of his son, Lewis E. Smith, December 9, 
1873. His wife, Sally Woodruff Smith, died Feb- 
ruary 17, 1835. 

* See biography and portrait on another page. 



The only living descendants of George Smith are 
Lewis E., George Woolcot, and a grandson 
George Herbert Smith, son to Lewis E. George 
W. is a practicing physician in New York. 

Hon. Lewis E. Smith, son of George Smith, was 
also a man of note in the town of Livonia. He 
was born November 25, 1812, and laid the founda- 
tion of his education in the common schools of the 
town. He afterward attended the Canandaigua 
academy and the academy at Wyoming, Wyoming 
county, N. Y. Resolving to enter the legal pro- 
fession, he studied law with Amos Dann, of Avon, 
in 1835, then with Judge John B. Skinner, of Wy- 
oming, N. Y., and in 1838 entered the office of 
Samuel Northrop, Esq., at Livonia Centre. He 
also took a course of study in the law school of 
Cambridge University, Mass., in 1844-5, under 
Judge Storey and Simon Greenleaf as professors of 
law. In July of 1842, he was admitted to practice 
in the Supreme Court, State Court of Chancer)' and 
Circuit and District Courts of the United States, 
and in that year formed a co-partnership with Sam- 
uel Northrop at Livonia Centre. This relation 
existed until about 1848, when Mr. Northrop re- 
moved to Hemlock lake and Mr. Smith remained 
in practice at Livonia Centre until 1850, when, on 
account of ill health, he retired from business. In 
1867 he was elected Member of Assembly and was 
reelected in 1868. In 1871 he removed from 
Livonia to Rochester, N. Y., where he now re- 
sides. 

Oliver Woodruff, brother to Solomon, the pio- 
neer, was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1755, and 
with his wife and family of six children moved to 
Livonia in the latter part of 1803. He had been 
to this town twice before, coming once to bring a 
load of goods to the elder Wadsworth. 

Oliver and Nathan Woodruff located a tract of 
land and divided it, Oliver's lot being the one that 
lies just south of the Presbyterian church at Livonia 
Centre. When he arrived in the town he found 
quite a settlement, among the people being Solo- 
mon Woodruff and others of that name, the Gibbs, 
the Pitts, Turners, Goulds, and many others. 

Up to the time of his incoming there had never 
been a meeting held in this locality, and in the 
early part of 1804 he began to hold meetings in 
the log school house, he reading and explaining 
the scriptures. This was the beginning of the re- 
ligious movement that resulted in the formation of 
the Presbyterian church at Livonia Centre, of 
which Oliver Woodruff was a deacon until his 
his death in 1845. 



.? 6 4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, 
Oliver was preparing to enter Yale College, but 
abandoned his plans for a higher education and 
devoted himself to the service of his country. He 
enlisted for six months as a private in a company 
commanded by Captain Baziliel Beebe, in Col. 
Wooster's regiment, and marched to Ticonderoga. 
He returned home in December of 1775, and in 
February, 1776, again enlisted for nine months in 
Capt. Beebe's company, in the regiment com- 
manded by Col. Philip B. Bradley. After the 
battle on Long Island, at which he was present, 
the regiment was marched to Bergen, opposite 
New York city, where they remained till the 
British gained possession of New York, and then 
ascended the Hudson river fourteen miles where 
they built Fort Lee. During the winter, part of 
the regiment in which he was included was or- 
dered over to Fort Washington. 

That fort was captured by the British Nov. 16, 
1776, and twenty-six hundred patriots laid down 
their arms, to be sent into British prisons. Fight 
hundred and seventeen, among whom was Oliver 
Woodruff, were sent to New Bridewell, where for 
three months they suffered from cold and starva- 
tion. 

Of the thirty-three belonging to Capt. Beebe's 
company only Mr. Woodruff and two others sur- 
vived. At length an exchange of prisoners was 
effected, and, sick and emaciated, Mr. Woodruff 
returned home and many months passed before 
he regained his health. He died in Livonia in 

1S45. 

His descendants now living are Washington 
Woodruff, Mrs. Stacy, and Mrs. Sedgwick, of 
Dansville, and Oscar Woodruff, a grandson, editor 
of the Dansville Express. 

Orange Woodruff was another early settler here, 
and a brother to Solomon Woodruff. Of his 
descendants, a son, Cyrus, now lives in Canan- 
daigua, and another son, Dr. Landon Woodruff, 
is a resident of LeRoy. 

Matthew Armstrong, Elias Chamberlain, Leman 
Gibbs, Capt. Robert Dixson, and Darius Jacques, 
were also early settlers and men of no inconsider- 
able prominence. Matthew Armstrong, with his 
sons John and William, and his daughter Mar- 
garet, came to Livonia in 1805 from Lycoming 
county, Penn., and settled on the farm now owned 
by John Armstrong. 

Matthew Armstrong was one of the first as- 
sessors of the town. He died in 1829. 

John, when a lad of four or live years playing 



before his cabin door, was severely bitten by a 
mad woff, and still bears the scars of the wound. 
The wolf was killed by the pursuing neighbors, 
but not until it had bitten numerous animals that 
afterward died from the poisonous effects of its 
fangs. 

Flias Chamberlain came to Livonia in 1805, 
locating in the south part of the town, near what 
was known as Holdens, and afterwards Jackson- 
ville. Here he remained one summer, then moved 
to Conesus, where he built a log house, in which 
he lived about two years. During this time his 
wife died, and he removed to near South Livonia. 
He died about 1835. A son, Samuel G. Cham- 
berlain, now lives just south of Livonia Centre. 

Capt. Robert Dixson, a man of much note in 
the town, was born in Groton, Conn., April 1st, 
1791. In 1793 he removed with his parents to 
Paris, Oneida county, N. Y. September, 21. 
1813, he was married to Miss Rhoda Wilkinson, 
and on the 18th of February, 1814, they came to 
Livonia to commence their married life in this 
new country. 

Here Robert Dixson lived sixty-seven years — 
always honorable, always devoted to the cause of 
education, morality and religion. Although in no 
sense an office seeker, so much did he possess the 
esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens that 
he was elected to the office of Supervisor ten times 
— nine terms in succession — from 1826 to 1834, 
and again in 1854. His hand struck the first 
blow towards the erection of the first church in the 
town — the Presbyterian church at Livonia Centre. 
He died February 8, .1881, in his ninetieth year. 
His wife died in October, 1879. 

Darius Jacques, in 1813, settled in Richmond, 
Ontario county, N. Y., where he purchased a small 
farm. In 1815, he married the widow of Levi 
VanFossen, of Hemlock Lake, and in 1 8 1 6 moved 
with his family, consisting of a son and daughter — 
Russell R., and Caroline — to the mills at Hemlock 
Lake. 

His only descendant is Russell R. Jacques,* 
proprietor of the Jacques House, a quite noted 
summer resort on the shore of Hemlock lake. 

Leman Gibbs, whose name is also quite promi- 
nent in the history of this town, was born in Litch- 
field, Conn., August 15, 1788, and came with his 
parents, Eldad and Fsther Riggs Gibbs, to Livonia 
in the latter part of the winter of 1801, locating 
about a mile north of Livonia Centre. His edu- 
cation was obtained chiefly under the tutorage of 

* See biography upon another page. 



LIVONIA — TOWN OFFICERS— LIVONIA CENTRE. 



365 



Rev. Dr. Hotchkiss in Bloomfield, N. Y. At the 
age of eighteen he began to teach school, pursu- 
ing that occupation several winters. A man of 
integrity and strong common-sense, he naturally 
became the recipient of public trust. His first 
office in the town was that of constable, and he was 
afterwards appointed deputy sheriff. For nearly thir- 
ty-five years he held the office of Justice of the 
Peace. From 1841 to 1845 he held the office of 
Supervisor, and was again elected to that office in 
1852. 

When the county of Livingston was formed he 
was appointed Side Judge, which office he filled till, 
under the present Constitution, the office of Ses- 
sions Justice was substituted, when he was imme- 
diately chosen for that office. In 1854 he was 
elected to the Assembly of the State. 

Town Officers. — The first Town meeting was 
held at the house of Solomon Woodruff, but at 
what date is unknown, as the town books were 
burned in January of 1878, destroying all records 
prior to 1827. It was probably held in 1808 or 
1809. 

The first Supervisor was Lyman Cook, elected 
at this meeting; Theodore Hinman, Town Clerk; 
and George Smith, John Warner and Matthew 
Armstrong, Assessors. 

Col. George Smith was Supervisor in 1820. 
From 1821 to 1S23 that office was held by Icha- 
bod A. Holden. 

Ruel Blake was chosen Supervisor in 1824-25, 
and Robert Dixson began a nine years' term in 
1826. From 1827 to 1881 the Supervisors and 
Town Clerks were as follows : — 



Town Clerks. 

Henry Pierce. 
Charles P. Pierce. 



Shepard Pierce. 
Charles P. Pierce. 



Supervisors. 

1827-31. Robert Dixson. 

I832-34- 

t 1835. Augustus Gibbs. 

1836-37. George Smith. 

1838. Augustus Gibbs. 
1839. 

1840. Charles P. Pierce. Samuel Hough. 

1 84 1. Leman Gibbs. Charles P. Pierce. 

1842. " Joseph Wells. 

1843. " Charles P. Pierce. 

1844. " George F. Pratt. 

1845. " Thomas A. Royce. 

1846. George Smith. Charles P. Pierce. 

1847. Wm. S. Gilbert. Gates Clark. 

1848. " Eli Holeman. 

1849. Austin Woodruff. Irving Parmelee. 

1850. C. L. Shepard. G. A. Mosher. 

1851. Henry Dixson. Wm. McCoy. 

1852. Leman Gibbs. " 

1853. Sam'l H. Northrop. Manson F. Gibbs. 

1854. Robert Dixson. " 

1855. Joel Stone. " 



1856. Wm. B. Lemen. Geo. F. Ramsdell. 

1857-58. Lewis E. Smith. 

1859-60. " Jerome B. Patterson. 

1S61-65. Bradner J. Blake. " 

1866-67. Willard W.Wheeler. Willard S. Chapin. 

1868-69. David Gray. 

1870-71. John B. Thurston. " 

1872. Jerome B. Patterson. " 

1873. " Henry A. Barton. 
1874-75. " James A. Mosher. 

1876. ' Sol. G. Woodruff. 

1877. Chas.H. Richmond. Albert Swan. 

1878. Sol. G. Woodruff. 

1879. Chas.H. Richmond. " 
1880. 

The officers elected April 5, 1881, were: — Super- 
visor, Buell D. Woodruff; Town Clerk, Albert 
Swan ; Justice of the Peace, Lovette P. West ; As- 
sessor, Daniel B. Bosley : Collector, Marvin W. 
Lindsley ; Commissioner of Highways, Abram W. 
McClintock ; Overseers of the Poor, Nixson Mc- 
Crossen, Stephen Wheaton ; Constables, James 
VanNess, Thomas Welch, Willian Ganung, Wm. 
J. Carnes, Walter Westbrook ; Game Constable, 
Wm. J. Carnes ; Inspectors of Election, First Dis- 
trict, Lemuel C. Short, Grove W. Mathur; In- 
spectors of Election, Second District, C. Arthur 
Patchin, Jesse Blake. 

School Statistics.- — The town has 13 school 
districts, in which, during 1880, school was taught 
406 4-5 weeks, employing 18 teachers at a total 
cost for wages of $4,504.92. Number of children 
in districts over five and under twenty-one years of 
a S e ; 839. Number of children attending school 
some portion of the year, 685. Average attend- 
ance, 397. The libraries of these districts are 
valued at $45, on which during the year there was 
nothing expended. The amount expended for 
school apparatus during the year was $78.45 ; for 
school houses, sites, fences, repairs, furniture, etc., 
$323.25. Total incidental expenses for the year, 
$720.13. Total valuation of districts, $1,701,424. 

Population. — The population of Livonia in 
1870 was 2,705, of which number 2,402 were 
native, 303 foreign, 2,693 white, and 12 colored. 
In 1875 the town contained 2,889 inhabitants; 
2,567 being native, 322 foreign, 2,885 white, and 
4 colored. At the last census of 1880, the total 
population was 3,204, an increase in ten years of 
499. 

Livonia Centre. 

Livonia Centre, situated near the center of the 
town, contains two churches, one store, post-office, 

• Lewis E. Smith resigned, and at a special meeting held November, 
i860, Bradner J. Blake was elected to till the vacancy. 



366 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



school-house, blacksmith shop and some two hun- 
dred inhabitants.* 

This is the oldest settlement in the town. In 
this vicinity most of the pioneers located, and for 
many years it was the business center of the town- 
ship. A little south of this place is where Solo- 
mon Woodruff, the first settler, located in 1789. 

Among those who came here at an early day 
were George Pratt, in 1808, Eldad and Esther 
Riggs Gibbs, in 1801, Benjamin and Rhoda Gibbs, 
in 1812, and Captain Rolert Dixson in 1814. 

George Pratt started the first tannery in the 
town near Livonia Center, where he continued the 
business until 1836. In that year he removed the 
tannery to the head of Hemlock lake where the 
business was conducted till 1850 when the tannery 
was destroyed by fire. A son, George F. Pratt, 
born in 1816, now lives here. 

Benjamin and Rhoda Gibbs located the farm 
now owned by Norton Gibbs. Their children were 
Norton, now living here, Catherine, Mary Ann, 
Charlotte P. and Susan. 

Six children of the family died, — Charles, Maria 
Susan, Maria, Charles, Samuel and Miranda. 

Benjamin Gibbs died in 1828. His wife diedin 
May, 1880. 

The descendants of Fldad Gibbs are Mrs. Eme- 
line Clark, Adna S. Gibbs, Major Backus S. Gibbs, 
Leman and Manson F. Gibbs. 

About the first merchant here was Lester -Kings- 
bury ; William R. Waldron, came afterwards and 
continued in business here some years when he 
failed and moved to Michigan. 

Henry Pierce & Co., carried on a general retail 
business at the old stand where Solomon Wood- 
ruff now lives. Other merchants here were Mar- 
tin & Hinman, who conducted for a time a store 
opposite the old hotel when they dissolved partner- 
ship, and Hinman went to Hemlock Lake. After 
the fire here in 1S32, Bradley Martin rebuilt the 
store, which is the stone building now occupied 
by the present merchant, Thomas W. Millham. 
Mr. Millham has been in business here nine years. 
He was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1843, 
and came here nine years ago, from Schenectady, 
N. Y. 

Mr. Millham is also postmaster, having held that 
office seven years. 

Churches. — Presbyterian Church. — The first 
ministerial services here, of which there is any 
record, were conducted by Rev. John Rolph, who 
resided in this place in 1803-4, and who preached 

"The census of 1S70, gives a population of 19 j. 



to the people who were disposed to attend on his 
ministrations. 

In the winter of 1804-5, ^ ev - ^* r - Lane, who 
had been a licensed Methodist preacher in Eng- 
land, but who had no ecclesiastical connection in 
this country, used to preach here, but how long he 
continued his labors cannot be learned. The nu- 
cleus of a church was formed in 1806. Oil the 29th 
of December of that year seventeen people assem- 
bled in the second framed house in town, situated 
on what is now known as the Blackmer farm- 
then owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Ben- 
ton — where, with the assistance of Rev. Aaron C. 
Collins, they organized a church. It was named 
The Second Congregational church of Pittstown, 
and was received under the charge of the Ontario 
Association, January 14, 1807. 

The original members were: — -Jeremiah Riggs, 
Aaron Childs, Selah Stedman, Thankful Parsons, 
Lucy Childs, Dameras Blake, Mary Stedman, Irene 
Clark, Benjamin Cook, Oliver Woodruff, Rachel 
Gibbs, Nancy Benton, Lydia Gibbs, Anna Wood- 
ruff, Sally Farrand, Sally and Rebecca Blake. 

For a long time this society had no house of 
worship, and were destitute of the means to build 
one. Their meetings were held in log-cabins, 
barns, and school-houses, but principally in the 
school-house on what is known as " Buell Hill," * 
situated near what is now the garden of Buell 
Woodruff. Here a portion of the time Mr. Collins 
preached to them, also supplying the church at 
Richmond, and when he did not officiate they met 
for prayer and conference. 

The Ontario Association, with which this church 
was connected, was dissolved May 25, 1813, and 
this society assumed the name of " The First Pres- 
byterian Church of Livonia, under which name it 
is now known. 

The first church edifice was erected May 30, 
1814. This was the first church built in the town, 
and stood a little west of where the present house 
of worship now stands. It was nearly as large as 
the present building, and cost over $3,000. 

At this time the church numbered about thirty 
members. 

The Rev. Mr. Collins continued to preach as a 
supply for eight or nine years. Then for some 
time the church was supplied by various neighbor- 
ing ministers. The next stated supply was Rev. 
Ebenezer Everett, who was ordained to the gospel 
ministry in this church, February 4, 181 8. 

In 1819 he was succeeded by Rev. Ezekiel J. 

•The first school-house huik in the town- 



LIVONIA CENTRE, CHURCHES. 



367 



Chapman, who officiated as pastor some eight 
years. 

The Rev. Jeremiah Stow was the next pastor, 
installed Apiil 30, 1828. His pastorate continued 
nearly four years, when it was terminated by his 
death, November 15, 1832, at the age of thirty- 
four. 

On the night of December 19, 1832, the church 
edifice was burned, and, at the same time, the 
store owned by Bradley Martin, which stood on 
the corner where the stone store now stands, was 
destroyed by the fire. In 1834 the present house 
of worship was erected, and dedicated free of debt, 
and with money in the treasury. The dedicatory 
sermon was delivered by Rev. Theron Steele, of 
East Bloomfield, February 13, 1834. 

While the church was yet unfinished the Rev. 
Samuel Allen officiated as stated supply for about 
a year and a half. In November, 1833, Rev. Jus- 
tin S. Hough succeeded him, although he was not 
installed as pastor until Feb. 13, 1834. In April, 
1840, he resigned on account of ill health, and 
was never able to resume the active work of the 
ministry. He died Dec. 20, 1872, aged 87. 

The Rev. Lorin Brewster was then engaged as 
stated supply, remaining for two and a half years. 
He was succeeded by Rev. B. G. Riley, who was 
installed March 23, 1843. He remained twelve 
and a half years, giving general satisfaction, and 
then resigned on account of ill health. 

The succeeding pastor was Rev. A. H. Parma- 
lee, who was installed January 9, 1856. He re- 
mained here thirteen years, resigning the last 
Sabbath in March, 1869. For two years after the 
departure of Mr. Parmalee there was kept up the 
unprofitable, but sometimes unavoidable custom 
of candidating for a minister. When the pulpit 
was not so occupied it was filled by Prof. W. P. 
Coddington, of Genesee College, Lima, N. Y. 
During this period the church edifice was entirely 
remodeled and refurnished, at an expense of about 
$5,000. 

In July, 1 87 1, Rev. William H. Millham,* from 
Galway, N. Y., began his labors here, being in- 
stalled October 5, 1871. 

The installation sermon was preached by Rev. 
P. Barbour, his father-in-law. During his pastor- 
ate several extensive revivals have occurred, which 
have resulted in numerous accessions to the 
church. 

Since the organization of this church, seventy- 
years ago, there have been added to it in all, as 

•To whom we are indebted lor this history of the church. 



near as can be ascertained, six hundred and ninety- 
four members, an average of nearly ten each year. 

Of those who have been connected with the 
church or Sabbath school, ten have entered the 
ministry. 

The present deacons are Benjamin Coy and 
Adna S. Gibbs. Trustees, — Joel Stone, Adna S. 
Gibbs, Theodore Patterson. The present mem- 
bership is 170. The church property is clear of 
debt, and is valued at $6,000. The parsonage, a 
fine building erected in 1874, is valued at $3,500. 

St. Michael's Church, (Roman Catholic). — In 
1848, John Whalen, B. Calligan, John Meagher 
M. Martin, John McGinty and Daniel Whalen 
came to Livonia as the pioneer Catholic families. 
They attended mass which was celebrated by Rev. 
Father O'Connor, in a cooper-shop of John Bren- 
nan's, in Lima. In the latter part of that year the 
priest made Livonia a charge, paying it regular 
visits, and saying mass in the dwelling house of 
John Whalen. In 185 1, Father O'Connor was 
succeeded by Rev. Father Kenney, who in 1852 
was followed by Father Welch, after whom Father 
Tierney assumed charge, remaining two years. In 
1855 Father Quigley, Sen., performed the duties 
of the then extensive charge connected with Lima 
and Livonia. 

The parish about this time was increased by a 
few such earnest Catholics as John B. Kavanaugh, 
William Ryan, William and John Higgins, Robert 
Hoare, John Kavanaugh, T. Quigley and James 
Kerrivan. 

Rev. Father McGuire assumed charge of the 
parish in 1857. In September of that year, after 
mass one Sunday, a few of the heads of families 
assembled in the store of William Ryan, where 
after a brief deliberation over one hundred and 
fifty dollars were subscribed and paid toward the 
erection of a church. With the result of this sub- 
scription, which in the hands of John Meagher 
soon amounted to a considerable sum, Fathei 
McGuire purchased a lot, on which a neat edifice 
35 by 40 feet was erected. 

In 1858 Father McGuire was called to Buffalo 
and Father O'Brien was sent to take his place. He 
died shortly after in Lima, and in 1859 the per- 
formance of the mission obligations devolved upon 
Father Quigley. He remained with the charge 
four years and in 1863 was succeeded by Father 
Clark, who officiated about a year, and then Father 
Gregg was given the pastoral charge. 

On the 27th of June, 1871, Rt. Rev. Bishop 
McQuaid appointed Rev. N. Byrne to the pastor- 



3 68 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



ate over Livonia, Honeoye and Conesus. He 
took up his residence at Livonia. July 26th, 1875, 
Rev. William Seymour was transferred from Nunda 
and appointed pastor of the mission at Livonia. 
During his pastorate the present church edifice was 
constructed. 

November 6th, 1877, Father Seymour was re- 
moved to Auburn and Rev. T. C. Murphy,* the 
present incumbent, assumed the pastoral charge of 
Livonia and Conesus. 

Father Murphy has prosecuted with zealousness 
the undertakings begun under the ministration of 
Father Seymour. 

He has refitted the house, purchased an excel- 
lent lot for a cemetery and cancelled the entire in- 
debtedness therefor. 

The present membership is 500, a unit in har- 
mony and devotion. 

South Livonia. 

South Livonia lies in the extreme southern part 
of the town on the line of the Erie railroad. It 
contains one church, a store, postoffice, black- 
smith shop, (George P. Kennedy,) school house, 
and thirty or forty dwellings. 

This place was settled largely by people from 
Vermont and for many years went by the name of 
Vermont street. 

The first merchants here were Backus and 
Chamberlain, in about 1827. Orrin Hastings was 
another merchant here about 1S38. He kept a 
general store on land now owned by Michael Car- 
roll,t and was also the first postmaster at this place. 

The present postmaster is George L. McDon- 
ald. 

The present merchant is Shelby Baker, who has 
been in business here twelve years. He was born 
in the town in 1827. 

The South Livonia Baptist 'Church. — This church 
was organized August 29, 1816, as the Second 
Baptist Church of Livonia. It consisted of forty- 
nine members, and was under the charge of the 
Ontario association. 

The first trustees were Benjamin Howe, Seth 
Godfrey and Timothy Howe, Jr. 

The first deacon was Samuel Chapin. The first 
pastor was Rev. Jehiel Wisner. 

In 1833 a house of worship was erected and the 
name of the church changed to the First Baptist 
Church of Livonia. 

• To this gentlemanly pastor we acknowledge thanks for the histoi J of 
this i Imrch and of that at Con 
t Or Lewis Chamberlain. 



In 1867 twenty-one members were dismissed 
by letter to join the Baptist church at Livonia Sta- 
tion. 

The church is now known as the South Livonia 
Baptist church, and is under the charge of the Liv- 
ingston Baptist Association. The church now 
numbers forty-five members. The present pastor 
is Rev. Ransom Marean, who has supplied the pul- 
pit for twenty years. 

The following is a list of the pastors who have 
presided over the church: Revs. Jehiel Wisner, 
John R. Seaver, P. S. Slocum, Ira Justin, Isaac I. 
Brown, Joel W. Clark, Thomas B. Beebe, Eli 
Stone, Daniel B. Purinton, S. W. Obey, E. 
Mosher, Samuel T. Livermore, Frederick Glan- 
ville, Henry F. Hill, Ransom Marean. 

Hemlock Fake. 

Hemlock Lake, a somewhat picturesque little 
village, is situated in the south-eastern part of the 
town of Livonia, about a mile from the foot of 
Hemlock lake. It contains two churches,* four 
stores, one hotel, two harness shops, a school house 
and a population of about three hundred. t This 
place was for a long time known as " Slab City," 
a nickname derived, presumably, from the lumber 
traffic of its earlier days. About a mile north of 
this place, at an early date, was situated a thriving 
little village known as Jacksonville. It contained 
a distillery, cloth dressing works, grist-mill, a store 
and a considerable number of dwellings. The 
place was laid out into lots duly numbered and the 
indications were that in time it would become a 
village of no mean proportions. Its existence, 
however, was comparatively brief; the village lots 
have long since been transformed into farming 
lands, and nothing now remains of its past pros- 
perity. 

The first house in this place was built by Squire 
Short. The first merchant here was Dorastus 
Hinman. 

The Metropolitan Hotel was built by Aaron 
Doolitlle in 1856. The post-office was established 
here under the official care of Levi VanFossen, 
but at what date is not known. 

The VanFossen family were among the most 
prominent early families of the town. The mill 
first erected here was rebuilt by Levi VanFossen 



• The Baptist and Methodist. Of this latter church there are no rec- 
ords extant t" show either its origin or progress. It is learned that the 
church edifice was erected about 1SS7- The society has a membership ol 
..I I one hundred, presided over by Rev. A. H. MaryotL 

I The census of 1870 gives a population of 257- 



HEMLOCK LAKE. 



3 6 9 



previous to 1811, and also after a period of time 
another mill was built by him about i8ri. These 
were the mills to which came the early settlers of 
the surrounding towns, and which possess some 
considerable historic interest. 

At about the time of the erection of the second 
mill — about iSn — -Levi VanFossen died, and the 
property passed into the hands of his heirs — Isaac, 
John, William, Thomas and Sarah VanFossen, the 
only one of whom now living in this State is 
Thomas, a resident of Lima, N. Y. 

The present postmaster of Hemlock Lake is 
Eli S. Norton, who, in 1869, succeeded Gilbert D. 
Morgan. 

The merchants are:— Alanson H. Kinney, deal- 
er in dry goods, groceries, etc., who has been in 
business here since 1867. 

Charles D. Morton, general merchandise, who 
began business in 1879, succeeding William M. 
McCrossen. Mr. Morton was born in this village 
in 1859. 

Hoppough & Short, (Horace P. Hoppough, 
Peter A. Short,) general merchandise, in business 
as a firm nearly five years. Mr. Hoppough was 
born in Canadice, Ontario county, 1825, and has 
lived in this town since 1866. Mr. Short was 
born in Richmond, Ontario county, in 1845, and 
came to this place in 1876. 

Fox Brothers, (Richard H., and James F. Fox,) 
general hardware, in business as a firm since Feb- 
ruary 10, 1 88 1. The business for three years pre- 
vious to that date had been conducted by Rich- 
ard H. Fox. 

Julien Tousat, harness-maker, and Chas. M. 
Swarthout, harness-maker, in business here four 
years. 

The physicians are: — Dr. Wm. W. Russell, who 
has been engaged in practice here since 1877. He 
graduated from Pulte Medical College, Ohio, in 
1876; born in Chester county, Pa., in 1832. 

Dr. Jay L. Greene, born in North Cohocton, 
Steuben county, N. Y., in 1838; graduated from 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New 
York, in 1866, and in that year came to Hemlock 
Lake. 

Among the professional men of the town, and 
now a resident of this place, is Samuel Northrop, 
Esq., a lawyer of forty-three years' practice and ex- 
perience. He was born in New Hartford, Oneida 
county, N. Y., November 21, 1S12, and came to 
this town in 1838, locating at Livonia Centre. In 
that year he was admitted to the bar. In 1842 he 
formed a co-partnership with Lewis E. Smith, who 



had previously been his student, which relation was 
sustained until 1848, when, in the spring of that 
year, Mr. Northrop moved to Hemlock Lake, and 
the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Northrop still 
resides at Hemlock Lake. 

Baptist Church of Hemlock Lake.— In 1834 
Elias Archer, originally from New Hampshire, 
came to Hemlock Lake, and soon began to hold 
prayer meetings in his kitchen, which were attended 
by people of the Baptist denomination. This place 
of meeting was in a short time changed to a school 
house near by, and Elder Briggs, from Richmond, 
an earnest Baptist minister, began to preach the 
gospel to the increasing congregation. In January 
of 1838, Abijah Archer, his wife Selina, and his 
brother, Benjamin Archer, and others of the Bap- 
tist church at South Livonia, requested letters of 
dismission, for the purpose of forming a church of 
like denomination at Hemlock Lake. At their 
request a council was called to take into consid- 
eration the propriety of such a step. The council 
met July 3, 1838. 

Elias, Abijah, Benjamin, and Selina Archer, 
John Bedell, Thaddeus Hampton, Francis D. Owen, 
Lucinda Bedell, and Patty Owen, presented them- 
selves before the council. After due deliberation 
the council resolved to fellowship them as a church. 
Elder S. Wood preached the sermon. 

Rev. T. B. Beebe, of South Livonia, volunteered 
to take the young church under his pastoral care, 
and finally united with it July 29, 1838. 

The pastor of the church being unable to attend 
to his duties on account of sickness, Rev. Hull 
Taylor, united with the church and became their 
pastor November 30, 1839. 

Elder Taylor continued with the church as pas- 
tor until March 14, 1840, when he resigned. 

In April, 1840, the church extended to Rev. Ira 
Justin, of Lakeville and Richmond, a unanimous 
call to become their pastor, which he accepted and 
which relation he sustained for about twenty-three 
years. 

Up to this time the society had no house of 
worship, and the members began to take steps for 
the erection of a church. For this purpose a site 
was purchased, April 15, 1843, of Samuel Wright, 
for which they paid one hundred dollars. The trus- 
tees of the society contracted with Samuel Wright to 
erect a substantial building 32 by 42, at a cost of 
$1,500, which was furnished and dedicated August 
26, 1844. 

The first trustees were : O. Hanchett, B. Archer, 
and F. D. Owens. 



37° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Elder Ira Justin, on account of ill health, resigned 
his position as pastor March 14, 1863. 

His successor was Rev. L. S. Stowell, who 
remained with the church until October 20,1866, 
when he resigned, and was immediately succeeded 
by Rev. lames Mallory, November 17, 1866. El- 
der Mallory sustained the relation of pastor until 
November of 1868, when he tendered his resig- 
nation. 

The church was then without a pastor until 
April, 1869, when Rev. A. VanPuttkamer was ex- 
tended an invitation to become their pastor which 
he accepted. At that date the membership num- 
bered seventy-four. Elder VanPuttkamer remained 
until 1870. He was succeeded by Rev. George M. 
Slaysman, the present incumbent, who came here 
in 1874, and under whose pastorate, in 1877, the 
church was thoroughly repaired. 

The present membership is sixty-two. 

Lakeville. 

Lakeville is situated in the northwestern part of 
Livonia, at the foot of LakeConesus. It contains 
two churches, one hotel, one store, post-office, 
school-house, two blacksmith shops, (John Mooney, 
\Y. H. Bryant,) and a population of about two 
hundred. The village lies on a broad plain con- 
tiguous to the lake, and looks, though on a smaller 
scale, not unlike some old and battered sea board 
town. 

Conesus lake, like Hemlock lake, is quite a 
summer resort for various pleasure parties. The 
lake is nine miles long, with an average width of 
about a mile, bordered by gently undulating farm 
lands dotted here and there with beautiful groves. 

The time is not far distant when this picturesque 
lake, and the quaint little village nestling at its 
foot, will be a much frequented resort for those who 
would escape from the confusion and summer's 
heat of over-crowded cities. 

The first house in this village was built by James 
Bosley. It stood near the present site of the Lake- 
ville House. Other early settlers here were Jacob 
Fullmer and Michael, his son, George Hanna, 
Robert Ames, William Bryant, who lived in a log- 
house west of the Conesus outlet, DeLaVergne, 

Jacob Hall, who lived where the Presbyterian 

church now stands, YVeldon, just east of the 

hotel, on what is now the Rowland Place, and 
Erastus West father to L. P. West, the merchant, 
who now lives here. 

Erastus West was a man of considerable energy 
and prominence. He held for many years the 



office of postmaster, and for a number of years was 
one of the magistrates of the town. 

He was a wheel-wright by trade, and in the early 
days of his settlement here, did a considerable busi- 
ness in the manufacture of spinning wheels. He 
was born May 24, 1794, and came to this place 
from Susquehanna, (now Elkdale) county, Penn., 
in 1 81 5, with his wife and three children. 

His wife, Sophronia Bucklin, died a few years 
afterwards, and he then married Lucy M. Burns, 
of Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, Oct. 29, 
1820, by whom he had twelve children, five of whom 
are now living, L. P. West being one of this num- 
ber. Erastus West died in 1865. His wife now 

lives here. 

Robert Ames, one of the pioneers, came at an 
early day, and settled about a mile north of Lake- 
ville. His descendants here are Mrs. Zebediah 
Rathbun, a daughter, aged 89, and a grandson, 
Giles R. Ames, who lives in the village. 

In 1814 an attempt was made to form the vil- 
lage into some system of regularity. A plot was 
laid out in lots and streets, and a public square 
containing four acres, situated on the south side 
of the main street. At that time there was a log 
tavern kept by Mr. De La Vergne, a small store 
by Jeffrey Chipman, a grist mill in process of con- 
struction by Jacob Hall, and a few log dwellings. 

Mr. Chipman and a Mr. Brifogle purchased the 
most of the village lots and mortgaged them to 
obtain a loan of money, thus preventing their 
ability to give a clear title to purchasers, and at 
the close of the war of 181 2 the enterprise was 
abandoned. Again in 1822, just after the county 
of Livingston had been formed, another attempt 
was made to create a regular village, and efforts 
were put forth to make this place the county seat. 

Hon. Frank Granger, Dr. Eli Hill, and other 
prominent men, exerted their influence to induce 
the Commissioners to decide on Lakeville as the 
place to locate the public buildings of the county, 
and another plan for a village was drawn up. with 
a public square of fourteen acres situated on Avon 
street, and again the inhabitants were disap- 
pointed. 

Beyond a spasmodic effort to establish the Erie 
railroad though this vicinity in 1852,* no other at- 
tempt to increase its importance was ever made, 
and the village sank into a dreamy slumber by the 
shore of the beautiful lake. 

* This road was surveyed through here, and citizens contributed liber- 
ally towards the enterprise, but for some financial consideration the mute 
was changed to its present course through Hamilton Station and Livonia 
., 1. ased expense in cost and distance. 





Erastus West was born near Hartford, Conn., May 24, 1794. He 
was the son of Hezekiah and Experience West and was the third of nine 
children, seven sons and two daughters. 

When Erastus was ten years of age his father was killed by the falling 
of a branch from a tree Four years later Erastus was bound out to a 
cousin in the northern part of Pennsylvania, who was engaged in the 
manufacture of spinning-wheels, spindles, etc , to learn the trade of a 
wheel-wright. His advantages for gaining an education were very lim- 
ited, but his desire for learning was so great that he secured at his own 
expense the privileges of an evening school. There he laid the founda- 
tion of that work which, owing to his remarkably retentive and correct 
memory, continued through life till he became highly respected in society 
as a well informed citizen. 

Early in his term of apprenticeship he developed a genuine talent for 
ingenuity and inventive genius, and while his hand was employed in the 
manufacure of the spindle his mind sought to devise some means by 
which the labor attendant upon the hand manufacture of cloth from wool 
might be lessened, and in imagination he constructed a carding machine 
for preparing the wool for the spindle. 

Soon after this, death deprived Erastus of his cousin and employer, and 
at the age of eighteen years he rented the shop and privileges of his late 
employer from his widow and continued the business, to which he added 
a carding machine of his own construction, which proved so successful 
that in a short time he added a second one. 

In September, iSij, he was married to Sophronia Bucklin, by whom 
he had three children, viz: Perry, De Forest and Experience. In the 
spring of 1810 he moved with his family into the State of New York, 
bringing his equipments of trade and household effects by wagons. The 
roads at this time were in such bad condition that some days they only 
traveled a distance of ten miles. He settled on land which is now in- 
cluded in Lakeville, and there found the country literally a forest and 
scantily settled, with a few families about the foot of the beautiful lake 
Conesus, some of whom were Indians who lived on land which he after- 
ward purchased. The nearest post-office was at Livonia Centre. 

In the fall following his settling here his wife died leaving him to con- 
tend with the hardships of a life in a new country and the maintenance 
of three small children, the youngest of whom was less than a year old. 
About this time came the depreciation of Continental currency and Mr. 
West, having incurred a debt of some two hundred dollars in fitting up 
his carding machines, was obliged to sacrifice all of his goods and per- 
sonal property, previously valued at more than two thousand dollars, in 
order to maintain his sterling integrity. Having indomitable courage, 
latent ingenuity and his trade, he started life anew, seeking by close ap- 
plication to the work fortune cast before him to gain an honest and respect- 
able livelihood, in which endeavor he succeeded. 

After living a widower for about two years he was married to Lucy M. 
Burns, of Clifford, Susquehanna county, Pa. She was born May 16, 
1800, and now lives on the same farm selected by her husband many years 
ago. To them were born the following children : Ziba H., Manila, Covel 
G., Lucy M., Elisha, Jonathan Burns", Francis G., Thomas H., Lovette 
P.'and Erastus N. Of all the children born to Mr- West six are now 
living, viz : Pern,' West, residing in Dansville ; Lucy N. Baird in Holly, 
Oakland county, Mich,; Elisha West, in Lockport, N. Y.; Jonathan 
B. in Rochester, NY.; Franklin G. in Avon, and Lovette P. residing 
on the homestead in Lakeville, where the varied fortunes and hardships 
of the father were experienced for nearly half a century. 

When this family became nf sufficient age to assist him Mr. West con- 
structed mills for the manufacture of linseed oil and also for lumber, and 
th?n introduced the first steam power used in this section of country. 
When these had been in operation less than two years they were con- 
sumed by fire, and he then built tlouring mills and lumber mills, which 
were also propelled by steam. He was also first to introduce the reaper 
in this vicinity, which is now so common. 

Mr. West aided in establishing the post-office here, and was tor a long 
time the post-master. He was appointed Justice of the Peace by the 
Governor, and in 1S10 was elected to that office, being one of the first 
who were thus honored by the town of Livonia. He was a temperate, 



Lucy M. W 



EST. 



exemplar,' and respected citizen, a devoted Christian, and one of the 
founders of the Baptist church, of which he was a principal supporter. 
He died January 21, 1865, leaving many friends and relatives, who have 
greatly mourned his loss. 

His earnest and noble partner, Lucy M., who is represented above, 
was a native of Saratoga, this State, though moving with her parents when 
quite young to Pennsylvania, where she is first mentioned in this sketch. 
Her parents, Jonathan and Annar Burns, were of English and Irish de- 
scent, stalwart and hardy. She was one of nine children all of whom 
lived to old age, and four of whom are still living. She performed faith- 
fully her part in the pioneer life, spinning and weaving for the family she 
adopted, as well as those whom were her own children, cared for and 
reared nearly ail ot them to man and womanhood, and saw them com- 
fortably established in families of their own. Of these Pern- West has 
followed for a livelihood principally artisan work, painting and marble 
work, and raised an estimable family, one son and two daughters. The 
son was a youthful volunteer in the war of the Rebellion, and rose to the 
rank of Captain. After the war he entered the profession of attorney-at- 
law. and is now a noted and successful practitioner in New York City- 

Ziba H., the eldest of the second family, followed painting, and exhib- 
ited no ordinary talent for portrait painting. 

Lucy M. B., the daughter, has found time, in addition tn her house- 
hold duties, to carry on for a long time the milliner and dress-making 
business, and has raised a promising son and daughter. The latter is 
now a noted musician and portrait and ornamental painter in the City of 
Chicago. 

Elisha chose mechanical manufacturing business and carries on a ma- 
chine shop in the city of Lockport. N. Y., at which place his inventive 
genius has made for him an enviable reputation. 

To Jonathan B.the inheritance of real Yankee inventive genius seemed 
to fall in an unusual degree- He constructed in his eighth year his first 
"perpetual motion," which ran as well as any since invented, and now 
the Patent Office shows over a dozen patents to his credit. The first an 
automatic turning lathe, next a machine for cutting rasp for clover mills, 
and in 1870 a tire-setter, which he exhibited at the American Institute 
Fair in New York, and a medal of honor awarded. In 1S7?, accompa- 
nied by his wife, he visited Europe and exhibited at the World s Fair at 
Vienna the tire-setter, and received a Medal of Progress, and while there 
made an extensive tour of all the principal cities. Since then he has ob- 
tained patents on a machine for dressing granite, another tire-setter, the 
lightning screw-driver and a water metre which is extensively patented in 
foreign countries. This called the inventorto Paris, France, in 1880 to 
establish a factory for manufacturing it. Two patents for machines for 
regulating the pressure of water in service pipes and an air compressor 
have been granted him. He will soon make application for patents on a 
machine for embroidering Hamburg edging, etc., which is now being con - 
structed in his works at Rochester, N. Y. He is also a skillful musician. 

Francis G. spent several years at mechanical business, but having re- 
ceived an injury to his eyesight, turned his attention to agriculture, and 
has been successful. His two sons, however, have inherited a talent for 
mechanism, and are classed as unusually ingenious. 

Lovette P. possessed the family talent for ingenuity, but during his 
boyhood had poorer health and devoted more to acquiring an education. 
When that was finished he engaged to a manufacturing firm to travel and 
introduce machinery and conduct a general agency for them. That en- 
gagement over, a greater inducement offered to take charge of a manufac- 
turing establishment on the Ohio river at Louisville, Ky., at which he 
continued three years. Meantime the death of the father made it neces- 
sary to settle up the estate, and Lovette had bought out the heirs to keep 
the homestead intact for the comfort ot his mother. So he then returned 
to his native town, and has since engaged in the mercantile business. His 
town selected him for Justice of the Peace, and has lately chosen him for 
the fourth term. 

Erastus N., the vounger, was also a mechanic, a true "chip of the old 
block " for ingenuity, inventive faculties and pleasant, jovial ways, in- 
vented many new and useful implements and machines, but did not live 
to bring them before the public. 



LAKEVILLE. 



371 



The Old Universalist church, now standing in 
ruins here, was built in 1838-39, and was dedi- 
cated in 1840 ; Elder Roberts was its first pastor. 
It was abandoned as a church some thirty years 
ago. 

A Baptist church was also built here some forty- 
five years ago, the frame of which was moved to 
this place from Avon. Its pastor was the Rev. 
Ira Justin. For a number of years it had a pros- 
perous career, but frequent withdrawals to other 
churches weakened the society, the church was 
abandoned about six years ago, and the members 
became scattered. The church building was sold 
to James Martin Gilbert, who converted it into a 
barn. 

The postoffice was established here between 
1814 and 1820. The present postmaster is 
Lovette P. West, appointed under Grant in 1870. 

The Lakeville House is the only hotel here. It 
is a neat, commodious, well arranged house, com- 
manding a fine view of the lake, and is kept by 
Milton Hinsdale. 

West & Company (L. P. West, Francis M. 
Acker) are the only merchants here. The busi- 
ness was founded by Mr. West in 1S70. Mr. 
West was born in Lakeville in 1841. 

Mr. Acker was born in Groveland in 1847 ar >d 
has resided here twenty-nine years. 

The Christian Church of Lakeville. — During 
the year 1817, Joseph Badger, John Blodget, and 
David Millard, then prominent young ministers in 
the Christian denomination, held religious meet- 
ings in South Lima and the vicinity of Lakeville, 
mostly in barns and private dwellings. In the 
winter and spring of 18 18 quite a revival interest 
was manifested, numbers becoming converted. In 
June of that year, under the labors of Joseph 
Badger, ten of these converts, all, or nearly all of 
them young unmarried people, were organized 
into a church. The organization was effected 
in South Lima, but the regular meetings were soon 
after established in Lakeville, and hence the 
society took the name of the Christian Church of 
Lakeville. Joseph Badger was their first pastor, 
and Revs. William True, James Westcott, Gideon 
Hendrick, William Hance, Amasa Staunton, Geo. 
H. Hebbard,* David Millard, Jefferson D. Childs, 
and Oliver W. Powers, have also sustained pas- 
toral relation to the church. 

At no period in its history has this church been 
very large in its membership, or embodied any 
great amount of wealth. Six of its members have 

•To whom we are indebted for this historical sketch. 



gone forth as ministers, some of whom became 
men of especially marked ability and influence. 
One of its members was also selected and em- 
ployed by the American Missionary Association as 
teacher among the Freed People of the South, and 
is now (1881) a prominent educator in one of its 
institutions of learning in that section of the 
country. 

Few country churches have sustained a more 
continuous pastoral labor, or larger congregations 
than has this church during its history. The 
present membership is between sixty and sixty-five, 
presided over by Rev. Oliver W. Powers, who has 
been their pastor three years. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Geneseo* — 
This church was organized with twelve members 
in the Presbyterian form in 1795, by Rev. Daniel 
Thatcher, a missionary of the General Assembly, 
and was, therefore, the earliest of all the churches 
in this part of the country. Its title was "The 
First Presbyterian Church of Geneseo," by which 
name it is still known. 

The church originally extended over the entire 
town of Geneseo, and the principal place of wor- 
ship was in a building that stood on what is now 
known as Temple hill, above the village of Gene- 
seo. The first members of this church were nearly 
all Presbyterians. Afterwards a number of mem- 
bers of the Congregational order came here from 
the Eastern States. They were attached to the 
order in which they had been educated, and that 
they might coalesce in one society and unite in the 
support of one minister, the elders of the church 
here resigned their offices. The plan of union 
adopted by the General Assembly of the Presby- 
terian Church and the General Association of the 
State of Connecticut was accepted by the church, 
and a standing committee, composed of an equal 
number of members from both parties, was chosen 
to transact the discipline of the church. This 
measure, however, was not attended with success. 
The parties did not harmonize, and the Congrega- 
tionalists asked and obtained letters of dismission 
and organized another church, which, after several 
changes in now known as " The First Presbyterian 
Church of Geneseo Village." The Presbyterian 
element then removed their place of worship to the 
eastern part of the town. 

For several years they had no church edifice, 
and were accustomed to meet in a school house in 
the winter. During the summer they frequently 

* From a historical discourse by Rev. John Mitchell in 1S76, and with 
but slight alteration in language. 



372 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



held their meetings in a barn belonging to Benja- 
min Wynn. In 1S24 the first house of worship 
was erected. The old building has since been 
converted to other uses. 

The progress of the church for the first thirty 
years was slow, for the number on the roll of com- 
municants was only thirty-two in 1825. 

The church enjoyed only occasional ministerial 
labor until about the beginning of 1806. January 
29, 1806, the Rev. John Lindsley was installed 
pastor, which relation he sustained between eleven 
and twelve years. 1 1 was during his pastorate that 
the schism above mentioned took place. 

For some considerable time after Mr. Lindsley 
left, the church "seems to have been destitute of 
stated preaching. For about two years and a half 
from the spring of 1824 Rev. Silas Pratt preached 
to this people one-fourth of the time. From the 
spring of 1827 Rev. Horace Galpin was stated sup- 
ply for a little more than four years. After Mr. 
Galpin's dismissal the church was supplied one 
year by Rev. Elijah Woolage. He was succeeded 
in the fall of 1S33 by Rev. Merrit Harmon, who 
remained ten years. During his ministrations 
ninety members were added to the church. He 
was immediately succeeded by Rev. Sidney S. 
Brown, who continued between two and three 
years. 

Rev. Charles Richards was installed pastor over 
the congregation in May, 1847. Previous to his 
installation he had labored two years as a licentiate 
under the care of the Presbytery. Thereafter the 
succession of pastors was as follows : — 

Revs. E. M. Tool", 1849-53; Charles Living- 
ston, six months of 1853; LaFayette Dudley, 
1853-54 ; Wm. Reed, three months of 1854; Ed- 
win Moore, 1855-60; George W. Mackie, 1860- 
61 : Dwight Scovel, 1861-67; Alvin Baker, 1S67- 
71; John Jones, D. D., 1871-72: John Mitchell, 
1872. The latter pastor remained some five or 
six years, and was succeeded, after the lapse of a 
year, by the present incumbent, Rev. Newton J. 
Conkling. 

The present house of worship was erected in 
1855. The congregation gradually extending east- 
ward, the church was built for convenience of ac- 
cess, just over the town line in the village of Lake- 
ville. In convenience, comfort and general effect 
it is one of the best country churches in Western 

New York. 

Livonia. 

The village of Livonia, or Livonia Station, as it 
is also called, lies in the western part of the town, 



a little north of the center, on the line of the Erie 
railroad. This is the chief business center of the 
town, and contains a population of six hundred 
and seventy-six.* 

The existence and growth of this village is due 
to the birth of the Erie railroad. In 1853, when 
that road was built through here, there were but 
seventy-one inhabitants f in what is now considered 
the limits of the village. The first depot here was 
an ordinary shanty, which in 1854 gave place to 
a better structure, 96 by 44, at a cost of $1,160, 
built by A. C. Keyes. 

The first business place in the village was a 
restaurant, built of rough boards and kept by 
Pyram B. Ripley, of Livonia Centre. It stood on 
the depot grounds in front of where C. Y. An- 
druss' store now stands.., 

The first hotel was built here in the fall and 
winter of 1855-6. This was the Church Hotel, 
and was built by Henry Smith, and by him was 
opened as a public house in the spring of 1856. 
Previous to the erection of this house, travelers 
were obliged to go to Livonia Centre for hotel ac- 
commodations. 

The Baldwin House was the next hotel erected 
in the village. It was built by Wm. W. Baldwin 
in 1862, and at that time was the largest hotel in 
the county. It was a four-story structure, 36 by 76. 
Mr. Baldwin opened the house and run it until 
Hall Aldrich leased it in 1863. The present pro- 
prietor is Geo. W. Swan, who purchased the proper- 
ty of Moses & Johnson two years ago. This 
hotel is extensively patronized by the traveling 
public, and is one of the best appointed hotels in 
the county. 

The first manufacturing business here was the 
making of grain cradles by George Van Ness who, 
in 1843, moved from South Avon to this town and 
started a cradle factory near where once stood 
Munson & Summers' cabinet shop. 

At that time there had never been a reaper or 
mower in Livingston county. He did an exten- 
sive business for a number of years, until in 1855, 
when reapers came into general use, the business 
began to decline, and in a few years ceased en- 
tirely. 

The cabinet-shop above mentioned was pur- 
chased in 1854 by R. W. Tompkins, who moved 
it from that site to the corner of the railroad and 
the road running east and west, where the oldest 
brick block now stands. This was the first build- 



* In 1870 ihc population was J9>;, an increase of 177 in llie ten years- 
I $4 mslts, tyfema 1 ■ 




Jf, 



<5-1 OV I 6* 




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iASV^ 




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Wi^ifrf^- 



MOSES JACKMAN. 



The subject of this memoir was the son of Moses 
Jackman and Martha Moss, of New Hampshire. 
He was one of a family of seven children, was 
born January 14, 1776, and in the year 1804 was 
united in marriage with Rhoda Collins, of Ver- 
mont. In 1S11 they moved to Mendon, N. 
Y. They had four children, viz : Orlen C, Flora, 
Cyrus and Alzina, of whom Alzina married Her- 
man Doyle and lives in California, and Flora mar- 
ried Hollis Daggett and resides in the town of 
Brighton, Monroe county, N. Y. 

Mr. Jackman's wife died October 8, 18:1, and 
for his second wife he married Betsey Beecher, 
whose portrait appears herewith, January 4, 1813, 
by whom he had eight children, four of whom are 
now living. Their names are Emeritt E., Moses 
L., Matilda A., Rachel B., Hezekiah R., Charles 
A. and George W. One child died in infancy. 
Matilda and Rachel reside at Livonia Centre, 
Charles A. at Lima and George W. on the old 
homestead situated about two miles north-east of 
Livonia Station. The latter, at whose instance 
this sketch was written, was married to Jane E., 
daughter of Benjamin Covvles, of Brighton, N. Y. 
She is the oldest of a family of six children, four of 
whom are now living and is the mother of the fol- 
lowing children: Jessiettie E., George W., Jr., 
Lizzie M., Rillie E. and Lyman Ward B. 

Moses Jackman moved to Livonia in the year 
1828 and located on forty acres of land now occu- 
pied by his son George W, who has added to it at 
different times, until the farm now contains one 
hundred and fifty acres. Mr. Jackman relates an 



incident in which his paternal grandfather was 
taken by the Indians when a mere boy, and re- 
turned after a lapse of seven years. 

Betsey Beecher was a daughter of Hezekiah 
Beecher, of Connecticut, who moved into this 
county in 1801 and took up a tract of land a mile 
square, lacking 150 acres. He was brother to the 
father of Henry Ward Beecher. The original pur- 
chase has been sub-divided into small farms which 
are now in a high state of cultivation. 

In politics Mr. Jackman was an Andrew Jack- 
son Democrat until the Anti-Masonic crusade, 
when he became a Whig, and in i860 espoused the 
cause of the Republican party. He died in the 
year 1861, and it may be mentioned as a remark- 
able coincidence in connection with his history 
that he was born in the year of the Declaration of 
Independence and died in the year in which Fort 
Sumter was fired upon. He was a member of the 
Baptist Church up to the time of his removal into 
Livingston county, but never joined with any re- 
ligious society after his settlement in Livonia. 

He was a man of strong convictions, and when 
decided that he was right no power that could be 
made to act upon him could change his decision or 
cause him to deviate from the fulfillment of his 
purpose. He left a family who are intelligent, in- 
lluential citizens of the communities in which they 
reside, and of whom George W. deserves special 
mention. He has greatly improved the old home, 
and to-day is one of the most successful farmers in 
Livonia. He is now in the prime of life and sur- 
rounded by all the comforts of a happy home 



LIVONIA, MERCHANTS AND MANUFACTURERS. 



373 



ing here that aspired to a frame, and shingled roof. 
Mr. Tompkins sold it soon after to John Locke, 
Sr., who finished the upper part of it for a dwelling 
and the lower part for a grocery store. 

On the 28th of January, 1878, occurred a de- 
structive fire which destroyed the postoffice and 
other of the business places. The postoffice was 
the oldest wooden building, and was built by John 
Locke, Sr., in 1856. The postoffice had been es- 
tablished here the year previous, 1855, and Jchn 
Locke was the first postmaster. Carleton Bowen 
succeeded him in 1857, continuing four years. 
Jerome B. Patterson was the next official, appoint- 
ed under Lincoln, and his successor was Carleton 
Bowen who again assumed the duties, continu- 
ing two years and a half. The present postmaster 
is Willard S. Chapin, who was appointed under 
Grant in 1869. Mr. Chapin was born in Venice, 
Cayuga county, in 1826, and came to Livonia, in 
1 861. 

Merchants. — Jerome B. Patterson, one of the 
oldest merchants in the town, came to Livonia in 
1834, beginning business in that year at Hemlock 
Lake. In 1858 he moved to Livonia, where he 
remained until 1865, when he removed to Lock- 
port, N. Y., returning to Livonia in 1868, where 
he has since continued business in general mer- 
chandise. 

In 1877 he was elected County Clerk. He was 
born in the town of Springport, Cayuga county, in 
1828. 

E. C. Long, dealer in boots, shoes and clothing, 
has been in business here sixteen years. He was 
born in Livonia in 1840. 

Eugene W. Stowell, general hardware ; in busi- 
ness here six years. He was born in Huntington, 
Addison county, Vt.,in 1843, and came to Livonia 
from Michigan six years ago. 

Elbert Long, dry goods and groceries, has been 
in business one year. He was born in Livonia in 
1852. 

Wheeler Brothers, (Charles and William,) gro- 
ceries and crockery ; in business here one year. 
Came here in April of 1880 from Nunda, where 
both were born, Charles in 1859 and William in 
1862. 

Trescott & Long, (Charles Trescott, Abraham 
Long,) furniture and undertaking; in business as a 
firm nearly two years. Previously for some eight 
years the firm was Trescott & Davis. Both are 
natives of the town, Mr. Long being born here in 
1828, and having pursued the occupation of farm- 
ing until his engagement in this business. 



Henry A. Barton, groceries, drugs and medi- 
cines ; in business here seventeen years. He was 
born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1829, and came to 
Livonia in 1864. 

Clark & Rogers, (Edmund P. Clark, James E. 
Rogers,) dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes; in 
business here some four years. Mr. Clark was 
born in Rensselaerville, Albany county, in 1839. 
Mr. Rogers was born in Coventry, Chenango 
county, N. Y., in 1844, and came to Livonia in 
1877. 

Densmore Brothers, (Luther and David H.,) 
general hardware, paints and oils.. In business 
here five years. Both were born in New Balti- 
more, Greene county, N. V., Luther in 1832, 
David in 1828, and came to this town in 1836. 

Fred. S. Day, drugs, medicines and fancy goods; 
in business here nearly three years. He was born 
in Macon, Ga., in 1852, and came to Livonia in 
1862. 

Brown & Hulbert, (Sarah C. Brown, Laura J. 
Hulbert,) milliners. In business here eight years, 
purchasing in April of 1873 the millinery business 
of Mrs. Mary E. Hoyt. S. C. Brown was born in 
Dansville in 1837, and came to Livonia in 1873. 
L. C. Hulbert was born in Burns, Allegany coun- 
ty, in 1843, and came here eight years ago. 

Joshua D. Howell, watches and jewelry. In 
business here three years, coming at that time 
from Nunda, where he was born in 1850. 

Swan & Gaming, (Albert Swan, William Ga- 
nung,) produce merchants. In business as a firm 
since 1876. Previously for one year the business 
was conducted by Mr. Swan. Albert Swan was 
born in Canadice, Ontario county, in 1847, and 
came to Livonia as a resident thirteen years ago. 
William Gaming was born in Canadice in 1847, 
and came here in 1876. 

John H. Prettejohn, produce merchant. In 
business here twelve years. 

Manufacturers. — Perry & Gardner, (E. Harvey 
Perry / John Gardner,) millers, have been in 
business here over two years. Their grist mill 
was built in 1879. Mr. Perry was born in 
Oneida county, N. Y. Mr. Gardner was born 
in Hopewell, Ontario county, N. Y., in 1854, and 
came here as a resident in December of 1879. 

George Ritzenthaler, barrel manufacturer. In 
business here twelve years. He came here in 
1873 from Hemlock Lake, where he had conduct- 
ed the same business for eight years, during which 
time he had also carried on the present manufac- 
tory in Livonia. Mr. Ritzenthaler was born in 



374 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Baden, Germany, in 1830, and came to America 
in 1835. 

Lawyers.— John Wesley Byam, who came to 
Livonia in 1866, to begin the practice of law, was 
born in Warsaw. Wyoming county, N. V., in 1837. 
At the age of seventeen he attended the seminary 
at Lima, where he studied several years, and in 
April of 1864, entered the Albany Law School 
from which institution he graduated in the spring 
of 1865. 

William F. Gelston, a graduate of the University 
of Michigan, was born in Rushville, Yates county, 
N. Y.,in 1855. He studied law for two years with 
Lincoln & Conley of Naples, N. Y., and was one 
year with George Ripsom in Rochester. He was 
admitted to the bar in 1876, and came to Livonia 
in 1878. 

Physicians. — Dr. Charles Herbert Richmond 
graduated from Buffalo Medical University in i860, 
and in December of that year came to Livonia to 
begin the practice of medicine. During the war 
of the Rebellion he was Surgeon of the 104th N.Y. 
Volunteers from August, 1862, to July of 1865. 
He was born in Churchville, Monroe county, N. V., 
July 15, 1840. 

Doctor Herbert P. Sheldon, a partner with Dr. 
Richmond, graduated at Buffalo Medical College 
in 1879, and came to Livonia in September of the 
same year. He was born in Perry, Wyoming Co., 
N. Y., in 1856. 

Doctor J. TenEyck Bettis was born in Albion, 
Orleans county, in 1846. Graduated from Ham- 
ilton College, Cleveland, in 1870, and came to Li- 
vonia in 187 1. In connection with his practice 
he has also a drug store. 

Doctor Silas Fayette Staggs, was born in Pan- 
ton, Vt , July 19, 1847. He graduated at How- 
ard Medical College, Washington, in 1878, and in 
October of that year, went to Lakeviile, removing 
from there to Livonia, in September of 1879. 

Dr. E. A. Clapp, dentist, began business here 
two years ago. He was born in Groveland, Liv- 
ingston county, in 1857. 

Banks. — The pioneer banker here was Daniel 
Stanley, who opened a bank in the north room of 
the Baldwin House, in the winter of i868-'9. 

The banking house of Solomon Woodruff and 
Irving Parmelee was opened in 1869. The next 
year Mr. Parmelee bought Mr. Woodruff's interest 
and conducted the business alone until his health 
failed, when he sold the business to Niel Stewart, 
October 1st, 1871. 

In 1872, Stewart and Co. removed to a fine 



suite of rooms built by them for banking purposes, 
where their bank is now located, and in the rooms 
which this firm vacated, Solomon G. Woodruff 
opened a private banking establishment, making 
the second bank in Livonia. 

Societies. — Livonia Lodge, F. &* ,1 .1/.— This 
lodge was organized in 1876. The charter officers 
were : — Francis S. Stevens, W M., Clark Meacher, 
S. W., J. T. Bettis, J. W. 

The present officers are Willard S. Chapin, M. 
W., Eli Burr, S. W., J. A. Piatt, J. W. 

The only newspaper here is the Livonia Gazette, 
of which for four years Clarence M. Alvord lias 
been editor and proprietor. Under his judicious 
management it has become one of the leading and 
most interesting papers in the county, 

Churches. — The First Methodist Society was 
formed in the town of Livonia, somewhere about 
the year 181 7. The exact date is not known, as 
none of the original members of the class are now 
living, and none of the earlier records have been 
preserved. The class when first formed contained 
about twenty members. Abijah Wright, Isaac 
Van Fossen, Amos Richmond, and Ruel and Jesse 
Blake, were members at an early day, and possibly 
some of them joined when the class was formed. 
For a number of years Livonia was part of the 
Bloomfield circuit, and the meetings were held first 
at Hemlock Lake, and afterwards in the barn and 
cider mill of Ruel and Jesse Blake. In 1831 a 
meeting house was built on the farm of Ruel Plake, 
and the first society of the M. E. Church in Livo- 
nia was duly organized. 

The society continued to worship in the Blake 
meeting house until about i860, when a church was 
erected at Livonia Station, and the society removed 
to that place. At that time there were about forty 
members, among whom were such leading men as 
G. Price, S. Francis, S. Ditts, J. Sanger, and G. 
Nottingham. 

Rev. William H. Goodwin was the presiding El- 
der, and Rev. H. T. Hancock the preacher in 
charge. The following named pastors have been 
appointed to this charge in the order in which they 
are named : — 

Revs. R. T. Hancock, George Wilkinson, Josiah 
Arnold, William Manderville, T. J. O. Woodin, C. 
E. Hermans, J. C. Hitchcock, L. D. Chase, D. 
Leisinring, and K. D. Nettleton,* the present pas- 
tor, who has been here two years. 

During the pastorate of Rev. T. J. O. Woodin. 
in 1866, the church was repaired and enlarged, at 

• To whom we are indebted for the history of this Church. 



LIVONIA — WAR RECORD. 



375 



an expense of about $2,000, and during the pas- 
toral service of Rev. J. C. Hitchcock, in 187 1, a good 
parsonage was built at a cost of about $3,600. 
The church is in a flourishing condition, and has a 
present membership of one hundred and ten. 

Livonia Baptist Church. — This Church was or- 
ganized November 7, 1867, with the following list 
of members : — Robert Neel, Sr., Mrs. Lucinda 
Neel, Robert Neel, Jr., Mrs. Laura M. Neel, Mrs. 
Margaret Neel, Miss Lucinda Neel, John Neel, 
Mr. and Mrs. A.L.Thompson, Hattie Thompson, 
Alice Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. John Locke, Chas. 
Locke, Mrs. Laura Locke, Mrs. Henry Smith, 
Mrs. Lucy Briggs, Mrs. M. Wilkins, Evangeline 
Norton, Mrs. Pemberton, James McCrossen, Mrs. 
fames McCrossen, Mrs. Elsie Sharp, Rev. E. Sav- 
age, Miss Naomi Eddy, James Wells, Mrs. James 
Wells, Mrs. A. W. Gordon, Mrs. Anna Shepard, 
Mrs. Mary Howe, Mrs. Venus Scott, Louisa Eddy, 
Franklin Stone, Mrs. Betsey Stone, Mrs. Lyman 
Smith, Mrs. Theodosia Hart, Mrs. Savage, and 
Mrs. Brewster. 

During the winter of 1867-8 Rev. Mr. Savage 
officiated as pastor of this new church. On the 
29th of April, 1868, the regular organization of the 
society was formed and A. R. Pemberton, J. R. 
Hopkins and Robert Neel, Sr., were elected as the 
first trustees. 

The church was recognized May 13, 1868, by 
the sending of delegates from the churches of 
Avon, Dansville, South Livonia, Lima, Mt. Mor- 
ris and Hunt's Hollow. On the 9th of June, 

1869, the church was received into membership 
with the Livingston Baptist Association. 

Rev. Mr. Savage, on account of ill health, closed 
his labors with the church May 31, 1868, and dur- 
ing the summer of that year the pulpit was supplied 
by Rev. Mr. Marean, of South Livonia, and occa- 
sional supplies in the winter, and the prayer meet- 
ings were held from house to house until March, 
1870. 

On the 1 2th of that month Rev. Jacob Gray be- 
came their pastor, remaining until December 29, 

1870. During his brief pastorate the church edi- 
fice was erected at a cost of some $3,400. 

On January 7th, 1871, a call was extended to 
the Rev. D. B. Purinton to become their pastor, 
which he accepted and began his labors in Febru- 
ary, which he continued until September, 1873. 

In November of 1873 Rev. J. R. Smith entered 
upon the work of the ministry here and remained 
till April 1 st, 1877. His successor was Rev. A. 
M. Duboc, the present incumbent, who began his 



labors here in June of 1877. The present mem- 
bership is one hundred and thirty-three. 

Soldiers of the Rebellion. — Livonia during 
the late war contributed largely in money and men 
toward crushing the Rebellion. But very meagre 
records, however, have been preserved concerning 
those brave men to whom the town owes so much 
of gratitude. What is here given has been gleaned 
chiefly from officers and privates who entered the 
different regiments, and is therefore fragmentary, 
but in the main correct. 

Commissioned Officers. — Edwin S. Gilbert, Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, 25th N. Y. Volunteers ; dead. 

Edward E. Sill, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, 136th 
Regiment N.Y. Volunteers. Now in Rochester, N.Y. 
Henry F. Sill, Captain, 27th Iowa Infantry. 
George W. Sill, Brevet First Lieutenant, First 
N. Y. Light Artillery. 

Justus F. McCoy, Captain, First N. Y. Dra- 
goons. 

Charles H. Richmond, Surgeon, 104th N. Y. 
Volunteers. Now practicing physician in Livonia. 
John Rudd, First Lieutenant, 104th N. Y. Vol- 
unteers. Killed at battle of Bull Run. 

Adam Dixson, Captain, 104th N. Y. Volun- 
teers. 

Oscar Adams, First Lieutenant, 126th N. Y. 
Volunteers. Killed at battle of Cold Harbor. 

Willard S. Chapin, Captain, 136th N. Y. Vol- 
unteers. Now postmaster at Livonia, N. Y. 

Almon A. Hoyt, First Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. 
Volunteers. 

Charles P. Woodruff, Captain, . Illinois Vol- 
unteers. 

Shelby Baker, First Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. 
Volunteers. 

Charles L. Peck, Captain, 136th N. Y. Volun- 
teers. 

Hubbard G. Cary, First Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. 
Volunteers. 

John Jack, Lieutenant, 136th N. Y. Volunteers. 
Company C, 136/// Regiment N. V. Volunteers. 
— Willard S. Chapin enlisted as a private in 1862, 
was mustered in as First Sergeant, and was pro- 
moted to Second Lieutenant in February, 1863, 
and again promoted to Captain, September 25, 
1863. Served to the close of the war. Is now 
post-master at Livonia, N. Y. 

Almon A. Hoyt, First Lieutenant, was discharged 
on surgeon's certificate of disability in June, 1864. 
Died August 7, 1867. 

Shelby Baker, Sergeant, promoted to First Lieu 
tenant. Now in South Livonia. 



.^T 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Thomas Boyle, enlisted in 1862. Was won 11 (led 
at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. Now in Lima. N. Y. 

George F. Briggs, transferred to invalid corps 
November 15, 1863; whereabouts unknown. 

Jonathan E. Britton, enlisted in 1862. Was 
wounded at Resaca, (la. Now at Livonia Cen- 
tre. 

Hubbard G. Gary, Corporal, promoted to First 
Lieutenant in November, 1864. Now in Livonia. 

Orlando F. Davis, Sergeant. Now in Land 
Office of Interior Department at Washington, 
1). C. 

James M. Decker, wounded at battle of Kene- 
saw Mountain, June 21, 1864. 

Monroe H. Annis, Corporal, wounded at battle 
of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; transferred to invalid 
corps November 15, 1863. Now in Michigan. 

William E. Dubois was wounded in action at 
Gettysburg, July 3, 1863; transferred to invalid 
corps. Now in Geneseo, N. Y. 

Peter E. Holt, Sergeant, was wounded March 
16, 1865, near Averysboro, N. C. Now at Livonia, 
N. Y. 

John Hammond was taken sick and was dis- 
charged from hospital in 1863. Dead. 

James Henry, whereabouts unknown. 

Charles W. Hanna was wounded at Resaca, ( '• a. , 
May 15, 1864. Died in Michigan in 1879. 

John Jack. Sergeant, promoted to Lieutenant. 
Now in Richmond, Ontario count)'. N. Y. 

Walter C. Masten, Sergeant and Adjutant's 
clerk from 1863 to 1865, when the regiment was 
mustered out. Now in Kansas. 

David H. Martin, now in Michigan. 

Thomas McGorman, precise whereabouts un- 
known. 

Thomas Mooney was wounded at Resaca, Ga., 
May 15, 1864; transferred to invalid corps March 
27, 1S65. Now in Lima, N. Y. 

George P. Morey, now a druggist in Indianapolis, 
Ind. 

Wells G. Nash was wounded at Gettysburg in 
July, 1863; discharged March 3, 1864, from L T . S. 
hospital. Now in Livonia. 

Ammi Perkins was wounded at Resaca, Ga., 
May 15, 1864, died May 16, and was buried on the 
field. 

Edward Phelps, now in the West. 

Daniel L. Richardson, now in Michigan. 

Cornelius Runyan, Corporal. Now in Livonia. 

Martin N. Runyan, dead. 

John B. Ray was wounded at Gettysburg, July 
3, 1863. Now in York, Nebraska. 



Allied C. Summers, Corporal, promoted to 
(Quartermaster Sergeant. Died in Peoria, Wyom- 
ing county. .V Y.; date unknown. 

Rocklin Shaw. Corporal; precise whereabouts 
unknown. 

George H. Sanger, Corporal, promoted to Ser- 
geant. Was wounded at Resaca, May 15, 1864, 
and died of his wounds July 1, 18O4. 

Lovette Sherwood, Corporal, wounded at Gettys- 
burg, July 3, 1863. Now in Nebraska. 

Orman O. Sherwood, was wounded at Resaca, 
('.a., May 15, 1864. Now in Conesus. N. Y. 

liilla F. Smith, now in Boyne Falls, Charlevoix 
county, Mich. 

Burr Summers, was wounded near Atlanta. Ga.; 
July 20, 1864. Now in Livonia, N. Y. 

James Spees, was wounded in battle at Chat- 
tanooga, November 23, 1S63. Whereabouts now 
unknown. 

Ephraim E. Tiffany was transferred to Invalid 
Corps sometime in 1863. Now in Wisconsin. 

John M. Turrill, Corporal, went through all 
the battles with his regiment. Now in Livonia. 

William H. Ward, Corporal, was wounded at 
battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 28, 1864, and 
died of his wounds in general hospital at Jefferson- 
ville, Ind., August 6, 1864. 

William D. Walker. Now in California. 

Leman B. Withy, was wounded at Resaca. Ga., 
had an eye shot out. Was murdered in Avon 
in 1876, by William Pierson, who gave him 
poison. 

Charles L. Peck, Sergeant, promoted to First 
Lieutenant, and afterward to Captain. Now in 
Ohio. 

Norman A. Hamilton, whereabouts now un- 
known. 

Irving D. Lindsley, supposed to have deserted 
from Chancellorsville in May, 1863. 

Richard Youells, killed at battle of Gettysburg, 
July 3, 1863. 

John G. Sanger, discharged for disability in 
November, 1862. Now in Iowa. 

Alonzo A. Eddy, discharged for disability, Dec. 
29, 1862. Now in Lakeville, Livonia. 

Sylvester S. Summers, discharged for disability. 
January 12, 1863. Now in Michigan. 

Chester Gould, discharged for disability, Janu- 
ary 1 'i, 1863. Now in Conesus. N. Y. 

James (or John) Van Yalkenburg, discharged 
for inability, February 2, 1863. 

Martin Brennan, discharged for disability, Feb- 
ruary 25, 1863. Now in Livonia. 



LIVONIA — N. HARMON FOWLER. 



377 



Allen C. Wallace, discharged for disability, 
March 28, 1863. Now in New Mexico. 

Harvey S. Gibbs, drum major, discharged under 
an order from War Department, January 19, 1863. 
Now in Michigan. 

Myron W. Stoddard, died November 28, 1862, 
at Fairfax Court House, Va. ; buried in Livonia. 

Norman J. Smith, died December 4, 1862, at 
Fairfax Court House, Va. ; buried at same place. 

James C. Van Sickle, died and buried Decem- 
ber 17, 1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va. 

William Grills, died and buried December 27, 
1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va. 

Homer Britton, deserted from regiment at Por- 
tage Bridge, N. Y., September 28, 1862. 

James W. Barnhart, deserted October 2, 1862. 

Charles McGary, deserted at Portage Bridge, 
N. Y., September 28, 1862. 

Walter Jack, served to close of the war. 

Edward O'Brien, now at Hamilton Station, 
Livonia. 

This company was organized August 29, 1862, 
at Geneseo, and was mustered into the United 
States service at Portage Bridge, September 25, 
1862. 

Miscellaneous. — The following is a list of those 
who enlisted in this war at various times and in 
various regiments. 

Nelson Peabody, 104th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. Died in rebel prison. 

Stephen Summers, 104th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. Now in Pennsylvania. 

William Jackson, 97th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers ; killed. 

George Gibbs, 6th New York Cavalry. Sup- 
posed to have deserted. 

William Gibbs, 6th New York Cavalry. Sup- 
posed to have deserted. 

Martin Murphy, 2 2d Cavalry. Now at Livonia 
Centre. 

Erastus E. Bailey, 2 2d Cavalry. 

William Martin, 13th New York Volunteers. 

George Burdick, 13th New York Volunteers. 

Donald McLeod, 104th New York Volunteers. 

Marvin W. Lindsley, First New York Dragoons. 

William Meagher, 27th New York Volunteers. 

John Meagher, 27th New York Volunteers. 

George Gilbert, 13th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. 

Harvey S. Stedman, 2 2d New York Cavalry. 

Addison Masten, 2 2d New York Cavalry. 

Charles Risdon, 13th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. 



Caleb Purdy, 140th New York Volunteers. 
Killed. 

Samuel B. Coy, 2 2d New York Cavalry. 

Reuben E. Coy, First Mounted Rifles. 

Elam Masten, 6th New York Cavalry. 

George A. W r oodruff, 8th Illinois Cavalry. 

Patrick Noonan, 140th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. Dead. 

Orra Gilbert, 13th Regiment, New York Volun- 
teers. 

Charles E. Murray, 13th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. Now in Michigan. 

John Peck, 13th Regiment, New York Volun- 
teers. Dead. 

John Phalan, 13th Regiment, New York Volun- 
teers, wounded at first battle of Bull Run. 

Adonijah Fellows, 13th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. Killed. 

John Salsich, 13th Regiment, N, V Volunteers. 

William Runyan, 13th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers, afterward veteran in 14th Heavy Ar- 
tillery. 

Isaac Mabury, 104th Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. 

Patrick O'Brien, First New York Dragoons, 
killed before Richmond. 

Peter Ransom, 14th Heavy Artillery. 

Paris Rathbun, 2 2d New York Cavalry. 

Dennis Carty, 2 2d New York Cavalry. Dead. 

Isaac Clark, H. J. Trimmer, C. Stow, Jacob 
Gray, A. Gray, Samuel Affalter, John Peel, Geo. 
F. King, J. J. White, William White. Edward 
White, George Davis, Joseph A. Steele, George 
H. Brown, Michael Rourke, John Conlon, Allen 
R. Herrington, Patrick Collins, A. G. Milliman, 
Edward Bloomer, John N. Gilbert, Benjamin 
Gordon, Charles Hall, Isaiah Stilwell, Caleb L. 
Chadwick, William D. Hendershott, James Webb, 
Samuel C. Adams, Michael Calligan, James H. 
Clark, Edgar F. Thomas, William Compton, Jacob 
Jackson, Oscar B. Guerin, Edward VanRiper, W. 
W. Dennis, John B. Stilwell, Charles M. Easterly, 
Benjamin S. Wilkinson, J. Henry Wemmett, Geo. 
S. Gregg, James Steele. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



N. HARMON FOWLER. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of Stephen 
and Altic (Harmon) Fowler, who in 1800 came on 



378 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



to the farm now occupied by their two sons N. 
Harmon and Stephen B. He was married Dec. 
10, 1801, in Richmond, (then Pittstown,) and had 
a family of five sons and four daughters. 

It was a wilderness 1 ountry then, and he cleared 
up ami brought under subjection to his sturdy 
will, a large farm on which he lived until his death, 
May 10, 1846, his wife having died March 9, 1840. 




(N. HARMON FOWLER.) 

N. Harmon was married to Clarissa P. Dixon, 
May 6, 1847. Stephen H. married for his first 
wife Fidelia Stedman, October 7, 1842, who died 
Dec. 6, 1850, having borne him two daughters. 
He was again married May 20, 1 85 1, to Esther 
A. Stedman, by whom he had seven children, four 
of whom are now living. These two brothers 
occupy the fine tract of land that was settled by 
their father. N. Harmon has no children and his 
residence occupies a pleasant site about two miles 
from Hemlock Lake. He inherited the creditable 
characteristics of his father, and the beautiful sur- 
roundings of his home testify to the good taste and 
industry displayed by himself and estimable wife. 



HENRY PEASE. 

Henry Pease, the subject of this biography, was 
' a descendant of Robert Pease, who was born in 
England, in 16,50. The first account we find of 
him is in the court records of Salem, in the settle- 
ment of his father's estate, August 27, 1644. We 
next find historic record of the family in the Revo- 
lutionary war, in which John Pease bore an active 
part. In that war the family saw active service, 
and also in the war of 1812. The parents of 



Henry, our subject, were Henry and Huldah 
Tilden Pease, who were married in the year 1793, 
at Sansfield, Mass., where he was born. He 
moved with his father to Livonia in 1805, being 
then eleven years old. 

On the 19th of March, 1817. he was married to 
Polly Gould, by whom he had eight children, four 
of whom are now living. She died, and he was 
again married, in 1838, to Rowena Spaftord. 




i^w^y 



Henry C, his third son, was born August 11, 
1828, married Hannah B. Hoag, October 14, 
1 861, and died October 19, 1874. 

Henry Pease was a conscientious member of 
the Methodist church for over fifty years. He 
was a farmer, carpenter, and known as a kind, 
generous-hearted man, who never turned his back 
on the poor, but always took great pains to find 
out their actual need and attend to their wants. 
He was a man of noble qualities, honored and re- 
spected by all who knew him ; and at his death 
many mourned the loss to their community. 



BUELL D. WOODRUFF. 

Buell D. Woodruff is a grandson of Solomon 
Woodruff, who was the first white settler in the 
town of Livonia The family is of English origin, 
and the first record we find of it is in Litchfield, 
Conn., in 1640. 

Solomon Woodruff in 1789, with his rifle and 
knapsack on his back, came alone and on foot to 
Livonia, where he located on lot No. 32. Here 
he made a clearing and built a log house, and re- 
turned for his wife and son Austin, who was then 



BUELL D. WOODRUFF— HON. LEMAN GIBBS. 



379 



three years old. With this small family and house- 
hold effects in an ox wagon he started for his new 
home in the Genesee country, the journey occupy- 
ing six weeks. His nearest neighbors were seven 
miles distant, at the foot of Honeoye lake. He 
was the father of five children who reached matur- 
ity, viz : Austin, Phillip, Jeremiah, Morris and 
Marina. They all married and settled in the 



^ 







W 




Photo, by Merrell, Geneseo. 

(BUELL D. WOODRUFF.) 

county. Austin, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, retained a part of the old farm settled 
by Solomon Woodruff, on which Buell D. now 
lives, and which from various purchases made by 
the latter now amounts to two hundred and thirty 
acres. Austin married Julia Smith, of New En- 
gland, by whom he had ten children, seven of 
whom are yet living, Buell D. being the youngest 
son. On the 15th of June, 1855, Buell D. was 
married to Hortensia V. Harding, of Burns, Steu- 
ben county, by whom he had three children : Her- 
bert S., Edward B. and Frank H. His wife died 
January 19, 1869, and February 26, 1873, he was 
married to Elizabeth A. Coe. 

Herbert, the eldest son of Mr. Woodruff, was 
married to Lizzie Durkee January 18, 1879. Ed- 
ward B. was married to Georgie Quackenbush 
March 10, 18S0, by whom he had one child, Em- 
ma, who is the fifth generation that has resided on 
this farm within ninety years. 

Buell D. Woodruff still resides on the old farm 
originally settled by Solomon Woodruff, and is a 
man widely known and respected for his sterling 
qualities of head and heart. He was elected Jus- 
tice of the Peace by the Republican party in April, 
1875, an <-l Supervisor by the same party April 5, 
1881, by 230 majority, it being the largest major- 
ity given to any Supervisor up to the present time. 



HON. LEMAN GIBBS. 

Leman Gibbs was born in Litchfield, Conn., 
Aug. 15, 1788. He was the son of Eldad Gibbs 
and Esther Riggs, who moved to what is now Li- 
vonia, in the year 1S01. December 16, 1810, he 
was married to Juliana Stedman, and she having 
died, he was again married, May 20, 1847. to Bet- 




(HON. LEMAN GIBBS.) 

sey Stanley. By his first wife he had six children, 
five of whom are living, as follows — Emeline P., 
Adna S., Backus S., Leman A., and Manson F. 

Mr. Gibbs was present at the burning of Buffalo 
in 1813, and his military career was a highly hon- 
orable one, he having entered the army as a fifer 
and coming out a Brigadier-general. He held 
nearly all the offices in the gift of the people of his 
county, from constable to Member of Assembly, 
having held the position of constable and deputy 
sheriff before Livingston county was set off, and 
was the first Side-judge appointed by the Governor. 
In the year 1854, he was elected to represent the 
county in the Legislature, and after serving one 
term was appointed Commissioner to examine pub- 
lic accounts. The duties of all these offices he 
performed in an intelligent and perfectly satisfac- 
tory manner and in his own town stood as a sort of 
common peace-maker and arbitrator. Beine en- 
dowed with a strong mind and great good judg- 
ment, his aid and counsel were ever ready for those 
who were in need of them, and few men are com- 
petent to fill the position, so long, so honorably, 
and so honestly filled by Judge Gibbs. He had been 
a firm, consistent christian for many years, and let 
his light shine, not only by precept but by example 
and practice. He died in 1858 at the age of sev- 
enty years, and it may well be said, that in his death 
an honest man has left us. 



3 8o 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



JESSK BLAKE. 

Jesse Blake was the son of Richard Blake, of 
Litchfield count). Conn., who served as a soldier 
during the Revolutionary war. The subject of this 
sketch was horn in Litchfield, Conn., August 31, 
17 73, and was married to Sallie I.uddington about 
1796, whose father acted as one of Washington's 
body guard, by whom he had fourteen children, 
five of whom are now living. In 1798 he "arti- 
cled" for a portion of lot No. 41 in the town of 




(JESSE BLAKE.) 

Livonia, then known as Pittstown. He was among 
the first settlers in the town, coming with his 
family and household effects on an ox sled in the 
year 1800. Mr. Blake possessed great powers of 
endurance, was industrious to a remarkable de- 
gree, and was eminently fitted for the life of toil 
and hardships which he had undertaken. At the 
time of his death he owned four hundred acres of 
fine improved land. Of the five children now liv- 
ing, Bradner J. and Richard reside in Livonia, the 
former being prominent in the political affairs of 
the town and county. Mr. Blake was a member 
of the Methodist church, and was also much inter- 
ested in Masonry. He died Sept. 17th, 1859, his 
wife having preceded him July 14th, 1841. 



RUSSEL R. JACQUES. 

Russel R. Jacques, the subject of this biography, 
was born in the State of Vermont, February 11, 
1807. His mother dying in his infancy, his father, 
Darius Jacques, entrusted him and his sister Caro- 
line — the only surviving children — to the care of 
an aunt, Mrs. Williams, in Chenango county, N. Y. 

In 1813, he removed with them to the town of 
Richmond. ( )ntario county, where he purchased a 
small farm. 



In 1 S 1 5, Darius Jacques married the widow of 
Levi YanFossen, and in the following year moved 
with his family to what was known as the Van- 
Fossen Mills. 

Russel R., was then nine years old. His father, 
though a man of collegiate education, gave his son 
but the educational advantages of the common 
schools, the higher schools of those days being re- 
mote and expensive. Being naturally inclined to 
Study he availed himself of the opportunities of the 
common schools, and at the age of thirteen went 




Photo, by Merrell, Gent 

1 RUSSEL R. JACQUES.) 

to Canandaigua to secure the better educational 
advantages there presented. In that place he re- 
mained some five years, and then went to Geneseo 
where he attended school some two years. While 
at this place his father lost his eyesight, and he 
being the only child, was called home to take care 
of the afflicted parent, at the sacrifice of any am- 
bition he might have had in other directions. 
Here, at the foot of Hemlock lake, he began the 
life of a farmer, in which pursuit, and in the same 
place, he has continued to the present time. 

In 1834. he was married to Miss Harriet Fran- 
cis, daughter of Elihu Francis, who then owned 
the farm now owned by Mr. Lindsey. 

In 1841, he was elected magistrate of the town, 
serving four years, at the close of the term declin- 
ing reelection. 

In 185 1, he built a large farm-house, which in 
1 86 1 was devoted to the accommodation of sum- 
mer tourists to the beautiful region of Hemlock 
Lake. During the years which followed, the place 
became a popular resort, and his accommodations 
being insufficient he was, in 1873, induced to en- 
large his house to a capacity affording accommo- 
dations to seventy-five persons, giving to it the 
name of the Jacques House. To this place, in 
the summer months, come tourists from various 
parts of the country, who make this house their 



TOHN S. BEECHER — GENESEO. 



38' 



home, or who occupy the cottages built on leased 
or purchased lots from his farm. 

Of the pioneer of this delightful summer resort, 
it may be said that he is a man of genial, social 
nature, ardent and appreciative in his friendships, 
a staunch advocate of the right, responsive to the 
call of the poor and unfortunate, a lover of his 
country and an admirer of the beautiful in nature ; 
and now, in the yellow leaf of life, believing that, 
though unknown here, when God conies in His 
kingdom He will perhaps remember him as well as 
the philosophers, statesmen and heroes who have 
won the plaudits of the world. 



JOHN S. BEECHER. 





(JOHN S. BEECHER.) 

Hezekiah Beecher, Sr., grandfather of John S., 
was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1752. He mar- 
ried Dorcas Strong of the same place, and in 1801 
moved to Livingston county with his wife and eight 
children, viz : Enaeus. Sally, Nathaniel, Betsey, 
Hezekiah, Jr., Alfred, Anna, and Maria. 

Enaeus married Hannah Cook, and at an early 
day moved to Union county, Ohio, where he died; 
Sally died at home : Nathaniel married Matilda 
Cook, and also, at an early day removed to Ohio ; 
Betsey married Moses Jackman, and spent the re- 
mainder of her life in Rush and in this town ; Al- 
fred married Sarah Leavenworth and became one 
of the pioneers of Oberlin, Ohio ; Moses married 
E. S. Rust, and also settled in Oberlin ; Anna mar- 
ried D. B. Clark, and spent her days on part of the 
original purchase of her father. Hezekiah, Jr., was 
born in 1793, and at the age of eight years, moved 
with his father to this town in 1801. In the fall of 
1818, he was married to Nancy, daughter of Oziel' 



Smith, and sister of Col. George Smith, and settled 
on a part of the original purchase of his father, 
situated one and one-half miles north cf Livonia 
Center. He had four children, viz : — Esther M., 
born Sept. 22, 1819, married to George B. Gibbs, 
of Livonia; Mary A., born Oct. 7, 1822, now of 
New York city ; John S , born April 7, 1826 ; and 
George C. now of Canandaigua, N. V., born Oct. 7, 
1831. 

John S. the subject of this sketch, was married 
Sept. 26, i860, to Sarah J. daughter of Oliver Wil- 
son, of Clarendon, Vermont, by whom he had two 
children, both now living : Lewis H., born Jan. 29, 
1862; and Martha A., born Jan. 3, 1S36. Mr. 
Beecher now occupies the old homestead, and is 
one of the pioneers in the breeding of Spanish 
Merino sheep in this county, which business he 
still follows. He is pleasantly situated, his ances- 
tors having displayed sound judgment in the selec- 
tion of a home for the family. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 
History of the Town of Geneseo. 

GENESEO was formed by the Court of General 
Sessions of Ontario county, in January, 1789. 
Its name is of Indian origin and singularly appro- 
priate, signifying " Pleasant Valley." It is an in- 
terior town, lying north of the center of the county, 
and is bounded on the north by Avon, on the east 
by Livonia and Conesus, on the south by Grove- 
land and on the west by York and Leicester, from 
which it is separated by Genesee river. The sur- 
face is a rolling upland, with abrupt declivities to 
the east and west, the highest acclivities being two 
hundred to three hundred feet above the river 
valley, which is of exceeding beauty and fertility. 
Conesus lake forms the southerly portion of the 
east border. Its outlet crosses the north-east 
corner of the town, and again enters the town for 
a short distance near the center of the north 
border. Numerous small streams tributary to it 
indent the eastern declivity of the town. The 
principal streams flow west to the Genesee. They 
are Fall Brook in the southern, and Jaycox creek 
in the northern part of the town, both of which 
rise by several affluents in the central elevation of 
the town. The former, near the highway to Mt. 
Morris, a little south of Geneseo village, gives rise 
to a pretty perpendicular cascade of nearly ninety 
feet, which, however, for the greater part of the 
year, consists of only a slender thread of water. 
The locality is invested with a romantic interest, 
but the legend is based on traditions so vague as 
to be unworthy of credence or repetition. 



382 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The northern part of the town is underlaid by 
the rocks of the Hamilton group, and the southern 
part by those of the Chemung and Portage groups; 
but neither develops any great commercial import- 
ance in the town. 

There is little or no waste land in the town. 
There is considerable clay soil in some sections 
which requires thorough cultivation to make it 
productive. The high lands are generally level, 
and are well adapted to the growth of winter wheat 
and other cereals. The river Hats, which have an 
average width of half a mile, are very productive, 
and are largely used for pasture. At an early day, 
flax, which was first raised here in 1S01, was ex- 
tensively cultivated on these flats for many years. 

The Avon, Genesee & Mt. Morris railroad 
traverses the west border of the town. 

I he population of the town in 1880 was 3,248. 
In 1875, it was 3,229, of whom 2,598 were native, 
631 foreign; 3,188 white, 41 colored ; 1,588 males, 
and 1,641 females. Its area was 25,648 acres,* of 
which 21,590 were improved, 3,607 woodland and 
and 451 otherwise unimproved. In size it ranks 
fourth in the county. The cash value of the farms 
was $1,991,648, exceeding, with the exception of 
Avon, that of any other town in the county; of 
farm buildings other than dwellings, $175,015 ; of 
stock, (in which it ranked third,) $251,459; of 
tools and implements, $56,265. The amount of 
gross sales from farms in 1874 was $190,608. In 
this respect it ranked second — ne\t to Avon. 

Geneseo, though not as rich in this respect as 
some of the towns in the county, contains one of 
those interesting monumental relics which serve to 
connect the present with the long ago past ; to es- 
tablish the fact and indicate the character of the 
people who once occupied this country long ante- 
rior to the advent of those whose descendants now 
possess it ; but whether it is the work of a race 
who still retain a feeble hold on their once vast 
territorial possessions, or of a people who ante- 
date these is still a matter of conjecture, though 
the weight of evidence, as we have elsewhere shown, 
inclines to the former supposition. It consists of 
a small inclosure of about two acres, located south- 
west of Geneseo, on the Brimmer farm, in the 
south west angle of the highway leading from Gen- 
eseo to Mt. Morris and that crossing the river at 
Jones' bridge. 

The settlement of the town is about coeval with 

* Census of 187;. The published Proceeding* 0/ the Hoard of Su~ 
on in 1879 slate the number of acres to be £0,361, the equalized 
1 1 sed value of which wa 01 $75.' I pel acre. In this it 

ceeded only by Avon and North Dan 



its civil organization. The first settlers were of 
two classes, those who came from Connecticut, 
and those who came from Pennsylvania, all, or 
nearly all, of the Presbyterian persuasion. 

The pioneer was Lemuel P. Jennings, from 
Connecticut, who, then a young man, came here 
in the winter of 1788-9, in the employ of Oliver 
Phelps to herd cattle on the river flats, west of the 
village of Geneseo, which then bore a luxuriant 
growth of coarse grass. Jennings had squatted 
and built a small hut on the lower table-land near 
the river, in the locality where the Wadsworths 
first settled. He afterwards took up a farm of 
some four hundred acres a mile and a half south- 
east of the village, which he brought into a good 
state of cultivation, and there raised a large family. 
He married here a sister of John White, who died 
in this town recently at the advanced age of ninety- 
two years, having spent most of his life in the 
town of Groveland. Jennings' farm is now owned 
and occupied by Russell Kneeland. He divided a 
portion of it into fifty-acre lots among certain of 
his children, reserving about 150 acres, which he 
finally deeded to his son-in-law, named Runyan, 
under contract to support him during the remain- 
der of his natural life. But Runyan was profligate 
and soon ran through the property, when he went 
to Michigan, Jennings accompanying him and 
dying there at an advanced age. Jennings was a 
peaceable and upright citizen, and acquired a good 
property by his industry, but died in poverty in 
Michigan. He was a man of large stature and 
great physical strength ; capable, it was said, of 
laying up a log house alone. In this respect his 
eight sons resembled him, but not in his pacific 
disposition. 

Capt. Elisha Noble, also from Connecticut, came 
about the same time as Jennings, and like him 
settled near the village. He probably did not re- 
main here long as little is known of him by the 
present generation. His brother Russell, who was 
also an early settler, was one of the institutions of 
his time. "'He was the pioneer fiddler; he and 
his old violin mark the advent of music on the 
Holland Purchase." He was widely known 
throughout the sparsely settled country, for he 
"had no competition," and his services were in 
requisition on all festive occasions, though an at- 
tempt has been made to tarnish his reputation by 
the intimation that he had "no more 'regard for 
time than he had for eternity' " * 

But the settlement which had the most marked 



' * Turner's History of ' the Holland Purchase, 4$&. 




M.R. & Mrs. Thomas Gf^ay. 

THOMAS GRAY. 



Duncan Gray and Hannah McBride, the parents of the 
subject of this sketch, were natives of Ireland. The lat- 
ter came to America with her parents, who settled in 
Pennsylvania when she was very young, and the former 
came over about 1 780, and their marriage occurred about 
1787. They came to Livingston county in 1806, and lo- 
cated in the town of Geneseo. 

Duncan Gray enlisted in the service of the United 
States, marched to the front, took part in the battle of 
Chippewa in the war of 1812, and was lost in that en- 
gagement: but in what manner he was killed is not 
known, as he has never been heard of since. His widow 
died July 14, 1847, aged eighty-one years. They had 
eight children, viz: — Hugh, Daniel. James, Mary, Thom- 
as. William and Jane, none of whom are now living 
except Thomas, who was born August 18, 1798, and 
lived at home with his mother until two years after his 
marriage, assisting his mother in the management of her 
small farm, and occasionally attending school winters. 
His advantages for obtaining even a common school edu- 
cation were extremely limited, as all of his time and best 
energies were required to secure a scanty living for his 
mother, two younger children and himself. 

On the 21st of April, 1825, he was united in marriage 
with Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Isabell (Hunter) 
Wvnn, the latter of whom was the widow of James 
Haynes, one of the first settlers in the town of Geneseo. 
She was born Feb. 10, 1805. Thomas Gray is one of that 
band of resolute spirits who helped to clear away the 
forests, lay out roads, build bridges, and erect school 
houses and churches. Beginning life a poor boy, with 
no advantages, and nothing but his native energy, per- 
severance, and unswerving integrity of purpose, he has 
attained a fair success in life. He settled on the farm on 
which he is still living in 1827, occupying a board shanty. 



until he finished a small house, having chopped away a 
place in the woods for that purpose. He then commenced 
clearing off the original forest from his laud which, after 
many trials and privations, he accomplished. Now at the 
advanced age of eighty -three years, his step is firm and 
he is in the possession of his faculties to a remarkable 
degree. Much of his success in life is due to the assist- 
ance rendered him by his faithful wife who has ever been 
ready with good, kindly advice and wise counsel. She 
has toiled early and late in her husband's interests, and in 
assisting and teaching her children. Home has been her 
province, and love her scepter. Mr. Gray has never been 
a member of any church, but has attended the Presby- 
terian church at Lakeville. of which his wife has been a 
member forty-six years. He has been a member of the 
Republican parly since its organization, giving a hearty 
support to its principles, but has never been an office- 
seeker. 

In all business transactions he has endeavored to be 
strictly just, and has passed through life without a 
stain resting upon his character. There have been born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Gray six children, as follows: — Cather- 
ine, born Sept. 21, 1826, died Dec. 21, 1866; Daniel 
Harvey, born Sept. 7, 1829, unmarried; Lydia Maria, 
born May 13. 1884, married to Lorenzo P. Roe, of Gen- 
eseo, and residing in that town : Josepha, born July B, 
1886, married to Wm. Davis, of Geneseo, and residing in 
the town of Avon : Leonora Elizabeth, born July 20, 
1844, married to Thomas Jefferson Wynn, of Geneseo, 
and Edgar Lotharin, born Feb. 20, 1849, married to Mar- 
tha Diefenbacher, of Geneseo, by whom he has one BOB, 
Clyde D., born Dee. 30, L876. 

Lydia united with the Presbyterian church, of Lake- 
ville, in the spring of 1853, Josepha at the same timi and 
Leonora in the spring of 1865. 



GENESEO — EARLY SETTLERS. 



583 



effect upon this town, and, indeed, upon the coun- 
ty and adjacent country, was that of the Wads- 
worth brothers, William and James, in 1790. 
They were natives of Durham, Conn. William 
was born in 1766; and James, April 20, 1768. 

James Wadsworth graduated at Yale College in 
1787, and spent the winter of 1787-8 in Montreal, 
employed in school teaching. In the spring of 
1790, while undecided whether to seek his fortune 
in the Southern States or to make the study and 
practice of law in New England his life work, he 
was approached with a proposition to undertake 
the sale of lands in the Genesee country, from his 
uncle, Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, of Hartford, 
Conn., a gentleman of distinction, who had pur- 
chased, as an investment, a part of the reserved 
portion of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, em- 
bracing township 6, range 9, a part of township 
1 1, range 7, and one-twelfth of Big Tree* 

After consultation with his brother William, who 
consented to accompany him to the Genesee 
country, he acceded to the proposition, and in 
that year they bought in their joint interest two 
thousand acres of the Big Tree tract, at the 
original cost — eight cents per acre — the terms ac- 
corded to their uncle, as co-proprietor, engaging 
to undertake the care and sale of the remaining 
lands. 

Immediate preparations for the journey to, and 



* It has been generally supposed, and is so stated by various authors, 
that this name, which is applied to the village of Geneseo, is derived from 
an immense oak tree (which has, however, been erroneously denominated 
an elm) which stood upon the bank of the liver, into which it finally fell 
by the continual undermining action of the current. A section of this 
tree, about seven feet in height and diameter, cut near the point where it 
emerged from the ground, is preserved under a rustic arbor on the James 
Wadsworth estate, and another section on the grounds of Hon Wm. P. 
Letchworth, at Glen Iris. But the Hon. Benj. F. Angel, of Geneseo, a 
gentleman of rare culture and critical research, says, on the authority of 
Cap! Jones, who was for a longtime a captive with the Senecas, (in an 
Address delivered before the Livingston County Historical Society in 
1878,) that " this is an error," and that "the name is derived from an 
Indian chief of that name, whose village * * * was something over a 
third ot a mile west of what is now the most populous part of the present 
village of Geneseo, and it was near there where the log house of General 
Wadsworth stood, which was hired for the use of the commissioners, pend- 
ing the negotiations which resulted in the treaty of 1707 "—known as the 
Big Tree Treaty. The statement of Mr. Angel is corroborated by Staf- 
ford's Gazetteer of 181 j, confirmed by that of 1824, which says: "About 
1,100 acres, situated in the bend of the river is usually called Big-tree or 
the Big-tree bend tract, from an Indian chief of the name of Big-tree, 
Who, with his little tribe, cultivated the fiats in this bend when first settled 
by the Euglish in t7'j°. Here are now the Wadsworth' s Farms, cele- 
brated for their fertility, products and slock." Gordon's Gazetteer, of 
1816 bears like testimony. The Journal of Major James Norris, an 
officer connected with Sullivan's Expedition of 177.;. says, referring to 
Aaneysas, (Conesus,) "at this town live a very Great noted Warrier 
Calld the Great tree." It is quite probable that after the destruction of 
the Indian town at Conesus and the return of a portion of .the Senecas 
lrom Niagara, Big Tree located with the remnant of his tribe on the river 
flats at Geneseo. His name, says Mr. Angel is signed to the Big Tree 
treaty, and is also appended with those of Corn Planter and Half Town, 
to a communication to Genera] Washington in 171/3. 



life in the far off wilderness, the Genesee being 
then practically the limit of western settlement in 
New York. ' : Amid the farewells of kindred and 
friends, in which," says Turner, " were mingled 
sad forebodings of the dangers and vicissitudes the 
bold adventurers were about to encounter, they 
commenced their journey." William, who, so far 
as manual labor was concerned, was the prac- 
tical workman of the two, started overland with 
an ox team and cart, two or three hired men, and 
a favorite family female slave named Jenny, who, 
for a long time, was almost the only one of her 
race in this region, and was, says Turner, an object 
of curiosity with the younger portion of back- 
woodsmen. James went to New York to procure 
provisions and a quantity of household furniture 
with which he proceeded up the Hudson to Al- 
bany, where he joined his brother. 

From Albany they proceeded by team to 
Schenectady, whence their goods were conveyed 
by boat up the Mohawk. William proceeded 
overland with the team, carrying the goods over 
the portages at Little Falls and from the Mohawk 
to Wood Creek. From that point he left the 
water party and proceeded overland to Canan- 
daigua with the oxen and cart, and a small herd 
of cattle purchased upon the Mohawk, making 
slow progress over the poor roads, which were but 
little better than Indian trails. 

At Canandaigua the parties reunited, James 
having proceeded by the usual water route to that 
point. Thence they followed the Indian trail and 
the route of Sullivan's army. They arrived on the 
10th of June, 1790, at their destination. 

Their first log house stood on the first table 
lands, adjacent to the river south of the road lead- 
ing to their boarding house on the fiats. A large 
blockhouse was built in the same locality in 1794, 
and there they planted locust and apple nurseries, 
from the latter of which trees were obtained to set 
out on their extensive farms. About 1804 a more 
commodious house was built on the present 
William Wadsworth estate. It was constructed of 
three-inch white oak plank, which were sawed at 
the mill on the outlet of Silver Lake, about a mile 
west of the Genesee, which was then the nearest 
saw-mill,* and thence rafted down the river to the 
Genesee flats. From that house was constructed 



* This, with the exception of one al Niagara Falls, was thefirst saw-mill 
west of the Genesee, and supplied the first boards used in the upper valley 
of the Genesee. It was built in 1792 by Ebene/er Allen, and was raised 
by the help of Indians, for the want of sufficient white men in the coun- 
try. The Wadsworths afterwards built mills on the outlet of Conesus 
lake on lands purchased there. 



5 8 4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



the present modernized palatial residence which 
adorns the beautiful and spacious grounds which 
form the homestead of the William Wadsworth 
estate. It was removed a few years since from its 
original location — seven or eight rods southwest of 
the office on those premises — to its present site. 

These houses were occupied jointly by the two 
brothers, both of whom were then young, single 
men. William never married, but continued to 
make his home with his brother James, who, in 
1X04, married Naomi Wolcott, of East Windsor. 
Conn., an amiable woman, of fine esthetic cul- 
ture, who died March 1, 1831, aged 54. 

In September following William and all his 
hired help had the fever and ague, the negro 
woman, Jenny, being the only well one among 
them. Disheartened by disease, the hired men 
returned to Connecticut, when they were soon 
followed by James, William and Jenny being left 
to winter in the shanty and take care of the 
stock.* James returned to Big Tree the following 
June. 

The Wadsworths steadily extended their farm- 
ing operations, sedulously investing their surplus in 
new lands, until they owned and cultivated thous- 
ands of acres in addition to a vast territory which 
they leased to settlers. They were extensive stock- 
raisers, the coarse herbage which grew in great luxu- 
riance upon the flats enabling them to increase 
their herds to any desired extent. Much attention 
was given to the introduction of improved breeds 
of cattle and sheep, and their intelligent efforts in 
this direction contributed in a most important de- 
gree to the high reputation Livingston county has 
borne for the superior excellence of the flocks and 
herds which, for years, have roamed its hills and 
vales. They had at one period an extensive dairy; 
and during the first few years of the present cen- 
tury they extensively cultivated hemp, much of 
which they manufactured into ropes, for which they 
found a ready market in Albany and New York. 
They, in common with others, engaged in the cul- 
tivation of tobacco, the leaves of which were manu- 
factured into plugs by Major Spencer, an early 
merchant in Geneseo, who, for several years, sup- 

* In August, 1790, Oliver Phelps, who was then in the Genes 
try, wrote to Nathaniel Gorham, at Boston, giving a somewhat discoui 
aging aconnt of the almost universal tnevalet.ee of disease among the new 
settlers. He saj s: "We have suffered much for the want ol a physician : 
Atwater [referring to Dr. Moses A I water, who settled m Canandaigna early 
in 1791] has not yet arrived ; we have now a gentleman from Pennsyl- 
vania attending "ii tin- suk wlio serins I iderstand his business. The 

two Wadsworths, who came from Durham, have heen very skk, are now 
recovering, hut are I0V1 spirited . they like the country, hut their sickness 
has discouraged them," Pioneer History of P/ui/s and Gorham'i 

Purchase, 143. 



plied most of the small dealers west of Seneca 
lake; but this business eventually fell pretty much 
into the hands of a company, from Long Meadow, 
in Connecticut, who rented of them the Hats, and 
for a few years cultivated largely. In later years 
they engaged in sheep raising and wool growing to 
an extent, says Turner, " never exceeded in the 
United States." In some observations of Prof. 
Renwick, in reference to the magnitude of their 
operations, he adds, they were ranked with Gen. 
Wade Hampton, of South Carolina, at the " head 
of agricultural pursuits in the United States." 

James Wadsworth's agency responsibilities were 
also greatly augmented, and the large income real- 
ized from this source enabled them to immensely 
increase their vast landed estate. It was no small 
compliment that he was selected by such men as 
Robert, Thomas and Gouverneur Morris, Aaron 
Burr, Charles Williamson, DeWitt Clinton, Robert 
Troup, Oliver Phelps, Nicholson & Greenleaf, Col. 
Jeremiah Wadsworth, and other prominent men of 
New England and Pennsylvania, to represent their 
interests in conjunction with his own, in Europe. 
He sailed for Europe in February, 1796, after the 
reaction which succeeded the wild land specula- 
tions of that period had set in, and remained abroad 
until November, 1798, visiting and residing tem- 
porarily in London, Paris and Amsterdam. While 
abroad he effected large sales, and to his mission 
is to be attributed many of the foreign proprietor- 
ships in this region, as well as in other portions of 
the United States. In London he was also en- 
trusted with other important land agencies, includ- 
ing the Mill Tract, embracing a considerable por- 
tion of Monroe county. These duties, combined 
with the management of the Wadsworth estate, 
threw upon his hands an amount of business sel- 
dom devolving upon one individual, and requiring 
all his time and energies. It_was not prosecuted 
without peculiar embarrassments, pecuniary and 
otherwise. In a letter to a friend, written after he 
had had an experience of fifteen years, he says : — 
" It is slow realizing from new lands. I will never 
advise another friend to invest in them. Men gen- 
erally have not the requisite patience for speculat- 
ing in them." The financial depression succeed- 
ing the war bore heavily upon this locality. It was 
not until the war of 1812 made a good market for 
his produce that he began to be relieved from em- 
barrassment. That was followed by a few years 
of depression, and then came the great measure of 
deliverance, and source of prosperity to all this 
region — the Erie canal. 





Jonathan Hunter Waynes. 

J. H. Haynes was born in the town of Geneseo, 
( let. 27, 1809. His parents were John and Eliza- 
beth (Teeple) Haynes, both of whom were born in 
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, the former 
August 17, 1787, and the latter March 12, 1788. 
John Haynes came into the town of Geneseo, in 
1792, with his parents, James and Isabel Haynes. 
The former died soon after settling here and the 
latter married for her second husband, Benjamin 
Wynn, and died April 24, 1S53, aged eighty-four 
years. For several years after his father's death, 
John remained at home, working forhis step-father 
on the farm and by the day for neighboring farmers. 
January 26, 1809, he was married to Elizabeth 
Teeple, and commenced house-keeping on the Wynn 
farm in a tenant-house, and here Jonathan H. was 
born. He remained here but a short time, having 
purchased eighty acres of what is now known as 
the Haynes estate, where he built a log-house and 
moved his family into it in 1812 or '13. He lived 
there thirty-five or forty years, when he bought 
another farm about one mile and a half north of 
his old home and removed to that and lived there 
about twenty years. Becoming aged and infirm. 
a home with his son Jonathan was offered him and 
alter a residence of about two years with him, he died 
June 10, 1873. He was for about sixty years a 
ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church of 
Geneseo, and took an active part in the erection 
of the first church edifice in the eastern part of the 
1 own. About fifty years before he died, and during 
his whole life, he had been an active, earnest and 
devoted Christian. He was a volunteer in the war 
of 1812, and marched to the Niagara frontier where 
he took part in the battle of Lundy's Lane. In 
i luii. ter he was honest and industrious, and lived 
uprightly that his death was mourned as a pub- 
lic loss. His wife was also a member of the Pres- 
byterian church many years, and died Sept. 1. 



John Waynes, 



1868. They had six children, viz : — Jonathan H. 
born as before stated, Anna born June 23, 181 1, 
died Feb. 22, 1863 ; James born May 2, 1813, 
died March, 13, 1856; Margaret born July 3, 
181 5, died in August, 1868; Harriet, born March 
23, 1823, married to Abraham H. Williams, of Li- 
vonia, and is now residing in Dakota ; Sally W. 
Haynes, born Sept. 1 t, 1817, now living with her 
sister in Dakota. Jonathan H. lived at home 
with his parents until he was twenty-five years of 
age, working on the farm and attending the dis- 
trict school in the winter. 

January 26, 1834, he was married to Mary, 
daughter of Arthur and Agnes (Sinclair) Price of 
Livonia, who was born Dec. 4, 1812, and died 
April 12, 1866. By her he had three children 
named as follows : — Elizabeth M., born Jan 2, 
1839, and married to Templeton R. Sinclair, of 
Geneseo; Emma R., born Oct. 6, 1842, and mar- 
ried to Dr. M. C. Rowland, of Geneseo, and Luella 
A. V. N., born Dec. 4, 1858, and residing at home. 

January 20, 1870, Mr. Haynes married for his 
second wife, Margaret S., daughter of James and 
Elizabeth Finney, of Northumberland count), l'a. 
She was born August 29, 1831. Mr. Haynes has 
been a member of the Presbyterian church at 
Lakeville, for nearly forty years, and has been a 
deacon in the same fifteen years. In politics he is 
a Republican, uniting with that party when it was 
formed. He has been a hard working and perse- 
vering man. The training he received during his 
minority on his father's farm, and his natural en- 
ergy and determination admirably fitted him to 
fight the battle of life, and being more suo 
than many he has become one of the prominent 
agriculturists of his town. Through all the vicis- 
situdes of a long and busy life, he has maintained 
a character for honesty and integrity of purpose 
that every one who knows him admires. 



GENESEO— EARLY SETTLERS. 



384 



William Wadsworth, who, as we have said, early 
interested himself in military affairs, early rose to 
the rank of Major-General of militia, a title which 
at that time conferred on its possessor no little dis- 
tinction. He held the first training in the Gene- 
see country at Pitt's Flats, which was for many 
years a training ground. He promptly tendered 
his services during the war of 181 2; and at the 
battle of Queenstown, after the wounding of Gen. 
Solomon Van Rensselaer, the immediate command 
devolved upon him. " He acquitted himself with 
honor," says Turner, " and won even something 
of laurels, upon a badly selected and generally un- 
fortunate battle-field, where they were scarce and 
hard to acquire." He died March 8, 1833, aged 
sixty-seven, having willed his interest in the estate 
to the children of his brother James, upon whom 
its management then solely devolved. 

William Wadsworth was for twenty-one years the 
Supervisor of Geneseo. 

James Wadsworth died at his residence in Gene- 
seo, June 7, 1844, leaving two sons and two daugh- 
ters: — James Samuel, Wm Wolcott, Harriet, (who 
became the wife of Martin Brimmer, of Boston, at 
one time Mayor of that city,) and Elizabeth, who 
married in Scotland, Charles Augustus Murray, sec- 
ond son of the Earl of Dunmore, and nephew of 
the Duke of Hamilton. William, who was born 
July 7, 1810, died with clouded intellect July 21, 
1852, leaving three sons, one of whom — Austin — 
resides on the homestead farm in Geneseo. 

James S. Wadsworth was born in Geneseo, Octo- 
ber 30, 1807. His early education was received 
in the common schools of his native village. He 
was for a short time at Hamilton College; after- 
wards at Harvard, and subsequently a law student 
at Vale. He was for awhile in the law office of 
Daniel Webster, at Boston, and afterward in that 
of McKeon & Deniston, at Albany. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1833, but never engaged in 
the practice of his profession, as the management 
of the family estate afforded him sufficient occupa- 
tion, and after the death of his father, three-fourths 
of the estate— that portion belonging to himself 
and sisters — devolved wholly on him, the other 
fourth being owned and managed by his younger 
brother. In 1834, he married Mary Craig Whar- 
ton, daughter of John Wharton, of Philadelphia; 
and after a tour in Europe, made his residence at 
the paternal estate, and erected in the summer of 
1836 the fine mansion now occupied by his young- 
est son— James — a little north of the village of 
Geneseo. 



He soon distinguished himself by his devotion 
to agriculture, supplementing the efficient labors of 
his father and uncle. "Probably no agricultural 
property in the country, so extensive in domain," 
says Hon. Lewis F. Allen, "had been arranged 
into a better division of individual farms, and their 
husbandry directed with more systematic economy 
on the part of the landlords than those of the 
Wadsworths. The soils were applied to those 
crops most congenial to their natures, and which 
yielded the most profit on their outlay."* He 
earnestly cooperated with every effort to improve 
the condition of agriculture, both in this vicini'ty 
and the State at large, and was active in the circu- 
lation of agricultural literature. 

The State Agricultural Society having been re- 
organized in 1841, in January, 1842, he was unan- 
imously chosen its President, an office to which he 
was elected the following year. He also took an 
active interest in his own county society, and vigor- 
ously aided its efforts to improve the husbandry of 
this vicinity. He imported from abroad choice 
breeds of farm stock, and encouraged the intro- 
duction of new and economical inventions in labor- 
saving implements. His influence, always active, 
was persistent and beneficial throughout. The 
State recognized his position and services by his 
appointment May 4, 1844, as Regent of the Uni- 
versity. In 1856 he was Presidential Elector at 
Large, and in i860, he was again elected a mem- 
ber of the Electoral College. In 1862 he was the 
Republican nominee for Governor of this State, an 
honor he had declined in 1848 and i860. 

Mr. Wadsworth was appointed by the Legisla- 
ture a member of the fruitless Peace Congress 
which met in Washington in February, 1861, and 
while he earnestly sought to avert a resort to arms, 
he firmly opposed all truckling compromises. When 
the first rush of the conflict came, he was foremost 
in support of the National cause. At the very out- 
set, when, in April, Washington was separated 
from communication with the east by the insurrec- 
tionary movements in Maryland, seeing the straight- 
ened condition of a small band of Union troops 
sent to Annapolis, in default of Government sup- 
plies, he hastened thither by water in charge of two 
ships, which he had loaded with provisions in New 
York City at his own expense, f 

He early tendered his services to the govern- 
ment, and in June, 1861, became a volunteer aid 

* Memorial of tlie late Gen. James S. U'aJswitrtk, delivered before 
the New York Slate Agricultural Society at the close of its Annual Exhi- 
bition at Rochester, Sept. ij, 1864. 

1 National Portrait Gallery, 554. 



38S 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



on the staff of Gen. McDowell, who highly com- 
mended his conduct in the memorable battle of 
Bull Run on the 21st of July following, in which 
he had a horse shot under him. By his courage 
and energy he retrieved much of the disaster of 
that ill-starred engagement. August 9, 1861, he 
was commissioned a Brigadier-General and as- 
signed to a command in McClellan's army. In 
March, 1862, he was appointed Military Governor 
of Washington, and for nine months performed the 
arduous duties of that responsible position. 

In December, at his own request, he was called 
into active service, and assigned to the command 
of the 1st division, 1st corps, then commanded by 
Gen. Reynolds, with which he participated in the 
battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and 
Gettysburg, in the latter of which the command 
of Gen. Reynolds sustained the severest part of 
the conflict the first day. Reynolds was killed in the 
early part of the action, and his command devolved 
upon Gen. Wadsworth. The decimation of the 
army in these engagements necessitated a reduc- 
tion in the officers, and Gen. Wadsworth, at his 
own request was relieved from command. He 
was then sent on a tour of inspection on the Mis- 
sissippi to report on the condition of the camps of 
the freedmen and other matters regarding the 
liberated slaves. Before entering upon these 
duties, in a conversation with the paymaster who 
had referred him to a paymaster in New Orleans, 
who, he said, would make him any required dis- 
bursements, Gen. Wadsworth said, " I wish my 
account with the government to be kept by one 
paymaster only, for it is my purpose at the close 
of the war, to call on you for an accurate state- 
ment of all the money I have received from the 
United States. The amount, whatever it is, I 
shall give to some permanent institution founded 
for the relief of disabled soldiers. This is the 
least invidious way in which I can refuse pay for 
fighting for my country in her hour of danger."* 

Returning to Washington, early in 1864, he 
was appointed Commissioner for the exchange of 
prisoners, but was soon after assigned to the com- 
mand of the 4th division (including the remnant 
of his old division in Reynolds' corps,) of Warren's 
corps. He was mortally wounded in the'desper- 
ately fought battle of the Wilderness on the 6th of 
May, 1864, and died two days afterward in the 
hands of the enemy, aged 56. His remains were 
temporarily interred in his family burying ground, 
by Patrick McCracken, a resident in that vicinity, 

• Rtbillitm Record. VIII., l«. 



and soon after transferred to their present resting 
place in the family plot in the Temple Hill Cem- 
etery in Geneseo. 

He had three sons and three daughters : Charles, 
a prominent farmer, now living on the west bank 
of the Genesee, in York ; Craig Wharton, who died 
January 1, 1872, aged 31 ; James, the present 
State Comptroller; Harriet, now Mrs Adair, living 
in Ireland; Nancy, now Mrs. Post, living in New 
York, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Rogers, also living 
in New York. Charles and Craig were in the army 
during the late war. Charles was attached to the 
Department of the Gulf, served as Captain under 
Gen. Banks, and participated in the attack on Port 
Hudson. After a year of active service, at the call 
of imperative duties at home, he resigned his com- 
mand. Craig was for a time attached to General 
Wadsworth's staff, and afterwards held responsible 
and hazardous positions with other general officers 
in various departments till May, 1864, when im- 
portant domestic duties called him home. He 
rose to the rank of Brevet Brigadier General of 
Yolunteers. 

Besides the VVadsworths the following named 
persons, heads of families, had settled in the town 
at the close of f 790 : Phineas Bates, Daniel Ross, 
Henry Brown, Enoch Noble, Nicholas Rosecrantz, 
1 )avid Robb and Nahum Fairbanks. Other early 
settlers were Benjamin Squier, Joseph W. Law- 
rence, Deacon Daniel Kelley, Benjamin Winn, 
William Crossett, Rodman Clark, William, David 
and Samuel Finley and Horatio Jones. 

Benjamin Squier was among the first to come in 
after the Wadsworths. He was born in Cornwall, 
Conn., in 1769, and removed to Geneseo in Oc- 
tober, 1793. He settled on a farm of 400 acres 
adjoining that of Lemuel B. Jennings on the south, 
which is now owned in part by the heirs of the late 
John White and in part by the Wadsworths. He 
raised a large family and died on that farm Janu- 
ary 23, 1846, aged 77. Sarah, his wife, was born 
in Duchess county in 1778, and died in Geneseo 
village, July 19, 1862, at the advanced age of 84 
years. 

William Crossett, from Pennsylvania, settled a 
little south of Geneseo village, on the farm now 
occupied by his son John. He acquired 400 acres, 
which at his death he deeded to his sons William 
and John, children by his last wife. 

The elder Crossett died November 27, 1S29, aged 
66, and Sarah, his wife, June 9, 1823, aged a- 
He was a native of Ireland, and embarked to this 
country soon after the close of the Revolution. 




Photo, by Merrell, Geneseo. 



Mr. & Mrs. John Wanby, 



JOHN HANBY. 



Johu Hanby was born in the town of Geneseo, March 15, 
1805. He is the only son of William and Mary (McNeill) 
Hanby, the former of whom was bom in England, and 
the latter in the county of Northumberland, Penn. Her 
parents were natives of comity Antrim, Ireland ; their 
names were Robert and Jane McNeill. They were 
among the first settlers in the town, and bought their 
farm from Benj. Squires, who got his title from the 
Wadsworths. The parents of John were married about 
1804. 

His father returned to England a short time after his 
marriage and died there, and Mrs. Hanby soon there- 
after married Isaac Hall, of Geneseo, by whom she had 
six children, three sons and three daughters, viz : Eliza- 
beth, now the wife of Chaa. Hazleton, and residing at 
Lawrence, Mich.: Robert, also in Lawrence, Mich.: 
Dorothy, who married Walter Smith, of Geneseo, and 
died about 1850; James Thompson, who died in the 
spring of 1880; Eli, now living at Kalamazoo. Mich., and 
Mary Ward, married to Samuel Perkins, of Perkinsville, 
Steuben county, and now living on the old homestead in 
Geneseo. The mother died in 1859, aged 78 years. She 
was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of Gen- 
eseo, nearly fifty years. Before she was married she 
used to attend church in the town of Grovelaud. at a 
locality then and now known as Havens' Tavern, eleven 
miles distant from where she lived, walking the entire 
distance both ways. 

John lived at home with his mother until he was of 
age, working on the farm and teaming when the latter 
employment could be found, and attending the district 
school winters. He worked the farm from the time he 
was twenty -one until he was married in 1880, and 
two years thereafter. He married Margaret M. , a 
daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Scholl) Begole, 
of Geneseo. Her father was born August 2L\ 1 783, 
and died July 1L', 1861, and her mother was born 
Dec. 25, 1795, and died Nov. 6, 1873. They had 
four children : Margaret M., born Nov. '.'4. 1812; Mary 
Ann. born Sept. 10, 1 n 1 ", , married to Dwight Webb and 
now residing in Pnnxsutawuey, Jefferson county, Penn.; 
Joshua R, horn Nov. 19, 1817, residing in Niagara 



county, and Samuel, bora Feb. 12, 18-jn. and living in 
Geneseo. 

At the time of his marriage Mr. Hanby moved on the 
farm on which he still lives, which then contained fifty 
acres, ( having purchased the same before he was married, ) 
and occupied a log house fifteen years, until he built and 
moved into his present comfortable and substantial resi- 
dence. Having added by purchase from time to time, he 
now ownsfonr hundred and sixty-five acres, all in one body. 
He has made life a success mainly by steady application 
to the performance of his duties. In all business rela- 
tions he is honorable and upright. Sociable, hospitable, 
benevolent and possessed of ennobling Christian virtues, 
he has won friends and admirers among all classes. In 
politics Mr. Hanby was formerly a Whig, but since the 
formation of the Republican party has given a consistent 
support to the measures and principles of that party. He 
has maintained a membership of high standing in the 
First Presbyterian Church of Geneseo for more than 
forty-five years. His wife is also a member of the same 
church, having joined it forty-six years ago. Mr. H. 
helped to build the brick church in the village of Geue- 
eseo, giving liberally of his means for that object. He is 
one of that class of self-made men that we may well 
desire long to keep with us, and whoso worth cannot be 
over-estimated. The supreme words to be written over 
his life are sterling fideUty. 

There have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Haubj seven 
children who grew to maturity, as follows: William 
Henry, born Nov. 15, 1882, married Eliza McComb, ami 
was drowned in Conesns lake Nov. 13, ls74 : Nancy Caro- 
line, born Jan. 2ii. 1887, is unmarried ami resides in the 
home of her uncle, the late J. Thompson Hall, of Geneseo; 
Johu R., born March 9, 1839, married Augusta Boyden 
and residing in the town of Geneseo. Hannah ('., born 
July 11, 1840, married Bela Richmond and residing in 
Lansing, Midi.: Mary S., born April 17, 1842, married 
George Forsythe and residing at home with her parents : 
Margaret C. bom April 1(1. 1 844, is unmarried and re- 
sides at home: Helen L, born Jan. 28, 1848, married to 
George Williams, of Geneseo. and is now residing in 
Auburn, N. Y. 



GENESEO — EARLY SETTLERS. 



385 



Captain Horatio Jones, the noted Indian cap- 
tive and interpreter, whose history will be given at 
the close of this chapter, was an early settler in this 
town. He located on the east bank of the Gene- 
see, about two and one-half miles south of Geneseo, 
on the road leading from that village to Leicester. 
He raised a large family, of whom only one is left, 
Charles Jones, now residing in Geneseo village. 
He died in this town August 18, 1836, aged 72, 
and Elizabeth, his wife, March 4, 1844, aged 66. 
His brother, Judge John Jones, settled in Leicester. 

John P. Ryers purchased 6,000 acres of land 
in detached lots in this town at an early day, but 
becoming financially involved he was put upon the 
limits in New York. There he sent for James 
Wadsworth, to whom he sold one-half the lands, 
thus enabling him to acquire the title to the re- 
maining 3,000 acres, for the sale of which James 
Wadsworth was made the agent. Mr. Ryers never 
settled on his lands himself, but cleared up a farm 
of 200 acres in the east part of the town for his son 
John, who is now living in Geneseo. The farm, 
which is known as the Mt. Pleasant farm, is now 
owned by Aaron Griswold. He erected the pres- 
ent buildings on that farm. 

In the primitive division of Ontario county into 
districts, Geneseo, the second district, embraced 
all west of the east line of Pittsford, Mendon and 
Richmond, a line corresponding very nearly with 
a line in prolongation of the east line of Spring- 
water. The first . town meeting for that district 
recorded was held at " Cawnawagus," April 5, 1 791, 
and the following named officers were chosen : — 
John Ganson, Supervisor ; David Bullen, Clerk ; 
Nathan Perry, Gad Wadsworth, Amos Hall, Israel 
Stone and William Wadsworth, Assessors ; Edward 
Carney, a surveyor, Collector ; Hill Carney and 
Jno. Ball, Poormasters ; Isaiah Thompson, Benja- 
min Gardner, John Lusk, Commissioners of High- 
ways ; Jasper Marvin and Norris Humphrey, Con- 
stables ; William Rice, Jno. Oelman, Elijah Mor- 
gan, Philemon Hall and Phineas Bates, Fence 
Viewers; Darling Haven, Nicholas Miller, and 
Henry Brown, Pound Keepers ; Gilbert R. Berry, 
Clark Peck, Gideon Pitts, Lemuel Jennings, Joseph 
Morgan, Chauncey Hyde, Aaron Beach and Abner 
Mighells, Pathmasters. Dr. Moses Atwater, of 
Canandaigua, was then the Justice. 

The following list of male persons who were 
obliged by law to work on the highways in Gene- 
seo in 1798, gives us a clue to others of the early 
settlers in this town, and approximately their loca- 
tion : — 



East District — John Barsley, James Barsley, 
Arthur Price, Shadrach Barsley, James Haynes, 
Richard Steel, Samuel Winn, David Haynes, Sam- 
uel Ewart, Abraham Divenbaugher. Dan'l Kelley, 
Benjamin Winn, Jonathan Winn. 

Middle District — Wm. Wadsworth, Enos Haw- 
ley, Sylvester Smith, Joseph Whaley, John Bartlett, 
Judah Benjamin, Joseph Norton, Abel Mansfield, 
Benjamin Tibbits, William Crossett, Geo. McNam- 
ara, Joseph William Lawrence. 

South-east District — John Ewart, Phineas Bates, 
Benjamin Squire, James Irwin, Squire Haskins, 
Bela Elderkin, Thomas White, Thomas Austin, 
Charles White, Jonathan Jennings, Lemuel Jen- 
nings. 

South District — Andress Parker, Wm. Griffith, 
Elijah Hunt, Daniel Curtis, William Curtis, Black 

William, Warren, Gideon Dunham, David 

Fuller, Thomas McMakin, ■ Poorman, Alex- 
ander Ewing, Alexander Ewing, Jr., Samuel Ewing, 
Barnabus Parker, Horatio Jones, George Jones, 
Leonard Stimpson, Eli Griffith. 

North District — Enoch Nobles, Elisha Nobles, 
Elisha Dunham, John Jason, Mark Grounda, Wm. 
Barrow, John Rhoades, John Rhoades, Jr., John 
Moody, Benjamin Gardner, Geo. Gardner, Eben- 
ezer Utter, David Beverly, William Mooney, John 
Day, Andrew Wortman, Samuel Utter, Samuel 
Utter, Jr., John M. Miner, Calvin Newton, Pantry 
J. Moor, Cyprian Collins, Elias Rogers, M. de 
Buoy, Daniel Peck, Matthias Leman, Edward 
Bentley, Joseph Newton, E. Morse, Nathan Win- 
ton, John Babcock, Eli Utter. 

The following is a return of the persons in Gen- 
eseo qualified and liable to serve as jurors May 8, 
1806, with the occupation of each: — Wm. Crossett, 
merchant ; William Camahan, tailor ; Joseph W. 
Lawrence and Thomas Wiard, blacksmiths ; John 
Pierce, hatter ; B. Bishop, Joseph Bigelow, Rod- 
man Clark, Josiah Carrier, Samuel Finley, Samuel 
Finley, Jr., David Finley, William Finley, Moses 
Gibson, Lemuel B. Jennings, Giles Hubbard, Seth 
Hall, Stephen Heth, Ezra Hall, Horatio Jones, 
David Kneeland, David Nash, Roger Orton, John 
Rhoades, Benjamin Squire, David Warner, Benja- 
min Winn, Wm. and James Wadsworth, farmers. 

The following have been the Supervisors and 
Clerks of Geneseo from 1791 to 18S0: — 



Supervisors. 

1791. John Ganson. 

1792. Thomas Lee. 
1793-94. Amos Hall. 



Town Clerks. 

David Bullen. 

do 
Theodore Shephard. 



3 86 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 





Supei 


Town 1 


1795- 


Amos Hall, 


James Davis. 


1796. 


Solomon Hovey. 


Nathaniel N'aramor. 


1797-180 


i.Wm. Wadsworth. 


John M. Miner. 


1802-04. 


do 


Ezra Hall. 


1805. 


James Sherer. 


do* 


1806. 


Wm. Wadsworth. 


dot 


1807-10. 


do 


John Pierce. 


1811. 


do 


William Fay. 


1812. 


Jos. W. Lawrence. 


do 


1813-14. 


Wm. Wadsworth. 


do 


1815-19. 


do 


Wm. Carnahan. 


1820/22. 


Wm. Finley. 


do 


1821. 


Wm. H. Spencer. 


do 


1823. 


Wm. Finley. 


Philo C. Fuller. 


1824-26. 


do 


i Igden W. Wilk-y. 


1827. 


Wm. 1 1. Spencer. 


do 


1828-30. 


Eben N. Buell. 


do 


1831. 


John Young. 


do 


1832-33. 


Russell Austin. 


do 


>834-35- 


Chauncey Metcalf. 


do 


i«36-37- 


Charles Colt. 


do 


1838. 


(iurdon Nowlen. 


do 


1839. 


Fred'k W. Butler. 


Wm. f. Hamilton. 


1 840. 


do 


( igden M. Willey. 


1841-42. 


Allen Ayrault. 


Amos A. Hendee. 


iS43-44- 


A. Worthington. 


do 


1845. 


CliaunceyR. Bond. 


do 


1846. 


do 


Nelson Janes. 


1847. 


Dan'l H. Bissell. 


Isaac Newton. 


1848:52. 


do 


James H. Vail. 


1849-51. 


Charles R. Vance 


do 


1853-54- 


Chauncey R. Bond 


do 


1855. 


do 


Isaac Newton. 


1856. 


James T. Hall. 


do 


I857-S9- 


W. 1''.. Lauderdale. 


Walter Smith. 


1860-64. 


do 


Chas. R. Vance. 


1865-66. 


Amos A. Hendee. 


do 


1867. 


C. W. Wadsworth 


do 


1868. 


do 


Samuel P. Birge. 


1869. 


Nelson Janes. 


Charles R. Vance. 


1870. 


Andrew J. Willard 


Gardner D. Mercer 


1871-72. 


Charles F. Doty. 


Thos. D. Beckwith. 


1873- 


Jas. W. Wadsworth. do 


1874. 


do 


Wm. W. Bishop. 


1875. 


do 


Abram McClintock. 


1876-77 


John R. Strang. 


Myron N. Foster. 


1878. 


Russell A. Kneeland. do 


1879-80 


Andrew J. Willard 


do 



The following officers were elected April 5, 1881 : 
Supervisor, William Austin Wadsworth; Town 
Clerk, Myron N. Foster; Justice of Peace, Archie 
II. Ayres; Highway Commissioner, Edward Haw- 
ley; Assessor, Joseph D. Lewis; Overseer of 
Poor, Robert B. Robinson ; Collector, Franklin 
Stevens ; Constables, John Hanby, Richard Rudd, 
David O'Toole, Elisha H. Shepard, George W. 
Bloodgood : Game Constable, John Hanby, Jr. ; 

• Thomas Wiard was chosen clerk April l 1, 1805. 
t John Pierce was chosen clerk November 1, 1806, on tin deatrj "t 
Hall. 



Excise Commissioners. Andrew J. Willard, (long 
term) Charles R. Shepard, (short term); Inspec- 
tors of Election, District No. i, Myron N. Foster, 
Charles A. Young, District, No. 2, James C. G. 
I faynes, Theodore S. Riley. 

We have not the space at our command to give 
anything like a detailed and satisfactory account 
of the part taken by this town in the war of the 
Rebellion, neither have we the data which would 
admit of a complete and comprehensive statement 
in brief of the substantial results of that action ; 
for, unfortunately, the military record of Geneseo, 
(if such ever existed, of which, from inquiries 
made, we have reason to doubt,) has either not 
been preserved, or has been so effectually secreted 
that it cannot be found ; and the town records, it 
is evident, give only a very meager and compara- 
tively unimportant part of the legislation of the 
town bearing upon this subject. That Geneseo 
nobly did her duty in that trying emergency there 
can be, there is, no doubt ; but mere adulation is 
not what the occasion demands ; it is but a mock- 
ery of that merited praise which the materials for a 
full and truthful history would reflect, and but a 
thin veil of gauze to conceal the want of that 
material. Hence we are constrained to leave the 
subject to one of more leisure, who may yet be 
able to rescue from the files of the local press. 
from the participators in those events, and from 
other fugitive sources, much that will be valuable 
in this connection. 

Geneseo. 

Geneseo, the only village in the town, is situated 
mostly on the third table land rising above the 
river, and overlooks a valley as peerless in its 
beauty as in its marvelous fertility. Main street, 
the principal street, is a broad, handsome 
thoroughfare, about half a mile in length, extending 
through the central part of the village from north 
to south, being terminated on the north by the 
square containing the county buildings, and on 
the south by the Wadsworth homestead grounds, 
which remind one of the handsome parks of the 
English nobility. Center street, extending east at 
right angles with Main street, which it intersects 
at a central point, is the next principal street, and, 
like Main street, which, however, contains the 
business blocks, presents many very attractive 
residences, which are also to be found in other 
parts of the village, and evince in a high degree 
the esthetic culture of its inhabitants. These, 
together with the other streets in the village, are 



/^ 




™ 



Photo, by Cliamp, Geneseo. 



Richaf^p Alsop Riley. 



Richard Alsop Riley was born in the city of New York 
October 111, 1 799. His father, Isaac Riley, was born 
Nov. 29, 1770, and his mother, Hannah Alsop, was born 
Feb. 2, 1774, and died about 1859, aged eighty-five years. 
They had twelve children, viz : Emeline, Mathilda, 
Mary Wright, Richard Alsop, Henry Augustus, Julia Ann, 
Adelaide, Theodore William, Charles, Caroline Augusta, 
Louisa Sophia, Charles Frederick and Clara Pomeroy, all 
now dead except Caroline A., now the widow of Isaac 
Abbott, and residing in New York city Isaac Riley was 
a book-seller iu Middletownaud afterwards in New York. 
Richard lived at home and attended school in the last 
named place, and was afterwards placed iu a Roman 
Catholic school in Germantown, Pa., where he remained 
till sixteen years of age, when he went to sea in a mer- 
chant sailing vessel, and followed that life until he was 
twenty years old. At that time his father purchased a 
farm for him in New Jersey and he followed the occupa- 
tion of a farmer till in 1826, when he came to Lima, N. 
Y. While living in New Jersey he was married to Emily 
Golpiu, of Lausiugburgh, N. Y., by whom he had no 
children. She was born December 5, 1792, and died 
January 27, 1S44. December 24, 1844, Mr. Riley was 
united iu marriage with Auua Haynes, daughter of John 
and Elizabeth Haynes, of Geneseo. She was born June 
2::, 1811, and died February 22, 1863. They had three 
children, as follows :— Lewis Adams, born June 22, 1846, 
aud died September 4, 184G ; Richard Alsop, born August 
19, 1848, and married Lizzie 0. King, of Rath, Steuben 
county; aud Theodore H., born July 18, 1851. The lat- 
ter married Auua Birgs, of Geneseo, N. Y. For his third 
wife Richard married Sarah Ann, daughter of John aud 



Elizabeth (Rowe) Harris, of Harrisburgh, Pa. She was 
born in Bath, N. Y., November 10, 1810. On settling iu 
Lima, he entered into a co-partnership with Mr. Warner 
and carried ou the business of tanning and currying. 
This proved a disastrous venture, for he lost all of his 
money aud was obliged to go out to work by the day. 
He moved into a small house in the town of Livonia and 
worked at anything he could find, till he saved enough to 
make a small payment on a piece of laud he had pur- 
chased in the town of Geneseo. This he kept a short time, 
then sold it to J. Hunter Haynes aud purchased the farm 
on which he lived until he died, December 9, 1874. The 
old homestead is now owned and occupied by his son, 
Richard A. Theodore H. is residing ou a farm a short 
distance from the old homestead, purchased by his father 
but a short time before his death. Mr. Riley in politics 
was a Republican, having voted that ticket since the 
formation of that party, but was no office-seeker. He 
united with the First Presbyterian church of Geneseo, in 
1832 ; in 1831! was ordained aud iustalled a ruling elder of 
that church, aud held that position until he died. He 
was a man of sound sense and sterling integrity. The 
church was ever dear to him, and where duty called or 
opportunity offered, he was ready to '"spend aud be 
spent" in the service of his Master. A pure, noble aud 
honest man, he ever elevated the true Christian character, 
aud led a life which we may all delight to follow. Thus 
passed away one whose death cannot be regarded with- 
out feelings of profound regret at the loss which, not 
only his family, but the entire community and church 
to which he was so ardently attached has sustained, iu his 
removal. 



GENESEO VILLAGE — FIRST OFFICERS. 



?»7 



handsomely shaded, generally lighted with gas and 
oil, and supplied with substantial walks, in which 
oak, the prevailing timber in this section, plays a 
prominent part. 

Tne village is located near the center of the 
west border, and is a station on the Avon, Gen- 
eseo and Mt. Morris railroad, which extends along 
the west border. It is nearly equi-distant between 
the two termini of that road. It contains five 
churches, (Presbyterian, Episcopal, Methodist, 
Baptist and Catholic,) the Geneseo Normal and 
Training School, a union school, the Wadsworth 
Library, two newspaper offices, (T/ie Livingston 
Republican, Samuel P. Allen, publisher, and The 
Union Citizen, Dr. Alonson L. Bailey, publisher,*) 
a national bank, three hotels, a grist-mill, saw- 
mill, planing-mill, cooper shop, an establishment 
for the manufacture of the machine-cut clover 
rasps, twenty-four stores of various kinds, a coal 
and lumber yard, three meat markets, (Toole & 
Ryan, Costello & Willard and Charles Davis,) two 
blacksmith shops, (Frederick Mates and George 
Averill,) two carriage and blacksmith shops, (Har- 
ry Harrison and Elias Goldsmith,) a tin-shop, (H. 
H. Sunderlin,) two harness shops, (R. P. Goodsell 
and J. O.Vanderbelt) two dentists, (F. E. Howard 
and J. A. Chase,) and a population of about 1,800. 

It is supplied with water from two springs located 
in the east part of the village, in the locality where 
the mastodon remains were exhumed in 1825. They 
are elevated 104 feet above Main street, and are 
owned by the village. They are never-failing, but 
have lowered some within the last few years in 
consequence of the clearing up of the land, the 
south one so much so, that on the 1st of August, 
1880, the village put in one of Mast, Foos & Co.'s 
(Springfield, Ohio,) mills, to raise the water by 
pumping. The water as it comes from the springs 
is stored in a reservoir, 100 by 80 feet, nine feet 
deep, which was built in 186S. There are 11,500 
feet of mains laid ; and water is supplied to fifty- 
five families, besides hotels, stores, livery stables, 
and other establishments. The supply is ample 
for fire purposes and for six public watering 
troughs located on all the roads leading into the 
village. 

The water from these springs was first appropri- 
ated for village purposes in 1845, an d ^ a y 5, 1846, 
the village trustees accepted a deed, executed by 
James S. Wadsworth, May 1, 1846, conveying 
certain water works and rights to water. One- 
fourth of the water from the springs was and is 

• See Chapter XII. for a history of the Press of Livingston county. 



still reserved to the James S. Wadsworth estate. 
Wooden pipes were first laid, but these were re- 
placed with iron in 1868. 

There have been various legislative enactments 
from time to time with reference to supplying the 
village with water. 

August 4, 1868, a lot 90 by 140 feet on Temple 
Hill street, was bought of Col. Lockwood L. Doty 
for $400, for the purpose of constructing a reser- 
voir for the water-works. December 19, 1868, 
Samuel H. Blyth's bill for constructing water- 
works was audited at $6,427.90. December 21, 
1868, the trustees were authorized to raise upon 
bonds of the village, not to exceed $1,500, to ex- 
tend the water pipes into North street, and finish 
the present water works. 

Geneseo was incorporated April 21, 1832, and 
the first village meeting was held at the house of 
Amos Adams in said village, June 4, 1832. Allen 
Ayrault was chosen chairman and Ogden M. Wil- 
ley, secretary. The following named officers were 
elected: — Allen Ayrault, Wm. H. Spencer,* Calvin 
H. Bryan, Charles Colt and Owen P. Olmsted, 
Trustees ; Samuel F. Butler, Gurdon Nowlen, 
Chauncey Metcalf, Assessors ; Truman Hastings, 
Clerk ; Wm. H. Stanley, Treasurer ; Joseph W. 
Lawrence, Collector; Horace Aplin, Joseph W. 
Lawrence, Jr., Russel Austin, Elias P. Metcalf, 
John F. Wyman, Fire Wardens. At a meeting of 
the trustees at the house of Comfort Hamilton, 
July 7, 1832, Owen P. Olmsted was chosen Presi- 
dent ; Philo C. Fuller, Calvin H. Bryan and Tru- 
man Hastings, a Board of Health ; Dr. Eli Hill, 
Health Officer; Truman Hastings, Attorney. 

The following have been the Presidents and 
Clerks of the village from 1832 to 1880. 

Presidents. Clerks. 

1832-34. Owen P. Olmsted. Truman Hastings. 



i835- 
1836. 



Charles Colt, 
do 
1837. do 

1S3S-39. do 

1 840-4 1. 1 Russell Austin. 
1842. Allen Ayrault. 
1843-44. Charles Colt. 

W. W. Wadsworth. 

Elias P. Metcalf. 



1845. 
1S46. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 



Truman Hastings. 
James H. Vail. 
A. A. Hendee. 
William J. Hamilton. 
Dwight Webb. 
Wm. J. Hamilton. 

do 

do 

do 



Allen Ayrault. H. H. Guiteau. 

Chauncey Metcalf. Joseph Kershner. 
Calvin H. Bryan. Edward W. Tracy. 
Benjamin F. Angel. James H. Vail. 
Amos A. Hendee. do 



* Wm. H. Spencer neglected to file notice of acceptance, and July 1 1, 
1852, the trustees elected Cyrus Wells, Jr.. in his stead. Wells declined 
to serve, and July iz, 1832, Dr. Elias P. Metcalf was elected to that 
office. 

t No election was held in 1841, owing to informality in notice of meeting. 



388 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Presidents. Clerks. 

1852. Daniel H. Bissell. James H. Vail. 

1853. Scott Lord. do 

1854. Henry P. North. John O. Doty. 

1855. do James H. Vail. 

1856. Lyman Turner. Isaac Newton. 

1857. George I. Davis. James B. Adams. 

1858. John Rorback. Sidney Ward. 

1859. Elias P. Metcalf. T. Wilber Havens. 
i860. George Mercer. Adoniram J. Abbott. 

186 1. Win. H. Whiting. B. Franklin Spencer. 

1862. Ephraim Cone. Joseph Kershner. 

1863. W. E. Lauderdale. Charles M. Morgan. 

1864. Ephraim Cone. Win. A. Brodie. 

1865. Daniel H. Bissell. do 

1866. Sidney Ward. do 

1867. John F. Bishop. do 

1868. Charles F. Doty. do 

1869. Nelson Janes. A. Tiffany Norton. 
1870-71. Adoniram J. Abbott. John R. Strang. 

1872. Amos A. Hendee. do 

1873. John R. Strang. Nelson Janes. 
1874-75. Nelson Janes. ( >. M. Hopkins. 

1876. ' do William W. Bishop. 

1877. N. A. Gearhart. do 

1878. do A. R. Scott. 
1879-80. M. A. Foster. E. B. Rebban. 

List of officers 1881. 

President, Myron N. Foster ; Trustees, A. A. 
Cox, Geo. S. Whitney, Wm. A. Stevens, Fred W. 
Mate, Chas. A. Youngs; Police Justice, Otto Kel- 
sey ; Assessors, H. G. Baker, Joseph D. Lewis, 
Ephraim Curtiss ; Collector. H. B. Shackelton ; 
Treasurer, Nelson Janes; Clerk, O. M. Hopkins; 
Village Attorney, Jno. R. Strang ; Street Commis- 
sioner, Wm. C. Palmer; Police Constables, Rich- 
ard Rudd, IraC. Smyth ; Examiner of Weights and 
Measures, Wm. A. Stevens; Fire Wardens, H. B. 
Shackelton, Daniel P. Alvord, R. B. Robison ; 
Board of Health. VV. F. Lauderdale, (Health Phy- 
sician) George Mercer, Jerome Allen ; Chief En- 
gineer Fire Department, Gardner D. Mercer ; 
First Assistant, Frank Churchill; Second Assist- 
ant, Matt. Corbett. 

The settlement of the Wadsworths at Geneseo 
made that the nucleus of a considerable neighbor- 
hood, though for many years, says Turner, there 
was but a small cluster of dwellings. In 1805 
there were but about a dozen dwellings. There 
were two public houses, one kept by Faulkner, the 
other by Bishop. In 18 10 the population of the 
town was 894 — 148 families — and contained a 
meeting house and six school houses, but 
the village had not developed sufficient im- 
portance to merit distinctive notice in Spaf- 
ford's Gazetteer of 1813. It was the market 
town for this section of country, and in 1S15, says 



James H. Vail, of Leicester, formerly of Geneseo, 
William Wadsworth and Wm. H. Spencer kept a 
store on the square. Hon. Allen Ayrault was their 
clerk. In 1817, he adds, "roads and bridges were 
not much between Geneseo and Moscow. The 
ice in winter and a rope in summer were the only 
ways to cross the Gensee river." In 1824 Spaf- 
ford describes it as being the largest village in the 
county, containing "the post-office, county build- 
ings, and a handsome collection of houses, stores, 
etc." In 1820 the population of the town was 
1598 — "351 farmers. 11 traders, 70 mechanics, 3 
foreigners, 8 free blacks." The taxable property 
amounted to $244,550. The number of school 
districts had doubled within the decade. There 
were 6,286 acres of improved land, 1,508 cattle, 
367 horses, 3,083 sheep, i-saw mill. 1 fulling-mill, 
4 distilleries and 2 asheries. The number of yards 
of cloth made in families was reduced from 11,273 
yards in 1S10 to 9,700 in 1821. 

In 1830, says Mr. Vail, "the village of Geneseo 
contained a population of 500. There were 96 
buildings, public and private, 6 dry-goods stores, 
1 drug store, 1 large grocery store, 2 saloons, 2 
harness shops, 2 hat shops, 2 shoe shops. 1 jewelry 
store, 2 book stores, 2 printing offices,* 1 hard- 
ware store, 2 millinery stores, 2 cabinet shops, 3 
tailor shops, 1 wagon shop, 1 chair factory, 1 bank, 
4 blacksmith shops, 4 hotels, 1 livery stable, 1 
meat market, 3 churches,t 1 district school." It 
"was the market place for this county and portions 
of Allegany and Genesee counties. Upwards of 
300,000 bushels of wheat and other grains were 
purchased here [annually] and 500 barrels of pork 
and 100,000 pounds of wool. The buyers were 
Charles Colt and Andrew Stewart. The only 
means of transit was by wagons and by Hat-bottomed 
boats down the Genesee river to Rochester, dis- 
tance down the river 90 miles, time of down trip 
2^ days, up trip 3 days. Several large storehouses 
were located at the river." The space from where 
A. W. Butterway's cabinet shop stands to the line 
fence of the late Ephraim Cone's residence, on the 
east side of Main street, was a deep gully, and a 
wooden bridge extended through that portion of 
Main street for teams and footmen. 

Merchants. — The early merchants at Geneseo 
were Minor & Hall. In 1805 one of the firm, 

•These were The Livmgston Register, anti-masonic, published by 
lames Percival, and The Livingston Journal, Democratic, published 
by Levi Hovey. Connected with the printing were two book stores, in 
one of which was a circulating library let out at six cents i>er volume. 

t Presbyterian, Methodist and Episcopal. 




Photo, by Merrell, Geneseo. 




The earliest known ancestor of Samuel Percival 
Allen is Edward Allen, who, according to tradition 
in the family, was a soldier under Cromwell, and 
came to this country upon the Restoration. He 
was of Ipswich, Mass., 1670, and died Nov. 22, 
1696. The subject of this notice is of the seventh 
generation, and is the grandson of Apollos Allen, 
who came from Gill, Mass., to Smyrna, N. Y., in 
1797. His father, Marsena Allen, was then but 
eight years old, and died in Mt. Morris, June 18, 
1 86 1. His mother was Hannah G. Percival, sis- 
ter of James Percival, a newspaper editor in Mos- 
cow and Geneseo, from 1821 until 1832. Her 
father served in the Revolutionary war from Lee, 
Massachusetts. 

Samuel P. Allen was born in Smyrna, October 
21, 1814, and came to Geneseo in 1830, where 
he became an apprentice at the printing busi- 
ness in the office of the " Livingston Register." 
Between 1832 and 1836 he went to school, worked 
upon a farm and in a printing office, and in Sep- 
tember, 1837, commenced the publication of the 
" Livingston Republican." Disposing of it in 
1846, he purchased an interest in the " Rochester 
Daily Democrat" and as assistant and chief editor 



continued until 1864. In 1870 and for four years 
thereafter, he was half owner of the " Chenango 
Telegraph." Returning to Geneseo in 1874, he 
repurchased the " Livingston Republican," with 
which he is still (1881) connected. Mr. Allen was 
elected Clerk of Livingston county in 1840; Clerk 
of the State Senate in 1856, and reelected in 1858 ; 
was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for 
Monroe and Orleans counties in 1863, by Presi- 
dent Lincoln, and continued in that office six years; 
was appointed Assistant Clerk of the Assembly for 
seven years, ending with the session of 1879, and 
many times served upon the Whig and Republican 
State Committees and as a delegate to State Con- 
ventions. 

Mr. Allen was married in 1838 to Harriet C. 
Stanley, daughter of Luman Stanley, of Mt. Mor- 
ris, an early pioneer of that town. Three of their 
six children are living ; a daughter who was teach- 
ing in Detroit, died in 1872, and two others who 
were teaching in the Normal School at Geneseo, 
died in 1S76. 

Mr. Allen and his wife visited California in 1878, 
passing several weeks at Salt Lake City, San Fran- 
cisco, Big Trees, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, etc. 



GENESEO VILLAGE— MERCHANTS. 



389 



Hall, died at Oneida Castle, on his way to New 
York to purchase goods.* 

The first prominent merchant was Major Wil- 
liam H. Spencer, a native of East Haddam, Conn., 
who came to this country in 1803, and was the 
pioneer settler of Spencerport, in Monroe county, 
which place derives its name from him. In a little 
over a year he cleared fifty acres there and erected 
a saw-mill, the irons for which he brought with an 
ox team from Connecticut. Mr. Wadsworth, in 
1805, induced him to take an interest with him in a 
mercantile establishment in Geneseo. Starting with 
a large stock of goods for that period, his business 
extended as settlement advanced, and for many 
years his trade embraced a wide region. His 
goods came by the water route from Schenectady 
to the foot of Cayuga lake, and from thence on 
wheels to Geneseo ; the transportation usually 
costing about $3 per cwt. Doing principally a 
barter trade, his furs, tobacco, hemp, grain, pork, 
and maple sugar were, in the earliest years, mar- 
keted at Baltimore, by wagons to Arkport on the 
Canisteo, and from thence by water. The first 
produce shipped at Arkport was from Dansville; 
the second shipments were by Spencer & Co. from 
Geneseo. This was the avenue to market for all 
the southern portion of Phelps and Gorham's Pur- 
chase until the Jefferson embargo ; then it changed 
to Lake Ontario, by wagon roads to the mouth of 
Genesee river, until bateaux were introduced upon 
the river. These ran from the rapids above Roch- 
ester as high up as Geneseo, and Durham boats 
ascended to Mt. Morris. J His store was originally 
located on the square, in the south part of the vil- 
lage, but in 1820 he was trading in a building 
which stood on the site of Conron's oyster saloon. 
About 1837 he discontinued trade and purchased 
a large, noble farm on the flats on the west bank 
of the river, in York, the farm now owned by Chas. 
Wadsworth. This he cultivated till his death, 
January n, 185 1, becoming one of the most ex- 
tensive graziers and wool and wheat producers in 
the valley of the Genesee. 

Andrew Stewart, from Canandaigua, came here 
about 1817, and opened a store on the site of the 
brick building owned by Joseph Cone, near the 
square, which was built by Stewart. He continued 
in trade till about the time of his death. Charles 
Colt, who was born in Pittsfield, Mass.. Jan. 23, 
1793, was a prominent merchant on the site of the 
old bank in 1817, and for some years before and 

* Pioneer History of Phelps & Gorhatri s Purchase, 3+7. 
t Ibid. 



afterwards. He died at Geneseo, Jnly 27, 1866. 
He was State Senator from the 29th district in 
1848-51. Soon after the death of Stewart, Bis- 
sell & Olmsted, (Edward Bissell and Owen P. Olm- 
sted, brothers-in-law,) came from Connecticut and 
traded till about 1835. Bissell went to Toledo. 
and Olmsted returned to Connecticut, where he 
engaged in banking, and still resides there. Olm- 
sted was the first village President. Charles R. 
Vance came hereabout the same time as Bissell & 
Olmsted, from New Jersey, and was a prominent 
man for a great many years. He was a popular 
man, jovial, and full of good stories. He con- 
tinued his residence here till his death of heart dis- 
ease in the winter of 1779-80. His family still 
reside here. In addition to Stewart, Vance & 
Olmsted, Chauncey Metcalf, E. N. Buell, R. Van- 
Rensselaer and Henry P. North were engaged in 
mercantile business here in 1830. Dr. Eli Hill was 
the druggist, and John T.Wyman the grocer of that 
period. 

The present merchants are : Patterson & Co., 
(R. J. & J. F. Patterson and J. E. Lauderdale,) 
clothiers, a business established about 1845, by R. 
J. Patterson ; A. W. Butterway, furniture dealer, 
who came from Philadelphia to Rochester in 1847, 
and from thence to Geneseo, where he commenced 
his present business in July, 1848; S. P. Birge, 
dry goods dealer, one of Geneseo's most substan- 
tial merchants, is a native of Geneseo, and com- 
menced business in 1849 in company with his 
his brother, H. F. Birge, who had traded here some 
years previously; N. W. Rose, dealer in clothing, 
gents' furnishing goods, hats and caps, who removed 
from Ontario to York in 1844, and in 184710 
Geneseo, where he commenced business in 1851 ; 
John Richmond, jeweler, who commenced busi- 
ness in 1853, in company with his uncle, Rev. Lev- 
eritt Richmond, and H. C. Hill ; C. O. Beach & 
Co., general merchants, who are conducting a busi- 
ness established some twenty-five years ago by C. 
O. Beach, a native of Fowlerville ; Miss M. A. 
Hardy, milliner and fancy goods dealer, who is a 
native of England, emigrated to Pavillion, Genesee 
county, in 1853, removed thence to Geneseo in 
1854, and commenced business in 1856; John 
Davidson, jeweler, who came here from Rochester 
and commenced business in 1857 ; George Goode, 
merchant tailor, who commenced business about 
eighteen years ago in company with George Mer- 
cer, whose interest he bought in August, 1875, Mr. 
Mercer had previously done business some seven- 
teen years; Jeremiah C. Cullinan, grocer and 



39° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



crockery dealer, who is a native of Ireland, and 
came here from Groveland in 1861, in which year 
he commenced business ; Bernard McBride, grocer, 

ssor to his father, Bernard McBride, who came 

here in the fall of 1866, bought out John McGuire, 
and traded till his death, Nov. 9, 1876; Lauderdale 
& McBride, (Robert Lauderdale and Wm. J. Mc- 
Bride, both natives of Geneseo,) dealers in boots 
and shoes, who, in the spring of 1869, bought out 
Robert Robinson, who had traded some twenty 
years; L. W. Crossett, druggist and stationer, a 
native of Geneseo, who is conducting a business 
established about 1852 or '53, by J. Oakley Doty ;* 
John Conroy, grocer, who commenced business in 
May, 1872; Reuben A. Rose, who, in the spring 
of 1876, established himself in the sale of agricul- 
tural implements, to which business he added hard- 
ware in 1878 ; Charles A. Youngs, dealer in hard- 
ware, purchased the interest of his father and 
brother, in the business which was established in 
1 86 1, by Samuel P. Rose; O. F. Sherwood, dealer 
in drugs, stationery, books and groceries, came here 
from Skaneateles, in 1873 and formed a copartner- 
ship with L. W. Crossett, which continued till 
April 1, 1880, when they dissolved, both continu- 
ing business to the present time ; W. E. Booth, 
dealer in boots and shoes, succeeds to a business 
established by Frank Miller; E. A. Pickard, grocer, 
a native of England, who came here from New 
York in 1S64, and established himself in business 
in 1875 ; M. Leiser, clothier, who commenced busi- 
ness in the spring of 1878, in company with his 
brother (1. Leiser, whose interest he bought during 
that year ; E. E. Doty, dealer in hardware and 
stoves, who succeeds to a business established about 
fifty years ago, by H. P. North ; Hersey & Co., 
(W. A. Hersey,) druggists, who came here from 
Vermont in 1878, and in August of that year, 
purchased of W. W. Killip a business established 
some fifty years ago by Dr. Bissell ; and A. T. Gan- 
non, merchant tailor, who commenced business in 
August, 1879. 

Postmasters. — The postal facilities of this re- 
gion were very meager for many years after the 
first settlements were made; and it was not until 
1806 that the postoffice at Geneseo was estab- 
lished. Mail facilities of an unsatisfactory charac- 
ter had indeed been established by private enter- 
prise as early as 1792, on the old Genesee road, 
accommodating this vicinity, in some measure, 
from Avon, ( Hartford, ) which was on the line of that 
road. 

' ] '.. d Sepl 13, 1 



In 1806, the road from Avon through Geneseo, 
Williamsburgh and Dansville to Bath was declared 
a post-road, with a mail once in two weeks, which 
was then considered an ample service. It was not 
until 1825 that Geneseo enjoyed a daily mail. 

The first postmaster at Geneseo was Major 
Wm. H. Spencer, who was succeeded about 1829, 
by Dr. Eli Hill, who held it till 1837, when the 
office passed into the hands of Dr. Daniel H. Bis- 
sell, who held it several years, by two appoint- 
ments, preceding and succeeding Chauncey Met- 
calf, who held it but a short time — under Harri- 
son's administration. Dr. Bissell was succeeded 
by Wallace R. Walker, who held the office until 
1853, when Dr. Walter E. Lauderdale was appoint- 
ed and held it until June, 1861, when Aianson A. 
I .apham succeeded him. Henry V. Colt received 
the appointment in 1865, but Mr. Lapham was 
soon reappointed. He was succeeded by Harvey 
(1. Baker and Wm. W. Killip, who together held 
the office eight years, until the appointment of 
John F. Bishop, the present incumbent, February 
2, 1880. 

Physicians. — The pioneer physician in Gene- 
seo was John P. Sill, who removed from Cam- 
bridge. N. Y., to Dansville in 1797, thence, the 
same year, to Williamsburgh, and the following 
year to Geneseo, where he practiced till his death, 
in 1807. He was the father of Dr. Andrew Sill, 
of Livonia. He was succeeded by Augustus \\ ol 
cott, an acquaintance of the Wadsworths, who 
came here from Connecticut soon after them ami 
opened an office in his house, which stood on the 
north-east corner of Main and Center streets, 
where the Youngs' Block now stands. He was an 
educated and talented physician and had an exten- 
sive practice in this and adjoining towns. He 
sold out to Cyrus Wells, from Richmond, Ontario 
county, and removed to Ohio about 1821 or '22. 
Dr. Wells occupied the same house as Dr. Wolcott 
for a few years, and afterwards built the brick 
house now occupied by the widow of David Shep- 
ard, on Center street, nearly opposite the Union 
school. He practiced here till about 1835 or '36. 

Elias P. Metcalf came here from Otsego county 
soon after Dr. Hill, with whom he was associated in 
practice for a few years. He continued to prac- 
tice here till within a short time of his death, which 
occurred ten or twelve years ago. 

fames McMaster, who had practiced at an early 
day in York, came here about 1S36, and practiced 
several years. 

Daniel H. Bissell was born in Randolph, Yt., 



GENESEO VILLAGE— PHYSICIANS, LAWYERS. 



39i 



September 21, 1794, and was educated in the 
academies of his native town and Bloomfield, On- 
tario county.* He now lives in Geneseo, and is 
remarkably well preserved, both mentally and 
physically, exhibiting as much vigor as many men 
of only half his years. We are indebted to the 
Doctor's well-stored mind for much valuable in- 
formation regarding this town and county. 

Chauncey M. Dake, a celebrated homeopathist, 
came here in 1848. He was the first of his school 
of medicine to locate in Geneseo — probably the 
first in the county. He practiced here fourteen 
years and removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. He died in 
Springwater. During the time he was here, T. C. 
Schell, a Canadian, and a very prominent physician 
of the same school, practiced here two or three 
years. He went to the Sandwich Islands where 
he remained three years, and afterwards located for 
a short time at Lockport. Milton Halsted prac- 
ticed here one year, in 1861. With the exception 
of Drs. West and Southall, the present practition- 
ers, these are the only homeopathists who have 
located in Geneseo. 

The present physicians are : Walter E. Lauder- 
dale, James A. West, John Craig, Walter E. Lau- 
derdale, Jr., Marvin C. Rowland and Edward W. 
Southall. 

Walter E. Lauderdale was bom in Cambridge, 
N. Y., April 16, 1806, and graduated at Union 
College- in 1824. He commenced the study of 
medicine in the summer of that year, with Dr. 
Matthew Stevenson, of Cambridge, and attended 
lectures at Fairfield Medical College. He re- 
moved to and established himself in practice in 
Sparta in August, 1828, and was licensed by the 
Livingston County Medical Society in that year. 
The University of Buffalo afterwards conferred on 
him the honorary title of M. 1). In 1837, he 
removed to Geneseo, where he has since practiced. 

James A. West was born in I'tica, N. Y., April 
20, 1835, an d graduated at the Hahnemann Medi- 
cal College of Philadelphia in 1858. He studied 
medicine in Rochester with Dr. M. M. Matthews, 
and commenced practice in Geneseo in 1862, 
having previously practiced till then in Rochester. 

John Craig was born in Carnmore, Ireland, 
June 11, 1810, and received an academic educa- 
tion in his native country. He emigrated to 
Sparta in this county in 1831. About 1835 or '6, 
he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. 
Samuel L. Endress, and after some eighteen 
months pursued his studies in Rochester with Drs. 



•See portrait and biography on anoth 



Henry and DeForest. In 1838 he entered Yale 
College, and after examination by the professors 
of that institution, was licensed by the Censors of 
the Connecticut State Medical Society, Jan. 24, 
1840. In March, 1840, he establishd himself in 
practice in York, whence he removed in 1865 to 
Geneseo, where he has since practiced, but not 
as regularly as formerly since the spring of 1878. 

Walter E. Lauderdale, Jr., was born in Geneseo 
March 19, 1850, and educated at the Geneseo 
Academy. He commenced the study of medicine 
in Geneseo with his father in 1870, and attended 
one course of lectures at the University of Buffalo 
and three courses at the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of New York city, where he graduated in 
March, 1874. He commenced practice with his 
father in Geneseo in 1875, and though young is 
fast taking the lead in surgical practice. 

Marvin C. Rowland was born in Hartford, N. 
Y., June 4, 1826. He was educated at Lima 
Academy and the University of Vermont, at Bur- 
lington. He studied medicine at Salem and 
Greenwich in his native county, and graduated in 
medicine at the University of New York, in 
March, 1862, in which year he entered upon the 
practice of his profession in Argyle in the same 
county. In September, 1862, he entered the army 
as Assistant-Surgeon of the 61st N. Y. Volunteers. 
He was promoted to Surgeon of the same regiment 
April 14, 1864, and was mustered out with the 
regiment in the summer of 1865. On leaving the 
army he established himself in practice at Lake- 
ville in this county, and removed thence to Gen- 
eseo in March, 1877. 

Edward W. Southall was born in Dudley, Eng- 
land, March 5, 185 1, and educated by his father, 
who was for thirty years a school teacher in Eng- 
land. He emigrated to Buffalo in 1869, and 
studied medicine in that city with Dr. Rowland 
Gregg nine months, and Drs. Foster and Brayton 
four years. During this time he attended lectures, 
one course each at the New York Homeopathic 
Medical College, the University of Buffalo, and 
the Cleveland Homeopathic College, graduating 
at the latter March 5, 1879. He commenced 
practice in Buffalo as the electrician of his pre- 
ceptors, Drs. Foster and Brayton, while pursuing 
his studies, and June 15, 1879, established himself 
in practice at Geneseo. 

Lawyers. —The first person to practice law in 
Geneseo was James Wadsworth, who, though not 
a regular practitioner, was admitted to practice as 
attorney and counsellor in 1791, by Oliver Phelps, 



39 2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



then First Judge of Ontario county, "to enable 
persons to sue out writs and bring actions, which, 
at the present, for want of attorneys, it is im- 
possible to do."* 

We are not advised as to who was the first 
regular practitioner, but think it probable that it 
was Philo C. Fuller, who came here in 1815, at 
the instance and as confidential clerk of James 
Wadsworth. Mr. Fuller was born in New Marl- 
borough, Mass., August 13, 1787. 

He was elected to the Assembly in 1829-30. 
On the death of Moses Hayden, February 14, 1830, 
he was elected State Senator, and served in 1 831-2. 
In the fall of 1830, he was elected to Congress from 
the 30th district, and served till his resignation, 
Sept. 2, 1836, when he removed to Adrian, Mich., 
to take charge of a bank there. In 1840, he was 
elected to the lower house of the Michigan Legisla- 
ture, and chosen speaker of that body. In 1S41, he 
accepted the appointment tendered him by Postmas- 
ter-General Francis Granger, as Assistant Post- 
master-General, but dissenting from the policy of 
President Tyler, he resigned at the expiration of a 
year. The following year he retired to his farm in 
Conesus in this county ; but on the election of 
Washington as Governor, he was appointed the 
successor of that gentleman as Comptroller, Dec. 
18, 1850. At the expiration of the term he returned 
to his farm in Conesus, where he died August 16, 

i s 55, a g ed 68. 

In 1821, when the county was formed, Orlando 
Hastings, Calvin H. Bryan, Ogden M. Willey and 
Ambrose Bennett were practicing in Geneseo. 

John Young was born in Chelsea, Vermont, in 
1804, and in 1808, removed with his parents, who 
were in humble circumstances, to Freeport (now 
Conesus.) He received an academic education at 
Lima, and in 1820 entered upon the vocation of a 
teacher. By private study and untiring industry he 
mastered the best classic authors. When about 
twenty years old he entered the office of Augustus 
A. Bennett, of Fast Avon, as a law student, and 
completed his studies with Ambrose Bennett, of 
Geneseo, supporting himself while pursuing his 
studies by teaching and occasional practice in Jus- 
tices' couits. He was admitted to the bar of the 
Supreme Court, in October, 1829. He entered 
upon the practice of his profession in Geneseo, and 
was soon conceded a front rank in it. He repre- 
sented this county in the Assembly in 1832, as the 
candidate of the anti-masonic party. On the re- 
signation of Philo C. Fuller, Sept. 2, 1836, he was 

Pioneer History of Plulps &> Gor/iam's Purchase, Jjl. 



elected in his place as a Representative in Con- 
gress, serving the unexpired term till 1837. He 
was sent to the lower house of Congress in 1841-3, 
and was regarded one of the ablest members of that 
body. In 1843 and '46 he was again sent to the 
Assembly by the Whig party, and there dis- 
tinguished himself by his advocacy of the Constitu- 
tional Convention, and laid the foundation of that 
popularity which carried him to the Gubernatorial 
chair in 1846. In July, 1849, after the expiration 
of his gubernatorial term, he was appointed Assist- 
ant Treasurer of the United States, in New York 
city, and died while performing the duties of that 
responsible office, April 23, 1852, at the age of 48 
years. 

Hezekiah I). Mason came here from Moscow 
previous to 1829. On the 8th of April of that 
year he was appointed First Judge of Livingston 
county. Felix Tracy came from Leicester, about 
the same time as Mason, and practiced here many 
years, until his death. He was a Member of As- 
sembly in 1827 while a resident of Moscow, where 
he had previously practiced. Flias Clark, a native 
of Conesus, read law with Mr. Bryan while the lat- 
ter was practicing in Geneseo, and was admitted 
about 1833. He was Clerk of this county from 
1S34 to 1837, and represented it in the Assembly 
in 1839-40. 

Benjamin F. Angel was born in Burlington, N. 
Y., Nov. 28, 1815, and received his early educa- 
tion in his native town. At the age of ten years 
he was placed under the tutorship of Rev. Mr. 
Nash, then rector of the Fpiscopal Church in Fxe- 
ter. In 1830 he was sent by his parents to the 
Livingston County High School, in Geneseo, 
which was then under the management of Seth 
Swetzer, Cornelius C. Felton and Henry R. Cleve- 
land. Here he prepared for college, but owing to 
an attack of opthalmy, did not enter. In 1834 he 
entered the office of Edmonds & Monell, of Hudson, 
where he completed his legal studies. He was ad- 
mitted in 1837, and immediately after formed a 
law partnership in Geneseo with Calvin H. Bryan, 
which continued at intervals for twelve years. 
March 23, 1836, he was appointed by Gov. Marcy 
Surrogate of Livingston county, holding the office 
till April 22, 1S49, when he was succeeded by Wil- 
liam H. Kelsey. He was reappointed March 3, 
1S44, succeeding Mr. Kelsey, and performed the 
duties of the office until, by the Constitution of 
1846, they were merged with those of County Judge. 
In 184S he was appointed Supreme Court Com- 
missioner, then an office of great importance, as 



GENESEO VILLAGE — LAWYERS. 



393 



the incumbent performed all the duties of a Judge 
of the Supreme Court at Chambers. This office 
he held until 1S53, when he was appointed by 
President Pierce, Consul at Honolulu, which was 
then one of the most lucrative offices in the gift of 
the government. After eighteen months he was 
sent by President Pierce as Special Envoy and Com- 
missioner to China, to settle a difficulty growing 
out of a refusal of the United States merchants to 
pay export duties in consequence of the neglect of 
the Chinese government to protect them against 
pirates. In these negotiations he was successful. 
He returned to the United States by way of the 
East Indies and Europe, making an extended tour 
of the latter, also of Egypt. 

In 1857, Mr. Angel was appointed by President 
Buchanan, Minister Resident to Sweden and Nor- 
way, his appointment, and that of Henry C. Mur- 
phy to the Hague, being the first made by Bu- 
chanan. He returned in 1862, and has since been 
interested in agricultural pursuits, carrying on a 
large farm in Geneseo. He was President of the 
State Agricultural Society in 1873, having for sev- 
eral years previously and subsequently till 1878, 
been a member of the society. 

Amos Alonzo Hendee,* the youngest son of Eph- 
raim Hendee, who came to Avon from Hubbards- 
town, Vt, in 1S10, was born in Avon, June 15, 
1815. 

Wm. H. Kelsey, who was born in Smyrna, N. Y., 
Oct. 2, 18 1 2, abandoned the publication of the 
Livingston Register at Geneseo about 1S40, and 
engaged in the practice of law, which he continued 
here till his death in 1879, though he was more of 
a politician than a lawyer. He was appointed Sur- 
rogate of Livingston county April 22, 1840, and 
was succeeded in that office by B. F. Angel, March 
3, 1844. In 1850 he was elected District Attor- 
ney and held the office one term. He was a Rep- 
resentative in Congress from the 28th district in 
1855-59, and again from the 25th district in 1869- 

'7i- 

The present attorneys are : — James Wood, James 
B. Adams, Adoniram J. Abbott, Solomon Hub- 
bard, Kidder M. Scott, John R. Strang, Otto M. 
Hopkins, Henry T. Braman, Walter T. Howard, 
and Lockwood R. Doty. 

James Wood was born in Alstead, N. H., April 
1, 1820, and educated at Lima Seminary and 
Union College, graduating at the latter in July, 
1832. The following year he entered the office of 
John Young, at Geneseo, as a law student, and 

• See History Town of Avon. 



was admitted to the Supreme Court at Utica in 
July, 1844. He was District Attorney of this 
county from 1854 to 1857 ; was elected State Sen- 
ator in 1869, and again in 187 1. He entered the 
army in 1862 as Colonel of the 136th N. Y. Vol- 
unteers, raised in the military district embracing 
this county. He relinquished that command in 
January, 1864, and assumed command of the 3d 
Brigade, (to which the 136th belonged,) 3d Divis- 
ion, 20th Corps. Later that year he was brevetted 
Brigadier General. He continued that command 
till the close of the war, and was mustered out in 
June, 1865. Since the war he has been brevetted 
Major-General of Volunteers. 

James B. Adams was born in Richmond, On- 
tario county, June 17, 1830, and educated at Gen- 
esee and Williams Colleges, graduating at the lat- 
ter in 1854. He was admitted in December, 1S54. 

January 1, 1857, he entered upon practice in 
Geneseo, forming a co-partnership with Hon. 
Amos A. Hendee, which continued till April, 1864. 
He was appointed District Attorney of this county 
in January, 1865, on the resignation of George J. 
Davis, and was elected in November, 1866, serv- 
ing one term. 

Adoniram J. Abbott was born in Moscow, in 
this county, October 28, 181 9, and educated in 
the common schools of Leicester, the Moscow 
Academy, the Middlebury Academy in Wyoming 
county, and the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at 
Lima. In 1843, while attending the latter insti- 
tution, he entered the law office of Martin S. New- 
ton, of Lima. He subsequently pursued his leal 
studies with Messrs. Young & Wood, of Geneseo - 
Verplanck & Martindale, of Batavia; and com- 
pleted them with Judge E. C. Dibble, of the latter 
village. He was admitted at Lockport in Septem- 
ber, 1848, and commenced practice that year at 
Dansville, where he continued ten years, when he 
removed to Geneseo. 

Solomon Hubbard was born in Broome, Scho- 
harie county, October 22, 1817, and educated at 
the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima. He 
commenced the study of law in 1838, with Horatio 
Shumway, of Buffalo, and was admitted in June 
1844, in which year he opened an office in Dans- 
ville, where he remained until 1864, when he re- 
moved to Geneseo. He was elected County Tudge 
in 1863, and held the office two successive terms. 
In June, 1879, he formed a law partnership with 
Walter S. Howard, which still continues. 

Kidder M. Scott was born in Geneseo, May 13 
1840, and received an academic education in this 



394 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 






village. He pursued his legal studies with Gen. 
James Wood, of New York, in portions of 1858-9, 
and subsequently in Geneseo, after the removal of 
that gentleman to this village. He was admitted 
in December, 1861, and the following year entered 
the army as 2d Lieutenant in the 136th New York 
Volunteers. He was discharged in 1863, as Cap- 
tain in the same regiment. January 1, 1866, he 
formed a law partnership with his legal preceptor, 
which still continues. He was a Presidential Elec- 
tor on the Republican ticket in 1872. 

John R. Strang was born in Gait, Canada, Jan- 
uary 8, 1840. He entered the Albany Law School 
in 1S5S, and in the summer of 1859 entered the 
law office of Scott Lord, of Geneseo. In Febru- 
ary, 1862, he joined the army as 2d Lieutenant in 
the 104th New York Volunteers, which was formed 
in Geneseo, and after filling all the intermediate 
grades, except that of Captain, was discharged as 
Colonel of that regiment in Aug., 1865. On leaving 
the army, he again entered the Albany Law School, 
where he graduated in December, 1S65. He en- 
tered upon the practice of his profession in August, 
1866. He was elected District Attorney of this 
county in 1878, and is the present incumbent of 
that office. 

Otto M. Hopkins was bom in Springwater, in 
this county, January 8, 1853. In the latter part 
of 1872, he entered the law office of Adams iS: 
Strang, of Geneseo, and was admitted at Roches- 
ter in October, 1875. April 1, 1876, he formed a 
law partnership with John R. Strang, which con- 
tinued under the name of Strang & Hopkins till 
May, 1878, when he went to Toledo, O. Return- 
ing to Geneseo, he formed a co-partnership, Oct. 1, 
1879, with James B. Adams, which still continues. 

Henry T. Braman was born in Exeter, R. I., 
May 27, 1S45. He read law in Kingston, R. I., 
where, after his admission, in August, 1868, he 
was engaged in practice until April, 1877, when 
he removed to Livonia, and thence, in October, 
1878, to Geneseo, at which time he formed a law 
partnership with John R. Strang, which still con- 
tinues. He was for three years — 1875-7 — Clerk 
of the House of Representatives of Rhode Island. 

Walter T. Howard was born in Geneseo, May 
1 r, 1852, and educated in Genesee College at 
Lima. In 1872 he entered the law office of 
Solomon Hubbard as student, and was admitted 
to the bar in 1875. He was Clerk of the Surro- 
gate's Court from 1872 to 1S79, and a few months 
later formed a law partnership with his preceptor, 
which still continues. 



Lockwood R. Doty was born in Albany, Dec. 
2, 1858, and educated at the Normal School in 
Geneseo. He afterwards attended the law de- 
partment of Columbia College, where he graduated 
in May, 1880. He was formally admitted at 
Buffalo in June of that year, and commenced 
practice in Geneseo shortly after his admission. 

Mr. Doty is the son of Lockwood L. Doty, the 
accomplished historian of Livingston county, who 
was himself an educated lawyer. Lockwood L. 
Doty was born in Groveland, in this county. May 
15, 1827, and died at Jersey City, Jan. 18, 1873, 
leaving unfinished the work which had been the 
labor of his later years. Though he read law in 
the office of John Young in Geneseo, most of his 
life was spent in clerical duties of a varied and 
arduous nature. Conspicuous among these was 
his connection, as Chief, with the Bureau of Mili- 
tary Statistics, an office to which he was appointed 
on the creation of the Bureau April 8, 1863, and 
held till 1866. Through his indefatigable efforts 
much valuable material for the military history of 
this State has been rescued from oblivion. In 
1S47, he followed his legal preceptor— Governor 
Young — to Albany, to fill an appointment in the 
office of Canal Appraiser. He was soon after 
made Deputy State Treasurer under Alvah Hunt, 
and held that position successively under Elbridge 
G. Spaulding and Stephen Clark. When the 
latter became President of the LaCrosse and Mil- 
waukee Railroad Co., Mr. Doty was chosen Secre- 
tary and Treasurer of that company. During 
Governor Morgan's first gubernatorial term Mr. 
Doty was appointed Chief Clerk in the Executive 
Department, and in 1861, Private Secretary of 
the Executive Chamber. In December, 1862, he 
was tendered the appointment of Consul to Nas- 
sau, N. P., then an important station, because 
frequented by confederate cruisers, but declined it. 
Then succeeded his appointment to the Bureau of 
Military Statistics. He was afterwards, for short 
periods, Deputy Collector of Customs in New 
York city, Private Secretary to ex-Gov. Morgan, 
then U. S. Senator, and Assessor of Internal 
Revenue for the Sixth District of New York city. 
Hut his health gradually and alarmingly failing 
under the excessive labor to which for years he had 
been subjected, admonished him to seek the retire- 
ment of his home in Geneseo, where he soon after, 
but only for a short period, engaged in newspaper 
and other literary work. In April, 1871, he was 
appointed Pension Agent in New York city, and 
died while discharging the duties of that office. 




Allen 



Ayf\au 



LT. 



Allen Ayrault was born in Sandisfield, Berkshire county, 
Mass.. October :',(>, 17'.i;S. Hi- passed the early yi 
his life at Inline assisting his parents on the farm and at- 
tending the district schools. He taught school a number 
of terms, and when twenty-one years of age left home 
and came to Geneseo, where heat once fonud employ- 
ment in Siieneer & Co.'s store, the '-Co." being Gen. 
James Wadsworth and William Wadsworth. 

He remained with Spencer & Co. but a short time, go- 
ing to lit. Morris, where he started business for himself 
in general merchandising, but continued it for a short 
time only, having been appointed agent for the lands of 
Rogers & Murray. He remained in Mt. Morris until 
1819, when he removed to Moscow, still retaining 
this agency. Here he engaged in the purchase and 
sale of cattle, pasturing th>m on the lands for which 
he was agent, and tin profits from these transactions gave 
him a start in life. He carried on a large and lucrative 
business in Moscow until 1830, when he removed to Gen- 
eseo, having been elected President of the Livingston 
County Bank, which was organized in that year, and of 
which he remained President until the expiration of its 
charter and close of its business, June 30, 1855. 

His management of this hank was characterized by 
prudence, untiring vigilauo and a watchfulness that 
nothing could escape. He made it his sole thought and 
care, aud gave it twenty live ,.f lie best years of his life, 
and during that entire period, though tin- hoard of direc- 
tors was composed of many of the best men of Geneseo 
and vicinity, no occasion was ever found to criticise his 
official or personal conduct. 

Mr. \\ null belonged to that class of citizens who give 

Stability to the tinaneialslalus.il' our country and char- 
acter to SOCiety. He was a safe counsellor aud a judicious 

manager of his own affairs. His influence in all depart- 
ments! and in all associations for business, was 
terized by modi ';■ and diffidence, for his judg- 
m .'ii expressed without pretense and generally upon 
olicil ition was generally based upon reasons which de- 



manded and secured concurrence. Mr. Ayrault was a 
plain, unpretentious man, never a seeker for public office 

or 1 rs. He affiliated with the Whig party, and strove 

iu a consistent manner to euhauce its interests, and was 
in turn honored, on several occasions, by nominations 
from his fellow- citizens for important offices. 

In 18+] he was a candidate for State Senator iu the old 
Sixth District, including Allegany aud Livingston coun- 
ties on the west and running east on the southern tier 
and including Broome aud Chenango counties on the 
cast, [n this contest he was defeated by lames Faulk- 
ner, of Dansville, the Democratic candidate. He was 
electi I as delegate to the Constitutional Convention 
winch convened April 22d of that Mar and adjourned on 
the ninth of Ojtober following, serving upon several im- 
port ril committees. In 1*17 he was elected to the State 
Senate from the Twenty-ninth District (Ont irio and Liv- 
ingston counties i hut resigned after serving one i 

Mr. Ayrault was President of the County Bible Society 
fourteen years — always manifesting a deep interest in its 

■ : and gmid work 111 religious sentiment he was 

an Episcopalian, and a member of St. Michael's church 
in Geneseo, aud gave liberally from bis means for the 
support of church interests and any enterprise looking to 
the advaucem int of education among the rising genera- 
tion aud the establishment of good society. 

September9, L822, Mr. Ayrault was united in marriage 

toBethiah, daughterof Rev. Wm. Lyman. She was born 

July 12, 1792, at East Haddam, Conn. Her father was 

born in 1765 and died June 5, 1883. Her mother WM 

born in 1767 and died dun ■ 22, 1858 at the great age of 

one years, and tlcir remains lie buried at Arcade, 

Wyoming county. They had eleven children, si 

whom are yel living, the youngest at the age of seventy- 

trs and the oldest ninety. Mrs. Ayrault is still 

li\ nig, now in her eighty-ninth year, id possession of her 

■ i i i, ,1 jree. Allen Ayrault died at 

Geneseo, N V.. February I. 1861. They have had no 

child) 



GENESEO VILLAGE — MANUFACTURERS, BANKS. 



395 



Manufacturers. — Geneseo has never been an 
important center of manufacturing interests. The 
river at this point affords a limited water-power, 
and the fall is meager. In 1837 the Geneseo 
Hydraulic Company was incorporated for the pur- 
pose of creating a vast water power on the Gen- 
esee at this point ; but the great expectations 
awakened by its organization were never realized. 

The Geneseo Planing Mills were built in 1877, 
by Josiah Curtis, the present proprietor, who also 
deals in coal, lumber, lime and cement. The 
mills are located near the depot. They are oper- 
ated by steam. 

The saw-mill in Geneseo, owned by E. W. Hud- 
nutt, occupies the building near the foot of Main 
street, known as the : 'Big Tree Iron Works," 
which was erected in 1855 for a machine shop, by 
E. W. Hudnutt and Elias P. and Chauncey Met- 
calf. In November, 1862, James J. Cone, Hurl- 
burt L. Johnson and Scott Lord, formed a co- 
partnership, for the manufacture of the Brincker- 
hoff mowers and reapers. They rented the " Big 
Tree Iron Works." 

The Geneseo Manufacturing and Croquet Co. 
was organized and merged with the American Cro- 
quet Co., composed of Judge Scott Lord, Samuel 
Finley, J. J. Jones, John Rorback, Harvey G. 
Baker and Charles Jones, which commenced 
operations in 1861. The consolidated company 
did business about a year, until 1865, when they 
removed the machinery to South Bend, Ind. In 
1875, Mr. Hudnutt again took possession, put in 
a circular saw, and has since been engaged in the 
manufacture of lumber. 

In the spring of 1871, Baker &: Barclay (Har- 
vey G. Baker and George P. Barclay) rented of 
Finley & Co. a portion of the building for the 
manufacture of the machine-cut clover rasp, which 
is used for threshing out clover seed. In 1877, 
Harvey G. Baker sold his interest to his son, 
Merritt H. Baker, and the business is still con- 
ducted under the same firm name. It requires a 
capital of about $2,000, and usually the employ- 
ment of two additional hands a part of the year. 

Messrs. Kendall & Shattuck have a branch 
cooper shop at the depot in Geneseo. Their 
principal business, which is quite extensive, is 
conducted at Piffard, in the town of York. They 
employ two men in the shop at Geneseo and 
from eight to fifteen at Piffard. 

The Big Tree Mills, (flouring and grist,) situated 
on the east bank of Genesee River, just north- 
west of the village limits, were built about forty 



years ago by Mr. Bailey. Thomas Gilmore is 
the present proprietor. The mills comprise 
four runs of stones, which are operated by 
water from the Genesee, which has a fall of 
five feet. Mr. North, during his ownership, 
built a saw-mill on the opposite end of the dam. 
It was torn down by the present proprietor four or 
five years ago. 

Clark's Mills, named from Leman Clark, their 
present proprietor, are located in the north-east 
corner of the town, on the outlet of Conesus Lake, 
a mile below Lakeville. They occupy the site of 
the old Bosley mills, which were erected in the 
latter part of the last century, by John Bosley, 
who came to this country in 1792 or '3. The 
present mills were erected in 1836, by Lucius F. 
Olmsted, who bought the property of Mr. Bosley 
in 1835. The mill is a wooden structure, and 
connected with it is a saw-mill, which was built by- 
Mr. Olmsted the same year on the site of a 
former one, which was built at an early day at the 
foot of the pond forming the outlet of the lake. 
The grist-mill contains four runs of stones. This 
locality is an interesting one from its proximity to 
the remains of a fortified Indian village. The 
excavations made both by Mr. Bosley and Mr. 
Olmsted disclosed numerous and varied relics, in- 
cluding human remains. Metal implements were 
found in sufficient quantity, it is said, to iron the 
first mill. 

Messrs. Ayrault & Co., (Lyman Ayrault and A. 
A. Cox,) who are located at the depot, do a gen- 
eral storage and produce business. The business 
was established some ten or eleven years ago, by 
L. Ayrault, who, six months later, associated with 
himself A. A. Cox. These gentlemen were the first 
of importance of a modern period, to buy grain 
for storage and shipment. 

Banks. — The first bank of issue in the county 
was the Livingston County Bank in Geneseo, which 
was incorporated under the Safety Fund Act, April 
7, 1 830, with a capital stock of $100,000. Various pre- 
vious efforts had been made, both in this town and 
others in the county, to secure a charter for a bank 
— in Geneseo soon after the erection of the county— 
but all were alike fruitless. The subscription books 
were opened in Geneseo on the 31st of May, and 
within three days from that time the entire capital 
stock was subscribed. The organization was per- 
fected on the 25th of June by the election of the 
following named directors: — John Greig, H. B. 
Gibson, Nathaniel W. Howell, Abraham M. Scher- 
merhom, James K. Guernsey, Charles H. Carroll, 



39 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Hezekiah D. Mason, Felix Tracy, Owen P. Olm- 
sted, Eli Hill, William Lyman, Wm, H. Stanley 
anil Allen Ayrault. The latter gentleman, who was 
an able financier, and the principal stock-holder 
during the existence of the bank, was chosen Presi- 
dent, and held that office during the continuance 
of its charter. Watts Sherman, afterwards a mem- 
ber of the well known banking house of Duncan, 
Sherman & Co., of New York, was chosen cashier. 
An office was opened in the upper story of the 
building on the east side of Main street, now oc- 
cupied by A. W. Butterway as a cabinet shop. The 
following winter the bank took up its quarters in 
the brick building erected for its accommodation, 
located on the west side of Main street, opposite 
the American Hotel. It is now vacant, except in 
the upper story, which is occupied as a law office 
by James B. Adams. The charter of the bank ex- 
pired July i, 1855. Scott Lord and Allen Ayrault 
became trustees, by virtue of the statute, for closing 
up its business. The bank was very ably managed 
and highly prosperous, returning to its stockholders 
at the expiration of its charter an unimpaired capi- 
tal, besides having paid an average annual dividend 
of a little more than fifteen per cent, on the capital 
stock. 

The Genesee I 'alley National Bank was organ- 
ized as the Genesee Valley Bank, April 21, 1851, 
with a capital of $120,000, in shares of $100 each. 
The capital was increased Feb. 20, 1855, to $150,- 
000. 

The first Directors were : — James S. Wadsworth, 
A. Cone, D. H. Abell, C. Colt, W. Cushing, D. H. 
Bissell, H. Chamberlin, D. H. Fitzhugh and Peter 
Miller, [ames S. Wadsworth was elected Presi- 
dent ; W. H. Whiting, cashier; Daniel H. Fitz- 
hugh, Jr.. teller. 

The present officers are : — President, James W. 
Wadsworth ; Cashier, James S. Orton ; Teller, 
Theodore F. Olmsted. 

The bank commenced business May 1, 1S51, 
on the first floor, the north room, under Concert 
Hall, which was left when the building now occu- 
pied was erected in 1865-6. March 14, 1S65, it 
was changed from a State to a National bank, and 
authorized to commence business as such at that 
time. At the latter date the surplus of the bank 
was $25,114.27; and a semi-annual dividend, 
varying from 3^ to 6 per cent, had been paid- 
One year during the war a 14 per cent, dividend 
was paid. Since it became a National bank $266,- 
250 have been paid in dividends, which is an aver- 
age annual dividend of nearly 12 per cent. In 



addition to this, the surplus has been increased to 
$59,087.64. This statement sufficiently reflects its 
efficient management. 

On the expiration of the charter of the Living- 
ston County Bank, Allen Ayrault, who then held 
nearly all its stock, conducted a private bank in 
the same building till his death, February 4, 1861, 
aged sixty-seven. Mr. Ayrault was born in Sandis- 
field, Mass., October 30, 1793,31111 removed to 
the Genesee Valley in 181 2. He was one of the 
most prominent, influential and highly cultured of 
Geneseo's citizens during nearly the whole period 
of its commercial importance. He was a brother 
to Nicholas Ayrault, the early merchant in Mos- 
cow. His widow still resides in Geneseo. Eph- 
raim Cone, who had been for many years Mr. 
Ayrault's cashier, continued the bank in his own 
name till his death, April 27, 1868, aged sixty-two 
years. James J. Cone succeeded to his father's 
business and continued the bank till his failure, 
November 1, 1878, having been associated with 
W. H. Olmsted from 1S68 till December, 1870. 

In 1856, Orton & Walker (James S. Orton and 
William Walker,) established a private bank in the 
upper part of a building which stood directly north 
of the present bank. When Mr. Orton became 
cashier in the Genesee Valley Bank, December 1 2, 
1857, he sold his interest to Charles Colt, Jr., who 
died April 9, i860, leaving Mr. Walker to continue 
the business alone, which he did till his death, 
February 9, 187 1. January 6, 1864, the building 
was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Walker removed to 
the store next south of John Rorback's hardware 
store, which was recently occupied as a jewelry 
store, but is now vacant. Mr. Walker was asso- 
ciated for a short time with Wm. H. Whiting. Af- 
ter Mr. Walker's death, (\. 1). Mercer continued 
the business till within about two years, when la- 
failed, being involved in the failure of Duncan, 
Sherman & Company, of New York. 

John White opened a private bank in the build- 
ing afterwards occupied by Orton & Walker about 
1852 or '3, but soon failed. 

The Geneseo Gas Li<;ht Company was organ- 
ized in 1859, with a capital of $9,000, in shares of 
$100 each, which was reduced March 1 1, 1864, to 
$4,500, the present capital. The works were 
built in 1S59. About one and one-half miles of 
mains are laid, extending entirely through Main, 
Second, Center, Wadsworth and Bank streets. 
There are 26 gas street lamps. Gas is furnished 
at $2.50 per thousand feet. 

Hotels. — The American Hotel, which has been 



GENESEO VILLAGE— HOTELS, WADSWORTH LIBRARY. 



397 



kept since October, 1879, by Clarence S. Youngs, 
occupies the site of the old Pierce tavern, which 
was built prior to 1809, by Col. John Pierce, a 
Southern man, who kept the stand for many years, 
and acquired no little notoriety for the excellent ac- 
commodations furnished his guests. It was a one- 
story frame building, made conspicuous at an early 
day by a coat of yellow paint, and now forms the 
front sitting room to the right of the main entrance 
of the American Hotel, and the room in rear of it, 
but has nearly lost its identity in the subsequent 
additions made to it. Deacon Frederick W. 
Butler says it was twice enlarged before 181 7; and 
that the third addition, which put it in its present 
exterior form, except the piazzas, which were 
added three or four years ago, was made by him 
in 1825. 

The Wallace House, kept by Wallace & Son, 
who took possession May 30, 1880, was built by 
Col. William Frost, about 1822 or '3, on the site 
of the old Colt tavern, which, Dr. Bissell says, was 
in a dilapidated condition in 1809. The Wallace 
House was formerly known as the Robinson House. 
The third hotel, the Globe Hotel, has been kept 
some eight years by Isaac J. Stratton. 

The Wadsworth Library was established as 
the Atheneum Library through the munificence of 
J as. Wadsworth, who in 1843, erected for its accom- 
modation a one-story brick building, which now 
forms the wing to the Methodist parsonage, and 
the same year deeded in trust for its maintenance 
to James S. Wadsworth, William W. Wadsworth 
and Elizabeth Wadsworth, of Geneseo, and Martin 
Brimmer, of Boston, Mass., seven different tracts 
of land, to be leased, with the exception of two of 
the village lots, and the proceeds arising therefrom 
to be annually applied, in such proportions as 
they should deem fit and proper, " to the follow- 
ing and no other purposes whatever, viz. : to the 
payment of the necessary expenses of executing 
the trust hereby created, to the procuring of 
periodical or occasional lectures to be delivered in 
the Livingston County High School, and in the 
village of Geneseo * * *, to the purchase of 
useful books, philosophical apparatus and speci- 
mens of minerals to be deposited in said Atheneum 
building, for the use of the public — such books to 
constitute a library to be denominated the Ath- 
eneum Library — to the purchase of books, philo- 
sophical apparatus and specimens of minerals for 
the said High School, and to the repairing of the 
buildings, fences, and enclosures on the premises 
hereby granted, but not to the erection of any new 



buildings. The books of the said Atheneum 
Library shall be open and free for the gratuitous 
use as well of the teachers and scholars of the said 
High School as of the inhabitants of the county of 
Livingston." 

Five of these tracts are village lots. The first 
denominated the Atheneum lot, was designated as 
the site of the Atheneum building ; the second, de- 
nominated the Temple Hill Grove Lot, was to be 
forever held and occupied " as a public ground," 
and appropriated " to the use of the public for 
purposes of ornament, exercise and recreation ;" 
the third, denominated the North Temple Hill Lot, 
and the fourth, denominated the South Temple 
Hill Lot, each contain about two acres ; the fifth is 
the lot on the corner of Center and Second streets. 
The sixth tract is denominated the Kneeland farm, 
and the seventh, the "Yellow House" farm, the for- 
mer containing 152.51 the latter 114.78 acres.* 

The library was continued under an informal 
management till the last of the legal trustees (James 
S. Wadsworth) died in 1864, and some years later 
under informal appointments, till, having lapsed 
and reverted, the heirs of the Wadsworth estate 
consented to and Jan. 16, 1869, deeded the prop- 
erty to new trustees, who became incorporated un- 
der the name of " The Wadsworth Library" April 
21, 1869. Martin Brimmer, Charles F. Wads- 
worth, Craig W. Wadsworth, Wm. A. Fitzhugh, 
Charles P. Bowditch, James Wood, John Rorback, 
James S. Orton and James W. Wadsworth were 
the incorporators. 

The present library building is an ornate one- 
story brick structure, situated on the corner of 
Center and Second streets. It was erected in 1 867, 
by the Wadsworth heirs, at a cost of about $12,000. 

The present trustees are :— Charles F. Wads- 
worth, James W. Wadsworth, Martin Erimmer, A- 
J. Abbott, James Wood, John Rorback, Wm. J. 
Milne and James S. Orton, the latter of whom has 
performed the duties of Secretary and Treasurer 
since the incorporation. March 25, 1880, Mrs. E. H. 
Shepard was elected Librarian in place of Mrs. 
Olmsted, deceased. 

The income of the Library for the year ending 
Dec. 31, 1879, was $1,386.55, and the expenses, 

* Feb. 7, 1S76, the trustees sold to the Methodist Society who had 
previously leased it, the land on which the church and parsonage stand 
for %\, 400. March H> 1876, the farm of 114.78 acres was sold to Geo. 
W. Heth at $65 per acre ; and April 1, 1S70, the farm of 151.51 acres 
was sold to Jacob Clapper for $10, 140. In part payment of the former they 
tuck the house and lot on South street lately occupied by J. C. Merrell as a 
residence at $1,000. Nov. 15, 1S73, three acres of the Temple Hill Grove 
lot were conveyed by direction of the legislature to the Temple Hill Cem- 
etery Association for $800. 



39§ 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



including the cost of 221 new books added during 
the year, $295.97, were $1,045.25. 

The Genesee Reading Rooms were established in 
1866, by Mrs. William Wadsworth, who fitted up 
rooms in the Rorback Block, and contributes $200 
annually towards their maintenance. Her son, Wm, 
Austin Wadsworth, contributes alike amount. An- 
nual subscriptions are also solicited for the same 
object. 

The Livingston County High School, afterwards 
the Geneseo Academy. — On the 1st of June, 1826, 
several gentlemen residing in this county associated 
themselves "for the purpose of establishing in the 
village of Geneseo, upon a lot of two acres of land 
to be given for that purpose by Messrs. William 
and James Wadsworth, a Collegiate Institution on 
the Monitorial System," which was incorporated by 
the Legislature as the Livingston County High 
School," March 10, 1827, and by the Regents, 
Feb. 7, 1829. The incorporators were William 
and James Wadsworth, William and Daniel H. 
Fitzhugh, John H. Jones, Charles H. Carroll, Geo. 
Hosmer, James Faulkner, William H. Spencer, 
Philo C. Fuller, John Colt, Henry P. North, Leman 
Gibbs, Orlando Hastings, Augustus A. Bennett, 
William Finley, Moses Hayden and Jeremiah Riggs, 
of whom Henry P. North is the only one now 
living. 

Soon after the incorporation a site was selected 
on "Temple Hill," and two commodious brick 
buildings erected by subscriptions, the walls of 
which remain the same, though the internal arrange- 
ments are different, and the buildings themselves 
are debased to mere tenements. 

The name of the school was changed to 
the Geneseo Academy, May 13, 1846, and early in 
1849 went under the care of the Synod of Buffalo. 
It was conducted under the auspices of the Pres- 
byterians of Western New York, until the over- 
shadowing influence of the State Normal School in 
Oeneseo sapped its vitality. The academy is still 
the property of the Synod of Western New York, 
(Presbyterian.) 

The Geneseo Normal and Training School was 
established in 1867, as The Wadsworth Normal 
and Training School, and its name changed by Act 
of the Legislature, March 15, 1871. 

Soon after the passage of the Act (April 9, 1866,) 
authorizing the establishment of five additional 
Normal Schools in the State, Geneseo exerted 
herself to secure one of them. August 13, 1866, 
the village trustees were requested to inform the 
Commissioners charged with the duty of locating 



them, that Geneseo would raise the necessary 
funds, not to exceed $45,000, exclusive of the 
site, which they would also furnish, to secure one 
of them. Col. Craig W. Wadsworth, Hon. Scott 
Lord, A. J. Abbot, Esq., and Col. John Rorback 
were appointed a committee to confer with the 
trustees and assist them in their correspondence 
with the Commissioners. August 14, 1866, the 
trustees directed the Clerk to forward to the Com- 
missioners a communication embodying the above 
proposition. Sept. 10, 1866, Col. Craig W. Wads- 
worth, was delegated to proceed to Albany and 
lay before Commissioners the claims of the village 
in this particular. Nov. 16, 1866, that gentleman, 
in conjunction with Lockwood L. Doty, Hons. 
Wm. H. Kelsey and Jacob A. Mead, and Gen. 
James Wood, Jr., were charged with a like mission 
and authorized to increase the offer previously 
made by $10,000 if necessary. But notwithstand- 
ing these vigorous exertions, the school, which at 
one time seemed likely to be established in Gen- 
eseo was located at Brockport, owing, it is alleged, 
to the bad faith of a certain official. This adverse 
decision created much dissatisfaction, so that, out 
of respect for the distinguished services of Gen. 
James S. Wadsworth and the generous spirit 
manifested by the family in aid of such a school, 
in 1867, the Legislature passed a special Act 
authorizing the establishment of one in Geneseo, 
to bear the famHy name of the Wadsworths. John 
Rorback, Lockwood L. Doty* and Craig \Y. 
Wadsworth were appointed a commission to pro- 
cure the ground and erect the building. 

Sept. 24, 1867, a special town meeting was held, 
and by a vote of 321 to 176, $45,000 were appro- 
priated to aid in erecting and furnishing a normal 
and training school. At a special village meeting 
held June 8, 1868, it was resolved by a vote of 72 
to 5, to raise by assessment on the real and per- 
sonal property of the village, in fifteen equal an- 
nual installments from March 1, 1868, $15,000 in 
aid of the same object. This action was taken 
pursuant to an Act of authorization passed by the 
Legislature May 5, 1868. 

The site selected for the school contains 6.73 
acres, for which the Commissioners paid $2,019. 
The building was erected in 1S69; but the 
$60,000 thus far contributed was not sufficient to 
complete it. In 1870, the Wadsworth heirs con- 
tributed $10,000 in furtherance of this object. 

The amount was still inadequate for the com- 

• Mr. Doty resigned July 15, iSnS, and James S. Oiton was I hoS< D 
hi hi 1 essor. 



GENESEO VILLAGE — SCHOOLS, CHURCHES. 



399 



pletion of the building; and March 7, 1S71, the 
electors of the town passed a resolution requesting 
the Senator from this District and Member of As- 
sembly from this County, " to procure the passage 
of a law by the Legislature, changing the name of 
'The Wadsworth Normal and Training School' at 
Geneseo, to that of ' The Geneseo Normal and 
Training School ;' " and to request an appropria- 
tion of $20,000 for the purpose of completing the 
building. March 15, 1 871, the desired change in 
name was made, and $18,000 which had been 
appropriated in 1870 for the maintenance of the 
school, was authorized to be applied to the com- 
pletion of the building and grading of the grounds 
and putting them in the condition required by 
law to be accepted by the State. 

The school was first opened Sept. 13, 187 1, 
with Win, J. Milne as Principal and Professor of 
Moral Philosophy and Didactics. 

In 1876-7 an addition, known as the As- 
sembly Room, was made on the north end of the 
original building at a cost of $25,000. Over the 
cloak rooms in front of the Assembly Room is a 
room which is used for instruction in drawing and 
painting. The basement of this addition is used 
for instruction in calisthenics. The buildings are 
three stories high, besides basement and attic. 
They are constructed of brick, heated with steam 
and lighted with gas. The buildings and grounds 
present a very ornate appearance. They occupy 
a lower terrace than the main part of the village, 
and lie between it and the river, whose beautiful 
valley presents a charming landscape from their 
rear. The grounds and buildings are valued at 
$106,000 ; the furniture, at $5,500 ; the library and 
apparatus, at $7,750. 

The receipts of the school for the year ending 
Sept. 30, 1879 were: — State appropriation, $ 18,- 
400.87; tuitions, $1,402.60; total, $19,803.47. 
The disbursements were $19,801.35. The atten- 
dance during the year was: — Normal Department, 
312; Academic Department, 108; Intermediate 
Department, 156 ; Primary Department, 185; total, 
761. The primary and intermediate departments 
are composed of village pupils, who receive instruc- 
tion from pupils practicing the principles of teach- 
ing. The number of graduates in 1879 was 29; 
the number from the organization of the school, 
180. 

Union Free School District No. 5, of Geneseo 
was organized Feb. 19, 1867, and the trustees — A. 
J. Abbott, Win. A. Brodie, E. N. Bacon, James S. 
Orton, E. F. Curtiss, John O. Vanderbelt, John 



Rorback and David O. Toole, met at the office of 
Col. John Rorback, Feb. 27, 1867, and organized 
as a Board of Education, by the election of A. J. 
Abbott, President, and Wm. A. Brodie, clerk. Win. 
Walker was appointed treasurer and Alanson Ran- 
ger, collector. J. B. Gorham was employed as 
Principal. 

The number of children of school age residing 
in the district Sept. 30, 1879, was 636, of whom 
142 attended district school some portion of the 
year. The average daily attendance was 67 48-1 S9. 
The number of volumes in the district library was 
about 624, the estimated value of which was $300. 
The school-house and site were each valued at 
$1,500. The assessed valuation of the taxable 
property in the districtwas $1,312,795. The num- 
ber of children between eight and fourteen years of 
age, residing in the district was 244. 

Churches. — The pioneer settlers of the Gene- 
see country, though attracted hither by material 
considerations, brought with them a religious cul- 
ture and a love of the sacred institutions of religion 
which had shadowed with benign influence their 
eastern homes. Happily those who took up their 
abode east of the Genesee river were early brought 
under an influence which fostered these conditions, 
and reservations of land for church and school pur- 
poses were often made — a practice sedulously ad- 
hered to in regard to the lands which came under 
the agency of Mr. Wadsworth when it was in his 
power to conform to it. Not so west of the Gene- 
see, on the lands of the Holland Company, for, 
although promises of land were made for the first 
regularly incorporated religious society in a town- 
ship, they were not, except in " a very few instan- 
ces," fulfilled. Joseph Ellicott, the principal agent 
of the Holland Company, though an eminently 
worthy and able man, " disregarded the Sabbath, 
and was hostile to religious institutions. His in- 
fluence had an unfavorable effect upon the religious 
state of the Holland Purchase ; and for a period 
after the settlement .of that part of the Genesee 
country commenced, it was a common observation 
that Sabbath-day did not extend westward beyond 
the Genesee river."* Exception was made how- 
ever to the Scotch settlement at Caledonia, where, 
March 4, 1805, was organized the first Presbyterian 
church west of the Genesee river, by Rev. Jede- 
diah Chapman, a missionary of the General Assem- 
bly of the Presbyterian church. f 

The first religious services in this town, it is 

* Hotchkm's History of Western New York. 78. 
t Ibid, 78-9- 



400 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



believed, were conducted by missionaries sent out 
by the Missionary Society of Connecticut, the first 
of whom Rev. Aaron Kinne, penetrated the wil- 
derness of Western New York as far as the Gene- 
see river in 1794, and preached to the scattered 
settlements in the valley. The first settlers in the 
eastern part of the town were personsof Scotch-Irish 
descent from Pennsylvania, with strong Calvinistic 
sentiments, and warmly attached to the Presbyte- 
rian form of government. Among these princi- 
pally, though its members were drawn from the 
entire town, was organized in the fall of 1795, by 
Rev. Samuel* Thatcher, a missionary in the em- 
ployment of the General Assembly of the Presby- 
terian church, The First Presbyterian Church in 
Geneseo, which was, with the exception of the one 
organized by the same agency the same year at 
Charlestown, (Lima,) the first in this county. The 
organization was effected at the house of John 
Kwait, who, in conjunction with Daniel Kelly and 
James Haynes, all from the same neighborhood in 
Pennsylvania, were the first elders. 

The Church first met in private houses, at Mr. 
F. wart's, at a house near Bosley's mills, and at what 
was afterwards known as the Field's Farm, on the 
lower road to Dansville. " To these widely sep- 
arated places would those settlers walk, men, 
women and children, through the woods and along 
Indian trails, for the privilege of meeting their 
neighbors in the worship of God."f After the 
"town house" was erected — in 1797 — they wor- 
shipped occasionally in it. 

The Church, says Hotchkin, " was for a number 
of years in a low state, and for most of the time 
destitute of the preaching of the gospel and living 
in the neglect of stated public worship ; but it af- 
terwards revived, and its circumstances were more 
prosperous."}: Its first pastor, Rev. John Lindsley, 
was installed by the Presbytery of Geneva, Jan. 29, 
1806. Soon after its organization other settlers, 
who were Congregationalists, mostly from New 
England, came in, and though they worshipped 
with the Presbyterians for a few years, they could 
not harmonize, and a separation took place in 1810. 
The Presbyterians then removed their place of wor- 
ship to the east part of the town, meeting in the 
school-house in winter, and frequently in summer 

•Ivtv. John Mitchell in A Centennial Discourse, containing the His- 
tory ofthe In. 1 Presbyterian church ot Geneseo during its (irsteighty- 
one years, and Rev> I leo. ' I l olsom, in a Historical Discount on the 
fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the 2d Presbyterian church of 
Geneseo, make this name Samuel Thatcher; while Hotchkin and othei 
authorities consulted give the name Daniel Thatcher. 

t Histot ■ u 'Discourse, bj Rei G P. Folsom, ' ;. 

t ffotchiin's HistoryoJ Western New York, io-jo. 



in Benjamin Winn's barn. In 1843, their first 
house of worship was erected, and the old building 
is still standing opposite its former site, though 
converted to other uses. In 1855, the present 
church edifice was undertaken, and for convenience 
of access, was located just over the town line, in 
the village of Lakeville. During the first thirty 
years the progress of the Church was slow, for in 
1825 the number of communicants on the roll was 
only 32 ; in 1836 the number had increased to 155, 
anil in 1846, to 180. In 1864 the number was 140. 
Since that time the number has somewhat de- 
creased through deaths and removals, yet there 
have been some members added to the church 
every year.* The Church still retains its original 
name, notwithstanding its removal to the town of 
Livonia. 

The Presbyterian Church of Geneseo Village was 
organized May 5, 1810, by Rev. Daniel Oliver, a 
missionary from Massachusetts, and was composed 
of twenty-one persons, who being Congregation- 
alists, severed their connection with the First 
Presbyterian Church in Geneseo, because they 
could not affiliate with them, viz : — Elizabeth Reed, 
Mary Rew, David Skinner, Jerusha Skinner, David 
Kneeland, Mercy Kneeland, Cephas Beach, Dolly 
R. Beach, Delight Finley, Samuel Finley, Louise 
Chappell, Abigail Case, Alice Skinner, Betsey 
Finley, Candice Beach, Sylvia Kneeland, Annis 
Alvord, Russell Lord, Nabby G. Kneeland and 
Sibyl Lawrence. David Skinner was chosen Mod- 
erator; Samuel Finley, Clerk ; and David Skinner 
and Cephas Beach, deacons. 

Without any settled pastor they enjoyed, for 
several years, the services of transient ministers 
and missionaries, among whom were Messrs. Daniel 
Oliver, John Lindsley, Aaron C. Collins, Robert 
Hubbard, Wheelock, Pratt, Millis and Butrick ; 
and in the absence of these listened to sermons 
read by Deacon Beach. In 1814, they adopted 
the Presbyterian confession of faith and united with 
the Geneva Presbytery. 

The town house, which had been moved to 
"Temple Hill," came under the control of the 
church, and was arranged with pews and a gallery, 
the former of which were taxed for the support of 
the church. In 181 1, a novel method of providing 
for the support of the gospel was inaugurated. It 
consisted of a fund — denominated the "sheep- 
fund" — to which a certain number of sheep were 
contributed, the increase and wool of which were 

* A Centennial Discourse, by Rev. John Mitchell, 1876. For a more 
extended account of this Church, see History ot Livonia. 



4*g m 




^ 4?rftr7Vcvrc(- 



Rev. Ferdinand DeWilton Ward, D. I)., son of 
Levi (M. D.) and Mehetabel (Hand) Ward, was 
born in Bergen, Genesee county, N. Y., July 9, 
1812. His parents moved from Killingworth, 
Conn., in 1807, to the "Genesee country," where 
his father held many public positions of honor and 
responsibility, being for sixty years agent of the 
State of Connecticut in the sale of their extensive 
land tract in Western New York. The family 
removed to Rochester in 1 Si 7. 

Rev. Dr. Ward was graduated from Union Col- 
ege, New York, (Dr. Nott, President,) and the 
Theological Seminary at Princetown, N. Y. He 
spent ten years in India, as a foreign missionary, 
accompanied by his wife, (Miss Jane Shaw, of 
New York city). He was also pastor of the Pres- 
byterian church in Geneseo for twenty years ; 
Chaplain in the 104th New York Volunteers dur- 
ing the late war; and District Secretary of the 
American Bible Society for three years. He was 
an extensive tourist through Great Britain, the Con- 
tinent. Naples, and many other places, and was the 
author of many volumes in English and Hindu 



languages. Among these are "India and the 
Hindus," (re-issued in London and Edinburgh) ; 
" Christian Gift ;" " Ecclesiastical History of Roch- 
ester ;" " Summer Vacation and Abroad ;" and 
" Expositions of the Parables," (in Tamil). 

Dr. Ward's public life commenced at twenty 
years of age, and has been long, laborious, and 
eventful. Of his three children, Sarah resides in 
Philadelphia, Pa., wife of John Brinton, M. D. ; 
William S., is Superintendent of extensive gold 
and silver mines in Colorado; and Ferdinand 
makes his home in Brooklyn, having an office of 
large business in mines, stocks, etc., in Broadway, 
New York city. A son and daughter were buried 
in India. Connected with Dr. Ward's family are 
Hon. L. A. Ward, ex- Mayor of Rochester; the late 
Hon. Moses Chapin, Judge of Monroe count)-; the 
late Hon. Samuel L. Selden, Judge of the Court 
of Appeals; Hon. Freeman Clarke, Member of Con- 
gress and Comptroller of the Currency; Hon. Ed. 
Smith, ex- Mayor of Rochester and American Con- 
sul at Baden, Switzerland : and H. A. Ward, Pro- 
fessor in Rochester University. 



GENESEO VILLAGE — CHURCHES. 



401 



to be applied to that object. The flock began 
with 48 sheep, to which the Wadsworths donated 
20, W. H. Spencer, 3, Mr. Kneeland, 3, and oth- 
ers 2 and 1 each. In 181 7 it had increased to 324 
sheep and lambs. In 1820 the proceeds of the 
sheep as sold began to be invested in landed security, 
and in 1826 amounted to about $300, which was 
finally used in building the session-room first occu- 
pied by the Church. 

Sept. 11, 1815, the Society connected with this 
church was incorporated as the Geneseo Gospel 
Society, and Joseph W. Lawrence, Samuel Finley, 
Isaac Smith, Wm, H. Spencer, Samuel Loomis 
and Timothy P. Kneeland were elected trustees. 
In 1816, the subject of erecting a meeting house 
was agitated. The foundation was laid early in the 
spring of 1817, and the house raised in June, 
181 7, but was not finished till some time after. It 
was dedicated Jan. 1, 1S18, the sermon being 
preached by Rev. Mr. Axtell, of Geneva. The 
site was given by William and James Wadsworth. 

Sept. 3, 1 834, the Church, which during the pastor- 
ate of Dr. Bull had followed the Congregational form 
of government, formally adopted the Presbyterian 
form of government, and elected the following 
Board of Elders : — Charles Colt, Cyrus Wells, Jr., 
Jacob B. Hall, Samuel A. Hubbard, Chauncey 
Parsons, Levi Goddard, Truman Hastings, Wm. 
H. Stanley and Owen P. Olmsted. 

Oct. 21, 1858, during the pastorate of Rev. Dr. 
Ward, a division occurred on the question of 
"old" and "new school," and a large membership 
separated from this church to form the Central 
Presbyterian Church of Geneseo, (O. S.) The 
last report made to the Presbytery before the 
division showed a membership of 234; after the 
division it had on its roll 130 resident members. 
April 1, 1880, after a separate existence of nearly 
twenty-two years, the Churches reunited, and as- 
sumed the name of The Presbyterian Church of 
Geneseo Village. The united membership is 
about 450. 

Immediately after the reunion a subscription 
was commenced to raise funds to build an addition 
to the house of the Central Church, the latter of 
which was to form the Sabbath School room and 
church parlors of the enlarged building. Work 
was commenced on the new structure in Septem- 
ber, 18S0. It was to be built from plans furnished 
by the New York architect, Mr. Valk. 

In addition to the two churches, a session room 
and parsonage connected with the house of the 
Second Church, and two first-class organs, the Socie- 



ty also own a farm of 1 00 acres in the central part of 
the town, which was deeded to them as a gift by 
William and James Wadsworth, April 13, 1816. 

The Sabbath School was organized about 1820. 
Jacob B. Hall, Orlando Hastings, Mr. Fairchild, 
Miss Harriet Wadsworth and Miss Mary Law- 
rence were the first teachers. The present Super- 
intendent of the school is Col. John R. Strang. 
Mr. Wm. A. Brodie is Assistant Superintendent. 
The attendance at school is about 270. 

The following have been the successive pastors 
and stated supplies of the church : — 

Pastors — Rev. Abraham Foreman, installed July 
12, 1817, dismissed Nov. 17, 1819, and died at 
Geneseo, August 20, 1850. Rev. Norris Bull, D. 
D., installed June 19, 1822, dismissed July 3,1832, 
and died at Lewiston, Dec. 8, 1847. Rev. John 
C. Lord, D. D., installed July 31, 1834, dismissed 
Oct. 28, 1835. Rev. John N. Lewis, D. D., in- 
stalled Oct. 3, 1838, dismissed April 5, 1S41, died 
at New York, Oct. 5, 1861. Rev. Benjamin B. 
Stockton, installed Nov. 8, 1843, dismissed Sept. 
25, 1848, died at Williamsburg, June 10, 1861. 
Rev. F. DeW. Ward, D. D., installed Sept. 25, 
1850, dismissed June 22, 1857, but continued to 
supply the pulpit until Oct. 31, 1858, now residing 
in Geneseo. Rev. George P. Folsom, installed 
Feb. 2, 1859, dismissed October, 1868. Rev. 
Isaac N. Sprague, D. D., installed in February, 
1869, dismissed in April, 1877. Rev. Josiah E. 
Kittridge, the present pastor, who was installed 
April 18, 1877. 

Stated Supplies — Rev. T. Spencer, in 1836; 
Rev. Elam H. Walker, in 1836 ; Rev. Mr. Snyder, 
in 1S37-8; Rev. Charles Morgan, in 1842-3. 

The Central Presbyterian Church of Geneseo, 
as we have seen, was formed by the division of the 
Second Church, and was organized by a commis- 
sion from the Genesee River Presbytery at Gen- 
eseo, Oct. 21, 1858. Rev. F. DeW. Ward, D.D., 
who severed his connection as pastor with the 
Second Church, Oct. 31, 1858,* was called to the 
pastorate of this Church Nov. 7, 1858, and sus- 
tained that relation ten years. A large and com- 
modious house was at once erected on the corner 
of Second and Center streets, and was dedicated 
Jan. 3d, i860. Succeeding the cessation of Dr. 
Ward's labors, Rev. Henry Neil, D. D., supplied 
the pulpit for about three years. Rev. C. R. 
Durfee then assumed the pastorate and continued 
his labors till the reunion took place. 

* His resignation was tendered Sept. 1 1, 1S5S, and its withdrawal 
urged, but refused. 



402 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Si. Michael's Church, Geneseo, (Episcopal) 
was organized at the residence of Ebenezer Belden, 
in Geneseo, May 17, 1823. Col. Wm. Fitzhugh 
presided at the meeting, and he and David War- 
ner were chosen Wardens, and Samuel W. Spen- 
cer, C. H. Bryan, Eli Hill, David Shepard, Daniel 
H. Fitzhugh, David A. Miller, Chauncey Morse 
and Marinus Willet, Vestrymen. 

The congregation worshipped in the Court-house 
until their church was erected in 1828. It was 
consecrated on Thursday, Jan. 28, 1829, by Rt. 
Rev. Bishop Hobart, who on that occasion also 
confirmed fourteen persons. 

The services were conducted by Rev. Richard 
Salmon, who was chosen rector in December, 
1824, and resigned in May, 1827. The parish 
was vacant till Sept. 8, 1827, when Rev. L. P. 
Bayard was chosen rector. He continued his 
labors till June 29, 1830, when he resigned. 
A vacancy existed till March 10, 183 1, when Rev. 
Robert B. Croes was chosen rector. He entered 
upon his duties on Sunday, May 1, 1831, and 
resigned the rectorship July 12, 1833. He also 
extended his labors to Moscow, Dansville, Avon, 
anil Mt. Morris, discontinuing his visits to Dans- 
ville when Rev. George Bridgman took charge of 
that parish, in October, 1831, and resuming them 
after Mr. Bridgman left, in the spring of 1832. 
On Wednesday, April 17, 1833, St. John's Church, 
at Mt. Morris, was organized, its constituent mem- 
bers comprising several of the communicants of 
tins Church. 

During Mr. Croes' ministry a difficulty existed 
between him and the vestry which became more 
aggravated, until finally the services were neces- 
sarily suspended and the church locked up. 
Bishop Onderdonk instituted a trial of Mr. Croes 
at the presentment of the vestry some time in the 
early part of 1853, and though he was found 
guilty of imprudence, nothing affecting his moral 
or religious character was elicited. This had a 
lamentable effect upon the parish, which was 
broken up as to any practical existence and much 
divided and distracted. A vacancy now followed 
till March, 1S34, when Rev. W. P. Page was chosen 
rector. He resigned in April, 1838. In Decem- 
ber, 1838, Rev. Lloyd Windsor succeeded to the 
rectorship, and resigned in January, 1842. 

In the fall of 1841, the church edifice and 
grounds were thoroughly and handsomely repaired 
and put in order at considerable expense, under 
the direction of Allen Ayrault and H. P. North, a 
committee of the vestry for that purpose. 



After the departure of Mr. Windsor there oc- 
curred a vacancy of some months, until August, 
1842, when Rev. Edward Ingersoll took charge of 
the parish. He resigned in March, 1844. His 
successor was Rev. Henry B. Barlow, who assumed 
the rectorship in September, 1844, but shortly re- 
linquished it on account of ill health. Rev. Wm. 
J. Bakewell was rector from November, 1845, to 
September, 1849. To him succeeded Rev. Thos. 
Mallaby, who resigned in November, 1852. After 
an interval of seven months Rev. John W. Birch- 
more, of Massachusetts, became the rector, con- 
tinuing his services till April, 1859. 

Mr. Birchmore was succeeded in the rectorship 
by Rev. Rollo O. Page, who resigned in Septem- 
ber, 1862. Rev. Wm. Norman Irish was called to 
the charge of the parish July 1, 1863, and resigned 
it Jan. 1, 1868. 

During Mr. Irish's rectorship the present church 
edifice was erected in 1866, on the site of the old 
one, in which the last services were held Sunday, 
Dec. 31, 1865. The corner stone was laid in 
August, 1866, by the Rt. Rev. A. Cleveland Coxe, 
1). D., Bishop of the Diocese, and the church was 
consecrated by the same prelate Sept. 7, 1867. 
This beautiful brick structure, with the iron fence, 
which has since been taken down, cost over 
$33,000, $25,000 or more, being the generous gift 
of the Wadsworth family. 

Rev. George S. Teller succeeded to the pas- 
torate in May, 1868, and left the parish April 10, 
1 87 1, in December of which year, Rev. Charles 
DeL. Allen took charge. He resigned in the 
spring of 1875. Rev. W. A. Coale, the present 
pastor, entered upon his labors as such July 25, 
1875, coming from the diocese of Maryland. 

The number of communicants in September, 
1880, was 176; the number of families, 90; the 
number of individuals, 450. The church is valued 
at $30,000 ; the rectory, at $4,000 ; and the organ 
at $3,000. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Geneseo 
was incorporated February 19, 1825, "at the 
brick academy in the village of Geneseo, * * 
where the M. E. Church statedly attend divine 
worship," and adopted the name of The First 
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the 
town of Geneseo. Stephen Hoyt, Henry P. North 
and other members met for the purpose of elect- 
ing trustees. Stephen Hoyt and Medad Curtis 
were chosen to preside ; and Medad Curtis, Stephen 
Hoyt and Henry P. North, " being discreet per- 



GENESEO VILLAGE — CHURCHES, SOCIETIES. 



4°3 



sons of said congregation," were elected to serve 
as trustees. 

When the church was organized is not known, 
as no record of the fact has been preserved. But 
very early Geneseo was a preaching station of 
the Genesee Conference, formed in 18 10. In 
1807, Father Hudson came here to reside. 

The Church continued to worship in the " brick 
academy" until 1826, when their house of worship, 
a small brick structure, was erected. A new 
church seems to have been built in 1851, in which 
year and in 1852, Rev. Robert Hogaboom was the 
preacher in charge, for in the minutes of the trus- 
tees' meetings it is recorded that the annual meet- 
ing of 1852 was held " at the session-house of the 
new Methodist church," Feb. 13th of that year, 
and adjourned to the house of the pastor. Pre- 
viously the meetings were held in the "brick chapel." 
At the annual meeting of the trustees in February, 
1867, the "St. James (M. E.) Church of Geneseo," 
is first mentioned. 

The records are very meager, and do not admit 
of a connected history of the Church. It is doubt- 
ful if there are any records other than those kept 
by the trustees. 

The present pastor, O. S. Chamberlayne, com- 
menced his labors with this church in the fall of 
1878. The number of members in October, 1879, 
was 185 ; the attendance at Sabbath-school — offi- 
cers and teachers 24, scholars 180 — 204. The 
value of the church was $7,500, and parsonage 
$4,500. The benevolent contributions for theyear 
were $219.65. M. L. Perkins is Superintendent 
of the Sunday-school. 

St. Mary's Church of Geneseo, (Catholic.) was 
organized in 1854, in which year also that church 
edifice was built. It is a wooden structure, uncome- 
ly in appearance, and was built through the exer- 
tions of Rev. Father Michael McGuire, who 
preached here some three years previous to and 
during the building of the church. Regular monthly 
services were held for several years previously in 
Concert Hall and the Court House, by non-resident 
priests. Various priests have officiated here, but 
none have resided here. The present pastor is 
Rev. John J. Donnelly, who also officiates at Mt. 
Morris and Nunda, at the former of which places 
he resides. The membership at first was very 
small, but has increased until now the congrega- 
tion exceeds five hundred. Several years ago the 
Church purchased of the heirs of James Wads- 
worth two acres of land for a cemetery, paying 
therefor $300. The ground on which the church 



stands was donated for the purpose by James 
Wadsworth. 

The First Baptist Church of Geneseo, was or- 
ganized Dec. 31, 1872, at a meeting held in the ves- 
try room of the Methodist church in the village of 
Geneseo. Rev. Walter Holt was chosen chairman 
and H. G. Baker, clerk. Rev. Reuben A. Water- 
bury, a Professor in the Geneseo Normal School, 
visited those in the vicinity who held to Baptist 
doctrines, and awakened a desire among them for 
the formation of such a church. At the meeting 
in question, Prof. Waterbury read the New Hamp- 
shire Confession of Faith, to which the following 
persons subscribed and became the constituent 
members of the Church : — R. A. Waterbury, H. G. 
Baker, Alanson Ranger, (died March 23, 1878,) 
N. A. Gearhait, Asahel Norton, (now dead,) Niles 
L. Norton, Levi Jones, Horace Kelsey, Daniel 
Young, Fanny Ranger, Mary VanMiddlesworth, 
Mary E. Norton, Philena Young, Mary Young, 
Phebe Dean, Clara L. Curtiss, (died March 27, 
1873,) Eunice L. Jones, Amy H. Baker, Rhodilla 
Kelsey, Sylvia J. Berry and F. A. Waterbury. 

From its organization until Dec. 1, 1875, the 
church enjoyed the ministrations of Prof. Water- 
bury, who still performed his professional duties in 
the Normal School. He was succeeded at the lat- 
ter date by Rev. J. J. White, who continued his 
labors until April, 1877. He was succeeded by 
Rev. S. W. Culver, who commenced his labors the 
same month and year and still continues them. 

The Church first worshipped for a few weeks in 
Concert Hall. Rorback's Hall was soon after 
secured for that purpose, and the Church has since 
worshipped there, having now the exclusive con- 
trol of it by rental. 

February 2, 1878, the Church and Society per- 
fected a legal organization by the election of N. 
A. Gearhart, G. I. Dean and H. G. Baker, trustees. 
The Sabbath-school was organized April 6, 1873, 
N. A. Gearhart was chosen Superintendent, a posi- 
tion he has since held ; Rev. R. A. Waterbury, 
Assistant Superintendent ; and Miss Vira Skiff, 
Secretary and Treasurer. The attendance at Sab- 
bath-school is 9 teachers and 96 scholars. 

Societies. — Geneseo Lodge No. 214, F. &--A.M., 
was warranted March 14, 1851. The constituent 
members were: — Edward R. Hammatt, Master; 
Jacob B. Hall, S. W. ; Walter Smith, J. W. ; James 
W. Wood, Jr., Henry Chamberlin, Elijah H. Per- 
kins, Daniel H. Bissell and David Wattles. The 
present officers are: — Wm. A. Brodie, M. ; Samuel 
Cully, S. W. ; E. Fish, J. W. ; George Mercer, 



404 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COl'NTV. 



Treasurer; A. R. Scott, Secretary; Josiah Curtis, 
S. D. ; A. L. Tournor, J. I). ; Josiah Warren and 
Alvin Hurlburt, M. of C. ; Samuel H. Blyth. Tiler. 
The present number of members is 6S. The 1 ,odge 
meets the ist, 3d and 5th Thursdays of each month 
in Masonic Hall, in the Rorback Block. 

A lodge of masons existed here many years pre- 
viously, but little is now known concerning it. It 
was known as Comet Lodge of Geneseo, and went 
down during the anti-masonic times. 

Geneseo Lodge No. 138, A. O. U. W., was or- 
ganized March 13, 187S. The first officers were : — 
Allison R. Scott, P. M. W. ; Frank N. Burt, M. W., 
Walter T.Howard, G. F. ; Samuel H. Blyth, Over- 
seer; Clayton B. Potter, Recorder; Flisha B. 
Rebban, Financier; Henry L. Arnold, Receiver; 
C. H. Rnowles, I. W. ; Charles A. Youngs, Guide ; 
(leorge S. Williams, O. W. In September, 1880, 
the lodge numbered ^^. It meets the ist and 3d 
Mondays of each month in Masonic Hall. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN CROSSKTT. 

William Crossett, the father of the subject of 
this sketch, was born in the County Antrim, Ire- 
land, in 1763. The date of his arrival in America 
is not known, but after a short residence in Phila- 
delphia he came to Livingston county, about 
1794, and settled about a mile south of where the 
village of Geneseo is now situated. Here he pur- 
chased four hundred and seventy acres of land and 
carried on farming until he died. His first wife 
was a Miss Rice of Livonia. By her he had ten 
children, all of whom are now dead except Lydia, 
now Mrs. Jasper Parish, living in Branch count}', 
Mich. His second wife was Sally Pond, of the 
town of Geneseo. They were married about 1814, 
and the result of the union was five children, as 
follows : — Harriet, who married Edmund Bosley, 
and is now residing in the town of Mt. Morris ; 
William, who died in 1850 ; John, born Feb. 13, 
181 7, now residing on the old homestead; Eliza, 
living in St. Clair county, Mich., and Julia. The 
latter married John Hamilton, and after his death 
married a Mr. Wright, and is now living in Branch 
county, Mich. Wm. Crossett, the pioneer, at the 
time of his death, which occurred Nov. 29, 1829, 
was the owner of twelve hundred acres of land. 
For many years he kept a store on his farm and 
supplied the Indians and white settlers with neces- 
saries. From the Indians in exchange for goods 
he obtained large quantities of valuable furs, upon 
which he realized large profits. When lie came 
here and commenced his labors in clearing his 



land of the giant growth of timber that covered it. 
there was no communication with Canandaigua 
except by Indian trail, but in a i'^w years the roads 
were much improved, and he used to run a seven 
horse team to Albany, carrying such articles as he 
had taken in payment for his supplies, and bring- 
ing back large loads of goods for his store. He 
was a man of great physical strength and endur- 
ance, and was able to bear the hardships and trials 
incident to an early, and consequently laborious 
life in the dense wilderness. In his intercom se 
with the Indians he was fortunate. He learned to 
speak their language and mingled freely with 
them, thereby securing their friendship. He fre- 
quently accompanied them in their hunting ex- 
cursions in which they would be absent in some 
instances three and four weeks. Mr. Crossett 
kept a distillery, and sometimes they were very 
importunate in their demands for liquor when he 
thought they ought not to have it, and they would 
threaten to take his life, wildly flourishing their 
hunting knives and tomahawks, with a view to 
frightening him into giving them themuch coveted 
fire-water. 

Mr. Crossett was a man of quick apprehensions 
and strong convictions, frank and fearless in their 
expression and energetic in carrying them out. 
He possessed strong common sense, and uncom- 
mon sagacity in business, and was admirably fitted 
by the possession of these qualities to fight the bat- 
tles of a pioneer life. His second wife died about 
1823. After the death of Mr. Crossett, his estate 
was managed by Middleton Crossett, a son by his 
first wife, for about two years. Then it was man- 
aged by John, our subject, and his brother Wil- 
liam, under the supervision of their guardian, James 
Crossett, a brother of their father, until they be- 
came of age, when it was divided, William taking 
one-half and John the other half, which included 
the old homestead where he always resided. 

November 11, 1839, John married Jane, daughter 
of William and Mary (Cole) Leonard, of Sparta. 
She was born Sept. 30, 1817, and died March 19, 
1875. By her he had three children viz : — Selenda 
K. born Oct. 26, 1S42, died Sept. 8, 1876; Lloyd 
W. born Oct. 5, 1845, now living and carrying on 
the drug business in Geneseo; and Emma J., born 
Nov. 30, 185 1, married James Fitzhugh of Ken- 
tucky, and died March 14, 1879. Mr. Crossett 
has carried on farming since he came into posses- 
sion of his share of his father's estate, is still operat- 
ing his farm of 240 acres, and has been highly 
successful. The appearance of his farm and premi- 
ses indicate that the mind that directs and controls 
his affairs is intelligent, and the ability and skill 
brought into action is of a high order. 

Mr. Crossett has never had any desire for public 
affairs but has performed the duties of the office of 
Assessor two terms, an office forced upon him. 
In politics he is a life long Democrat, sustaining in 
a consistent and earnest manner the measures of 
his party. Mr. Crossett has been a member of the 
Presbyterian Church of Geneseo, about eleven 
years. 




■ 




irt/ ' /&/nKL6j/?y^ 




--: / 




/ tP'-o^^ £ 



ABRAHAM McCLINTOCK — DANIEL H. BISSELL, M. D. 



4°5 



ABRAHAM McCLINTOCK. 

Abraham McClintock, one of the pioneers of 
Geneseo, was born in Northumberland county, Pa., 
March 12, 1775, and in 1807 came here and took 
up seventy-four acres in lot in. He was the son 
of Joseph and Margaret (McQueen) McClintock, 
who had six children, five sons and one daughter. 




JOSEPH McCLINTOCK. 

Abraham who was the second child, remained at 
home after the death of his father and assisted in 
the care of his mother and the younger children, 
until he was married, when he came to this county 
and settled as we have already stated. He cleared 
the land he had taken up and lived in a rude log- 
cabin on the same. April 28, 1807, he was mar- 
ried to Mary Clark of his native county, by whom 
he had five sons and one daughter that grew to 
maturity, as follows : Joseph, whose portrait heads 
this sketch, was born in 1808, and is now resid- 
ing in the town of Hamilton, VanBuren county, 
Mich., where he is carrying on farming, having 
settled there about 1845 ; William C, born in 1810 
and died in 1S4S; Robert, born in 181 2 ; Margaret, 
born in 18 16, married Thomas B. Erwin and is 
now living in Paw Paw, Mich.; John, born in 1818, 
and Charles, born in 1823. Robert, John and 
Charles are now living on the old homestead farm, 
operating the same in partnership. Abraham was 
universally esteemed for qualities of a high order. 
He was a good husband, kind father, and an ac- 
commodating neighbor, and in 1820 was elected a 
ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church of 
Geneseo, holding that office many years. His 
childhood of indigence, his early manhood of weari- 
some toil, served as the crucibles wherein sterling 
qualities were refined and tested preparatory for 
the faithful performance of responsible duties in 
later years. Owing to his well known integrity and 
honesty of purpose, coupled with an excellent 
ability, he was called upon many times to settle the 



affairs of deceased persons and in all business and 
social relations he was upright and honorable. He 
was a valuable citizen in the highest sense and con- 
tributed largely to the welfare and social improve- 
ment of his neighborhood. In politics he was at 
first a Democrat and then a Whig. His death oc- 
curred March 16, 1849. His wife who was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Lakeville, sur- 
vived him about one year. Their grandchildren 
are only three in number viz: — Frank, daughter 
of Margaret, Mary Margaret, daughter of William, 
and Tracy son of John. Charles McClintock has 
been assessor of the town of Geneseo, six terms. 



DANIEL H. BISSELL, M. D. 

In attempting to trace the career of Daniel H. 
Bissell, honorable as it is in itself, we are reminded 
at the very outset of the intimate relations it sus- 
tained to the development of an unoccupied re- 
gion of country into a mighty and prosperous com- 
monwealth. It comprehends almost the entire 
period of American constitutional history, he hav- 
ing lived under every Presidential administration. 
His father, a heroic soldier of the Revolution, 
was sent from Connecticut by Gen. Washington 
to the city of New York (when that city was in 
the possession of the British army) as a spy and, 
was rewarded for his valuable services with a badge 
of merit by the Government. After the close of 
the war he was married to Theoda Hurlburd and 
moved to the State of Vermont, where eight chil- 
dren were born to them — six sons and two daugh- 
ters. The sons were all named Daniel. In 1809, 
he removed to Richmond, Ontario county, N. Y., 
where he died in 1823, aged seventy years. 

Daniel H. Bissell was born at Randolph, Vt., 
September 21, 1794, and removed with his parents 
to Ontario county, and when the war of 181 2 broke 
out he enlisted in the service of his country and 
served under Generals Brown, Scott and Porter in 
Captain Claudius Y. Boughton's company of Por- 
ter's Volunteer Dragoons. He was with the army 
in Canada in 18 14, and was in the celebrated bat- 
tle of Lundy's Lane ; in the sortie on Fort Erie in 
August, and in the sortie of the American army 
upon the enemy's works around Fort Erie in Sep- 
tember of that year. 

In the month of April, 1817, Mr. Bissell went 
on foot to Olean, N. Y., from thence in a skiff 
down the Allegany and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati, 
O., a distance of 800 miles, a voyage as hazardous 
as it must have been exciting. After a tour of five 
months in the States of Ohio, Indiana and Ken- 
tucky, he returned to Lima, N. Y. His future in- 
terests now demanding a permanent decision on 
his part as to what should be his occupation in 
life; his predilictions for a profession won the day; 
and acting upon the belief that as a physician his 
field would be one in accordance with his tastes 
and in which he could be of the most service to 
his fellowmen, he adopted the medical profession 



406 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and soon after entered the office of Dr. Justin 
Smith, of Lima, where lie remained two years. 
In 1819-20 he attended the medical lectures of Vale 
College, graduating there with the highest honors. 
In 1820 he located at Moscow where he resided 
and practiced until 1837, when he removed to 
Oeneseo, where he has since resided. The general 
estimation of his probity and wisdom is abundantly 
proved by the number of offices of trust and re- 
sponsibility bestowed upon him, both by election 
:iinl appointment. He was elected President of 
the village of Oeneseo, and has held the office of 
Under Sheriff, Justice of the Peace, Supervisor of 
the town of Oeneseo many terms, and Judge of 
the County, U. S. Loan Commissioner, Physician 
of Marine Hospital, Staten Island, and Deputy 
Health Officer of the Port of New York, was U. S. 
Postmaster at Oeneseo under the administrations 
of VanBuren and Tyler. He was the Republican 
candidate for Canal Commissioner on the first ticket 
put in the field by that party in 1856. In 1836, 
lie was Presidential Elector and had the honor, as 
Messenger, of conveying the vote of the State of 
New York, which had been cast for Mr. Tyler, and 
placing it in the hands of the defeated candidate, 
Mr. VanBuren who was then Vice-President. 

In 1857 the Regents of the University of New 
York conferred upon him the honorary degree of 
medicine. 

Greatly interested in the security and preserva- 
tion of the records of the early history of Living- 
ston county, he has been most active and earnest 
in the organization of the Pioneer and Historical 
Societies, and has been President of both these or- 
ganizations. The duties of all these public posi- 
tions have been performed with that honesty of 
purpose that has characterized his whole life. 

Dr. Bissell commencing and continuing the 
practice of his profession in a quiet and secluded 
village, has won by honest hard work and a skill- 
ful and honorable practice a preeminent place in 
his profession. Success and honor thus won are 
not accidents, they come of an abiding purpose, 
and therefore is it that they are more valuable as 
examples for those who are struggling for excel- 
lence, not only in this profession, but in any wor- 
thy business calling. His virtues, his integrity, his 
goodness, his usefulness and example as a citizen 
and a public officer should be emulated by all who 
desire the esteem and the welfare of the people 
among whom they live. The life of Dr. Bissell 
presents a most valuable example in these latter 
days, when the temptation to tread forbidden 
paths and to use. to say the least, doubtful expedi- 
ents in the headlong scramble for riches and honors, 
has left so many human wrecks along the pathway 
of the generation. 

Dr. Bissell was married at Lima, N. Y., in June, 
1823, to Lucy Orosvenor, of Mansfield, Conn. 
She died at Geneseo, N. Y., September 1st, 1868. 
Win, H. Bissell, of Wilmington, III, and Albert G. 
Bissell, of Detroit, Mich., are his sons, and Mrs. 
Helen M. Arnold and Laura E. Olmstead, of Gen 
eseo, are his daughters. 



FREDERICK W. BUTLER. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town 
of Hudson, Columbia county. Jan. 26, 1795. He 
is the son of Ezekiel and I.vdia (Frisbie) Butler. 
The former was born in the town of Brantford, 
New Haven, Conn., about 1761. At the age of 
sixteen he enlisted in the service of his country, 
and served faithfully in the war for Independence 




(FREDERICK. W. BUTLER.) 

five years. Soon after the close of the war he 
settled in Columbia county and followed the car- 
penter's trade and farming, and died there in 1831. 
His wife survived him about twenty five years. 
They had ten children only two of whom are now 
living, Frederick and William. The latter was 
born in 1804 and is now living in the old home- 
stead in Columbia county. Frederick W. lived at 
home working on the farm until he was twenty 
years of age. His early years were filled with the 
many hardships and privations incident to the life 
of a poor farmer's son. What education he gained 
was literally picked up in the district schools of a 
new and not prosperous country. He partially 
learned the carpenter's trade of his father, and on 
leaving home he went to the town of Kinderhool 
and followed that occupation one season. From 
thence he went to Albany in January, 1815, and 
worked at his trade by the day about two years. 
On the last day of March, 1 8 1 7 , he started for the 
then, far west, and arrived in Oeneseo April 10, 
following, having walked the entire distance. On 
determining to remain in Oeneseo, he engaged to 
work for the Wadsworths, the great men of this 
section at that time. He followed his trade until 
1840, having built many of the fine residences that 
now beautify the village of Geneseo. When the 
present Court House was built in Geneseo, he was 
employed by the building committee, consisting of 
Gen. Wm. Wadsworth, Col. Markham and Daniel 



FREDERICK W. BUTLER— EPAPHRODITUS BIGELOW. 



407 



H. Fitzhugh to superintend its construction. In 
1823 Mr. Butler purchased ninety acres of the 
farm on which he now resides, and in 1S24 moved 
into the house he is yet occupying. Since 1840 
his life has been exclusively that of a farmer. 
During the war of 181 2 he was called into the ser- 
vice of the United States, and now draws a pension 
of $8.00 a month. In politics Mr. Butler was an 
old line Whig, but on the formation of the Repub- 
lican party he united with it, and has always given 
an intelligent and faithful support to its policy and 
measures. His townsmen honored him by elect- 
ing him to the office of 
Supervisor two terms. 
In religious sentiment 
Mr. Butler is a Presby- 
terian and has been a 
member of that church 
in Geneseo since 
March, 1833. He was 
made an elder the fol- 
lowing summer, and has 
held that position in the 
church since that time, 
and has been trustee of 
the society since 1831. 
Mr. Butler has been 
an earnest worker in the 
cause of religion, and 
has been liberal of his 
means in support of the 
Gospel and in building 
and repairing their pres- 
ent church edifice. In 
all that tends to the 
good and well-being of 
society he has been an 
able and powerful 
worker. His life has 
been of that character to 
secure the respect and 
confidence of all that 
have the good fortune 



' 







(EPAPHRODITUS BIGELOW.) 



He was a lineal descendant of John Bigelow, 
who emigrated from VVrentham, county of Suffolk, 
England, to New England, and settled at Water- 
town, Mass., where he died July 14, 1703. 

He was the son of Daniel Bigelow by his second 
wife, Sarah F. Ingham, of Saybrook, Conn., he hav- 
ing married for his first wife. Mary Brainard, of 
Westchester, Conn. By each of his wives there 
were born unto him seven children, eight sons and 
six daughters, ten of whom lived to mature years. 
One only of this large family survives, Mrs. Bet- 
sey Bigelow Hempstead, who has attained to the 
ripe age of 97 years, 
and is the oldest person 
now living in the town 
of Geneseo. 

Mr. Bigelow, the sub- 
ject of this sketch was 
the fourth child by the 
second wife. His father 
was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, he, therefore, re- 
ceived his early train- 
ing at home and upon 
the farm in summer, 
and attended the com- 
mon schools of his na- 
tive town in the winter. 
His early advantages 
were limited, but he fully 
improved what he en- 
joyed, and when of age 
he became a common 
school teacher of quite 
large experience, having 
taught eleven winter 
terms in the schools of 
his native State, and in 
Geneseo after his re- 
moval thereto. 

In the month of July, 
1 813, he enlisted as a 
soldier in the war of 



to know him. In 1824, the 12th day of August, 
Mr. Butler was joined in marriage with Eunice, 
daughter of Joseph and Rosanna (Gardiner) Barton, 
of Columbia county, N. Y. She was born Jan. 12, 
1803, and is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Butler 
have been born four children that grew to maturi- 
ty, viz. : — Edward, now living in the town of Gen- 
eseo. Mary, married to Abram Magee, and now 
living in Columbia county, N. Y., and Martha and 
Cornelia, living at home. Mrs. Butler has been a 
member of the Presbyterian church fifty years. 



EPAPHRODITUS BIGELOW. 

Epaphroditus Bigelow was born February 4, 1 786, 
at Marlborough, Hartford county, Conn., and died 
April 7, 1874, at his home in Geneseo, N. Y., 
aged 88 years and two months. 



181 2. He was enrolled as a private in the "First 
Regiment Connecticut State Troops " under Capt. 
Enos H. Buel, his being the first name upon the 
company's roll. He served three months, the 
period for which he enlisted, at New London, Ct., 
and was honorably discharged in the month of 
September following. 

Under the Act of February 14, 187 1, granting 
pensions to the survivors of the war of 181 2, he 
became entitled to a pension, which he received up 
to the time of his decease. 

He was married at Marlborough, Conn., Nov. 7, 
1816, by the Rev. David B. Ripley to Sarah Phelps, 
eldest daughter of Oliver Phelps and Mary Hills. 

In the spring of the year 181 8, he removed with 
his family, consisting of his wife and a son nine 
months old,'to Geneseo, N. Y. This son, Orimel, 
is yet living and a resident of the adjoining town of 
Groveland. 

The journey was undertaken in a canvass cov- 
ered lumber wagon, the style in those days, drawn 



408 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



by a yoke of oxen and one horse in advance, and 
the distance, 330 miles, occupied a period of 
eighteen days. 

He settled upon a farm in the eastern part of 
the town which he had previously bought of David 
Haynes, a native of Pennsylvania, and purchased 
by him of the Messrs. Wadsworth in September, 
1792, when the surrounding country was an un- 
broken wilderness. 

Here he entered zealously upon the work of his 
life, continuing to dwell upon this chosen spot to 
the end of his days, a period of fifty-six years. 
In those days before canal or railroad had pen- 
etrated the Genesee valley the profits of farming 
were not large and markets were not near. Roch- 
ester, distant twenty-five miles, was the principal 
one, and here he sold his crops of wheat at times 
at three shillings per bushel, and other farm 
products in proportion. 

By industry and economy he in time secured a 
competency and raised and educated a large family 
of children. During the active period of his life 
he took a lively interest in public affairs, and was 
often honored by his fellow citizens with places of 
public trust. Among the town offices held by him 
were Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Schools 
and Assessor. In politics he was a Whig up to the 
time of the dissolution of that party, and afterward 
acted with the Republicans. He cast his first vote 
for President in the fall of 1808 for James Mad- 
ison, and in all cast his vote seventeen times for 
the electors of President and Vice President of 
these United States. 

Mr. Bigelow was of Puritan ancestry, and was 
early taught the truth of divine revelations and 
made familiar with that gospel which for so many 
years he adorned by a godly life and conversation. 
On May 22, 1838, under the pastorate of Rev. 
Horace Galpin, he united with the First Presby- 
terian Church of Geneseo, and was elected and 
oid lined as a ruling elder September 2, 1836, in 
which office he continued until his death. 

He was not a great man as some count great- 
ness, but rather might be called one of those 
standard, reliable men to be found in every town, 
who seek to be useful in their day and generation, 
filling his place creditably and honestly and accord- 
ing to an enlightened judgment. 

He was a man of stern integrity and of firm 
convictions. Opinions once formed were tena- 
ciously held. He was benevolent and generously 
contributed of his means for the good of his fellow 
men, and those enterprises organized for the pur- 
pose of advancing and improving the world had 
his support. 

He has acted his part upon the stage and has 
passed away, and the testimony is that his life's 
work was well done. 

His wife united with the church at the same 
time as her husband whom she survived nearly four 
years. She was a worthy helpmeet, exemplary and 
faithful in all the duties relating to her home, to 
the church and to her God. She was born Oct. 
23, 1795, and died March 21, 1878, aged 82 years. 



His children were nine in number, all sons. 
Their names in the order of their ages were Orimel, 
Revilo, Daniel, Harvey, Cyrus Phelps, Alonzo, 
Martin Luther, Merit Harmon, and Edward. Of 
these Cyrus Phelps, Alonzo and Martin Luther 
died in childhood. Merit Harmon a young man 
of more than ordinary promise, died December 10, 
1858, aged 24 years. 

Each one of those who lived to reach their ma- 
jority, received an academic education at Geneseo 
Academy, Geneseo, N. X . 

Orimel married Jane Williams, is a farmer by 
occupation, and resides at Groveland N. Y. They 
have two children, a son and daughter. Revilo 
lives at the village of Geneseo, and has married 
twice. His first wife was Sarah Alice Wilbur by 
whom he had two daughters. For his second wife 
he married Mrs. Nancy S. Haynes, by whom he 
also has two daughters. Daniel dwells upon the 
homestead of his late father, deceased, and married 
Helen A. Whitney, of Avon, N. Y. They have a 
son and daughter. 

Harvey lives at Rush, N. Y., and is a wagon and 
carriage maker. He married Maria VanBuskirk, 
and they have five children, two sons and three 
daughters. 

Edward lives at Austin, Minn., and is a mer- 
chant in the drug and stationery business. He 
served his country for three years in the late Re- 
bellion, and held a captain's commission, and has 
been the Principal of several higher institutions of 
learning in the West. Hemarried Lucy A. Brown, 
by whom he has three children, two sons and a 
daughter. 



HON. CHARLFS COLT. 

The subject of this notice was born January 23, 
1793, in the town of Pittsfield, Berkshire county, 
Mass. He was the youngest son of a large family 
of children. His early life was like that of New Eng- 
land farmer's boys of that period — plenty of work, 
with limited educational advantages. At sixteen he 
was apprenticed to a merchant, to learn the busi- 
ness, where he remained till he reached his majority. 
Meanwhile his father died. 

During the summer of 18 14, he made a trip on 
horseback to the Genesee country — the Far West 
of that day. His object was to find a location 
where he could in that new country, with his little 
patrimony set up business on his own account. 
Spending some time near Rochester where an 
older brother had settled, he pushed on as far as 
Buffalo. On his return he diverged somewhat from 
the main traveled route to look over a tract of land 
on the west side of the Genesee river, in the present 
town of York, inherited from the paternal estate 
by still another brother. Captivated by the beauty 
and promise of the Genesee Valley, the prospector 
determined to settle in this locality. This deter 
initiation he carried into effect the spring of the 
following year, 1815. In copartnership with his 



CHARLES COLT— CAPTAIN HORATIO JONES. 



409 



brother he commenced business as a merchant in 
Geneseo — under the firm name of Solomon and 
Charles Colt. This partnership was terminated 
by the death of the senior member in 1823. 
Charles continued the business till about 1830. 

Mercantile business of that day was principally 
barter, and in that way Mr. Colt naturally became 
a produce dealer, and eventually devoted all his 
time and energies to that business. For many 
years he was the principal buyer of farmers' pro- 
duce in all this region. In that connection he 
was interested in a line of flat-boats navigating 
the Genesee river be- 
tween Rochester and 
Geneseo. 

The opening of the 
Genesee Valley Canal 
in 1841 put an end to 
that primitive mode of 
water transit. 

The early education 
and natural taste of 
Mr. Colt attracted him 
to agricultural pursuits, 
and from 1830 to 1837 
he was interested with 
Campbell Harris in 
grazing the tract of 
land known as the 
" Brinton Flats " on 
the west side of the 
ri\ er ; the property now 
owned by Charles F. 
Wadsworth. 

With the late Gurdon 
Nowlen, Mr. Colt in- 
troduced into this 
county and manufac- 
tured what was then 
regarded a great im- 
provement — the fam- 
ous iron mold-board 
wood plow. It was a 



" Senator," having been elected to fill a vacancy in 
1848 and for a full term in 1849. 

He was an active member of the County War 
Committee during the late Rebellion — giving to it 
his full quota of energy and ripe judgment. 

In his religious life Mr. Colt was no less active 
and conspicuous. For more than forty years he 
was identified actively with the Presbyterian church 
of Geneseo — during all that time being both trus- 
tee and elder. 

He left behind him a name honored for integrity 
and business enterprise. Two children, a daughter 

and son survive him. 




(HON. CHARLES COLT.) 



rude instrument compared with implements of the 
present time of the same character; but fifty 
years have wrought a great change. 

It will thus be seen that the pioneer of 1815 was 
an energetic, pushing, active business man, of ro- 
bust frame. He continued to be a leader in his 
line till about the year 1853, when he retired and 
devoted the remainder of his life to the care and 
management of a farm located near the village of 
Geneseo, where he continued to reside till his de- 
cease which occurred July 27, 1866. 

It would almost necessarily follow that such a 
man as we have briefly outlined would take a large 
interest in the public affairs and politics of his lo- 
cality. Mr. Colt was no office-seeker, but it is 
safe to say that he had much to do in the adminis- 
tration of public affairs in his county for many 
years. 

As Anti-Mason and Whig, and afterwards Re- 
publican he was universally regarded as a " leader." 
The only State office he ever held was that of 



CAPTAIN 

HORATIO JONES. 

Among the distin- 
guished patriots and 
adventurous pioneers 
who have left an im- 
press upon Western 
New York, none were 
more noble and con- 
spicuous than Horatio 
Jones. Born in Ches- 
ter county, Penn., on 
the 7th of February, 
1763, at an early age 
he removed with his 
family to Bedford 
county in the same 
State, and being fond 
of field sports, became 
an adept in the use of 
the rifle before he was 
fourteen. At the age 
of sixteen he entered 
the military service of 
his country as a mem- 
ber of the " Bedford Rangers," a rifle company 
which embraced thirty-two young men, the flower 
and chivalry of Bedford county. This com- 
pany had gained great renown for their valuable 
services in repelling the incursions of the hostile 
Iroquois, who "hung like the scythe of death 
upon the frontier settlements, inscribing their 
deeds with the tomahawk and scalping knife in 
characters of blood." In the early spring of 1779 
the command was most unfortunately drawn into 
an ambush by a large party of Seneca Indians — 
and fully a third of the Rangers were killed at the 
first fire — about a third escaped and the balance 
were made prisoners. Young Jones would have 
got away, as he was a very fleet runner, but one 
of the strings of his moccasins became loosened 
and wound around a staddle in the underbrush, 
which caused him to fall, and as his rifle had been 
discharged he had no means of defense, and witli 
several of his comrades was taken and securely 
bound by the savages. 



4io 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



After scalping those who had been killed, the 
band and their captives were hurried away through 
the wilderness to the Indian country. They suf- 
fered great hardship in the march from fatigue and 
starvation, but finally reached the village at Nunda, 
in this county. From there they were taken to 
Caneadea, and forced to " run the gauntlet,"— a 
ceremony common to captives previous to their 
being slain or adopted into families, to supply the 
places of those who had died or been killed in 
battle. The prisoners were required to run forty 
or fifty rods from the starting place to the Council 
House. The old men, boys and squaws of the 
tribe being armed with tomahawks, knives, hatch- 
ets, clubs and sticks, were allowed to strike the 
captives before they reached the goal. This 
ordeal was for the amusement of the tribe, but the 
warriors scorned to engage in the pastime. Jones 
was the first to run and he safely dodged or jumped 
over those in his way and reached the goal without 
a sctatch, his fearlessness and activity being equal 
to the occasion. His companions were less for- 
tunate, and one was killed outright, and according 
to the Indian usage his head was severed and 
placed upon the war-post. Subsequent to this, 
Jones was adopted into a family and given an 
Indian name. On two occasions he attempted to 
escape, but with nearly two hundred miles of a 
trackless wilderness in his front, without compass 
or trail, the effort proved impracticable. He 
finally accepted the situation — learned the Indian 
language — entered heartily into their sports, and 
soon became a great favorite, as he could out-run 
and out-jump their most athletic young men. 
During the continuance of the war he was of 
invaluable aid in saving the lives of other prisoners 
as was notable in the case of Major Moses 
Van Campen, who on one occasion had 
when a prisoner, killed several Indians who were 
guarding him and made good his escape. He 
was subsequently taken again and brought to 
the Indian country, but by the sagacity and 
address of Jones, was delivered to the British for 
exchange before the Indians learned who he was. 
In September, 1779, when Gen. Sullivan made his 
famous campaign against the Senecas to destroy 
their crops and burn their villages, Jones, with 
the whole tribe, except the warriors, was kept at a 
secure distance. 

At the close of the war he was appointed by 
Gen. Washington, Agent and Interpreter for the 
Six Nations — an office he held through successive 
administrations for a period of over forty years. 
He rendered the language with singular accuracy. 
His style was terse and graphic, and his manner 
pleasing and impressive. It is said that the great 
orator, Red Jacket, would not allow any one but 
Jones to interpret his speeches. His services as 
interpreter at the celebrated treaty at Big Tree, 
(now Geneseo,) in 1797, were of the greatest pos- 
sible advantage to the Council. 

As early as 1785 Capt. Jones married a lady of 
Schenectady, and established a trading post at 
Schanyes, (now Waterloo,) in the county of 



Seneca, and the next year he was connected with 
John Jacob Astor, in the fur trade at Geneva. 
Here his eldest son was born — the first white child 
born west of Utica. This son, Col. Win. W. 
Jones, died at his residence in the town of Leices- 
ter, in this county in 1870, at the advanced age of 
eighty-four. 

In 1789 Capt. Jones returned to the (lenesee 
Valley and settled on the border of the river in 
Geneseo, being the first white settler in the now 
county of Livingston. He was twice married, 
and some of his descendants, and others con- 
nected with his family, are still among the most 
prominent and honored residents of Western New 
York. As has been most justly said by Rev. Dr. 
Gridley, in his eloquent eulogy before the Seneca 
County Historical Society, from which valuable 
contribution to our early history we are indebted 
for many facts and dates : " Few men have 
passed a more charmed and eventful life than 
Capt. Horatio Jones — made a prisoner by a savage 
tribe of hostile Indians while in his country's ser- 
vice — exposed to the caprices of his captors — now 
dodging the uplifted war club, and the deadly aim 
of the rirle and tomahawk — now sick with pes- 
tilence — rising from the condition of the captive 
to that of a son by adoption into the family and 
a favorite of the tribe — honored by the authorities 
of his country — he passed the span of more than 
an ordinary life-time in benefitting a disappointed 
and waning race ; and by his enterprise, intelli- . 
gence and public spirit, founding a social state of 
his own people, which in culture, tone, and lofti- 
ness of aim, has proved worthy of the ph] 
beauty and wealth of the 'Garden of New York.' " 

Capt. Jones died at his residence, known as 
Sweet Brier, on the banks of the Genesee river, 
in the town of Geneseo, in August, 1836, at the 
age of seventy-three years and six months,— " full 
of years and full of honors." 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 
History of the Town of York. 

THF town of York lies on the northwestern 
border of the county of Livingston. It has 
an area of 29,689 acres, and ranks among the 
largest towns in the county. It is bounded on the 
north by Caledonia and a portion of Pavillion, 
(Genesee county,) on the south by Leicester, on 
the east by Avon and Geneseo, and on the west by 
Pavillion and Covington, (Genesee and Wyoming 
counties.) 

The Genesee river forms the boundary line 
between York and Geneseo and Avon. 

The surface of the town is gently undulating, 
with a general inclination to the east. The soil in 
the southern and central portion of the town is of 



YORK — EARLY SETTLERS. 



411 



a clay loam ; in the northern portion, a sandy and 
gravelly loam. 

The only streams of any importance are Brown 
and Calder creeks which flow eastward through the 
central and northern part and empty into the Gen- 
see river. 

The town contains five villages, York Centre, 
Fowierville, Piffard, and North and South Greigs- 
ville, the two former being the largest and most im- 
portant places. 

York was formed from Caledonia and Leicester 
March 26, 1 819. A part of Covington was an- 
nexed in 1823. Thenameof the town was derived 
from Hon. Joseph York, Member of Assembly 
from St. Lawrence county, who. as chairman of the 
committee, had favorably reported the bill for the 
formation of the town. 

At the time of the first settlement here the ter- 
ritory now known as York was embraced in the 
town of Caledonia, and the settlers, chiefly from 
Scotland, located first at " Big Springs," now the 
village of Caledonia, in 1799 and 1800, and from 
thence branched out into the section of wilder- 
ness then called " South Woods," and now known 
as the town of York. 

Among the hardy Scotch pioneers who thus 
came here about the year 1804, were John and Al- 
exander Fraser, John McCall, Archibald Gillis ; 
Donald McDonald, James Calder,* and William 
Mackenzie in 1806, Capt. Angus McBean, in the 
fall of 1804, Alexander Stewart about 1805, and 
William Dorris, in 1807, from Avon, where he had 
resided several years. He settled on land after- 
ward owned by Wells Fowler. These families 
were mostly from Inverness and Argylesbires, 
Scotland. 

Among those who constituted the pioneers of 
this region was Donald D. McKenzie who set- 
tled in York in 1804. Mr. McKenzie was for over 
fifty years a prominent farmer of the town, and one 
who devoted much attention to the earliest history 
of this and the surrounding towns. He was born 
in Inverness, Scotland, January 8, 1792, anddiedin 
York, Jan. 6, 1854, aged 63. His descendants in 
York are two sons and two daughters — Donald, 
William, and Margaret McKenzie, and Mrs. Mary 
F. Clunas. 

From his graphic and interesting writings con- 
cerning the early settlement of the Genesee coun- 
try, it is learned that there started for America 
from Inverness, about the middle of July 1803, the 
following named people: — 

• Died in 1816. 



Donald McKenzie and family of five children, 
three sons and two daughters, William, Donald, 
John, Margaret and Helen ; Simon Fraser and his 
son Donald and daughter Mary ; John Clunas and 
his young wife, Flora, also daughter to Simon 
Fraser ; John McKenzie* and his two sons, Don- 
ald and Alexander, John Fraser and three sons, 
Donald and John and (Capt.) Simon Fraser; John 
McDonald and William Fraser. 

" We were," says Mr. McKenzie's narrative, 
'■' one week on the road between the cities of In- 
verness and Glasgow, where we stayed one week, 
and five weeks in Greenock, waiting for an Ameri- 
can ship, then in port, to get ready. There were 
but few vessels then trading between that country 
and this. The British government was claiming 
and exercising the right to search all vessels, which 
was indignantly remonstrated against by the Ameri- 
can government, and which ended in the war of 
181 2. The ship in which we sailed was the Trap- 
per, of New York, William Taylor, captain. On 
the morning of September 8th, 1803, she spread 
forth her wings to the breezes that wafted us on 
our journey to our destined home. The passage 
rates were very dear, ten guineas each, even for a 
child not more than four months old. Donald 
McKenzie paid about $400 for himself and family. 

"The sickness of my mother during most of the 
voyage made our condition more uncomfortable 
than it otherwise would have been, but whatever 
were the feelings of others for my own part I felt 
buoyant and cheerful. 

" After a voyage of about six weeks we landed in 
New York, and we felt how unlike the great cities 
we had left behind us ! The golden dreams of 
some began to vanish when they saw the dilapi- 
dated condition of many of the buildings near the 
wharves, and the number of deserted houses and 
desolated streets caused by the ravages of the 
yellow fever, which that season had carried off 
great numbers of the inhabitants, and causing 
all who could to flee from the plague. 

"Our sojourn in New York was brief, only two 
days. The party agreed with the owner of a 
sloop to carry us to Albany, for one dollar each, 
big and little, without any provisions or accom- 
modations of any kind. We were over a week on 
the journey, and I suffered more from hunger on 
that inland voyage than at any other time before 
or since. After much exposure and fatigue we ar- 
rived in Albany, where, for the first time, the 
different families separated. The next place of 

•Died June ij, 1840, aged 7J years. 



412 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



rendezvous was to be in Johnstown, Montgomery 
county, where all arrived safe in a few days. We 
now began to breathe the free air of a free coun- 
trv, the smell of which was like the perfume of a 
field which the Lord had blessed. Although we 
were far from being in comfortable circumstances, 
there was no murmuring. The winter was very 
severe, different from any we had ever seen before, 
and we were thankful for being in a safe haven. 
The men were learning to chop, some threshed, 
and at times all explored tracts of land which 
were offered for sale in that section, but which did 
not suit the new comers. The Genesee country 
was talked of, but there was no one who could 
give us correct information concerning it. There 
was a current report among the people there that 
the Genesee country was very sickly, which was 
partly true. 

"They also gave an alarming account of the con- 
duct of the Indians, in whose neighborhood we 
should have to settle, and by whom all Western 
New York was thickly inhabited. The picture 
looked anything but encouraging. They called it 
the ; far west,' and so it was then, even on the 
confines of civilization." 

Notwithstanding these discouraging reports a 
number of the Scotch emigrants began to make 
preparation for moving to the Genesee country. 
Mr. McKenzie, the elder, bought a yoke of oxen 
and a sled on which his family and goods were 
conve>ed to the place where they have ever since 
resided, the journey occupying two weeks. 

"When we arrived here there were perhaps a 
dozen families in Hartford, now Avon, as many in 
Caledonia, and about equal numbers in each 
Batavia and Buffalo. All the rest of this large 
territory did not contain many inhabitants, except 
the Indians. There were several families in Gan- 
son Settlement, and also a few in Leicester; all 
the rest west of the Genesee river was an unbroken 
wilderness. 

"When the snow had melted in the spring, ex- 
plorations were begun. There was a large tract 
of land lying west of a parallel line between Le 
Roy and Brockport, then newly offered for sale, 
called the ' Triangle Tract.' Richard Stoddard, 
its agent, was anxious to get a part of it settled by 
Scotchmen. The party spent some time in ex- 
ploring it, but although the agent made them 
liberal offers, on their return they brought rather 
an unfavorable report, and the idea of settlement 
in that locality was abandoned. 

" There was then on every side of them any 



quantity of unoccupied land, which has since 
proved to be exceedingly fertile, but which had 
then a very sterile appearance owing to its having 
been burned over by fire so often. 

" They would not take them as a gift, and be 
obliged to till them, some of the now best farms in 
this section. When the ground dried, which it did 
early in April of that spring, the emigrants con- 
cluded to make a part of the ' Forty Thousand 
Acre Tract ' their future home, although at that 
time it had not been surveyed. 

"In company with Donald McKenzie and Wm. 
Fraser, I came that spring to what was to be my 
future home. 

" We stayed two days and one night clearing 
away the underbrush and felling some large trees. 
When night came we kindled a large fire to keep 
us warm, and to frighten away any wild beasts 
that might be prowling in the wilderness, and after 
refreshing ourselves with food we sang for a long 
time a number of the old psalm tunes which we 
were wont to sing of yore on the hill-sides of 
Scotland." 

The writer of the above, for the greater part of 
the time until his death, slept within six rods of 
that, to him, sacred spot, which he had enclosed 
in his garden. 

All of the party left Johnstown at about the 
same time, but the others having hired horse 
teams arrived at the " Big Springs," (Caledonia,) 
a few days before Mr. McKenzie and his family, 
and found good quarters in the house of a kind 
man named John McVean, who owned then the 
farm afterwards for a long time owned by Col. 
Robert McKay and sons, some two miles west 
from Caledonia village. 

They arrived there in the latter part of Febru- 
ary, 1804, where some of them became residents, 
and others, as previously stated, branched out to 
settle the now town of York. In April, 1S04. the 
families of Donald McKenzie, Elder John Mc- 
Kenzie, his brother John Clunas, Simon Fraser 
and Donald, his son, took up their residence in the 
north-east part of the town of York, where most 
of them made it their home until they died. 

This portion of the town was originally known 
as Inverness, so called in memory of their native 
city, and embraced all the territory north of Fow- 
lerville creek, as far west as Deacon Gillis' east 
line, and north to the north line of the first section 
of land in Caledonia. 

Among other after settlers were Archibald Ken- 
nedy and family, from Scotland, in the spring of 



YORK — TOWN OFFICERS. 



4i3 



181 1; Duncan Grant, from Inverness, Scotland, 
in 1808; William Fraser, 1810; and Dudley New- 
ton, in 181 7. 

Capt. Aaron Russ settled near Fowlerville in 
1810. He was a man of considerable note in the 
town. For nearly twenty years he was Overseer of 
the Poor, and was Supervisor from 1850 to 1853. 
Col. Holloway Long came in 1816. He was a 
man prominent in military matters and politics. 
His title was derived from his commandment of 
an artillery company celebrated in early days as 
the " York Artillery." During his lifetime Mr. 
Long filled acceptably most of the offices within 
the gift of the town. A son, Moses Long, for 
some years conducted the stove and plow making 
business at York Centre. 

Among the descendants of those early settlers 
are Francis McBean, son to Angus McBean, who 
now lives on the old homestead. 

Donald McDonald,* Isabel McBean, and Mar- 
garet McDonald, now living near Fowlerville, are 
children of Donald McDonald, who settled here in 
1806. Moses N. Ferrin, now living in Fowler- 
ville, is a ion to William Ferrin, who came here in 
1S11. A daughter, Mrs. Louisa B. Whitcomb, 
also lives near the same place. Archibald Ken- 
nedy, a descendant of Archibald Kennedy who 
came here in 181 1, is a prominent citizen of the 
town. He held the office of Supervisor from 1869 
to 1872, and again from 1874 to 1881. 

Among the early physicians of the town were 
Dr. Durelle, Dr. Long, brother to Col. Holloway 
Long, and Dr. Frederick R. Stickney who, in 
1841, was a successful practitioner here. 

Elder Josiah Goddard was an early minister 
here of the Baptist denomination. He was born 
May 11, 1768, in Petersham, Mass., and came to 
this town as early as 1812 or 1813. He preached 
at what is now Fowlerville, and in other places. 
He died in York, February 19, 1836. 

The first child born in the town was a son to 
Donald Clunas.f The second child born here 
was Angus McKenzie, son to Donald McKenzie, 
born March 26, 1S05. 

The first saw-mill, known as the Morely Mill, was 
built in 1807 by Ezekiel Morely and Joseph, his 
son. The first grist-mill was built by Wells Fow- 
ler and William Taylor, between 1815 and 1820. 

* Born in i8ij. 

t French says the first child born here was Angus McKenzie. A con- 
siderable portion of this history' of York is derived from the writings of 
Donald D. McKenzie, one of the pioneer settlers, who gave much at- 
tention to the early history of this region, and whose statements the his- 
torian has been inclined to accept in nearly all cases of disputation. 



Town Officers.— The first town meeting was 
held on the first Tuesday in April, 181 9, at the inn 
of Nathan Russ. This place of meeting was 
designated by the Special Act of Legislature for 
the formation of the town. 

The officers chosen by the people at that meet- 
ing were: — 

William Janes, Supervisor; Peres P. Peck, Town 
Clerk; John Darling, John Dodge, Henry Janes, 
Assessors ; Joseph R. Ramsdell, Collector ; Moses 
Allen, Thomas Blake, Overseers of the Poor; John 
Russ, William Taylor, Newcomb Mead, Commis- 
sioners of Highways ; Jonathan Tainter, Joseph R. 
Ramsdell, Constables; Wells Fowler, Philander 
Sexton, N. Sacket, Commissioners of Schools. 

From the succeeding year — 1820 — to 1881, the 
succession of Supervisors and Town Clerks has 
been as follows : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1820. William Janes. P. P. Peck. 
1821-22. Titus Goodman, Jr. Rufus Cook. 
1823. do do do 

1824-25. Holloway Long. do 

1826. Titus Goodman, Jr. do 

1827. do do P. P. Peck. 

1828. Holloway Long. Rufus Cook. 

1829. John Holloway. Joseph Tozier.* 

1830. Asa Arnold. Rufus Cook. 

1 S3 1. do do Israel D. Root. 

1832. Holloway Long. Cyrus Hawley. 

Israel D. Root. 



1833-36. Donald Fraser. 



1837-i- 

1839-40. 

1841-43. 

1844. 

1845. 

1846 

1847. 

1848, 

1849. 

1850-52. 

i853- 
1854. 
1S55. 
1856-58. 



Holloway Long, 
John Holloway 
Wm. H. Spencer. 
William Stewart. 
Edward R. Dean. 

do do 

David McDonald. 
Israel D. Root. 

do doj 
Aaron Russ. 



do do 

do do 

do do 

do do 

do do 
Niel Stewart. 

do do 
Charles Stewart. f 
William A. Collins. 
Moses Long. 



Daniel McPherson. Charles Stewart. 
David H. Abell. do do 

Hamilton E. Smith, do do 



Niel Stewart. 

1859-60. Allen W. Smith. 

1861-62. George W. Root. 

do do 

do do 

do do 

do do 



1863. 

1864-65. 

1866. 

1867-68. 

1869-70. 

1871. 

1872-73. 

1874-80. 



Alexander Ried. 

do do 
John S. McKercher. 
James Mclntyre. 
J. W. McArthur. 
James Mclntyre. 
Theodore F. Baldwin. 



Archibald Kennedy. James A. Forrest, 
do do Jas. W. McArthur. 
Benjamin F. Dow. Jas. W. McArthur. 
Archibald Kennedy, do do 



» Or Tosier. 
t Appointed. 
X Aaron Russ was chosen to fill vacancy for balance of that term. 



414 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The following officers were elected April 5, 1881 : 
Supervisor, Aurora I). Newton; Town Clerk, 
James W. McArthur; Justices of the Peace, James 
.Spittal. (long term) John Torry, (vacancy ;) As- 
sessor, Duncan McKenzie ; ( herseers of the Poor, 
Robert Wallace, George Slack ; Collector, Thos. 
F. Kennedy; Constables, William Mann, Jr., Wil- 
son J. Rogers, Charles H. Whitney, Hugh Spittal, 
Thomas F. Kennedy; Game Constable, John S. 
Gibson ; Excise Commissioner, Gerret S. Casey. 

Population. — In 1870 York had a population 
of 2,564. Of this number 1,986 were native, 578 
foreign; 2,546 white, and 18 colored. In 1875 the 
total population was 2,475, a decrease of 89 ; the 
native population was 1,886 a decrease of 100, while 
the foreign population was 589, an increase of 11. 
The colored inhabitants in those five years had 
increased from 18 to 49, a gain of 31. In that 
year the town contained 303 aliens, a greater num- 
ber by 131 than in any other town in the county. 
At the last census of 1880 the total population was 

2,479- 

School Statistics. — The town contains four- 
teen school districts, employing during the past 
year (1880) 15 teachers, at a total amount in 
wages of $3,431.07. The number of children in 
these districts over five and under twenty-one years 
of age was 791. During the year, school was 
taught 409 2-5 weeks, with an average attendance 

of 358- 

The number of children of school age attending 
school some portion of theyear was 633. The district 
libraries are valued at $140. The total amount 
paid for school apparatus during the year was 
$684 ; for school-houses, sites, fences, furniture 
and repairs, $25,103; total incidental expenses 
for the year, $332.72; total valuation of school' 
property, $16,626.01. 

York Centre. 

The village of York Centre is situated at nearly 
the geographical center of the town. It contains 
three churches, five stores, one hotel, post-office, 
cooper shop (Ephraim Dinsmore,) wagon shop, 
(Peter Anderson,) three blacksmith shops, (Wil- 
liam FitzSimmons, Joseph Trimbel, John McDou- 
gall,) a furnace, and a population of some three 
hundred. 

Early settlers here were Nathan Russ, Timothy 
Rice, 181 1 ; Ralph Brown, who owned the land on 
which the village stands, 1S0S; Captain John Russ, 
1808; John Darling, in the fall of 1809. Nathan 
Russ, brother to Capt. John Russ, built the first 



frame house in York Centre, in which for a num- 
ber of years he kept tavern. 

Timothy Rice, soon after his arrival in 181 1, 
built a frame house and also kept it as an inn. The 
first merchant in the town was Peres 1\ Peck, who 
traded for a time on a small scale on land owned 
by Alanson Gilmore, and afterwards in York Cen- 
tre. 

David McDonald was a merchant here in 1S23, 
beginning business at that time, and continuing a 
number of years. He was born in Sutherland- 
shire, Scotland, about 1790, and came to America 
in 1819. 

The present post-master here is Chester Sey- 
mour, who has held that position some twelve 
years. 

The hotel is kept by the widow of Ray Hitt, who 
had been its proprietor for some thirty-live years, 
and who died January 26, 1881. 

The present merchants are : — 

Mckean and Forrest, (Alexander F. McKean, 
James A. Forrest,) general merchants. In business 
as a firm some fourteen years, beginning in 1866. 
Mr. McKean was born in 1833, in county Armagh, 
Ireland, and came to America in 185 1, and directly 
to York in that year. Mr. Forrest was born in 
Scotland, May 16, 1837. Came to America in 
1 841, and to York in 1847. 

Caldwell and Stewart (Edward E. Caldwell, 
Charles N. Stewart,) general merchandise. In 
business as a firm since July, 1S76. Mr. Caldwell 
was born in New Market, Canada, in 1S3S. He 
came to York in June, 1876. Mr. Stewart was 
born in York in 1855. 

James W. McArthur, general merchandise. In 
business ten years. He was born in York in 1838. 

.Mrs. E. M. Ried, millinery and ladies' furnish- 
ing goods. In business since 1847, coming from 
Fowlerville to York Centre in that year. 

Fred. C. Rautz, hardware and tin shop. In 
business two years. 

William J. Ryan & Co., (William C. Luce,) 
harnesses and horse -furnishing goods. In busi- 
ness as a firm one year. The business had been 
conducted previously by Mr. Ryan some twenty- 
five years. He was born in Dansville, N. Y., in 
1824, and came to York as a resident in 1840. 

About the year 1826 a young man named David 
Stewart came to this place and began with a small 
capital the manufacture of plows, on which he made 
some important improvements. About 184201 13, 
he built here a large furnace and suitable shops, 
where for a number of years he carried on exten- 



YORK CENTRE— CHURCHES. 



4i5 



sively the manufacture of plows and other agricul- 
tural implements. In 1853 he sold to Hugh Spit- 
tal, who in 1869 was succeeded by Duncan Hag- 
gart, the present proprietor, who now conducts the 
business. Mr. Haggart was born in Canada, 
June 19, 1823, and came to York in 1844. 

The physicians here are Dr. Ishmael G. Filkins 
and Dr. Isaac A. M. Dike. 

Dr. Filkins, a graduate in 1861 of the Medical 
Department, University of New York city, was 
born in the town of Grawville, Washington coun- 
ty, N. Y., in 1833, and came to York in 1872. 

Dr. Dike was born in Belmont, Allegany coun- 
ty, N. Y., in 1852. He graduated from the Buf- 
falo Medical University in 1876, and came to 
York Centre in April of that year. 

Churches. — In the spring of 181 1, seven fam- 
ilies of Scottish descent came from Johnstown, 
Montgomery (now Fulton) county, N. Y., hoping 
to secure for themselves a more advantageous 
location in the valley of the Genesee. 

These, together with four families recently from 
Scotland, and two from Ireland, settled in the 
south part of Caledonia, then in Genesee county, 
in the neighborhood called " Coille Mohr,"* or 
" Big Woods," known to-day as York. 

As there was already established an Associate 
Reformed Church in the north part of the town, 
now the town of Caledonia, these people attended 
the meetings there whenever there was preaching. 
At this time that church was preparing to call Mr. 
John Campbell, a licentiate of the Presbytery of 
Saratoga, which then embraced within its limits 
all the territory now occupied by the Presbytery of 
Caledonia. 

Those in the " Big Woods " being desirous of 
uniting with them in this important movement, 
met and chose John McKercher, Jr. and James P. 
Stewart their commissioners to treat with the 
Society in Caledonia for a portion of Mr. Camp- 
bell's services. 

This movement was unanimous, and although 
but a minority of them had been previously con- 
nected with the Associate Reformed Church, all 
heartily concurred in the petition. The brethren 
of Caledonia generously granted the petitioners 
one-fourth of Mr. Campbell's time for two years, 
while it was required of them to furnish only $100 
of the $500 promised as salary. Mr. Campbell 
assented to this division of his labors, and although 
of delicate constitution, was abundant in minister- 

*Or "Coille Mor," from the Gaelic, meaning "Big Woods;" or 
" Coille an airde deas," meaning ' l South Woods." 



ial labors. During the year 18 13, Donald Fraser, 
Daniel McNab, and Robert McGlashan, were 
chosen trustees. The only place of meeting yet 
was a small log-house, or in a barn, which was 
preferred when the weather permitted. 

In 1 814 the first meeting-house was erected. 
The ground on which it stood was granted by 
John McDonald, one of the members of the 
Society. The dimensions of this pioneer church 
were 28 by 32 feet, built of logs. . The seats were 
slabs split from logs of basswood. 

During this year Alexander Harvey was chosen 
ruling elder, to act for this part of Mr. Campbell's 
charge with the session of Caledonia. 

In the early part of 181 7, Rev. John Campbell 
died, greatly lamented ; and in the same spring 
Elder Harvey removed to Caneadea. In the autumn 
of this year, Rev. George Mairs, of Argyle, Wash- 
ington county, N. Y., was sent to look after the 
church in this section. In the summer of 18 18, 
the elders chosen the fall previous were ordained 
and installed. 

The names of those who constituted the first 
session of this church were: — Donald G. Fraser, 
James McKerlie and Hugh Innis. 

The Rev. Robert Proudfit, D. D., presided at 
their ordination. 

Thus, although there was a society and a church 
before this, the regular organization was not effect- 
ed until 1 818. During the month of February of 
this year, Rev. John White, of Seneca, as first 
supply, preached in York. 

In the fall of 182 1, Rev. Joseph Pinney preached 
here, and his person and preaching so pleased the 
congregation and community that a call was ex- 
tended to him for his continued services, but 
which he declined. In the fall of 1822 the church 
was supplied by Henry S. Wilkin, a licentiate of 
the Associate Reformed Presbytery of New York, 
who, some three months later, was ordained, and 
in March, 1823, was installed as pastor of the 
Society. In 1822 the church was incorporated as 
the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of 
York. 

In 1825 a more commodious house of worship 
was erected and enclosed at a cost of about 
$1,000. Up to this time the most perfect harmony 
had prevailed in the Society, but in November of 
this year the Session passed a resolution making 
the observance of the Fast Day previous to the 
Communion, a term of communion or church 
fellowship. This action caused dissension in the 
Society and resulted in the resignation of all the 



416 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



elders, except Donald G. Fraser, and the with- 
drawal of ten families who placed themselves un- 
der the care of the Associate Presbytery of Albany, 
and were organized as the Associate Presbyterian 
Church of York and Covington. 

This defection crippled the Society for a time, 
but a subsequent increase in membership again 
placed the church on a stable basis. 

In 1 83 1 the church edifice was completed at an 
additional expense of $1,000. 

On the 18th of January, 1834, Rev. S. Wilkin 
resigned his pastorate, and the church was without 
a settled pastor until the installation of Rev. 
Alexander Blakie, February 1st. 1836. 

During the next year, 1837, it was resolved to 
add twelve feet to the length of the meeting- 
house, together with a steeple, which was done at 
a cost of about $1,240. 

In 1844 Rev. Mr. Blakie resigned his charge, 
and the Society was again without a settled pastor 
until the coming of Rev. J. M. Heron in the early 
part of 1848. He was installed as pastor May 17, 
1848. 

In 1844 eight families withdrew from the 
Society and, with others, formed the Associate 
Reformed Congregation of Cuylerville. 

In December of 1852, Rev. Mr. Heron resigned, 
and in September, 1853, his successor, Rev. J. 
Van Eaton, began his labors with the Society, 
which he continued to September, 1879. He died 
in York Centre, March 5, 1880. 

Some time in 1852, the property occupied as 
a parsonage was purchased at a cost of $Coo. 

In the summer of 1854, the main part of the 
parsonage was rebuilt at an expense of about 
$1,500. 

In 1S66 the church edifice was repaired at an 
expense of some $1,600. This, together with the 
parsonage and previous alterations and repairs, 
sums up a total of some $12,000 expended on the 
church property in a little more than fifty years. 
The Society is strong in membership and faith, but 
is at present — March, 1881 — without a pastor, 
owing to the recent death of Rev. Mr. Van Eaton. 

First Reformed Presbyterian Church. — This 
Church was organized in 1832. The first Elders 
were James Milroy, James Cullings, James 
Guthrie, Jr. Trustees — Robert J. Guthrie, David 
McMillan, James Kennedy. 

Members — John Donnan, David Morrow, John 
Morrow, Andrew Morrow, Daniel Christie, Andrew 
Donnan, Angus McLeod, Mrs. Milroy, Mrs. Cul- 
lings, Mrs. James Guthrie, Mrs. Robert J. Guth- 



rie, Mrs. David Morrow. Mrs. Christie, Mrs. An- 
gus McLeod, Mrs. John Donnan. Mrs. Andrew 
Donnan, Mrs. Daniel McMillan, Mrs. Castly. Miss 
Jane Guthrie. 

The only surviving ones of the first members 
are Mrs. James Cullings, Mrs. D. McMillan. An- 
drew Donnan,* Daniel McMillan and Mrs. James 
Guthrie. 

The first pastor was Rev. John Fisher, whose 
pastorate lasted some fifteen years. 

The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Bowden, who 
was installed in 1847, and who continued with the 
Society until his resignation in October, 1876. 

The first church was built in 1833 or 1835, 
and was abandoned in 187 1 for a more com- 
modious edifice erected in that year. The old 
church building is now occupied as a dwelling by 
John Patterson. 

The church has a membership of about 160, and 
is at present (March, 1881,) without a pastor. 
The church property is valued at $10,000. 

/l.iftisf Church of York.^ — The present Baptist 
Church of York was formed in 1832 by the union 
of two churches called the First and Second Bap- 
tist Churches of York. 

There exists no definite information of the First 
Church previous to 1819, only that it was known 
as the Church of Caledonia and Leicester ; its 
members being scattered over a large area of ter- 
ritory, and holding their meetings in different 
localities. 

At this time the town of York was formed from 
the towns of Caledonia and Leicester. The 
church was then called the First Baptist Church of 
York, numbering fifty members. The two follow- 
ing years were of marked interest in the history of 
this church, and are known as the great revival 
period. Many additions to the Society were made 
through the labors of Rev. John Blain and others. 
The church belonged to the Genesee Baptist As- 
sociation, which met for the first time with the 
church in York in 1827, holding its meetings in the 
barn of Allen Smith, now owned by his son, A. \V. 
Smith. 

The names of the ministers who, in the following 
order, preached from 18 19 to 1832, were Revs. 
Josiah Butler, John Blain, Jesse Bramin, — Miner, 
Solomon Dimock, and O. H. Reed. 

Among the earliest members were Jothani 
Forbes and wife, James Rice, Olive Rice, Amos 
Baker, Gershom Waite, Allen Smith, Patience 

* Now in Campbell, Michigan. 

t For this brief yet comprehensive history we are indebted to the 
kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Ir.i G. Lyon, of York. 




Photo, by Merrell, Geneseo. 




f t^*± 




WfrJ^? 



FOWLERVILLE. 



4i7 



Smith, Timothy Tryo'n, Harrison Church, Marens 
Carter and wife, Enoch Weller, Rhoda Weller. W. 
D. Powers, Elizabeth Powers, Abigail Powers, 
Cyrus Lyon, Polly Lyon, Nathan and Eunice 
Clapp. 

The Second Baptist Church of York was organ- 
ized in 1822 at York Centre, numbering twenty 
members, and holding their first meetings in the 
hall of a public building, and afterwards in the 
school-house. 

This Church also belonged to the Genesee Bap- 
tist Association, and was presided over by Rev. 
Josiah Goddard until the two churches were united. 

Among the earliest members of this church were : 
Spencer and Cynthia Pomeroy, Nathaniel and 
Amos Goddard, Elisha Goddard, Sarah Goddard, 
Jesse Skinner, Joseph Gould, G. T. Roberts, Anna 
Roberts, Augustus Weller, Rhoda Weller, Ira Grant, 
Maria Grant, B. W. Willard and Clarissa Ferrin. 

These two churches united in 1832, forming the 
present Baptist Church of York. The number of 
members at that time was fifty-nine. The first 
pastor was Rev. Eliada Blakeslee. The early 
records show this to have been a period of con- 
tinued prosperity, both temporal and spiritual. 

The present church building was erected and 
dedicated in 1833. The present number of mem- 
bers is 126. 

The following have been the pastors from 1832 
to 188 1, with the date of their coming: — Revs. 
Eliada Blakeslee, 1832; Ira Bennett, Dec, 1834; 
William Arthur,* Dec. 2, 1837 ; Eleazer Savage, June 
6, 1840; David Taylor, Dec. 3, 1842; S. A. Estee, 
Jan. 4, 1S45 ; S. M. Bainbridge, June 25, 1848; B. R. 
Swick, Nov. 30, 1S51 ; John Nisbet, Nov. 30, 1856 ; 
A. L. Farr, Oct. 15, 1859; E. Packwood, Oct, 24, 
1861 ; C. Monjeau, Nov. 7, 1867; Walter Holt, 
June 1, 1869; A. V. Eddy, the present pastor, 
May 1, 1876. 

FOWLERVILLE. 

The village of Fowlerville lies in the north-eastern 
part of the town. It contains two churches, two 
stores, post-office, one hotel, a harness, blacksmith 
and wagon shop, agricultural works, and a popula- 
tion of 375 or 400, including transient boarders. t 

Fowlerville was first permanently settled by 
Wells Fowler and William Taylor, in 1816, and 
William and Henry Janes, Ira Torrey, and Eliakim 
Weller at or about the same time, all of whom came 
from and near Pittsfield, Mass. 

• Father of the present Vice-President of the United States, 
t The employees in the agricultural works. 



The village derived its name from Wells Fowler, 
and was chosen by the unanimous resolution of the 
inhabitants who resided there. 

Wells Fowler was one of the most prominent 
men of the town, and contributed very essentially 
toward the upbuilding of this active little village. 
He was also influential in making roads, bridges, 
and other beneficial improvements, in establishing 
schools, and in sustaining the educational and re- 
ligious interests of the village and town. 

When the post-office was established here, about 
T827, at which time the place was named for him,* 
he was appointed postmaster, the duties of which 
office he continued to discharge through all the 
political changes that occurred for fourteen years, 
or until the defection of President Tyler in 184 1. 

In the early part of 181 7 Mr. Fowler and Pliny 
Weller built a saw-mill on the stream near the vil- 
lage, which was of much benefit, not only to the 
people there but to all the inhabitants for miles 
around. 

The first merchant here was Clark $. Capron, 
who began business in 1823. He was afterward 
in company with Nathaniel Goodman, and still 
later, with Joseph Ramsdell. Alonzo Fowler, eld- 
est son of Wells Fowler, was also for a long time a 
successful merchant here. 

Walter Whitcombt was another early merchant, 
and for two years was in company with Alonzo 
Fowler. 

Torrey & Weller for a number of years carried 
on successfully together the business of tanning 
and shoe making, Mr. Weller being a shoe-maker 
there over forty years. 

The present postmaster is Benjamin F. Dow, 
who was appointed in the spring of 1869. 

The Howell House, the only hotel here, is kept 
by William Howell who has been the proprietor 
three years. The hotel had formerly been kept 
by Alexander McHardy, some thirteen years, and 
previously by Caleb White, who assumed the pro- 
prietorship in 1843. 

The merchants are: — Benjamin F. Dow & Co., 
(L. F. Dow, John W. Howe,) who have been en- 
gaged in business as a firm twelve years. The 
firm was previously Dow & Fowler. 

William Fraser,J dry goods and groceries, in 
business here since 1839. Mr. Fraser was born in 
Johnstown, N. Y., June n, 1808, and came here 
with his father, William Fraser, in 1810. 

* The village for a number of years was known as Inverness post-office. 

t Now a merchant in Nunda. 

t See Biography and Portrait, on another page. , 



4i8 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Aaron Mount, harnesses, and horse-furnishing 
goods. In business here seventeen years. He 
was born in Stark, Herkimer county, N. Y., in 
1828, and came to York in 1863. 

The only physician here is Dr. George H. Jones. 
Mr. Jones was born in Manchester, N. Y., in 1853. 
He graduated from Michigan University in 1877, 
and came to Fowlerville in that year. 

Robert Wallace, blacksmith and machinist, lo- 
cated at York Centre in 185 1. 

Isaac McPherson, wagon maker, began business 
in August, 1878, in Scottsville, N. Y., and came 
to Fowlerville in 1880. 

The Livingston .Agricultural Works was estab- 
lished here by Hamilton E. Smith, who came to 
Fowlerville about 1835 and with a small capital, 
began the manufacture of agricultural implements. 
He did an extensive business here until November 
16, 1S54, when Dow & Fowler succeeded him in 
the enterprise. The firm of B. F. Dow & Co., 
succeeded Dow & Fowler in 1868. On the 12th 
of May, 1879, the manufactory was burned down, 
with a total loss of tools and machinery, and was 
rebuilt in the same year. From that time until 
1 88 1 the firm did a large business in the manufac- 
ture of portable steam engines, threshers, separa- 
tors, and other farming machinery, and employed, 
on the average, seventy-five men in the different 
departments of the works. 

In April, 1881, the firm abandoned this manu- 
factory here, and removed to Peru, Indiana, the 
people of Peru giving them, as an inducement to 
locate there, a cash endowment of $10,000. 

Churches. — Methodist Episcopal. — Of the two 
Churches here, the Methodist Episcopal began its 
organization by the formation of the first class in 
the spring of 1844, of which Dudley Newton was 
leader. 

For some ten years the meetings of the Society 
were held in private families and school houses. 
The church edifice was erected in 1854 at a cost 
of $2,200. 

The following have been pastors since the or- 
ganization of the church : — 

Revs. C. D. Burlingame, G. Benedict, Hiram 
May, J. J. Gridley, Father Kent, \Y. P. Buck, S. 
G. Miller, G. Nickle, Alonzo Newton, A. YV. 
Abell, R. E. Thomas, C. E. Van Sickle, P. King, 
S. H. Rogers, John C. Whiteside, W. Vaughn, 
W. W. Manderville, P. E. Hermans, R. F. Kay, 
William B. Cliff, B. F. Hitchcock. 

The present pastor is Rev. Isaac Harris. Under 



the pastorate of Mr. Hermans a fine parsonage 
was built at an expense of some $1,600. 

Mr. Harris has succeeded in paying oft" the debt 1 
of $400 on this parsonage, and the Church is now 
in a prosperous condition, clear of debt, and with . 
good prospects for the future. 

Presbyterian Church of Fowlerville. — In the 
autumn of 1826, at their own request, the follow- ' 
ing persons were set off from the Presbyterian 
Church of York : — 

Amos Skinner, Olive Skinner, 

Fzekiel Morely, Sally fowler, 

Joseph Tosier, Nancy Weller, 

Alfred Collins, Elizabeth Mc Knight, 

Clarissa Janes, Mary Eastman, 

Lavinia Roberts, Mary S. Eastman. 

The organization of a Society was effected by 
these people November 16, 1826. Rev. John 
Eastman acted as moderator, and became the first 
pastor. The church was under the charge of the 
Presbytery according to the "accommodation 
plan." Mr. Alfred Collins, one of the original 
members, is still living in Fowlerville. 

The following were ministers while the church 
was in the Congregational form : — ■ 

Revs. John Eastman, Walker, John Hub- 
bard, Powell, Burbank, Lyman, Slie, Chapin, 
Bridgeman, Laird, Snyder, Darling, Wadsworth, 
Moses, Powell, Yeomans and Modesit. 

During Mr. Wadsworth's ministry the church 
withdrew from the care of the Presbytery, becom- 
ing purely a Congregational Church. 

About this time large numbers began to move 
away, and the membership greatly diminished until 
the present organization. 

In the spring of 1878, steps were taken to 
change the organization of the Church from Con- 
gregational to Presbyterian. This was accom- 
plished in due form April 22, 1878. Rev. S. M. 
Campbell, D. D., of Rochester, N. Y., acted as 
Advisor before the consummation, and as Modera- 
tor of the Commission of Rochester Presbytery 
which constituted the new Church. 

Rev. E. G. Cheeseman became at once the 
pastor of the new church, and continued in that 
relation about a year when he resigned on ac- 
count of ill health, and was speedily succeeded by 
Rev. Frederick D. Seward,* the present pastor. 

The membership of this church has increased 
from fifty-two at its organization April 22, 1878, 
to one hundred and fourteen at the date of this 
writing, March, 1881. 

• To this gentlemanly pastor we are indebted for this history, which 
appears in nearly it-- original form as written by him. 




&. 







GREIGSVILLE— PIFFARD. 



419 



The Elders in the Church are William Fraser, 
L. F. Dow, and G. S. Casey. 

The church property is valued at $1,000. 

Greigsville. 

The two places of this name, North and South 
Greigsville, about a mile apart, are situated in the 
southern part of the town. These are small ham- 
lets and together contain two churches, the 
Methodist Episcopal and Free Methodist, post- 
office, one store, two blacksmith shops, (William 
Mann, Jr., Ranold Grant,) and a saw-mill owned 
by Doremus & Hodgson. 

Elisha Williams, the only merchant here, began 
business in October, 1880. 

The present postmaster is Francis Rice, who 
has held the office over twenty years. 

A hotel was kept here by Samuel Dorris about 

1857- 

Of the two churches, the class of the Methodist 
Episcopal was formed in 181 7. Among the early 
members were Urania Tuttle, Elmira Orvis, Dian- 
tha Orvis, Saloma Orvis, and E. Slocum and wife. 
The church edifice was built in 1 833. The mem- 
bership is small, and is presided over by Rev. 
Isaac Harris, pastor of the M. E. Church of Fow- 
lerville ; the pastors of the latter church having 
for years supplied the pulpit at Greigsville. 

The Free Methodist Church was organized about 
nineteen years ago. Among the earliest members 
were George Slack and wife, James Jones, Sylvia 
Tuttle, Sally Lynn, Mrs. Delana Slocum, William 
McBurney and wife. The church edifice was 
erected in 1873, under the pastorate of Rev. An- 
thony More. The first pastors were Revs. Asa 
Abell, Arnold Green and Thomas Cotton, who 
preached alternately. 

The present membership is twenty, presided 
over by Rev. George Coleman, who has preached 
here two years. 

The following have been pastors of this church : 
Revs. John A. Wilson, George Coleman, John 
Reddy, (dead,) Melvin Burritt, Wm. Cusick, O. O. 
Bacon, John Robinson, Anthony More, Nathaniel 
Brown, A. A. Burgess, I. C. White, John Robin- 
son, George Coleman, (1879-81). 

Piffard. 

The hamlet of Piffard* lies in the southeastern 
part of the town of York. It contains one church, 

* This place is often called Piffardinia, an unwarranted corruption <>! 
its proper name. 



one store, postoffice, one hotel, blacksmith and 
wagon shop, (Reuben Mann,) a saw-mill, stave 
and barrel factory combined, and a population of 
about one hundred and fifty. 

The hamlet derives its name from David Pif- 
fard, who located here in 1824. 

The first house here was built about 1820 by 
Campbell Harris, who was then agent for John 
Brinton of Philadelphia, an extensive land owner 
in this vicinity. 

David Piffard,* who was born August 9, 1794, 
in the village of Pentonville, parish of Clerkenwell 
without, Middlesex county, England, came to 
America in December, 1822; remained a short 
time in New York city, and in 1824 came to this 
part of the Genesee Valley and purchased of John 
Brinton a tract of land of about six hundred acres, 
a portion of which is now the site of the hamlet 
bearing his name. 

The remaining portion of the Brinton estate was 
purchased by William H. Spencer, and was by him 
converted into one of the largest and best farms in 
the town of York. He died in 1850. 

The growth of this hamlet was due to the open- 
ing of the Genesee Valley canal, and to the public 
spirit of Mr. Piffard, who, in his eighty-seventh 
year, still resides here. 

The postoffice was established here some thirty- 
one or two years ago. The first postmaster was 

McPherson. The present postmaster is John 

R. Bangs, who was appointed in August, 1880. 

William H. VanValkenburg, the only merchant 
in this place, began business here in 1880. He 
was born in Geneseo, in February, 1836. 

The saw-mill, stave and barrel factory, is con- 
ducted by Kendall & Shattuck. 

The saw-mill was established here in i860, and 
the additional business of stave and barrel making 
was begun some six years ago. 

The erection of the hotel was commenced in 
1835, and was completed in 1840 by D. Thomp- 
son, by whom it was kept as a tavern for a num- 
ber of years. It was afterwards kept by his sons, 
Ellis and Edward, then by Ray Russ in 1865, by 
Raymond and Rich in 1866, and then by Butler 
Brothers five years. The present proprietor is 
Harvey Butler, who eight years ago succeeded But- 
ler Brothers, and whose name the hotel bears. 
The church edifice here was built in the year 

1845- 

The Church was then under the care of the Al- 
bany Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church. The 

* See Biography and Portrait on another page. 



420 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



first pastor was the Rev. John VanLiew, and lie 
was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Corapton. 

About the year 1853, the church was removed 
from the care of the Albany Synod, and placed un- 
der the care of the Board of Missions of the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Wes- 
tern New York, and the Rev. Charles Ray was ap- 
pointed missionary in charge, remaining three 
years. From the time of Mr. Ray's resignation 
until May, 1S81, the Rev. Mr. Ward, of Geneseo, 
has had the care of the parish, holding service 
every alternate week (with the exception of the 
time that he served as chaplain to the 104th Regi- 
ment during the Rebellion,) and he is held ingreat 
esteem by the people here for his faithful, constant, 
and earnest devotion to his missionary work in 
this place. 

Soldiers of the Rebellion. — The town of 
York furnished during the war of the Rebellion a 
large number of soldiers, but, like many other 
towns in the county, the war record required by 
the law of 1865 was never kept, and for the ap- 
pended list of those who fought in that war the 
historian has been compelled to depend on the 
memory of the citizens, and the surviving soldiers 
who enlisted from this town. The record, there- 
fore, is necessarily meagre. It is better to have 
recorded on the pages of history the few accessible 
names of those gallant defenders, than to permit 
all of them to pass into oblivion ; and so we give 
the following few but patriotic names, leaving it for 
the future to add others to this list of the heroes 
of Gettysburg, of the Wilderness, of Vicksburg and 
Bell Plain. 

Sf/i N. Y. Cavalry. — Harry Robinson, enlisted 
in 1 86 1 in Company B. Reenlisted on the 
field in 1863 in same company and regiment, and 
served until close of the war. Now in Fowlerville. 

Henry Averill, Company B. ; died at Arlington 
Heights in August, 1861, and was buried there. 

Myron Averill, Company B, was discharged for 
inability in the spring of 1862. Now in Geneseo, 
N. V. 

Thomas J. Robinson, Company B, reenlisted in 

1863, was wounded at Black and While Station in 

1864, and sent to headquarters in Washington 
where he remained until the close of the war. Now 
in Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo county, Mich. 

George Brown, Company M, served three years. 
Now in town of York. 

Hugh O'Hara, Company M, discharged for ina- 
bility at Bell Plain Landing in 1864. Now in 
York. 



Joseph McPherson,* Company M, killed at bat- 
tle of Raccoon Ford, Va., in 1863. Body brought 
home for interment. 

George Scott, Company M, was wounded at the 
battle of Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863 ; died of lock 
jaw soon after. Is buried in York. 

Daniel Calder, Company M, died at Bell Plain 
Landing in 1863. Is buried in York. 

William Patterson, Company M, served his 
period of enlistment. Now in Rochester, N. Y. 

1 hiane Powell, Company M, died at Bell 
Plain Landing in 1863. Is buried in York. 

Clark White, Company F, was captured by the 
rebelsand imprisoned in Andersonville. Was pa- 
roled and died on his way home in 1864, at Fort- 
ress Monroe, where he was buried. 

Robert Orr, Company M, killed near Fairfax 
Court House in 1863, and was buried on the field. 

John Hardin, Company M, enlisted in 1862, 
and served three years. Now in Iona, Mich. 

Jonathan Macomber, Company M, killed on 
skirmish line in Western Virginia, in 1863. 

Andrew Scott, Company M. Now in Michigan. 

Phillip Wood, Company F. Served until close 
of the war. Now in Fowlerville. 

Roswell Root, Company M. Now in York. 
/ Other Regiments. — John E. Roberts, Sergeant, 
enlisted in 1861, in Company G, 104th Regiment 
N. Y. Volunteers. Was wounded at Gettysburg 
July 2, 1863, died twelve days thereafter, and lies 
buried in the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. 

Captain James Gault, Company G, 104th Regi- 
ment, N. Y. Volunteers, enlisted in 1861, served 
through the war, and was afterwards provost-mar- 
shal in Buffalo. 

William Francis Gibbons, corporal, enlisted in 
1865, in Company D, 169th N. Y. State Volun- 
teers, and was discharged with regiment at the close 
of the war. Now in Fowlerville. 

Frank Hawley, corporal of the colors, Company 
E, 169th N. Y. State Volunteers. Now in Greigs- 
ville. 

Amos Hill, Company D, 169th N. Y State Vol- 
unteers, was discharged for inability in 1865. Dead. 

John Foster, drummer 104th Regiment. 1 >ied 
in Fowlerville three years ago. 

O. M. Bush, entered the naval service in 1862, 
aboard the gunboat Chillicothe. Was in the Red 
River Expedition in 1863. Died in 1874, and is 
buried in the town of York. 

lames Rockie, entered U. S. Navy in 1862, and 
served his time of enlistment. Now in the West 



/ 



Brother to Senator McPherson, of New Jersey. 












/ 







' -0?- 



' 



COLONEL ORANGE SACKETT — DAVID PIFFARD. 



421 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



COLONEL ORANGE SACKETT. 

Homer Sackett, father of Orange, was born in 
Warren, Litchfield county, Conn., Aug. 6, 1765. 
In 1787 he was married to Sarah Carter, by whom 
he had twelve children, eleven of whom grew to 
maturity. 

Col. Orange Sackett, who was the sixth child of 
this family, was born in Warren, Conn., April 2:, 
1796. Before reaching his majority, he went to 
Orange county, N. Y., where he taught school. 
From thence in 1816 he went to Canandaigua, 
Ontario county, continuing his labors as teacher, 
and there Dec. 5, 1822, married Amanda Minerva 
Sheldon, who still survives him. Soon after this 
they removed to Mendon, Monroe county, where 
Mr. Sackett embarked in the mercantile trade, 
and where their first child was born. They re- 
mained there but a short time, removing to Riga, 
in the same county, where he continued his busi- 
ness as a merchant for eight or nine years, and 
from thence in the year 1835, he removed his 
family to the farm purchased two years previously, 
and which they have occupied since, in the town 
of York, Livingston county. 

After an illness of only three weeks, Col Sackett 
died at his residence March 10, 1877. He was 
full of energy and activity up to the date of his 
last sickness, overseeing and managing the affairs 
of his large farm of eight hundred acres. 

He was in many respects a remarkable man, and 
his success was as marked and signal as have been 
the triumphs of other noted men in wider fields of 
industry. Justly entitled to be classed with the 
pioneers of Western New York, he partook 
largely of the energy and industry characteristic of 
those early settlers, but to these were joined higher 
and nobler traits than are commonly found upon 
the border. He was the same warm-hearted, be- 
nevolent, urbane, christian gentleman, whether in 
the fields pursuing his daily vocations, or in the 
social circle. He never sought political honors. 
He was an active, influential and devout member 
of the First Congregational Church at Fowlerville, 
and leaves a bright and stainless record behind 
him. Although nearly eighty-one years of age it 
cannot be said that he had outlived his usefulness, 
for up to the time of his last sickness, there seemed 
to be little or no diminution either in his physical 
or mental activity and energy. 

Mr. Sackett left eight children ; there are also 
seventeen grand-children, and four great grand- 
children, and this four-fold family relationship was 
broken for the first time by the removal of its 
honored and venerable head. 

Mrs. Orange Sackett died October 17, 1880, 
after an illness of three weeks. 



DAVID PIFFARD. 

David Pififard was born Aug. 9, 1794, in the vil- 
lage of Pentonville, parish of Clerkenwell without, 
Middlesex Co., England, and was the son of David 
Piffard, who was the son of an old French Hugue- 
not family ; the elder David Piffard was born in 
1768, and died in 1823. He was a wealthy banker 
on the Royal Exchange, and of him Rothschild 
said, " that Piffard was thegreatest man on change." 

The mother of David Piffard, Jr., was 
Sarah Eyre, a lineal descendant of Joseph Eyre, 
an officer in the army of William the Conqueror 
at the time of the conquest. She was born in 
177S and died in 1815. David was the eldest son 
and second child of seven children, named as fol- 
lows : — Sarah, David, Anne, Charles, Louisa, 
Elizabeth, and Guerard. In 1802, he went 
to France where he resided until 18 13, when he 
returned to London with his parents. He received 
his education at Versailles and Paris, studying in 
connection with the usual course of study, the 
profession of architecture, and afterwards in Lon- 
don perfected himself in that profession. 

In December, 1822, he came to America with 
letters of introduction to LeRoy, Bayard & Co., 
with whom he remained one summer. In 1824 he 
came to the Genesee valley and there bought of 
John Brinton, of Philadelphia, a tract of land con- 
sisting of about six hundred acres, and part of 
which is now the site of the village bearing his 
name. 

In 1825 he married Ann Matilda, daughter of 
David L. Haight, of New York. Five children 
were the result of this union, all of whom are now 
living as follows : — David Haight, Sarah Eyre, 
Ann Matilda, Chas. Carroll, and Henry G. David 
Haight was married to Constance Theall, by 
whom he had four children, David Halsey, Nina 
Haight, Charlotte Ogilvie, and Emma Matilda. 
Henry G. now a noted physician of New York 
city, married Helen Hart, daughter of Gen. Wm. 
K. Strong, of that city. They also had four 
children, as follows : — -Henry Haight, Helen 
Strong, Charles Halsey Haight, and Susan Far- 
nam. Since his settlement, Mr. Piffard has chiefly 
devoted himself to the care of his home farm and 
five thousand acres near Flint, Genesee county, 
Mich. In politics he was an old line Whig, and 
joined the Republican party at its formation in 
1856, since when he has been a vigorous sup- 
porter of his party's measures, but has never 
looked for an office or allowed his name to be 
used in connection with one. He was a member 
of the first vestry of St. Michael's Parish, Gen- 
eseo, and was on the building committee for the 
first edifice of that parish. He was a man of rare 
intellectual attainments, and was thoroughly con- 
versant on almost any known subject. As a 
scholar and a scientist his knowledge of arts and 
the sciences was deep and far-reaching. He was 
among the first to accept the vibratory theory of 
sound and light. When it was advanced many 
years the men were born who were to accept it, 



422 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and which every school boy learns. Horticulture 
was a passion with him, and his garden was one 
of the finest in the county, and was always a 
source of great pride and pleasure with him. His 
probity of character was a proverb, and it was 
always said nf him, in more honorable words than 
those of knighthood, that his word was always as 
good as his bond. His well-known hospitality 
was a distinguishing trait and every year found 
his house filled to overflowing with welcome 
guests. His wife was a woman of superior 
intelligence and culture, and one has truthfully 
said of her " that in those elements which con- 
stitute noble womanhood, she had no superior." 
Refined taste, Christian devotion, purity of pur- 
pose, and fidelity to life's duties were marked and 
characteristic traits. She ever regarded the poor, 
by whom she was surrounded, as having a claim 
upon her as, " the poor whom ye have always 
with you." During the late civil war her heart 
beat in sympathy with the volunteers in the North- 
ern army. Many a wounded and sick soldier, in 
cam]) or hospital, enjoyed those comforts pre- 
pared by her hands or purchased by her ever open 
purse, who never knew that he was indebted to a 
noble-hearted lady for this kindness. She died 
Oct. 14, 1878, leaving to her friends a history 
fragrant with precious memories. Mr. Piffard's 
memory is faithful to the many and varied ex- 
periences of his earlier life, and he delights in re- 
ferring to those younger histories which would fill 
volumes, of how he was in Paris during the siege 
of Montmartre, when the allies entered, and much 
more. He has been in France during three 
governments — the Consulate, the Empire, and 
Louis XVIII., and in England during the reigns 
of George III., and the Regency of the Prince of 
Wales, and afterdwards the reign of George IV., 
and in America under twelve elected Presidents, 
three of them holding two terms — and three Vice- 
Presidents who took the chair to complete the 
term of deceased Presidents. 



N I EL STEWART. 

Alexander Stewart, father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born on the Highlands of Scotland in 
the year 1778. When about thirty years of age he 
was married to Margaret McDougal of the same 
neighborhood in Scotland. About two years sub- 
sequently they emigrated to the United States, and 
in the year 1810 settled in the town of York (then 
Caledonia). There he commenced life anew, and 
by perseverance and manual labor made for him- 
self and family a home from the lands which at the 
time of his purchase was covered with a forest. He 
raised to maturity a family of six children — four 
sons and two daughters, all of whom, excepting the 
oldest son, are now living. Mr. Stewart died in 
February, 1845, and his wife survived him about 
sixteen years. 



Niel Stewart, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in the town of York, July 12, 181 1. He was 
brought up on a farm and early learned those prin- 
ciples which constitute success — economy and in- 
dustry — and which are always to be found in every 
successful person's life. During the early part of 
his life Mr. Stewart lived at home, assisting on the 
farm, and attending the common school where he 
received a moderately good education, and after- 
wards attending for a time a select school at Cale- 
donia, preparatory to teaching school, which he af- 
terward did with great satisfaction to the district 
and credit to himself. 

When about twenty-three years of age he engaged 
with J. H. and E. S. Beach, millers at Rochester 
ami Auburn, and such were his business qualifica- 
tions, that he was given full charge of their large 
warehouse and boats at York landing, on the Gene- 
see river, and continued as manager for six years, 
receiving five hundred dollars as salary the last 
year. He then located at the village of York and 
during three years following bought grain and wool 
on commission. He also engaged in the dry 
goods business with James McPherson. Severing 
that connection he afterwards engaged in a similar 
enterprise with ¥,. Brown and Charles Stewart, he 
himself being postmaster at that time. Mr. Stew- 
art then commenced buying grain and wool on his 
own account, investing from time to time in real 
estate. Soon after this he severed all connection 
with the mercantile business, giving his full atten- 
tion to his grain and wool dealings, and looking af- 
ter his large farms containing some twelve hundred 
acres in the town of York. His business is not all 
confined to that town, for at Livonia Station he 
is sole owner of the Bank of Livonia, the bank 
building, a large wool warehouse, a large grain 
warehouse, and lumber yard, all under the man- 
agement of his son, Alexander N. Stewart. Mr. 
Stewart is without doubt the largest wool and grain 
dealer in the county. He has in his extensive 
business career met with several severe losses, hav- 
ing at one time lost over thirty thousand dollars, 
but no man ever lost a dollar through Niel Stewart. 

In politics Mr. Stewart was formerly a Whig 
but upon the organization of the Republican party 
joined it and has ever since adhered to its princi- 
ples with unswerving fidelity. He has held all the 
important offices of his town, having been town 
clerk, assessor, justice of the peace, and supervisor 
of his town three terms. 

March 12, 1840, Mr. Stewart was married to 
Jane, daughter of William and Jane Nichol, of 
York, by whom he had ten children, all of whom 
are now living as follows: — Maggie, married to Ho- 
mer McVean, of York ; Jennie, married to Geo. K. 
Whitney, of York; Eliza, married to John Sinclair, 
of Caledonia ; Ella, married to Edward C. Caldwell, 
of York ; Aggie H. wife of Geo. 1 >. Smith, now of 
Rochester; Mary K. living at home; Alexander N. 
living at Livonia Station ; Chas. N. merchant at 
York ; William N. living at home assisting on the 
farm, and Niel N. now attending the Normal school 
at Geneseo. 







lafT. esoasi w, hoot. 



NIEL STEWART — WILLIAM FRASER — CAPT. GEORGE W. ROOT. 



423 



Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the United 
Presbyterian church of York. 

Providence has granted Mr. Stewart the prayer 
of Agur in the Book of Proverbs, that he should 
have " neither great poverty or riches." He has 
had given to him a competence, a pleasant home, a 
faithful wife possessed of fine literary talents, duti- 
ful children, " troops of friends," and a contented 
spirit. His story illustrates the truth that God's 
blessing attends the path of uprightness, prudence 
and industry. His leading characteristics are great 
activity, strict integrity and a desire to be useful. 
He is of the better class of self-made men. Such 
men are pillars of society, and salt against the 
world's corruption. We may well desire long to 
keep them with us, and cannot easily over-esti- 
mate their worth. It is better to show them regard 
and reverence now, then to wait till they have been 
taken from our midst, and we have only their 
memories to honor. The supreme words to be 
written over this man's life, through all its social, 
religious and business relations are sterling fidelity. 



WILLIAM FRASER. 

William Fraser, the father of our subject, emi- 
grated from Badenach, Invernesshire, Scotland, 
in the fall of 1S07. He went directly to Johns- 
town, Montgomery county, (now Fulton county,) 
about fifty miles west of Albany, where he re- 
mained three years, then came to the Genesee 
country, and in the year 1810, settled in the town 
of York (then Caledonia,) where he bought a 
farm, which he cleared and upon which he lived 
till his death, in February, 1828. 

William Fraser, Jr., was born in Johnstown, 
Fulton county, June 11, 1808, and when about 
two years old moved with his parents to York 
where, when old enough, he assisted his father in 
clearing his land. He attended the schools of 
that early day until at the age of nineteen years, 
having a taste for other pursuits in life, he in 1827 
entered the general merchandise store of David 
McDonald, of York. During these years, by strict 
economy, he was enabled to become a partner in 
the business with Mr. McDonald, the partnership 
continuing for two years when it was dissolved by 
mutual consent. In 1839, Mr. Fraser found an 
opening for a general merchandise store in the 
village of Fowlerville, and in the spring of the 
same year opened with a stock of dry goods. He 
has occupied the same store continuously since 
that time, having been the leading merchant of 
that village, and is now, without doubt, the oldest 
living merchant in the county, as he has conducted 
the mercantile business for more than half a cen- 
tury. 

He began his business career in a modest way, 
determined to succeed if energy, indomitable per- 
severance, and true business habits would win suc- 
cess. He now owns a most desirable farm about 



one mile from the village, and the fine building 
fronting on the two principal streets of the village, 
erected for his residence in 1849, and rebuilt, as it 
now appears in 1874, is one of the finest in the 
town. Mr. Fraser is a plain, unassuming man, 
having the full confidence of his fellow men, and 
now at the age of seventy-three years, retains an 
active mind and business ability apparently unim- 
paired. In religion he is a Presbyterian, and was 
a member of the church of Caledonia for over 
twenty-seven years. He joined the First Presby- 
terian Church of Fowlerville at its organization in 
1878, and soon after was elected Elder of the 
same. 

In politics Mr. Fraser has always been a Demo- 
crat, his first vote for President being cast in 1828, 
for that ever memorable and great captain of in- 
dependence, Andrew Jackson. He was Post- 
master at Fowlerville for sixteen years, and in 
1835 was appointed census taker. 

In December, 1839, Mr. Fraser married for his 
first wife, Isabelle, daughter of Donald G. and 
Margaret (Ferguson) Fraser, of York, by whom 
he had three children : — Helen Mar, Donald A., 
and Win. Wallace. Mrs. Fraser died February 
21, 1846. 

For his second wife Mr. Fraser was married to 
Ann, daughter of Elder Donald and Mary (Christie) 
Fraser, of Inverness, May 18, 1848. They had 
two children, viz. : — Simon W. and Mary Belle, 
the wife of Dr. G. H. Jones, of Medina, Orleans 
county, N. Y. The death of Mrs. Fraser occurred 
September 1, 1873. 



CAPTAIN GEORGE W. ROOT. 

George W. Root was a son of Roswell and Pa- 
melia (Dickinson) Root, the former of whom was 
born in Pittsfield, Berkshire county, Mass., Nov. 
29, 1759, and the latter Aug. 7, 1766. They were 
married April 21, 1785, and in the year 1822, Mr. 
Root with his family emigrated from his native 
State to the town of York, Livingston county, 
where he purchased a farm and located about a 
mile south of the village of York, and remained 
there till his death which occurred Jan. 27, 1827, 
at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife survived 
him ten years and died March 22, 1837, aged 
seventy years. 

George W. Root was the youngest of a family 
of seven sons and two daughters, and was born in 
Pittsfield, Mass., June 8, 1808. He always lived 
at home with his parents, and with three of his 
bachelor brothers worked the farm, till at the death 
of one of the four, that one's share was divided 
between the remaining three, and so on till George 
W. being the last of the four brothers, paid off the 
other heirs and retained the land originally pur- 
chased by his father. To this he has added from 
time to time till at his death he was the possessor 
of about seven hundred acres. 

March 21, 1833, he married Eugenia Hurlburt, 



424 



HISTORY OF LIVINC.STON COUNTY. 



daughter of Dr. Ulysses and Lucina Hurlburt, of 
York, formerly of Stockbridge, Mass. They had 
five children: — Mary 1)., who died when eleven 
years of age; Daniel W., living at home ; Martha, 
at home; Mary E., wife of Clarence Hodgman, 
of Lyons, Ionia county, Mich. ; and Julia A., wife 
of Moses Cowan, of York, Livingston county, 
N. Y. 

Although he was a far-seeing man, Mr. Root's 
investments did not at all times meet his ex- 
pectations. He had always been a public-spirited 
man, entering into public improvements for the 
supposed good of his town or county, and often 
with pecuniary losses to himself. He was a man 
of strong common sense, sanguine in his tempera- 
ment and hopeful that many of his early projects 
would yet succeed. He was president of the agri- 
cultural society of the county one year, and direc- 
tor since its organization. 

In politics Mr. Root was originally a Whig, but 
at the organization of the Republican party he be- 
came one of its members and ardent supporters. 
He was elected Supervisor by his party eight con- 
secutive terms, and chairman six of those terms, 
and often the votes of the opposing party were 
cast in his favor. 

March 28, 1881, while attending to his duties at 
home he received a paralytic shock, and it was soon 
apparent to those who gathered at his bedside that 
his lamp of life was flickering, and as colors melt 
away into shades and tints and finally disappear, 
so his life passed away at the age of nearly seventy- 
three years. He was a kind husband, an indulgent 
father, a good neighbor and a warm friend. His 
life was one of unusual activity, and thoroughly 
identified with the history and business interests of 
his town and county. 



SAMUEL WARREN. 

Samuel Warren, was born in Litchfield, Herki- 
mer county, N. Y. Oct. 28, 1797. His father died 
when Samuel was but ten years old and he remained 
at home with his mother until he was nineteen 
years of age, when he concluded to try and better 
his condition in life by entering a new country. To 
this end he came to the Genesee Valley in 1816, 
and there engaged for one year in working on the 
farm for Mr. Asa Davis. The following winter he 
brought his mother there to live with him in the log- 
house he had erected on his farm of thirty-three 
acres purchased from his employer. He continued 
in the employ of Mr. Davis, grafting fruit trees in 
the surrounding county, and on his own land planted 
a vineyard from which he sold vines to different 
parties and within a few years raised large quanti- 
ties of grapes from which he manufactured pure 
native wine. He made the first of that kind ever 
made in the county in 1832, in that year manu- 
facturing about twenty gallons, and in the year 
1853 made over fifty-eight casks full. 

Previous to this in 1822, Mr. Warren built a saw 



mill, the first in the town, near where the feed and 
flour mill, known as Warren's mills, is now operated 
by his son H. P. Warren. 

Nov. 30, 1826, he was married to Sarah, daugh- 
ter of Kleazer and Elizabeth Flagg of Conway, 
Franklin county, Massachusetts. Five children 
were born to them, three sons, and two daughters, 
of whom three are still living, viz: — Josiah, now 
residing in Geneseo ; H. P. occupying the old 
homestead in York ; and Mary Jane, now Mrs. 
Alfred Burt, of Campbell, Ionia county, Mich. 
Fidelia, who died P'eb. 5, 1851, had reached her 
twenty-fourth year, and was a young lady of very 
brilliant mind and highly educated. She had 
studied medicine in Syracuse and Rochester in the 
Eclectic Medical College. 

After eleven years of intense suffering Mr. War- , 
ren died Sept. 14, 1862, in the sixty-fifth year of 
his age. He had long been deacon in the Con- 
gregational church at York, and a most exem- 
plary man, and efficient laborer in the Sunday 
School, in which he was particularly interested. 
Being a true christian, during the long period of 
his ill health, his friends or family never heard one 1 
repining word. 

In politics he was a Republican. A man of 
good taste, nice discrimination, sound judgment 
and extensive reading, he became deeply interested 
in the questions of the day and earnestly hoped 
that ours might become a free nation. He became 
so engaged in that noble desire that he willingly 
bade his son whom he loved, go fight for his coun- 
try, and the few days that he lived after the de- 
parture of his son, perfect resignation was manifest 
upon his brow. 

Just before he breathed his last, when asked by 
his eldest son if he had any fear, he replied, " O, 
no ; my trust is in Jesus." Thus fearlessly and 
peacefully, on a quiet Sabbath afternoon, sur- 
rounded by all of his family, save one, the aged 
christian passed away from toil to triumph. 

Mrs. Warren who still survives her husband, is 
now in her eightieth year, and retains her mental 
powers to a remarkable degree. 

It is through the liberality of the sons, Josiah 
and H. P. Warren, that this portrait and sketch of 
their father are inserted in the pages of this work, 
a tribute to his memory. 



DAVID DONNAN. 

David Donnan, one of the representative farmers 
of Livingston county during more than half a 
century, was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery 
county, N. Y., Dec. 3, 1809. His father, Alexan- 
der Donnan, was a native of Galowayshire, Scot- 
land, and came to America the year after the in- 
dependence of our nation was declared. He set- 
tled in Amsterdam and there bought the farm on 
which the remainder of his days were spent. 

David remained at home with his parents until 
twenty-one years of age, assisting his father in the 







SAMigiEk WAaaaji-. 




Photo by Merrell, Gene ieo 

3 3S B A T O S8, 3 t> A !K. 3 Z 2U jg S 




Photo I j Mn ell I ieneseo. 

n &.K a u 'do m ih a sj . 



DAVID DONNAN— SENATOR BLAKESLEE. 



425 



arduous duties of farming and acquiring such an 
education as he could obtain from the district 
schools of that day. Wishing to engage in business 
for himself, and having what seemed to him great 
wealth, he determined to visit the then famous 
Genesee country. 

Being pleased with the prospect which there 
presented itself, he purchased a farm of one hun- 
dred and twelve acres, and settled in the town of 
Leicester. Here he began to build for himself that 
high reputation as a farmer which he now holds, 
and from that time onward, has ever shown him- 
self competent to secure the end he had in view, 
and worthy the praise accorded him. 

He has added to his first purchase from time to 
time until now he is the owner of six hundred 
acres of the finest farming land in Leicester or 
York, which lies in part of both towns and is all 
in one body. 

Mr. Donnan was married to Jane Milroy, daugh- 
ter of James and Mary Milroy, who were natives 
of Galowayshire, Scotland, and who settled in 
York at an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Donnan 
have been born two children: — John A., who 
married Agnes Shannon, of York, now living at 
home; and Mary E., wife of Alexander McPher- 
son, of LeRoy, Genesee county, N. Y. Mr. Don- 
nan and his family are all conscientious adherents 
to the Presbyterian faith. 

In politics Mr. Donnan is a Republican, having 
joined that party at its formation, and he has 
always been an ardent supporter of that party's prin- 
ciples, but has never allowed his name to be used 
in connection with any office, preferring to let his 
large farming interests occupy his time. 

Mrs. Donnan was, like her husband, an ardent 
and consistent Christian, and was beloved by all 
who knew her for her true Christian virtues and 
kindness of heart. She died June 13, 1857. The 
husband who was thus deprived of his faithful as- 
sistant, is still living, in the seventy-second year of 
his age, and is able to conduct his business affairs 
with great promptness for one that has passed the 
alloted time, and he can say, what very few can, 
that in all of his business transactions through life 
he has never found it necessary or expedient to sue 
any person. 



SENATOR BLAKESLEE. 

Senator Blakeslee was born in Wallingford, New 
Haven county, Conn., March 25, 1799. His father, 
Joseph Blakeslee, was a native of Connecticut. 
He could trace his lineage back to two brothers of 
English origin, who came to this country in that 
old "nest-egg of freedom," the Mayflower. His 
wife, Mary Andrews, was also a native of Connecti- 
cut. They had six children of whom Senator, the 
subject of this sketch, was the fourth. 

His early life was spent on his father's farm, and 
he received more of an education than the average 



farmer's sons of those days, having attended a 
select school and an academy. When about twenty- 
one years of age he taught the school in his native 
town and district for two terms, receiving a remu- 
neration of ten dollars per month, and the last 
term the school consisted of one hundred scholars 
of whom he had the entire charge, there being no 
assistant. For six years he was a member of the 
Wallingford horse artillery of New Haven county, 
serving as a commissioned officer. 

Mr. Blakeslee remained at home, saving from his 
earnings about one hundred dollars each year, till 
twenty-six years of age, when he purchased a farm 
in Litchfield, Conn., and then married Sally Morse 
of Litchfield. They had six children, four of whom 
are now living r— Merancy, Lyman, and Joseph, 
are residing in Kalamazoo, Mich., and Sarah, now 
Mrs. Dodge of Oswego county, N. Y. Mrs. 
Blakeslee died after being married about fifteen 
years. 

Mr. Blakeslee continued to work his farm for 
eleven years, when he sold out and following in the 
footsteps of many before him, sought a farm in the 
West, but after spending quite a length of time in 
looking around he became somewhat discouraged, 
and decided to return east. He stopped at Chicago, 
which was then a mere hamlet, five days waiting 
for a boat and during that time was privileged in 
hearing the great orator, Daniel Webster, in one of 
the forts near there. 

This was in 1837, and on his way to Connecti- 
cut he called on some of his acquaintances who 
used every available means to persuade him to 
locate in Livingston county, but all in vain. He 
returned to Wallingford and in the fall of the same 
year came to York where he purchased a farm of 
one hundred and fifty acres, and commenced busi- 
ness on the principle, that a good farm like good 
stock must be well fed in order to meet the expec- 
tation of the owner. In a few years he added 
twenty-five acres to his first purchase, and then five 
more, making a total of one hundred and eighty 
acres, all in one body. 

In 1840, he was married to Lucy Hull, of Wal- 
lingford, Conn., by whom he had four children, 
three of whom are now living, viz : — Lucy, now 
Mrs. J. L. Dodge of Moscow ; Marietta, now Mrs. 
Geo. Green of Alder creek, Oneida county, and 
Henry K. married to Minnie Kellogg, of New 
Hartford, Oneida county, and residing on the 
homestead farm, and occupying the same house 
in which he was born. Mrs. Blakeslee died in 
1865, and March nth, 1866, Mr. Blakeslee was 
again married to Lucy Kendall his present wife. 

Mr. Blakeslee built a beautiful residence with all 
the modern improvements, opposite the one he 
occupied so many years. He and his wife are 
both members of the Baptist Church, Mr. Blakes- 
lee having united with the same over sixty years 
ago. 

He has been director of the Genesee River bank, 
the Mt. Morris bank, and is now one of the direc- 
tors of the Genesee Valley National bank. He is 
also a life member of the Livingston County Agri- 



426 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



cultural Society, having united with that body at 
its organization. 

Mr. Blakeslee, now at the advanced age of eighty- 
two years is a genial, kind-hearted man, with many 
friends and respected by all who know him. 



WILLIAM CRAIG. 

William Craig was born in Dumfriesshire, parish 
of Hollywood, Scotland, in 1797. His parents 
were James and Agnes (Reed) Craig. They had 
eight children, of whom William was the second 
son. 

When nine years of age he began working dur- 
ing the summer months for the farmers of his native 
heath, and remaining at home winters and attend- 
ing the district school. His parents took his 
earnings till he was nineteen years of age, when he 
emigrated to this country where he had an uncle 
in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, N. Y. 

Having a great taste for mechanical work he 
concluded to become a carpenter and joiner, and 
engaged his services as an apprentice to Ezra 
Loomis. 

In 1821, about the time that he finished his 
trade, a brother of Mr. Loomis' residing in Roch- 
ester, engaged him to come there and assist him in 
erecting the Monroe county jail and a house for 
the sheriff. 

Feb. 14, 1822, Mr. Craig was united in marriage 
with Jane Stewart, of Amsterdam, and in 1823 
came to the town of York and bought the fifty 
acres of land where he now lives. Here he re- 
sumed work at his trade, and such was his repu- 
tation as a builder that he sometimes had fourteen 
carpenters working at one time under his direc- 
tions. 

He continued this business until 1S38, and 
adding to his fifty acres, till now he is the owner 
of three hundred and six acres of as good land as 
the county contains. 

He has four children, as follows: — James W., 
born Nov. 8, 1825, married Sarah J. Butterfield, is 
now a physician in Churchville, Monroe county, 
N. Y. ; Elizabeth, born Sept. 9, 1827, married 
William Wilson, of York, and died July 24, 1868 ; 
Agnes Reid, born in July, 1829, is the wife of 
John McMartin, of York; and Duncan Stewart, 
born June 14, 1831, married Elizabeth Walker, of 
York. 

Mr. Craig is a member of the United Presby- 
terian church of York. 

In politics he is a Republican, having joined 
that party at its formation, and has been Assessor 
for his town and Highway Commissioner several 
years. He is now about eighty-four years of age, 
and can look back upon a life of toil and pleasure 
intermingled, and feel that though many years 
have passed he does not regret them, but placing 
entire confidence in the Ruler of the Universe, 
looks cheerfully forward to the future. It is the 
wish of his many friends and acquaintances that 
he may yet be spared to them many years to come. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

History of the Town of Avon. 

AVON the central town upon the north border 
of the county is bounded upon the north by 
the town of Rush (Monroe county,) upon the east 
by Lima, upon the south by Livonia and Geneseo, 
and upon the west by York and Caledonia. It has 
an area of 24,891 acres, and contained a popula- 
tion in 1875 of 3,325. 

The surface of the town consists mostly of rolling 
uplands while a small portion lies on the flats of 
the Genesee. The soil of the uplands consists 
mostly of a gravelly loam intermixed in places with 
clay making valuable wheat land. The assessed 
value of farm lands in this town is the highest of 
any in the county, thus sufficiently attesting not 
only the fertility of the soil but the high state of 
cultivation that it has been brought under. 

The principal streams of the town are the Gene- 
see river which forms its western boundary and 
the Conesus outlet which flows through the south- 
western portions of the town furnishing valuable 
water power at several places in its course before 
it loses itself in the Genesee. 

Avon was organized under an Act dated Jan. 
27, 1789, by the name of Hartford, which was 
changed to Avon, in 1808. The name of Hartford 
was derived from that of Hartford, Conn., and the 
present one was taken from that of a town in Hart- 
ford county, Conn. It originally comprised the 
town of Rush, Monroe county, but the latter town 
was set oft" in 181 8. 

Gilbert R. Berry was the first permanent settler, 
coming in the spring of 1789. Dr. Timothy Hos- 
mer and Isaiah Thompson were the next settlers, 
and came in 1790, and were followed very soon by 
John Ganson, Benjamin, John, Jesse, Joseph and " 
David Pierson, brothers, Josiah Waters, John 
Beach, Stephen Rogers, Gad. Wadsworth, Pantry J. 
Moore, Joseph Rathbone and Gideon Dunham, 
and later by the Wiards, Bensons. Johnsons, Chap- 
pells, Chapels, Bonds, Riggs, Hendees, Millers, 
Demings, Littles, Todds, Pecks, Beckwiths and 
others mostly from Connecticut.* 

The first permanent settler in the town was 
Gilbert R. Berry, who came in the spring of 1789. 
He was a prominent character in the town up to 
the time of his death which occurred in 1797. He 
was from Albany, and married the daughter of the 
early Indian trader, Wemple. 

* From Address of Hon. A. A. Hendee, of Avon, before the Livingston 
Count)' Pioneer Association Aug. 15, 1878. 




Photo- by Merrell, i leneseo. 



W 1 JU la I A M 'G H ATS, 



AVON — EARLY SETTLERS. 



427 



William Rice was at Avon in the same year, and 
must have settled there soon after Mr. Berry. 
Morgan and William Desha were upon the 
"Desha Flats," as early as 1789, claiming under 
an Indian grant ; but the title failing, they re- 
moved to Canada. There were there in that 
year, besides, several heads of families, who are 
supposed not to have been permanent settlers. 
The son of the Wm. Rice named above, was the 
first born upon the Phelps and Gcrham Pur- 
chase. He was named " Oliver Phelps Rice." 
Judge Phelps gave him an 100 acres of land in 
Livonia, which he occupied when he became of 
age. 

Gilbert R. Berry being engaged in the Indian 
trade, located first at Geneva, and in 17S9, re- 
moved to the Genesee river, erected a log-house 
on the west side of the river, near the present 
bridge, opened a trade with the Indian village of 
Canawangus, established a ferry, and entertained 
the few travelers that passed through on the old 
Niagara trail. He died in 1796 or 1797, and was 
succeeded by his widow. The Holland Purchase 
being opened for settlement soon afterwards, the 
" Widow Berry's " tavern was widely known in all 
early years west of the river ; and beside furnish- 
ing a comfortable resting place for early pioneers 
in her primitive tavern, some of the best wives and 
mothers of the Genesee country were reared and 
fitted for the duties of life. Her daughters be- 
came the wives of George Hosmer, Esq., of Avon, 
E. Clark Hickox, the early merchant of Batavia 
and Buffalo, John Mastick, Esq., the pioneer 
lawyer of Rochester, and George A. Tiffany, 
whose father was one of the early printers of Can- 
andaigua. 

In 1795 the Duke de Liancourt, a French noble- 
man who visited this county in that year says: "At 
Canawangus, though there were but few in- 
habitants, I found one of the best inns I have seen 
for some time past. It was kept by a good civil 
man named Gilbert R. Berry. 

Capt. John Ganson was the pioneer settler fol- 
lowing Mr. Berry. Holding a commission in the 
Revolutionary war, he had accompanied the ex- 
pedition of Gen. Sullivan. Before the treaty was 
concluded in 1788, he revisited the country, and 
selected a fine tract of land on the river, about two 
miles below Avon. His sons, John and James, 
passed the winter of 1788-89 in a cabin upon the 
premises ; and the father and family came on in 
the fall of 1789. During the following winter they 
erected a rude " tub-mill " on the small stream 



that runs into the river on the Markham farm. It 
was a small log building ; no boards could be had ; 
the curb was made of hewed plank; the spindle 
was made by straightening out a section of a cart 
tire ; the stones were roughly carved out of native 
rock. There was no bolt, the substitute being 
hand sieves, made of splints. It was a rude, 
primitive concern ; but it would mash the corn a 
little better than a wooden mortar and pestle, and 
was quite an acquisition to the country. It pre- 
ceded the Allen mill a few months, and if we shall 
call it a mill, it was the first in the Genesee Valley. 

Capt. Ganson had claimed title either under the 
Indian grant, or under the lessees, which failed, 
and Col. Wm. Markham became his successor. 
He resided for several years afterwards four miles 
east of Avon, on the main road. As early as 
1788, about the period of the commencement of 
surveys upon the Holland Purchase, Capt. Ganson 
had pushed on to the west side of the river, and 
purchased the pioneer tavern stand of Charles 
Wilbur, on the then verge of civilization, one mile 
east of the present village of LeRoy. In this location 
he was widely known in early years. His house was 
the home of early land agents, surveyors, explorers 
and pioneer settlers. He was both loved and feared 
by the Indians; they came to him for counsel and 
advice ; when they became turbulent in their 
drunken frolics and threatened outrage, he would 
quell them by his determined will, or with his 
strong arm. 

Township 10, Range 7, (Avon,) was sold by Mr. 
Phelps to Wadsworth, Lewis & Co. Those inter- 
ested in the purchase were : — William Wadsworth, 
of Farmington, Conn., (a cousin of James and 
William,) Wells, of Hartford, Isaiah Thomp- 
son, Timothy Hosmer, and Lewis. The 

price paid was is 6d., New England currency per 
acre ; a high price at the period, in consequence 
of the large amount of open fiats. Dr. Hosmer 
and Thompson were the only ones of the proprie- 
tors who became residents. Major Thompson, 
who had not brought his family, died the first sea- 
son, of bilious fever. His son Charles afterwards 
became a resident, and died in Avon many years 
since. 

Dr. Timothy Hosmer was a native of West 
Hartford, Conn. With a little more than an ordi- 
nary academical education, he became a student 
of medicine with Dr. Dickinson, of Middleton. 
But recently settled in practice in Farmington, at 
the breaking out of the Revolution, he entered the 
service of the colonies as a surgeon, in the Con- 



428 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



necticut line. Serving in that capacity through the 
eventful crisis, he retired happy in the recollection 
of its glorious result, but like most of those who 
had helped to achieve it. he was poor and penni- 
less, with a growing family dependent on his pro- 
fessional services for support. In the army he had 
acquired a high reputation in his profession, es- 
pecially for his successful treatment of the small- 
pox at Danbury, where an army hospital had been 
established for patients. The discovery of Tenner, 
having been but recently promulgated in Europe, 
its efficacy was a mooted question ; with a profes- 
sional boldness which was characteristic of the man, 
he espoused the new discovery, and used it with 
great success. 

Personally acquainted with Mr. Phelps, and 
hearing of his purchase in the Genesee country, 
partly from a love of adventure and new enterprise, 
and partly to escape from a large practice, that was 
requiring too much of constant toil, in 1790, he 
visited this region in company with Maj. Thomp- 
son, with whom, for themselves and associates, he 
made the purchase of a township, spending the 
summer of 1790 in Avon and erecting a log house, 
(the first dwelling on the present site of Avon,) 
where Mr. Merrill's house afterwards stood. His 
whole family joined him in 1792. Coming into 
the wilderness, with other objects in view, he was 
forced by necessity — by the absence of others of 
his profession, to engage in practice, which he con- 
tinued until relieved by others. 

The Indians early learned to appreciate his pro- 
fessional skill and personal good offices. They 
named him "At-ta-gus," the healer of disease. In 
a period of doubt as to their relations with the new 
settlers, he helped to reconcile them and avert a 
threatened danger. 

When Ontario was organized he became one of 
its judges, and succeeded Mr. Phelps as First Judge, 
which office he held until he was sixty years of age, 
the constitutional limitation. He possessed nat- 
urally a fine literary taste; and his well selected 
library was an anomaly in the backwoods. In his 
correspondence with Messrs. Wadsworth and Wil- 
liamson, there are indications of the scholar, the 
poet, and always of ardent, enlightened patriotism. 

He died in November, 1815, aged 70 years. 
Among his sons, most of whom came to the country 
as junior pioneers, may be mentioned William T.. 
and George, of Avon, who in early years occupied a 
conspicuous position at the bar of Western New 
York, and who was the father of Win. H. C. Hos- 
mer, the author of " Vonnondio," "Themes of 



Song," and other poems; who is justly entitled to 
the position that has been awarded him in the front 
rank of American scholars and poets. 

Geo. Hosmer pursued his early studies under 
the tuition of the Rev. Ebenezer Johnson, of Lima ; 
in 1799 entered the law office of Hon. Nathaniel 
W. Howell, as a student; and in 1S02 was admit- 
ted to practice, opening his office in Avon, then 
the only lawyer west of Canandaigua. In the war 
of 181 2 he was upon the frontier as the aid of Gen. 
Hall. He died in Chicago in March, 1861. 

Timothy, the early and widely known landlord 
at Avon, afterward resided at the Four Mile creek, 
near Fort Niagara; Sylvester, in Caledonia; Albert 
in Hartland, Niagara county. 

Frederick Hosmer, deceased, was a son of Judge 
Hosmer. He was the first merchant at Avon. 

Colonel William Markham, who had first settled 
at Bloomfield, moved to Avon in 1790. In Rloom- 
field he had purchased a hundred acres of land, 
and paid for it with the proceeds of one acre of 
potatoes. With the proceeds of that land, he pur- 
chased and paid for the fine farm on the river, af- 
terwards owned by his son, Guy Markham, which 
has rented for $1,000 per year. He died in 1827 
or 1828. 

Gad Wadsworth was a distant connection of 
James and William, and came in with them in 
their primitive advent in 1790, in care, personally, 
of the stock. James and William having become, 
by purchase from first hands, land proprietors in 
Avon, he settled there in 1792, his farm being what 
was afterward the farms of his son, Henry Wads- 
worth, and Asa Nowlen, upon which are the Avon 
springs. He died soon after 1S20, aged nearly 
80 years. Another son of his, Richard, inhabited 
that part of the farm upon which the springs are 
situated, and sold to Mr. Nowlen. He emigrated 
to Sandusky. 

Major Isaac Smith was the early and widely 
known landlord, four miles west of the river, com- 
mencing there as early as 1800. Under his roof, 
a large proportion of the pioneers west of the river, 
have found rest and refreshment. 

'The next landlord at Avon, after Gilbert R. 
Berry, was Nathan Perry. He built a framed 
house, north side of the square, on the site OCCU 
pied by the dwelling of Mr. Curtiss Hawley. Perry 
emigrated to the Connecticut Reserve, and was 
succeeded by Sidney Hosmer, who made additions 
to the house. In 1806 James Wadsworth built the 
hotel on the corner, and soon after sold it to Sid- 
ney and W. T. Hosmer, after which it was long 




Residence and Stock Faf\m of F. j3. 




R^SON, yWoN, j_^IVINGSTON PoUNTY, N. Y. 



AVON — EARLY SETTLERS. 



429 



known as the Hosmer Stand. During the war of 
181 2, and for many years after, it was kept by 
Timothy Hosmer. 

The first school-house was a log one, erected a 
little north of the Episcopal church. Judge Hos- 
mer and the Wadsworths built saw mills on the 
Conesus as early as 1796. The first meetings were 
held in the log school-house, — -Judge Hosmer usu- 
ally reading the Episcopal service. Mr. Crane, an 
Episcopal clergyman, and Rev. Samuel J. Mills, 
were early itinerant ministers. 

Jehiel Kelsey was another of the early pioneers of 
Avon. In 1798 he brought the first cargo of salt that 
came from Onondaga by water, and around the 
portage at Genesee Falls. He paid for each 
bushel of salt a pound of pork, and sold his salt 
at $10 per barrel. 

In 1805, a library was established at Avon. The 
trustees were : — A. Sidney Hosmer, Job Pierce, 
Joshua Lovejoy, Jehiel Kelsey, Elkanah Whitney, 
James Lawrence, William Markham, George Hos- 
mer, Stephen Rodgers. 

In 1810 ''a number of persons being stated 
hearers of Rev. John F. Bliss, of Avon," met and 
organized the "Avon Religious Society." Samuel 
Bliss and Asa Clark presided. Trustees: — John 
Pierson, George Hosmer, Nathaniel Bancroft, John 
Brown, Ezekiel Mosely, William Markham. 

James Hosmer was a prominent citizen of Avon. 
He was born in Montville, now New London, 
Conn., Sept. 13, 1799, and came to Avon with his 
parents, Graves and Amy Hosmer, in 1801. He 
resided in the town of Avon continuously from that 
time until his death, which took place May n, 
1880. 

His .father, Graves Hosmer, enlisted on board of 
the Continental frigate Trumbull as midshipman, 
in 1779, when it was lying in the port of New Lon- 
don. In the spring of 1780, the frigate sailed, and 
in the month of June fell in with the British ship 
Wasp. In the conflict that ensued, Mr. Hosmer 
was in command of eight men in the main-top all 
of whom were either killed or wounded, with the 
exception of himself. He only served one year. 
He was a native of Middletown, Conn. 

Charles Kellogg came from Colchester, Conn., 
in 1 810 and settled in the town of Geneseo. His 
family consisted of nine children, all born in Con- 
necticut. His daughter Mary was born in Octo- 
ber, 1800, and in i8i8she moved to the farm just 
north of the cemetery at South Avon, where she 
still resides. 

Benjamin Deming was an important addition to 



the early pioneers. He located in the neighbor- 
hood of South Avon about 1806. Major Scott was 
another early settler in this section of the town 
and bought a large farm. None of his descend- 
ants are now here. 

Hermann Ladd settled a short distance west of 
East Avon, as early as 1806, and died there. War- 
ren Ladd is a son of his. Pantry J. Moore settled 
upon the hill just east of Avon, previous to 1802. 
Chandler Pearson was one of the first settlers at 
East Avon, and was an early merchant there. Job 
Pierce came to Avon village as early as 1801. 

Josiah Waters lived about one mile south of 
Avon, and settled there as early as 1805. He had 
located previous to this on a lot three-fourths of a 
mile east of East Avon, but not liking the land 
moved in 1805. Mrs. John Hall is a daughter of 
his. Among his children were Truman and Ed- 
ward, both dead. Edward Waters his brother, set- 
tled about one and three-fourths miles east of East 
Avon, as early as 1805, and died upon the same 
place. He had a large family all of whom are gone. 
John P. Whaley is another of the early pioneers 
whose name has been made historical through its 
connection with the records of the past. One of 
the progenitors of this family, Edward Whalley, was 
born in 16 15, in Northamptonshire, England. 
When the contest between Charles II. and his 
Parliament arose he sided with the latter, and was 
one of the fifty-nine who signed the King's death 
warrant. At the Restoration he was obliged to flee 
for the safety of his life, and came to New England, 
where he arrived July 27, 1660. Edward A. was 
a son of John P. Whaley, and was born Jan. 17, 
1786, in Berkshire county, Mass. Charles E. who 
now resides in Avon, is a son of Edward and was 
born in this town Nov. 14, 1825. John P. settled 
in Avon in 1805. 

A Mr. Barrows settled about three-fourths of a 
mile north-east of Avon, about 1800. Captain 
James Austin married one of his daughters. 

Ephraim Hendee moved to the town of Avon, in 
October, 1810. His children were Hannah P., af- 
terwaids Mrs. Jonas Howe ; Amy Lovisa, who mar- 
ried Hiram Pierson ; Worthy L., who moved to 
Michigan ; Ruby Orvilla, who married a Mr. Ran- 
som, (now dead;) Churchill, born Jan. 15, 1812, 
in Michigan, and the Honorable A. A., now dead. 
John Barnard located near the old ferry on the old 
State road as early as 1 S06. 

The Pierson — or Pearson as some of the mem- 
bers spell it— family consisting of Benjamin, John, 
Jesse, Joseph and David, brothers, settled a little 



43° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



cast of East Avon, on the State road as early as 
1797. Hiram Pearson is a son of Jesse Pearson, 

anil was born September 21, 1805. His father set- 
tled upon lot 68. Ira Pearson was born in 1793, 
and was brought to this town with his parents who 
settled upon lot 113. He died in Feb. 9, 1850. S. 
li. Pearson is a son of Iia's, anil was born Octo- 
ber 22, 1 8 1 5. 

Joseph Pierson was born in Ellington, Conn., 
April 15, 1767. At the age of twenty-one he 
emigrated to Schenectady county, where he was 
married to Sarah Watrous. July, 1797, he re- 
moved with his family to Avon. Of his nine 
children only four are living: — Catherine, Wealthy, 
Frederick I!, and Bradley M. Mr. Pierson died 
Dec. 10, 1843, and his wife. Sept. 17, 1S10. 
Frederick B. has acquired no little notoriety for 
the excellence of his stock farm and for his efforts 
to improve the quality of the live stock of the 
county. Horses reared upon his farm have not 
been regarded unfit gifts for two Presidents of the 
United States. 

There came to the Genesee country with 
Messrs. Fitzhugh, Rochester and Carroll, or at 
about the same time, Col. Jonas Hogmire, of 
Washington county, Md., and William Beal and 
John Wilson, of Frederick county, Md. Col. 
Hogmire purchased of Mr. VVadsworth, on the 
river, in Avon, 1,500 acres of land, upon which his 
sons, Conrad and Samuel Hogmire, afterwards re- 
sided. The father never emigrated. Austin Hog- 
mire, who resides near South Avon, is a son of 
Conrad's, and was born in Avon, April 11, 1820. ' 

Thomas Wiard came in 1802 from Waterbury, 
Conn., and settled in Geneseo. He had purchased 
his farm of the Wadsworths before coming, and 
was to have the privilege of selecting his land from 
among any of their vast possessions in the Cenesee 
country, which at that time comprised nearly 
all of this section. Owing to a subsequent 
difficulty arising from political discussions, he 
experienced considerable trouble in locating his 
land, but finally located in 1805 upon the tract 
occupied the year before by Josiah Waters, and 
upon which the latter had built a log-house. Four 
of his children : — William, Seth, Margaretany, 
and Rachel E., were born in Connecticut, and 
came in with him. Henry, George, Thomas, 
Matthew, Caroline and Mary Ann, were born 
after his settlement here. Upon his removal to 
Avon he carried on farming, backsmithing, and 
the manufacture of plows. He was the first 
Supervisor of the town of Avon, holding that office 



in 1821, 1822, 1829, 1830 and 1835. He died in 
1837. Of his children : — Seth, Thomas, Matthew 
and Henry in East Avon, and Mary Ann, in 
Michigan, are the only ones living. Seth married 
Acsah Dayton ; Thomas married Almira E. Alder- 
man ; Matthew is unmarried and Henry married 
Caroline Palmer. Matthew was born Sept. 8, 
1813. From 1852 till 1870, he was largely engaged 
in the manufacture of the Wiard Plow. He was 
Supervisor in 1858, 1859, i860, and 1876, and 
was Member of Assembly in 1861 and 1862. 

Deacon Hinds Chamberlain came to Avon in 
1790. He afterward moved to LeRoy, Genesee 
county. 

Col. Abner Morgan, athough not one of the first 
settlers, on account of his prominence, is worthy of 
mention. His collegiate education was obtained 
at Harvard College, from where he was graduated 
in 1763. He left his home in Brimfield, Mass., 
where he was engaged in the practice of law, in 
1775, and accepted, at Cambridgeport, Mass., the 
commission of Major and Adjutant in the first 
regiment of Continental troops raised in the war of 
the Revolution. Nehemiah Porter was the colonel. 
This regiment formed part of the force with which 
General Arnold joined Montgomery before Que- 
bec. When Montgomery was killed, Arnold took 
his place, and upon his being disabled, Major 
Morgan assumed command of the "forlorn hope" 
and led the last and final attack the morning of 
Jan. 1st, 1776, which was repulsed by overwhelm- 
ing numbers.* 

Colonel Morgan came to Avon in 1828, and died 
there in December, 1837, at the extraordinary age 
of 100. Mrs. Salisbury, the widow of Dr. Samuel 
Salisbury, of Avon, now residing in Rochester, is a 
daughter of his. 

At a census of Avon, taken by General Amos 
Hall, in 1790, the town contained a population of 
ten families, sixty-six persons. 

The first bridge was built across the Genesee at 
Avon, in 1803 or 1804. 

The earliest records attainable bear date of April 
7, 1797, at which time Ebenezer Merry was Super- 
visor, Wm. Hosmer, Town Clerk, and Timothy 
Hosmer and (lad Wadsworth Commissioners of 
Highways. In 1798 the following names appear 
upon the records : Ebenezer Merry, Supervisor ; 
Wm. Hosmer, Town Clerk; John Beach, John 
Hinman, John Pearson, Assessors; Stephen Rog- 
ers, Josiah Wadsworth, John Markham, Commis- 



• Irvine's "Washington" vol. xxiv page 14S inadvertently confounds 
Major Morgan with Captain afterward < renera] Daniel Morgan. 




0Uct^%*L(^A /h-ctsrzZ 



Matthew Wiard, the subject of this sketch, was borniu 
the town of Avon, Livingston county, Sept. 8, 1813. He 
is the fourth son of Thomas Wiard, who came from 
Waterbury, Conn., about the year 1802,. and located at 
Geneseo, where he commenced farming and afterwards 
carried on blacksmithing in the village. After remaining 
there two years he purchased a farm in the town of Avon, 
to which he removed, and carried on farming, black- 
smithing and the manufacture of plows. He was tin- 
first Supervisor of the town of Avon, performing the 
duties of that office in the years 1821, '22, ':.".», '30 and 
';',.">, and was also Justice of the Peace for many years. 
His first wife was Susan Hall, a native of Waterbury, 
Conn., by whom he had ten children, as follows: Wil- 
liam, (deceased,) Mai-garetany, (deceased,; Seth, Rachel E., 
(deceased,) Thomas, Mary Ann, Caroline, (deceased,) 
Matthew, Henry and George, (deceased.) His second 
wife was Nancy Gansen, of Genesee county, by whom he 
had three children, viz.: Nancy J., Louisa, (deceased,) 
and Elizabeth. He died in 1837, at the age of 07 years. 

Matthew lived at home, working on the farm and at- 
tending the district school — the only advantage for an 
education he ever enjoyed — until about twenty-two years 
of age, when he and his elder brother, Thomas, took the 
hotel at East Avon, which had been kejit for many years 
previously by William T. Hosmer, one of the early set- 
tlers in the town. He continued there until about the 
yearl 852, when he sold the house — having purchased it 



after his father's death— and engaged iu the manufacture 
of plows, then and now known as the "Wiard Plow," and 
which obtained a world-wide fame for its superior excel- 
lence. The plow now manufactured in Syracuse, and 
known as the "Syracuse Chilled Plow," is an outgrowth 
of the Wiard Plow, and was first made from a set of pat- 
terns sold by Matthew Wiard to John S. Robinson, of 
Cauandaigua. Mr. Wiard sold out his interest in 1870, 
and about 1876 the manufactory was removed to Batavia, 
N. Y. Mr. Wiard has since followed farming iu a small 
way and speculating in real estate, but considers himself 
as retired from active business. He has been elected to 
many of the offices iu the gift of the people of his town 
and county. He was Supervisor in 1858, '59, '60 and '70. 
In 1801 and '02 he represented his county iu the State 
Legislature, has beeu Justice of the Peace nearly twenty 
years, holding that office at the present time, and has 
been Notary Public about ten years. Iu politics Mr. 
Wiard was an old line Whig until the Republican party 
was formed, with which he united and has giveu au in- 
telligent aud firm support to its principles and measures. 
During the late war he was one of the first enrolling 
officers appointed for the town of Avon by the Governor, 
He is a staunch and true friend to those who prove them- 
selves worthy. By a life of industry and honest dealiug 
he has secured a competence, and it is agreed by all who 
know him that iu their social aud business relations with 
hini they have ever found him a man of Stirling fidelity. 



AVON — TOWN OFFICERS. 



43i 



sioners of Highways ; John Pearson, Wm. Mark- 
ham, Overseers of Poor, and John Mack, Constable. 

At the "Anniversary" election held April 30, 
1 80 1, Stephen Van Rensselaer received forty-one 
votes for Governor, and James Watson fifty-six 
votes for Lieut.-Governor; Ebenezer Merry, Job 
Pierce, John Himnan, John Beach and Ransom 
Smith were Inspectors of Election. 

The following persons have held the office of 
Supervisor and Town Clerk since 1802 : — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

802. Ebenezer Merry. Wm. Hosmer. 

803-7 d° do Chas. Little. 

808-9.* Wm - Markham. do do 

810. Chas. Little. Bradley Martin. 

811. Thomas Wiard. Matthew Hanna. 

812. Wm. Markham. Bradley Martin. 

813. Asa Nowlen. do do 

814. Wm. Markham. Asa Nowlen. 
Si 5. Thomas Wiard. do do 
816-17. fWm. Markham. do do 
818. Asa Bishop. do do 
819-20. do do Augustus A. Bennett. 

821. Thomas Wiard. Asa Nowlen. 

822. do do A. A. Bennett. 

823. Asa Nowlen. Hervey Brown. 

824. do do Emanuel Case. 
825-26. do do David Firman. 
827-28. Wm. J. Hosmer. do do 

829. Thomas Wiard. do do 

830. do do Matthew P. Thomas. 

831. David Firman. do do 

832. Tabor Ward. C. D. W. Gibson. 

833. do do M. P. Thomas. 

834. Wm. T. Hosmer. do do 

835. Thomas Wiard. do do 
836-37. Curtiss Hawley. L. W. Beecher. 
838-40. M. P. Thomas. do do 

841. Richard Torrence. do do 

842. Thomas Wiard. Peyton R. Morgan. 

843. Lewis Chandler. Clark K. Estes. 

844. do do M. P. Thomas. 

845. Thomas Wiard. Isaac Wells. 

846. Aaron Barber. Hugh Cameron. 

847. Amos Dann. Wm. A. Firman. 

848. Wm. C. Hawley. do do 

849. Norman Chappell. H. S. Firman. 

850. do do V. P. Whitbeck. 

851. Curtiss Hawley. Chas. A. Simonds. 

852. Chas. L. Shepard. Volkert P. Whitbeck. 
853-54. N. Chappell. Calvin Knowles. 

855. do do Stephen Hosmer. 

856. W. C. Hawley. do do 

857. C. L. Shepard. John Watkins. 

858. Matthew Wiard. do do 
859-60. do do Wilson D. Palmer. 

861. Hiram B. Smith. do do 

862. do do John Sabin. 

863. Russell Beckwith. Solon Watkins. 

864. do do Francis J. Hedenberg 

* Avon erected from Hartford, 
t Rush set off in April 1817. 



H. H. Isham. 

Samuel Churchill. 

Elias H. Davis, 
do 
do 

H. E. VanZandt. 
do do 

do do 

do do 

do do 



1865. James Hosmer. 

1866-68. Geo. W. Swan. 

1869-70. C. H. Marsh. 

1871. Homer Sackett. 

1872-74. Geo. D. Dooer. 

1875. do do 

1876. Matthew Wiard. 

1877. Geo. D. Dooer. 

1878. Aaron Barber. 
i879*-8o.W. S. Newman. 

The following is the present list of officers : — 

Supervisor, Joseph A. Dana ; Town Clerk, Henry 
E. VanZandt; Justice of the Peace, Calvin Knowles, 
full term ; Justice of the Peace, Samuel L. Harned 
vacancy ; Highway Commissioner, E. H. Clark 
Assessors, Charles E. Whaley, W. P. Low, C. Lan 
don ; Overseer of the Poor, William B. Calvert 
Collector, H. McKinney ; Constables, Edward B 
Reed, Jason B. Benedict, A. O'Neill, Benjamin G 
Nixon, William Pierce ; Game Constable, Milton 
C. Smedley ; Excise Commissioners, J. E. Jenks, 
Wm. Clendening, John Klett ; Inspectors of Elec- 
tion, Dist. No. 1, Underhill D. Torrance, Henry 
Wiard ; Dist. No. 2, Charles P. Quick, W. W. 
Hodgmire. 

The following miscellaneous items are taken 
from the town records : — 

In 1802 Zephania Beach, Josiah Rathbone, Gid- 
eon Dunham and Wm. Poor were Pathmasters. 
The town expenses for the year 1802 were $8.00. 
In 1 81 4 the first appropriation was made for a 
common school fund. In 1820 there were fourteen 
school districts and six hundred and fifty-four 
scholars. The amount of public school moneys 
distributed was $269.22. In 1833 12^ cents 
bounty was paid for each crow killed in the town, 
which bounty was increased to 25 cents in 1835. 
The total number of votes cast November 2, 3 and 
4, 1840, was for the Whig candidate 394, and for 
the Van Buren candidate 199. In 1841, Robert 
McLaughlin and Stephen S. Briggs were the only 
persons voting the Abolition ticket. 

Certificate of Freedom: — -This may certify 
that it hath been made to appear to my satisfac- 
tion that Oliver Payne, a black man, is free ac- 
cording to the laws of the State of New York ; that 
said Oliver is of the age of forty-one years ; that 
the place of his birth is the town of Grafton, State 
of Massachusetts ; that he became free by virtue of 
an Act of the Legislature of said State for abolish- 
ing slavery in said State, passed more than twenty 
years ago ; and that said Oliver is about six feet in 
height, slender built. Witness my hand this 27th 
day of April, 181 5. 

Mathew Warner. 

One of the Judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas for Ontario County. 

* Elected for two years. 



432 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Slave Certificate :— I hereby certify that 
Dion, a black woman, is aged about 33 years, her 
son Henry was born Oct., 181 5, her son Robert 
was born July 28, 1817. All of the above names 
are slaves of mine till their times diall severally ex- 
pire agreeable to the laws of this State. 

Avon, 8 Nov., 1817. Jeremiah Riggs. 

War Record:— The part that Avon took in the 
great interneciary struggle that was precipitated upon 
the country in 1861, will in all probability never be 
fully told, as no records were ever kept to portray in 
living colors the noble services of her sons upon 
the field, or their sufferings within the prison-pens of 
the enemy. The following is all that appears in 
the records of the town, and is but a brief epitome 
of the support given by those at home to their 
brave townsmen who had gone or who were to go 
to the defense of their country. 

The first resolution appearing in the town 
records relative to the war bears date of Aug. 1 8, 
1863, and is as follows : — 

" Resolved, That the sum of Two Dollars per 
week be appropriated to the indigent wife of any 
volunteer or drafted man, who is now or may be 
hereafter called into the service of the United 
States from this town with the additional sum of 
fifty cents per week, for each child of such family 
who has not arrived to an age sufficient for its own 
support." 

Three hundred dollars were voted to be raised 
for this, and Nov. 5, 1863, it was resolved that one 
thousand dollars be raised for the same purpose. 
April 5, 1864, it was 

"Resolved, That $1,221 be assessed upon the 
taxable property of the town of Avon for the pur- 
pose of paying the extra bounty pledged to volun- 
teers, and other expenses pertaining thereto." 

At a special town meeting held at the house of 
I. R. Newman, East Avon, Aug. 20, 1864, of 
which John L. Burleigh, was chairman, the fol- 
lowing resolution drawn by Matthew Wiard, Rus- 
sell Beckwith, Wm. E. Hall, James Hosmer and 
Josiah Brooks, was adopted: — 

" Resolved, That the clerk of this town be 
authorized to issue the bonds of this town, bearing 
annual interest of seven per cent., borrowing 
money thereon to pay each volunteer who shall be 
mustered into the U. S. service for three years and 
credited to this town, four hundred dollars in ad- 
dition to all other bounties, and two hundred dol- 
lars for one year, »»**** sa j ( ] bonds 
to be payable in five years, in five annual instal- 
ments." 

Sept. 8, 1864, the following resolution was 
adopted unanimously : — 

" Resolved, That the Supervisor of the town of 



Avon is hereby authorized to pay in cash or bonds 
of Livingston county, one thousand dollars to each 
recruit or person who has furnished and caused to 
be mustered into the military service of the United 
States, a substitute under the last call of the 
President for five hundred thousand men, provided 
that such recruits or substitutes are credited upon 
the quota of Avon." 

February 14, 1865, the following resolution was 
adopted : — 

"Resolved, That there be assessed and collected 
upon the taxable property of the town of Avon, a 
sum of money sufficient to pay to each and every 
volunteer, who shall enlist on the quota of the 
town, for one year's men, three hundred dollars ; 
two years' men, four hundred dollars ; three years' 
men, six hundred dollars, * * *." 

" Resolved, That the sum of two hundred and 
fifty dollars be paid to each man who may be 
drafted from the town of Avon and mustered in 
the service of the United States." 

March 2, 1875, it was resolved that one thou- 
sand two hundred and eighty-four dollars be raised 
to build a soldiers' monument. E. H. Davis, J. 
A. Dana, Orange Sackett, Jr., Matthew Wiard 
and Hugh Tighe were appointed a committee to 
purchase and superintend the erection of the same. 

March 7, 1876, it was resolved to raise three 
thousand dollars for a soldiers' monument. 

Feb. 17, 1877, it was resolved that the soldiers' 
monument be accepted, and it now stands a beau- 
tiful granite structure, forty-five feet high. 

On the south side of the monument are in- 
scribed the following names : — 

George Blackall, 11 6th Regiment, N. Y. S. V. 

I )enis Bulkley, " " 

Charles Barnard, " " 

Houghton Gerry, " " 

J. T. Morrison, " " 

D. E. Sunderlin, 

1 >avid Rich, " " 

Edwin Winans, " " 

F. E. Whaley, 

Wm. Hover, 

Samuel Whitmore, " " 

Patrick Brennigan, 104th " " 

Edward Roberts, 104th " " 

Patrick Conner, 140th " " 

Simon Deal, 108th 

On the east side those of: — 



Edgar Nobles, 
G. E. Slater, 
A. B. Milliman, 
A. K. Damon, 
Wm. Hall, 
Wilbur Waterous, 
Peter Zimmer. 
H. N. Stowell, 



14th H. Artillery. 

it (C 

Engineer. 



AVON VILLAGE. 



433 



On the north side those of : — 

Wm. Fisher, 13th Regiment, N. Y. S. V. 

Joseph Shadlow, 33d " " 

Gilbert Fuller, 27th " " 

Chas. Hosmer, 27th " " 

H. C. Cutler, B. Cav. 

John Canfield, 

James Halligan, " " 

George Hosmer, Jr. " " 

John McGraw, 
J. J. Peck, 22d 

J. K. Snyder, 1st " " 

James Chase, 26th Battery, 

Jeremiah VonKleeck, " " 

Homer Hilburn, 8th H. Art. " 

Milo Moran, 
On the west side is inscribed : — 

Erected by the Town of 

Avon, 

in memory 

to her deceased and fallen 

Soldiers 

whose names are 

inscribed hereon. 

At the bottom is inscribed — 

" Rest Here for the 
Night." 

Around the shaft are the names — 

Fredericksburgh, 

Gettysburgh, 

Wilderness, 

Atlanta. 

The monument is surmounted by a fine marble 
statute of an infantry soldier and stands in the 
center of the park at the top of the hill on the 
street leading from the depot. It is an ornament 
to the town and an honor to the townsmen of these 
fallen heroes, that they should thus perpetuate their 
memory upon the enduring stone. 

Avon Village. 

The village of Avon or West Avon as it was 
formerly called, lies in the northwest portion of the 
town upon the line of the New York, Lake Erie 
and Western Railroad, it being the junction of the 
branch from Corning to Buffalo, with the one run- 
ning from Rochester to Dansville. 

It is a thriving village containing in 18S0, 1,620 
inhabitants and derives considerable notoriety from 
the sulphur springs that are located here and which 
have been found decidedly efficacious in curing 
many diseases. Even among the Indians the water 
from these springs was regarded as a good reme- 
dial agent. 

The village is charmingly situated upon the edge 
of the highlands bordering the Genesee flats, thus 
giving a magnificent view across the intervening 



lowlands to the highlands upon the other side of 
the valley. 

The springs are the principal point of attraction 
for summer tourists, yet the inducements for pleas- 
ure seekers will be greatly enhanced this summer 
by a line of stages which is to be run to Conesus 
Lake, thus making that beautiful place easy of 
access. 

The village contains two newspaper offices, the 
Livingston County Herald, E. H. Davis, editor and 
proprietor, and the Avonian, which is printed in 
Warsaw. 

Timothy Hosmer was one of the first settlers in 
the present village, occupying a log house on the 
hill. This log house was used as the first hotel 
here, and during the war of 181 2 was made very 
lively with the companies of soldiers that often 
camped here, this being on the principal route to 
the Niagara frontier. 

Captain Asa Nowlen came from Connecticut in 
1812, and bought a farm between Avon and East 
Avon, known as the John Hillman farm. He was 
a prominent character of his day. After locating 
on this farm he came to the village and on the south- 
west corner of Main and Genesee streets, erected 
what with alterations was afterwards known as 
" Comstock's" and still later, was known under the 
more pretentious title of United States Hotel. 

The incorporation of the village took place May 
17, 1853. At an election held at the hotel of 
Samuel Davis, June n, 1853, relative to ac- 
cepting the charter, fifty-three votes were cast, 
forty-nine of which were in the affirmative. George 
Hosmer, Orville Comstock and David Brooks were 
the inspectors of this election. 

On the 5th of July, 1853, the first election was 
held, at which the following officers were elected : 
George Hosmer, Orville Comstock, James Hosmer, 
David Brooks and Benjamin P. Ward, Trustees ; 
Joseph F. Miller, Orin H. Coe, and Curtiss Haw- 
ley, Assessors ; Thomas C. Chase, Collector ; John 
Sabin, Treasurer; Charles A. Hosmer, Clerk; Ed- 
win M. Price, Darius M. Gilbert, and Wm. W. 
Jones, Fire Wardens, and Wm. E. Pattee, Pound 
Master. 

The following persons have held the office of 
President and Clerk at the date designated: — 

President. Clerk. 

1854. Curtiss Hawley. C. A. Hosmer. 

1S55. James Hosmer. 

1856. Jesse H. Loomis. 

1857. O. Comstock. 
1858. * 

* No election. 



do 
do 
do 
do 



434 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



1859. 


Charles L. Shepard 


C. A. Hosmer. 


i860. 


J. H. Bennett. 


Wilson I). Palmer 


1861. 


James Hosmer. 


Flias H. Davis. 


1862. 


T. E. Winans. 


do 


1863. 


James Hosmer. 


T. E. Winans. 


1864. 


Hiram B. Smith. 


G. H. Nowlen. 


1865. 


T. E. Winans. 


do 


1866. 


W. E. Hall. 


Daniel Lacy. 


1867. 


Geo. W. Swan. 


do 


1868. 


James Hosmer. 


S. G. Fay. 


1869. 


Sylvester G. Fay. 


S. Hosmer. 


1870. 


J. R. Marsh. 


do 


1871. 


'(',. W. Swan. 


Daniel Lacy. 


1872. 


Stephen Hosmer. 


M. H. Bronson. 


1873. 


H. H. Haile. 


F. N. Isham. 


1874. 


do 


Geo. W. Swan. 


l8 75- 


Geo. W. Sherman 


M. U. Bronson. 


1876. 


T. E. Winans. 


W. S. Newman. 


1877. 


W. S. Newman. 


J. R. Fryer. 


1878. 


|. C. Davenport. 


Patrick Gleason. 


1S79. 


E. J. Whiting. 


do 


1880. 


do 


W. B. Bassett. 



The present (1881) officers of Avon Village 
are :— Trustees, E. J. Whiting, George D. Dooer, 
John S. Peters, J. L. Falkner, W. B. Bassett ; As- 
sessors, Samuel Armstrong, Michael Dowdall ; 
Police Justice, Wm. Carter; Treasurer, C. F. 
Whiting; President, E. J. Whiting; Clerk, W. B. 
Bassett. 

Avon Springs. — Through the kindness of Mrs. 
Samuel Salisbury, we are able to give the follow- 
ing valuable extracts in relation to these celebrated 
springs from a pamphlet published by her husband, 
the late Dr. Samuel Salisbury, in 1838, entitled 
"Avon Mineral Waters, etc." 

"The Avon Mineral Springs were long known 
to the Indians who resorted to them for the cure 
of diseases of the skin. A portion of the Seneca 
tribe inhabited a village on the opposite branch of 
the river which they called Canawangus. Captain 
Parish informed me that the name signified lively 
water, and was applied to this settlement in conse- 
quence of the great nember of clear and limpid 
fountains of water in the vicinity. The far-famed 
chief Red Jacket as Dr. Francis informs us in the 
U. S. Medical & Surgical Journal enumerated 
them among his remedial measures for the cure of 
diseases of the skin ; and wasting disorders, as they 
were termed, were supposed capable of being 
removed by their use even when applied ex- 
ternally." 

"Great numbers of deer were in the habit of re- 
sorting to these springs, thus making the vicinity a 
desirable hunting ground for the aborigines. The 
outlet of the Conesus, a creek which empties into 
the Genesee river near the lower spring is a spot 



distinguished for the abundance of excellent fish 
which are caught there ; and even to this day, we 
occasionally find some of these sons of the forest 
encamped along the bank of the river and busily 
engaged in taking fish for which they find a 
ready sale to the inhabitants of the neighboring 
village." 

In the year 1792 one of the inhabitants used the 
waters with perfect success in the cure of a disease 
of the skin consequent upon intermittent fever. In 
1795 a case of rheumatism of long standing which 
had resisted the treatment of a number of intelli- 
gent physicians, was speedily and entirely cured by 
their use. The first improvement was made at the 
springs by the proprietor, Mr. Richard Wadsworth, 
in 1821, when a small building was erected at the 
lower spring that contained a showering box. 
This building was enlarged and a bathing house 
erected in 1823, and some effort was made to sup- 
ply visitors with accommodations necessary for the 
external use of the waters. In 1828 there was 
erected a large building at the upper spring. In 
1828-29, three houses were erected in their imme- 
diate vicinity, one by Nehemiah Houghton, one by 
D. Knickerbacker, and one by a Mr. Cartright. 
About a mile southwest of the lower spring upon 
what is called the Black creek, there is a spring at 
which Paul Knowles, its proprietor, in 1834 erected 
a very large house for boarding with accommoda- 
tions for bathing. 

In 1836, A. Nowlen purchased of Richard 
Wadsworth one hundred acres of land which em- 
braced the two springs most highly prized. 

" The Lotver Spring in its original state formed 
a large pool of perhaps fifty feet in diameter, and 
was the one first made use of. It rises from a 
fissure in the rock, thirty-six feet below the surface 
of the ground, about one hundred rods from the 
Genesee river and about thirty rods from Conesus 
creek. The volume of water discharged from this 
spring is the same at all seasons of the year, and 
does not appear to depend in the least upon 
atmospheric influence. As near as can be ascer- 
tained, the discharge per minute amounts to fifty- 
four gallons. The temperature of the water is 
from 415 to 47 degrees Fahr., and the specific 
gravity is 10.018. Its taste resembles that 
ot a solution of hydro-sulphuric acid, but it is 
more bitter and saline ; it has the strong odor of 
this acid. As it issues from the fountain it is 
limpid, transparent and somewhat sparkling." 

The following is an analysis of Lower Spring 
by the late Dr. Samuel Salisbury : — 






AVON VILLAGE — THE SPRINGS. 



435 



In a wine gallon, gaseous contents. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen 10.02 cubic inches. 

Nitrogen 5.42 •' " 

Carbonic Acid 3.92 " 

Oxygen 56 " 

Solid contents. 

Carbonate of Lime 2 9-33 grains. 

Chloride of Calcium 8.41 " 

Sulphate of Lime 57-42 " 

Sulphate of Magnesia 49.61 " 

Sulphate of Soda J 3-73 " 

Total 158.52 

The Upper Spring has been in use since 1827. 
It has been proved by the cures which have been 
effected by its use to possess similar medicinal 
properties to the Lower Spring, and is by some 
even more highly prized. In sensible properties 
it bears a close resemblance to it, but there is a 
peculiar sweetness of taste which distinguishes it. 
The deposit around it is mostly of a dark blue 
color, while that around the Lower Spring is white. 
This spring rises about sixty rods east of the other, 
and is at an elevation considerably above it. The 
bed of sand through which this water oozes is 
about twenty feet, and the rock about thirty feet 
below the surface of the ground. 

Analysis of the Upper Spring by Professor Had- 
ley : — 

In a wine gallon, gaseous contents. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen 12. cubic inches. 

Carbonic Acid 5.6 " " 

Solid contents. 

Sulphate of Magnesia 10. grains. 

Sulphate of Lime 84. " 

Sulphate of Soda 16. " 

Carbonate of Lime 8. " 

Muriate of Soda 18.4 " 

Total 136.4 " 

The Well or New Bath Spring was first discov- 
ered by its proprietor, R. K. Hickox, in 1835, 
while digging for pure water. The soil through 
which the excavation was made is hard blue clay, 
having a strong sulphurous odor. The tempera- 
ture of this water is 46 degrees Fahr. The follow- 
ing analysis is by Dr. L. C. Beck : — 

In a wine gallon, gaseous contents. 
Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 31.28 cubic inches. 

Solid contents. 

Sulphate of Magnesia 8.08 grains. 

Sulphate of Lime 3.52 " 

Sulphate of Soda 38.72 " 

Chloride of Sodium 5.6S " 

Carbonate of Lime 26.96 " 

Total 82.96 " 



"Long's Spring, which has been in use since 1833, 
is the property of Paul Knowles. It rises from 
the surface of an alluvial deposit through the cen- 
tre of which passes what is termed Black creek, a 
small stream having its rise some miles to the 
south. It is about a mile southwesterly from the 
upper spring. The following analysis is by Dr. 
J. R. Chilton :"— 

In a wine gallon, gaseous contents. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen 43. 5 84 cubic inches. 

Carbonic Acid 5.871 " 

Solid contents. 

Sulphate of Lime 109.05 grains. 

Sulphate of Magnesia 13.10 " 

Sulphate of Soda 3.27 " 

Chloride of Calcium 19.3 1 " 

Chloride of Sodium 57.89 " 

Chloride of Magnesium 27.09 " 

Iodide of Sodium a trace 

Hydrosulphuret of Sodium 2.45 " 

Organic Matter 81 " 

Total 228.97 " 

The following is taken from a pamphlet pub- 
lished by Dr. O. D. Phelps, proprietor of Congress 
Hall, a few years since : — 

Congress and Magnesia Springs, though not so 
generally used as the others, have their especial 
merits, which entitle them to the consideration of 
invalids. Congress Spring is in close proximity to 
Congress Hall ; the water flows up in a fountain in 
front of Congress Bath House, in which it is used 
for bathing purposes in connection with the water 
of the Upper Spring. The spring is the most re- 
cently developed one. In taste the water of the 
spring is similar to the Upper Spring, but consid- 
erably stronger, consequently less can be drank of 
it. The water was analyzed by Prof. H. M. Baker 
with the following result : — 

Solid contents in one gallon of 231 cubic inches. 

Sulphate of Magnesia i9-°7 grains. 

Sulphate of Lime 27.61 " 

Sulphate of Soda 2 1.02 " 

Chloride of Sodium 29. 1 1 " 

Carbonate of Lime 9.25 " 

Sulphurets of Magnesium, "i 

" Sodium. - 99.55 " 

" " Calcium, ) 

Total 205.61 

Gaseous contents in one gallon of 231 cubic 
inches. 
Free Sulphuretted Hydrogen. .27.63 cubic inches. 

Free Carbonic Acid 22.04 " " 

Nitrogen 3.88 " " 

Oxygen 97 " " 

Cubic inches per gallon 54-52 



43 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The Magnesia spring is located on the bank of 
Conesus Creek, about 80 rods west of the Lower 
Spring. It bubbles up through the sand, clear, 
cold, and sparkling. In taste, this water is far 
more pleasant and palatable than the other water. 
Of late years the water has attained a remarkable 
popularity, owing no doubt, in a great measure to 
the highly beneficent results obtained by its use in 
dyspepsia, a disease which has yielded to this water, 
after other springs and medicines "have failed to 
produce any favorable effects. The chemical con- 
stituents of the water are supposed to be similar to 
those of the Lower Spring, with a greater propor- 
tion of the Sulphate of Magnesia. 

In the " Mineral Springs of United States and 
Canada," the following article appears in regard 
to the Avon Springs : — 

"Analysis of the Lower Springs. One pint con- 
tains — 

Carbonate of Lime 3.666 grains. 

Chloride of Sodium 1. 157 " 

Chloride of Calcium 1.051 " 

Sulphate of Soda 1.7 16 " 

Sulphate of Magnesia 6.201 " 

Sulphate of Lime 7.180 " 

Iodide of Sodium trace. 

20.971 

Carbonic Acid Gas 1.49 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen . ..2.25 

"It will be seen by analysis that these are valuable 
sulphur waters, resembling in many respects the 
celebrated Spa of Neudorf, in Hesse, Germany. 
The flow is larger from the Lower Spring, being 
54 gallons per minute. * * The location 

of these springs in one of the most beautiful loca- 
tions of Western New York, together with the 
efficacy of the waters, conspire to make this a 
most attractive resort." 

The benefits to be derived by invalids from a 
proper use of the mineral waters of these springs, 
combined with the natural attractiveness of the 
village and the surrounding scenery have long 
conspired to make this a popular summer resort, 
yet this like all other watering places has seen its 
seasons of prosperity and depression. 

Hotels. — It was at this point that the 
old State road crossed the Genesee Flats, 
and as was often the case when the river 
overflowed its banks travel was almost en- 
tirely stopped until it resumed its natural 
courses. Captain Asa Nowlen, an early settler 
from Connecticut, had charge of the transfer of 
the mails across the flats at this point, and 
in compliance with the demand for better hotel 



accommodations from the traveling public, erected 
on the southwest corner of Main and Genesee 
streets, the building which was afterwards with 
alterations, known as "Comstock's," and still later as 
the "United States" hotel. At this time this hotel 
was a most fashionable resort and was thronged 
the entire season. In the winter of 1873-4 the 
building was consumed by fire. Captain Nowlen 
disposed of his property interest by degrees to 
Orville Comstock, who owned it several years. It 
afterwards passed through several hands, and at 
the time of burning was owned by Simonds' Bros. 

The Livingston House, Dr. William Nisbet, 
proprietor, was completed in its present shape in 
1879, but was first thrown open to the public in 
1878. It is only open through the summer months. 

The Newman House was built as the St George 
Hotel by C. H. Armstead and was kept by him 
until December 25, 1875, when it was burned. 
It was rebuilt by Mr. Armstead, and finished in 
June, 1876, when it was leased to Smith Newman, 
under its present name. In 1880, Mr. Armstead 
assumed control. 

The Sanitarium (Cyrus Allen, M. D., and James 
D. Carson, lessees and managers,) is conducted as 
a health resort for invalids, and is open the entire 
year. It has been under its present management 
since 1871. The property upon which the Sanita- 
rium is located was purchased by Charles E. Wha- 
ley in 1866 and the present large and commodious 
building erected. Mr. Whaley conducted it suc- 
cessfully until 187 1 under the name of the "Avon 
Cure." The grounds comprise about twelve acres. 
The building is a four story frame structure of 
pleasing appearance capable of accommodating one 
hundred guests. There are two sulphur springs 
upon the grounds that supply the bath rooms of 
the institution. 

Messrs. Allen & Carson are also the proprietors 
of a private bank that was established in 1876 
shortly after the failure of the Bank of Avon. 

The Pattee House, Wm. E. Pattee, proprietor, 
was built in 1876 on the site of the hotel burned in 
Dec, 1875. The building that was destroyed was 
also called the Pattee House. It was built in 
1873 and was similar in general style and charac- 
ter to the present building. Mr. Pattee settled in 
Lima, May 1, 1840, and moved to Avon in 1847. 

Knickerbocker Hall, L. G. Smedley, M. D., 
proprietor, is a resort for the invalids who visit the 
springs and is open the entire year. Dr. Smedley 
purchased the property of Orange Sackett, in 1868. 
The hotel will accommodate eighty guests. 



* 



,/h^. 





\ 



I'hoto l>y Merrell, Geneseo 



Charles Edward Whaley is a son of Edward 
A Whaley, and grandson of John P. Whaley, 
who in 1805, with his family, consisting of 
his wife, eight children, and an aged mother, 
emigrated from Massachusetts, and settled on 
a farm in the eastern part of the town of Avon. 
This farm has always been retained in the 
family name, and apple trees are still standing 
which he raised from the seed. John P. 
Whaley was a ship carpenter by trade, and 
many of the frames of old buildings now 
standing were shaped by his mallet and chisel. 
Of the eight children, four were sons, all of 
whom married and raised families. Robert 
settled in Castile, Wyoming county. John 
studied medicine and practiced that profession 
through life, while the younger brothers set- 
tled on farms in Avon, which they cleared, and 
both were identified with the war of 1812. Ed- 
ward A. was drafted but furnished a substitute. 
Caleb J. enlisted and served his time, receiving 
a wound from which he suffered for fifteen 
years, and which finally caused his death. 

Of the ancestors of the Whaley family, Ed- 
ward Whaley* was born in Northampton- 
shire, England, in the year 161 5. Arriving at 
maturity he was married to Elizabeth Middle- 
ton, and when the war broke out between 
King Charles and Parliament, he espoused 
the Parliamentary cause, and served under his 
cousin, Oliver Cromwell, until 1649.! 

By Cromwell, he was advanced to the rank 
of Major-General, and was entrusted with the 
government of five counties. He was after- 
ward appointed Commissary-General for Scot- 
land, and was called into the upper house, 
where he sat as " Edward, Lord Whalley." 

• In history this name is spelled Whalley. 

t He was one of the lift) nine who signed the warrant for the execu- 
tion of King Charles, and was present at the beheading of that unhappy 
monarch- 



yVlr\s. C. E. Whaley. 

After the death of Cromwell, Whaley was the 
main-stay of that dynasty until the Restora- 
tion was accomplished. W 7 hen England was 
no longer a place of safety for those immedi- 
ately concerned in the execution of King 
Charles, Whaley, together with his son-in- 
law, Goffe, who had played an important part 
in the same cause, embarked in a swift sailing 
vessel to America, arriving in New England 
July 27, 1660. They remained in various 
places of concealment, and in 1664, removed to 
Hadley, Mass., where Mr. Russell, the min- 
ister of the place, had previously consented to 
receive them* 

Edward A., father to Chas. E. was born 
Jan. 17, 1786, in Berkshire county, Mass. 
April 30, 1809, he was married to Isabella, 
daughter of Gardner Scott of Conn. They 
had eight children, the youngest of whom, 
Chas. E.,was born in Avon, Nov. 14, 1825. 
In July, 1867, he was married to Ella P., daugh- 
ter of Thomas St. John, of London, England. 
He has devoted his life to agricultural pur- 
suits. In 1866 he purchased the property in 
Avon, now owned by him, and erected the 
commodious building known as the "Sanita- 
rium." Upon this property he also developed 
and made available, two sulphur springs. The 
place is largely patronized by patients from all 
sections of the country. In politics Mr. Wha- 
ley is a Republican, and was drafted to serve 
in the war of the Rebellion, but furnished a 
substitute whom he trusts, rendered as effectual 
service as he himself could have done. In 
religious belief he is a Spiritualist. 

• This minister had caused his house to be fitted up with secret pas- 
sages foi then concealment, and here they remained for fifteen years in 
voluntary seclusion. About the year ioSi Whaley went to Maryland, 
where he pun h I < d a tract of land containing twenty-two hundred acres, 
under the assumed name of Edward Middleton. After the Revolution 
in gnglandin 1688 he had this land patented in hisrightful name. He 
died in '" |S at the advanced age of one hundred and three year-. 



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AVON VILLAGE— MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS, PHYSICIANS 



437 



Congress Hall, O. D. Phelps, M. D., proprietor, 
is only open during the summer months. Dr. 
Phelps purchased the property in 1876 of Charles 
M. Titus of Ithaca, who had bought it the year 
before of Geo. H. Novvlen, Esq. 

Merchants. — The following are the present 
merchants of Avon: — Dr. C. A. Briggs, druggist 
and dealer in books and stationery, bought out 
Dr. G. P. Moreyin 1879, who had been in business 
three or four years; Dr. Wm. Nisbet, druggist, 
has been in business since about i860; Mrs. E. 
M. Price, millinery and fancy goods, business es- 
tablished in 1856; O. C. Jones, jeweler, com- 
menced business in 1851, and still continues; 
Henry E. Van Zandt, general store, commenced 
business in 1874, having bought out the business 
of Andrew Dunakin, who had carried on the busi- 
ness for some twenty years previously, and until 
his death in 1873 ; Mrs. D. W. McLaughlin, 
millinery and fancy goods, established in 1872; P. 
C. Gleason, groceries, flour and feed, has been in 
business since Jan. 1, 1878, business was estab- 
lished in 1870 as McLaughlin & Gleason; F. Col- 
vin. groceries, established in 1873; W. P. 
Haskins, flour, feed and groceries; E. M. Price, 
furniture dealer, business was established in 1850; 
Mary Dockery, meat market, established in May, 
1879; W. W. Barnhart, dry goods and groceries, 
business established in 1878; J. G. Calvert, fruits, 
confectionery and bakery, business established in 
1872; C. T. Hedenberg, dealer in news, station- 
ery, cigars and confectionery, established in 1S78 ; 
C. A. Bowman, dealer in hardware, successor in 
1878 to C. M. Church, who had previously done 
business a few months ; H. H. Hilborn, harness 
maker, established in 1880, bought out C. H. 
Armstead ; Wallace & Clark, (J. C. Wallace and 
E. H. Clark,) dealers in hardware, Oct. 1, 1880, 
bought the business of E. D. Rowley, who had 
previously continued the business for several years; 
Reed Bros., (E. B. and W. J.,) general merchan- 
dise, established in 1877; James Hill, meat mar- 
ket, established in 1874; G. D. Dooer, meat mar- 
ket, established in 1867 ; J. E. Hall, flour and 
feed store, established in 1S73; Joseph Brown, 
boot and shoe store, established in January, 1879; 
John Loftus, tailor, came in April, 1880; F. E. 
Welch, baker and confectioner, established in 
187G; F. G. Bixby, jeweler, established in April, 
1880; C. F. Whiting & Co., (C. J. Whiting,) boot 
and shoe store, established in 1879 ; C. S. Gilbert, 
general store, established in 1S74; J. C. Peuss, 
merchant tailor and clothing, established in 1879, 



and Michael Dowdall, harness maker, established 
in 1872. 

Manufacturers. — The manufacturing interests 
of Avon are not extensive, the only water power 
available being that obtained from the Conesus. 
The following are all that are at present located in 
or adjacent to the village ; E. L. Armstrong & Co. 
operate a planing mill in which they employ four 
men; established in 1877. Long & Watkins are 
contractors and builders and have been in busi- 
ness here since 1876. R. G. Waldo, carriage 
manufacturer and blacksmith, succeeded his father, 
Reuben Waldo, in business in 1861. His father 
came from New Hampshire in 181 5, and that year 
commenced blacksmithing here. He died in 1861- 
The Avon mills are located on the Conesus outlet, 
about one and one-fourth miles from Avon. W. 
P. Haskins is the present proprietor. He purchased 
them in 1869 of Arch. Christie, who had previously 
operated them some eight or ten years. The mills 
contain three runs of stones and are run by water 
power derived from the Conesus, which has here a 
fall of twenty feet. The saw and cider mill situated 
on the same stream just above the railroad bridge 
has been owned by Mr. Haskins since 1871. It 
was previously owned by the Wadsworths, of Gen- 
eseo. The malt house and elevator at Avon, is 
owned by Stephen Hosmer & Co. (John Kletl.) 
The building was erected in the fall of 1880. Its 
malting capacity is 50,000 bushels per season and 
the capacity of the elevator is 25,000 bushels. The 
malt-house near the depot is owned by Andrew Y. 
Marsh of Buffalo ; capacity about 30,000 bushels. 
The Avon Brick and Tile manufactory was estab- 
lished in 1862 as a joint stock company with Fran- 
cis Lyth as manager. It is at present owned by 
John Lyth. The machine used in manufacturing 
is operated by horse power and was invented by 
Francis Lyth. 

Physicians. — The first physician here was Col. 
Timothy Hosmer, elsewhere spoken of. 

Dr. Samuel Salisbury was undoubtedly one of 
the best of the early practitioners here. He pos- 
sessed a fine literary taste and was a deep scholar. 
He was the author of a work upon the Springs of 
Avon and their medical properties, a work which 
is quoted extensively. His brilliant career was cut 
short by his untimely death. He was born in 
Boston in 1806, and was educated at Harvard 
College, Cambridge, whence he was graduated, and 
afterwards was graduated in medicine at Boston. 
After remaining there some little time, he came to 
Rochester in 1S32, and in the summer of that 



43« 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



year went to Avon, where he became interested in 
the curative qualities of the water of that place to 
such an extent that he took some of the water to 
Roxbury, for analysis. He returned to Avon in 
1833, and September 12th of that year, was united 
in marriage with Marie A., daughter of Major .Mi- 
ner Morgan, of Avon. 

It was during the winter of 1833-34 that Dr. 
Salisbury wrote his work on the springs to which 
reference is made in another portion of this work. 
He died in Avon, April 19, 1850, much regretted 
by all. He was fitted for college at the age of 
thirteen, and entered as soon thereafter as his age 
made it admissible. He was thoroughly con- 
versant with the French, Spanish and German 
languages. 

In 1849 among the physicians in the town were 
Drs. Ensworth, John Whitbeck, Wm. Butler and 
Hutchinson, at Fast Avon ; Drs. Van Kleek, who 
died in the army while in New Orleans, and South- 
worth, at the springs ; and Dr. Parsons at Little- 
ville. 

Dr. Andrew Sill, an early physician of this town, 
was born in the village of Geneseo, December 1st, 
1804. His father, Dr. Jonathan P. Sill, was the 
pioneer physician of this section, locating first at 
Williamsburg in 1797, and subsequently removing 
to Geneseo village, where he died in September, 
1806. 

Dr. Andrew Sill received an academic education 
at Cambridge Academy, Washington county, N. 
Y. After studying medicine with Dr. Townsend, 
of Caledonia, he attended courses of lectures at both 
Fairfield and Pittsfield Medical Colleges, graduat- 
ing from the latter institution in 1825. He first 
opened an office in the village of West Avon, where 
he remained until 1829, when he located at Livonia 
Centre, where he remained for fifty years. He 
died October 1st, 1879. 

Charles Bingham was born in Bozrah, Conn., 
and studied medicine in that State. He was 
licensed by the State Medical Society of Connecti- 
cut in 180S, and in that year moved to Avon, 
where he practiced his profession until 1820. In 
that year he removed to Mt. Morris, where he pur- 
sued an extensive and successful practice until fail- 
ing health compelled him to abandon it. He died 
at Mt. Morris, December 3, 1842, aged 58. Messrs. 
Lucius C. and Charles L. Bingham, two of Mt. 
Morris' most prominent business men and influ- 
ential and respected citizens, are sons of Dr. 
Bingham, and are all that are left of the family. 
The present physicians are Drs. William Nisbet, 



C. A. Briggs, Cyrus Allen, John W. Gray, and J. 
C. Hulbert. 

William Nisbet, M. D., settled here in 1849, and 
is a native of Scotland. He studied three years 
in Edinburgh, and was graduated from Wurtzberg 
University, Bavaria. He came to America in 1849. 

C. A. Briggs, M. D., was born in Williamstown, 
Orange county, Vermont, and received his educa- 
tion at the Montpelier Conference Seminary. He 
entered Ann Arbor Medical College in 1874, and 
completed his medical studies at Long Island Col- 
lege Hospital, where he was graduated in 1S76, 
since which date he has been in practice in Avon. 

Cyrus Allen, M. D., was born in Ontario coun- 
ty, N. Y., and received his college education at the 
University of Michigan, located at Ann Arbor. 
He was graduated from the Homeopathic College 
of the State of New York, New York city, in 1864, 
and from the Berkshire Medical College of Massa- 
chusetts in November, 1864. He commenced 
practice in Palmyra, Wayne county, from thence 
to Clifton, and removed to Avon in May, 1871, 
taking charge of the Sanitarium. 

John W. Gray, M. D., was born in 1833. He 
read medicine with James R. Wood, M. I)., of 
New York city, and afterwards with A. C. Camp- 
bell of this county. He attended lectures and was 
graduated from the University of New York. He 
came to Avon in 1856. 

Joel C. Hulbert, M. D, was born in Fort Ann, 
Washington county, N. V., Nov. 12, 1815. He 
studied medicine at the Pennsylvania University, 
where he was graduated in 1866. He settled in 
Livonia in 1849, and in Avon in 1877. 

Lawyers. — George Hosmer was one of the 
earliest if not the first practicing lawyer in 
the village. He came here with his father, 
Dr. Timothy Hosmer, when twelve years of 
age, having been born in Farmington, Conn. 
His early studies were pursued under the tu- 
ition of Rev. Ebenezer Johnson, of Lima. In 
1799 he entered upon the study of his chosen pro- 
fession, the law, in the office of Hon. Nathaniel 
W. Howell. He was admitted to the bar in 1802, 
and opened an office in Avon. In the war of 181 2 
he was appointed aide-de-camp upon the staff of 
General Amos Hall, and served upon the Niagara 
frontier. His associate upon the General's staff 
and intimate friend was William Howe Cuyler, 
who was killed at Black Rock by a ball from the 
British guns at Fort Erie. His son Wm. H. C. 
Hosmer, was named from him. 

Georire Hosmer was a large holder of real estate 



AVON VILLAGE — LAWYERS. 



439 



and a lawyer of prominence. He was appointed 
District Attorney upon the organization of the 
county, which office he continued to hold till 1824. 
He was elected a Member of Assembly in 1824. 
He died in Chicago in March, 1861, in the eight- 
ieth year of his age. 

William Henry Cuyler Hosmer was born in 
Avon, May 25, 1S14. His earlier education was 
obtained at Temple Hill Academy, Geneseo, and 
at the Academy in Geneva, N. Y. He was gradu- 
ated from the University of Vermont in 1S41. 
After his graduation he followed in the footsteps of 
his father, and, step by step, climbed the ladder to 
fame in the legal profession, where he stood for 
many years without a peer. To his genius and 
ability the science of law is much indebted, many 
decisions being rendered in accordance with his 
eloquent pleadings at the bar. 

He practiced law till 1854, when he received a 
government position in the Custom House at New 
York. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion he entered 
the army. His son also enlisted and was killed 
at the battle of Chancellorsville. 

After his return from the war he devoted the re- 
mainder of his life to literature and lecturing, and, 
notwithstanding his success at the bar, his fame 
rests chiefly on his literary work. 

Such was the reputation which he had acquired 
by his juvenile poems that he received the honor- 
ary degree of A. M., both from Hamilton College 
and the University of Vermont before he obtained 
it from his own. 

He was a poet born, not made. His principal 
works are " Yonnondio,"* " The Fall of Tecum- 
seh : a Drama," " Warriors of the Genesee." 
" Indian Traditions and Songs," " The Months," 
"Bird Notes," and "Legends of the Senecas." 

In his younger days he learned much from the 
Indians who lived in this community, becoming 
familiar with their language, and receiving an in- 
spiration from their romances and traditions. 

Much of his writing remains in manuscript form, 
which, if published, would be an acquisition to 
literature. He merited the title of " The Bard of 
Avon," and has received the congratulations of 
eminent writers for being " The first English 
writer who sunk a shaft into Indian Tradition." 
He died in Avon, May 23, 1877. 

Among the other early lawyers here were the 
following : — A. A. Bennett studied law with Geo. 
Hosmer, and commenced practice about 1S20. 

* Based on the Indian traditions of the Genesee Valley. 



T. R. Morgan, son of Col. Abner Morgan, prac- 
ticed law here from about 1835 till 1850. Hugh 
Cameron, from Caledonia, practiced here about 
1845. He afterwards moved to LaCrosse, Wis. 
Amos Dann studied law with Geo. Hosmer, and 
was in practice here as early as 1828. With the 
exception of three years spent in New York city, 
he remained in practice in Avon all of his life up 
to the time he became insane. He died in the 
Utica Insane Asylum in 1866. Geo. B. Benedict 
was practicing law in Avon in 1861. 

Hon. Amos Alonzo Hendee* was a prominent 
member of the Livingston county bar. He was 
born in Avon, June 15, 181 5. He was the young- 
est of a family of six children, all of whom were 
reared upon the farm which their own industry 
and that of their parents reclaimed from a com- 
parative wilderness. His primary education was 
attained in the common schools of his native town 
and in the Academy at Avon. From this latter 
institution he went to the Seminary at Lima, where 
he completed his education. 

Returning to the homestead he soon became 
convinced that the life of a farmer was unsuited 
to his tastes, and he resolved to enter upon the 
more congenial profession of the law. Accordingly 
before he had attained his majority he entered as 
a student the law office of John Young, in Gen- 
eseo, and on the 26th of September, 1837, was 
admitted to the bar. 

Soon after his admission he removed to Perry, 
Wyoming county, where he resided for a time, and 
then returned to Geneseo, where he formed a law 
partnership with Elias Clark, afterwards with H. 
H. Guiteau, and finally with James B. Adams, 
with whom he remained from 1857 to 1863. 

In June, 1847, at the first election held under 
the new constitution, he was elected District At- 
torney. 

In 1852 he was elected Member of Assembly 
from the First Assembly district of Livingston 
county, and in the succeeding year again ran for 
that office but was defeated by Judge Gibbs. In 
1856 he was again elected to the office of District 
Attorney, during which term occurred the cele- 
brated Wood trial, in the management of which 
Mr. Hendee evinced superior skill as a prosecuting 
officer, conducting the case successfully on the 
part of the people. 

In 1865 and '66, he was a member of the Board of 
Supervisors from Geneseo, and in 1867 was presi- 

•Fot the above sketch we are indebted to the able tribute of Mr.E. H. 
Davis i" his memory, delivered before the Livingston County Historical 
Society, at their fifth annual meeting. 



440 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



dent of that village. In [868, he retired from 
Geneseo to the old homestead, and the remainder 
of his life was passed in the improvement of his 
farm and among the books in his ample library. 

The last public act in his life was the delivery in 
1878 of the annual address before the Livingston 
County Pioneer So< iety, of which he was an inter- 
ested and efficient member. For three or four years 
prior to his death he passed his winters in the vil- 
lage of Avon, where, at the house of Win. E. l'attee, 
he suddenly died on the morning of February 13, 
1880. 

The present attorneys of Avon are Judge E. A. 
Nash, YVm. Carter, Calvin Knowles and \V. S. 
Newman. 

E. A. Nash was educated at the Genesee Wes- 
leyan Seminary and was admitted to the bar in 
i860. He was located at Lima until 1878, since 
which time he has resided in Avon. He has been 
District Attorney two terms and was elected to the 
office of County Judge in 1S78, an office he still 
holds. 

W'm. Carter was educated in Lima at the Gene- 
see Wesleyan Seminary, and was admitted to the 
bar at Utica in January, 1879, since when he has 
been located at Avon. 

Calvin Knowles was born at Littleville, and 
received his education at the Genesee Wesleyan 
Seminary, Lima. He commenced his legal studies 
with Amos Dann, of Avon, and afterward with 
Chamberlain & Wood, of Geneseo. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1856 and has since been en- 
gaged in practice in Avon the greater portion of 
his time. He was in the army from 1861 to 1863, 
in the 13th Regiment, New York State Volunteers. 

Winlicld S. Newman, was born in Lima, N. Y., 
on the 22<1 day of December, 1847. 1° 1S5 1 he 
removed with his parents to the town of Avon, 
where his father, Isaac R. Newman, is still living. 
His mother died in August, 1873. He received his 
education at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, 
located at Lima, N. Y.. and upon leaving that in- 
stitution entered upon the study of the law in the 
office of H. J. Ward of that place, a lawyer of 
large experience and talents of a high order. In 
this office Mr. Newman remained until his admis- 
sion to the bar June 10, 1S69. 

After his admission he immediately formed a co- 
partnership with II. Decker, and remained in Lima 
practicing his profession till the fall of 1873, when 
he removed to Avon, where he has since resided 
and practiced. 

In the spring of 1879 he was elected Supervisor 



for the town of Avon, which position he has held 
for two years. Upon the organization of the 
Board he was chosen chairman. In August, 1879, 
he was elected President of the Firemen's Asso- 
ciation of the State of New York. 

Cihkchf.s — Central Presbyterian Church of 
Avon was organized May 9, 1876, with forty-three 
members. Edwin I. Stevens and Benjamin Long 
were elected elders. Rev. H. P. V. Rogue accept- 
ed the pastorate in June, 1876, and still remains 
with them. The church and society have at pres- 
ent ninety-eight members. 

The first meetings were held in Nisbet Hall, and 
afterwards in Opera Hall. The church edifice was 
erected in 1877, and dedicated October 1, 1878, 
Rev. J. B. Shaw, D. D., preaching the dedicatory 
sermon. The church, which cost between thirteen 
and fourteen thousand dollars, is a very handsome 
structure, and is an honor to the society and an 
ornament to the village. The society also owns 
the parsonage adjoining. The Sunday school con- 
sists at present of one hundred and fifty members, 
and G. G. Westfall is its Superintendent. 

The First M. K. Church of Avon was organized 
in 1835, with the following persons among the 
original members : Mrs. Laura Fuller, Mrs. 
Wright, Mrs. Dunakin, Smith Bryan and wife, Mr. 
Gleason, and Win. Maguire and wife. ( )f these 
only Wm. Maguire, Mrs. Laura Fuller, Mrs. 
Wright, and Mrs. Dunakin are living. 

Owing to the absence of all records we are un- 
able to give a more extended account of the history 
of this church. The society was visited by circuit 
preachers until 1839, when Calvin Coates became 
its pastor. In 1840 Fleazer .Thomas officiated 
as pastor, and in 1843 Jamts M. Fuller, who left 
in 1844. 

In 1866 Luther Northway assumed the charge, 
and was succeeded in 186S by David Nutton, who 
was followed in 1871 by Win. Wolgemuth. In 
1872, George Coe was pastor of the church ; 1S74, 
Stephen Brown; 1875, J. D. Requa ; 1876-79, L. 
D. Chase; and in 1879, John Copeland, who is the 
present pastor, assumed the charge. 

The old church edifice was finished in 1839 at a 
cost of about $2,000. The present church was 
commenced in August, 1879, an( l dedicated Aug. 
11, 1880, D. W. C. Huntington preaching the ser- 
mon. The church cost $9,000. The present 
membership is one hundred. The Sunday school 
((insists of one hundred and fifty members, and 
Alva Carpenter is its Superintendent. 

/.ion's Church at Avon. — The first steps for 



AVON VILLAGE — CHURCHES. 



44 c 



the organization of this church and society were 
taken by the inhabitants of the village of West 
Avon in a school house in that place on Monday, 
Oct. 8, 1827. At this meeting a building commit- 
tee was appointed to attend to the erection of a 
church edifice "at or near the Public Square." 
This committee consisted of the following members : 
Edward A. Le Roy, Curtiss Hawley, and Asa 
Nowlen. 

The committee next met according to adjourn- 
ment at the house of Timothy Hosmer, Friday eve- 
ning, October 12, 1827. At this meeting two more 
were added to the building committee, namely, 
Jehiel Kelsey and Woodruff Matthews. The so- 
ciety was legally incorporated October 24, 1828, 
and the following officers chosen : Wardens, Eli- 
jah Woolage, John Newberry ; Vestrymen, George 
Hosmer, Reuben K. Hickox, Nehemiah Hough- 
ton, Woodruff Matthews, Elkanah Whitney, Ed- 
ward A. Le Roy, Curtiss Hawley and Lewis W. 
Beecher. At a trustees' meeting held December 
13, 1828, Curtiss Hawley was chosen treasurer of 
the society. 

The church building was completed in this same 
year, and was consecrated as Zion's Church by 
the Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, Bishop of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church of New York. 

The first regularly installed rector was Rev. 
E. G. Gear.* 

Among the pioneer members of this church were 
Andrew Sill, George A. Tiffany, James Austin, 
Amos Dann, John E. Tompkins, Moses L. George, 
Orville Comstock, William Scott, William Morris- 
on, R. S. Williams, S. S. Briggs, Samuel Salisbury, 
Henry Wadsworth, Merritt W. Riggs. 

In 1830 a bell was donated to the church by 
James Wadsworth. In 1836 the parsonage was 
built. 

The second rector was Rev. R. Kearney, whose 
pastorate ended in November, 1836. 

Some two years then elapsed without any settled 
rector until 1839, when Rev. Beardsley Northrop 
was engaged for three months. In July, 1839, he 
was succeeded by Rev. Thaddeus M. Leavingworth, 
who was engaged for one year ending in July, 1840. 
In that same month a call was extended to Rev. 
Mr. Bailey, who accepted and remained six months. 
In December of that year he was succeeded by 
Rev. Samuel G. Appleton whose ministerial 
services extended to August, 1844. 

* The major portion of the church records having been destroyed by 
fire, the precise dates of the incoming and departure of the rectors can 
not be obtained. 



The Rev. P. P. Kidder came next in 1845 for 
six months, and at the expiraton of that term was 
reengaged for one year. The next rector was Dr. 
Bethel Judd, who remained some two years, fol- 
lowed by Rev. George B. Eastman. In 1850 and 
'51 the pulpit was vacant as to a regular sup- 
ply, and in October of 1851, Rev. Fortune C. 
Brown assumed the pastoral relations which he 
retained until October, 1870. After him came 
Rev. Henry M. Brown, remaining one year. Then 
Rev. Francis Gilliat. who remained until 187s. 

The succeeding pastor was Rev. James A. Brown 
who remained till March 1st, 1881. The present 
membership is, families, 60 ; individuals, not thus 
included, 40. Total of individuals, 260. 

The church property is valued at $5,000 ; the 
rectory at $3,000. 

St. Agnes Church (Roman Catholic,) of Avon. — 
About thirty years ago the Catholic population of 
the village desiring some permanent dwellings to 
worship in, purchased the old Baptist church through 
the instrumentality of Father Maguire. This 
church, in order to meet the needs of the growing 
denomination, was afterwards enlarged to nearly 
twice its original size. Until 1853 they had no 
resident pastor, but in that year Father Maguire 
came, followed in 1856 by Father O'Brien, in 1857 
by Father Quigley, in 1863 by Father Bradley, and 
in 1869 by Father O'Keefe. 

The present edifice, a very fine brick structure, 
was built in 1869 under Father O'Keefe's pastor- 
ate, at a cost of about thirty-five thousand dollars. 
Father O'Keefe was followed by Father M. J. Hen- 
dricks, June 20th, 1874. 

The present membership of the church is about 
two hundred and fifty. 

St. Agnes school was founded in 1876 and is 
under the charge of this church. There are four 
teachers — Sisters of St. Joseph's order. The school 
occupies the old church building, and has an aver- 
age attendance of two hundred pupils. 

Avon Free School. — A call was made Sept. 10, 
1867, for a meeting to be held October 8, 1867, to 
determine whether a Union Free school should be 
established in the district. Of this meeting James 
Hosmer was chosen chairman and O. C. Jones, 
clerk. The meeting was adjourned till October 17, 
when by a vote of 78 to 27, it was resolved to re- 
organize with the following Trustees: — John Z. 
Reed and Martin Kelly, for one year ; William E. 
Hall, and Henry Albert, for two years; and Daniel 
Lacy and Roger Carroll for three years. 

The school building was erected as early as 1 836, 



442 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



as the Avon Academy, and W. H. Curtis was one 
of the early teachers. This building was used by 
the Union Free School district, and with repairs 
and the- addition added thereto in 1873, cost them 
about $5,000.00. 

The report of receipts and disbursements of this 
district for the year ending September 30, 1880, is 
as follows : — 

Receipts. 

Balance on hand October 1, 1S79 $ 275 10 

Amount of public school moneys both for 
teachers' wages and library, appor- 
tioned to the district from State funds 815 49 
Amount raised by tax on property for all 

school purposes within school year. . . 1,116 27 
Amount received from all other sources. S3 75 

$2,260 61 
Disbursements. 

For teachers' wages $1,617 9° 

For repairing and insuring school houses 93 47 

For fuel 12066 

For janitor 165 00 

For other expenses n 50 

Amount on hand 252 08 

$2,260 61 

The number of teachers employed in teaching at 
the same time for twenty-eight weeks or more dur- 
ing the school year was four. Number of children 
residing in the district over five and under twenty- 
one years of age was 629. The number of chil- 
dren who attended school some portion of the 
school year was 228. The average daily attend- 
ance was 143.294, and the whole number of days' 
attendance, 27,941. 

The assessed valuation of all taxable property in 
the district was $826,576.00. The site is valued 
at $1,000.00 and the building $4,000. 

Postmasters. — The postal facilities of the region 
round about Avon were very meager for many 
years after the first settlements were made. Mail 
facilities of an unsatisfactory character were estab- 
lished by private enterprise as early as 1792 on the 
old Genesee road by which Avon, (then Hartford) 
was accommodated. In 1805 Timothy Hosmer 
was the postmaster at Hartford. 

E. H. Davis is the present postmaster succeed- 
ing in Jan., 1872, T. E. Winans. Wm. Maguire was 
postmaster from 1861 to 1870, succeeding Geo. 
I losmer. 

Fire Department. — Avon in years past has 
suffered quite largely from the ravages of fire, owing 
in a measure to the inefficiency of the means pro- 
vided for extinguishing the same. At present 
there is not a village of its size in the State better 



provided with facilities for quelling the flames nor 
a more thoroughly organized department. The 
water supply is furnished by gravity pressure and 
with sufficient force to reach the tops of the high- 
est buildings. 

The department as at present organized consists 
of one Babcock Chemical engine, of 80 gallons 
capacity, one hand engine, one hook and ladder 
truck, one hose cart, four hundred feet of rubber 
hose and two hundred feet of linen hose. There are 
seven hydrants and two cisterns from which water 
is obtained. The companies comprise one hun- 
dred volunteers. E. H. Davis was the first chief 
and was succeeded Jan. 1st, 1878, by W. B. Bas- 
sett, who still holds that office. 

The first company of the present department 
to be organized was the Hook and Ladder com- 
pany, Feb. 8, 1876. W. S. Newman is the presi- 
dent of the company, and Orange Sackett, Jr., 
foreman. Within a short time after this a chemi- 
cal engine company and a fire engine company 
were organized. J. B. Benedict has been foreman, 
and Alva Carpenter, president of the fire engine 
company since its organization. The present fore- 
man of the chemical company is Patrick Tigheand 
president, D. W. C. Pruner. 

These companies have a very fine brick engine 
house erected in 1877 at a cost of about $3,000. 
The lower floor is used for the storage of the ap- 
paratus while the upper floor is divided off into as- 
sembly rooms, that are very finely furnished. The 
building is both an ornament and honor to the en- 
terprise of the village. 

The Avon Water Co. was organized in 1857, 
and the upper reservoir finished in 1858. It is fed 
entirely by springs. In 1870 the lower or receiv- 
ing reservoir was built. The capital stock of the 
company is $15,000. The present officers are 
Wm. Nisbet, President ; Theo. F. Olmsted, T. J. 
Thorpe and Stephen Hosmer, Directors. 

Societies. — Equitable Aid Union Diamond 
Lodge, No. 157, was organized in October, 1S80, 
and has about twenty-five members. R. J. Wal- 
lace is President. 

.Iron Springs Lodge No. 570, A. F. &> A. M., 
was organized by dispensation, Jan. 26, 1S65, with 
the following members: — S. E. W. Johnson, W. 
M. ; R. S. Taintor, S. W. ; A. E. Moore, J. W. ; 
H. H. Haile, S. D. ; J. L. Hayden, J. D. ; J. L. 
Burleigh, Sec'y ; S. Taintor, Tiler ; Wm. Van 
Zandt, H. S. Hale, J. Miller, J. H. Perkins, Wm. 
G. Markham, R. G. Wilbur, Jasper Barber, Ben B. 
Wilcox and A. E. Moore. 





Mr, & M.RS. PhAF^LES j3. piLBERJ. 



CHARLES SEWELL GILBERT. 



Charles Sewell Gilbert, tin- subject of this sketch, was 
born at Mutford Hall, Suffolk county, England, January 
.'., 1S17. He is the son of Charles and Hannah (Bom II 
Gilbert. The former was a fanner by occupation, and 
died at his home in London, December 12, 1857 I 

sixty-four years. His wife also died there March I. 1875, 

I i ighty-five years. They had eleven children, eight 

of whom are now living and all residing in England, with 
. ption el Charles S.. who came to America in the 
spring of is;',;. While at home he enjoyed moderate ad- 
vantages for an education, and at the age of fifteen years 
was apprenticed to a miller and remained with him four 

After landing at New York he proceeded to Eochester 
and stopped during one month with Mr. Beers, of Pitts- 
ford, receiving ten dollars for his services. He then 

ei nence I working for Mr. John Agate, a son-in-law of 

Mr, I leers, who promised hiin ten dollars per month, but 
was so well pleased with him that he increased his wages 
to oni dollar per day. With Mr. Agate he lived one 
month, lie next i ngaged himself as second miller in the 
mill belonging to Andrew Lincoln, of Penfield, with 
whom he remained eighteen years. After being with 
him about a year and a half, Mr. Lincoln placed him in 
fall charge of the mill, where he served as master miller 
to the satisfaction of all concerned, until he severed his 
connection with Mr. Lincoln. He often speaks of Mr. 
and Mrs. Lincoln as his "American parents," who ever 
took a parental interest in his welfare, such kindly inter- 
est and friendship being one of the pleasant memories 
and green spots of his life. 

January 80, Is: 1 ,'.', he was married to Mary, daughter of 
John and Hannah (Goodrich) Clark, of Suffolk county, 
England. She was bom January L".i. 1817, and in com- 
pany with her brother and one sister, came to America 



in 1837, on tin- same ship with the voyager who proved 
to be her future husband. They were married at Pen- 
field, while Mr. Gilbert was in the service of Mr. Lincoln, 
and during their residence with him revisited England. 

Iu 1855, they settled in the town of Avon, where they 
now reside. He purchased 8 mill property which he has 
improved by adding steam power, so it can now be run 
at all seasons. When on his way to occupy his present 
home he was informed by curious and inquisitive persons 
whom he in it. that he surely would starve if he relied upon 
getting a living there ; but such a fate was not in stun- for 
him. and he is now om of the prominent business men of 
the town, and has run the mills successfully for nearly 
twenty-five years. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilberl 
children, two of whom died in infancy. Those livingare 
named as follows: John W., horn January 5, 1840; 
Harriet E., born March 11, 1845; Martha A., born March 
28, 1851 : Charles Horrett. born December 1, 1858; Ar- 
thur Sewell, horn July I'll. l.Sad, and Alfred Clark, born 
January 10, 1858. The two eldest sons are in company 
engaged in the mercantile business at West Avon, or 
"Avon Springs ." 

Iu religious sentiment Mr. Gilbert and his wif. are 
Episcopalians, but in politics Mr. Gilbert takes no 
interest, having never voted during his residence in 
Ami rica.* 

♦ Mr. Gilbert speaks with affectionate anil loving pride of tlie unremit- 
ting and valuable assistance he lias always received item Ins faithful com- 
panion of forty-two years. In bis hours of discouragement and doubt, it 
was tier love, her wise counsel and advice that bore him up, and enabled 
him to meet bravely the barriers common to all who are struggling with 
rough fortune. To his children, whose love for tier and for him is per- 
fect, she has been a kind and noble mother : and now as they are declin- 
ing into the vale of years, they are comforted by a consciousness of having 
performed their duties to their family and society faithfully and well. 



EAST AVON. 



443 



Meetings were first held in rooms over Johnson 
& Hayden's store. They now occupy rooms in 
the Carpenter block, on Genesee street, their 
former rooms having been destroyed by fire. 

The present officers are : — A. W. Dewitt, W. 
M. ; Orange Sackett, S. W. ; Bert Van Tuyl, J. 
W. ; Frank YVeisert, S. D. ; Frank H. Wiggins, J. 
D. ; Cyrus Allen, Treas. ; Wm. Carter, Sec'y ; 
and John H. Chase, Tiler. The present member- 
ship is seventy-three. 

Avon Lodge, No. 455, / O. of O. F., was or- 
ganized Jan. 4, 1877, with H. L. Strough, N. G. ; 
H. H. Sunderlin, V. G. ; Geo. W. Bennett, Rec. 
Sec'y; J. M. Fletcher, Treas. ; John Son, Warden; 
H. H. Butcher. O. G. ; and M. D. Davis, I. G. 

The present membership is thirty, with the fol- 
lowing officers: — A. H. Owens, N. G. ; J. M. 
Fletcher, V. G. ; H. J. Clark, Rec. Sec. ; John 
Son, Treas. ; Geo. W. Bennett, Per. Sec'y; Geo. 
W. Strouse, Warden ; J. W. Boorman, O. G. ; H. 
H. Dutcher, I. G. ; and Walter S. Buck, P. G. 
Meetings are held every Wednesday evening on 
the third floor of Isham & Whiting's block. 

A. O. U. IV. Valley Lodge, No. 26, was organ- 
ized May 31, 1876. The first officers were, W. B. 
Bassett, P. M. W. ; A. W. Dewitt, M. W. ; F. R. 
Torrance, G. F. ; J. E. Hall, O. ; H. McKinney, 
Rec. ; Wm. E. Hall, Jr., Fin. ; M. G. Swan, Re- 
ceiver ; I. B. Potter, Guide ; Charles Sackett, I. 
W. ; and M. V. Swan, O. W. 

The number of members has increased from 
nineteen at its organization to fifty-three at the 
present time, with the following persons officers: — 
Geo. A. Graves, M. W. ; E. L. Armstrong, G. F. ; 
E. Hawley, O. ; Wm. Carter, Recorder ; C. F. 
Whiting, Financier; H. McKinney, Receiver; J. 
D. Carson, F. F. Woodruff and Benjamin Long, 
Trustees ; Geo. W. Bennett, G. ; Charles H. Sack- 
ett, I. W. ; and Nelson Brown, O. W. 

East Avon. 

East Avon is a small village of about three hun- 
dred inhabitants, situated one and one-half miles 
east of Avon, on the old State road. It dates its 
main growth from about 181 2 although there was 
a small settlement there a few years previously. 

The present business consists of a general store, 
pump manufactory, file cutting works, one hotel, 
harness shop, one carriage shop and two blacksmith 
shops. 

G. T. Palmer is the merchant here. The store 
in which he is located was erected as early as 1840. 



Among the merchants who have done business in 
the past were David Firman, Jeremiah Whitbeck, 
Peleg White, Truman Waters and Chandler 
Pierson. 

D. M. Pelton commenced the manufacture of 
wooden pumps here in October, 1879. The busi- 
ness gives employment to six men. Mr. Pelton 
occupies the old Wiard plow works. 

Perry & Co. commenced the manufacture of 
files here in November, 1880. They give employ- 
ment to about eight men. 

The Newman House, I. R. Newman, pro- 
prietor, was built about 181 5 by John Pierson, and 
was first kept by a daughter of his. Mr. Newman 
has had control since 1854. He was born in 
Lima, June 24, 1816, and was a son of Joel and 
Jerusha Newman, who were early pioneers. 

Solomon Taintor, M. D., came to East Avon 
in 1857, and commenced the practice of medicine 
in 1859. He only continued in practice about 
two years when he devoted his attention to other 
business. He received his diploma from the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, New York city. 

James E. Jenks, M. D., now practicing here, 
was born in East Avon, August n, 1832. He 
received his diploma from the University of the 
State of New York, from the New York Opthal- 
mic School, and from the New York Medical In- 
stitute in 1856, since which date he has practiced 
at East Avon. 

The Gilbert flouring mills, Charles S. Gilbert, 
proprietor, are located about two and one half 
miles north-east of East Avon, and are operated 
by both water and steam power. The mills were 
built as early as 1808, and were operated for a 
long time by Thomas Hanna. Mr. Gilbert was 
born at Mutford Hall, Suffolk county, England, 
Jan. 5, 181 7, and emigrated to this country in 
1837. He has resided at his present home since 

1855- 

Charles B. Dusinberre is the proprietor of the 
steam saw and cider mills located about one and 
one-half miles east of East Avon. Mr. Dusinberre 
was born in Ulster county in 1828. 

The most prominent industry of East Avon in 
times past was the Wiard Plow Works, which were 
established by Thomas Wiard, Sr., about r83o, for 
the manufacture of cast iron plows from patterns 
made and invented by Thomas Wiard, Jr. These 
works were in operation here until 1877 under dif- 
ferent proprietors, when the business was removed 
to Batavia. At the time of removal there were 
about twenty-five men employed. 



444 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY 



A. A. Bennett was a prominent lawyer here in 
1823. John Young, who held the position of 
Governor of this State in 1846, first commenced 
the study of law with him. 

Churches. — The First Baptist Church of 
.Iron is located at East Avon. In the latter 
part of 1806, a few of the inhabitants of the 
then town of Hartford, united themselves in 
" covenant," forming the Second Baptist Church 
of Hartford, and called Elder William Firman 
to be their pastor. In the fall of 1807 they 
were admitted to the Ontario Association, hav- 
ing a membership of twenty-three. In 180S 
the name of the church was changed to the 
Baptist Church of Avon, on account of the change 
in the name of the town, and their place of meet- 
ing from this time to 1830, was about one mile east 
of East Avon. 

Just when Elder Firman ceased his labors, can- 
not be ascertained but he was followed by John R. 
Seaver as early as 1816. He was succeeded by 
Reuben Winchell in 1823 ; Rev. David Tenant in 
1825; Philander Kelsey in 1827; S. Goodall in 
1832; Elder J. G. Stearns, in 1834; Elder E. 
Stone, in 1838, who remained, however, only six 
months; Rev. J. VV. McDonald, in 1838; Elder 
A. H. Stowell, in 1841 ; Elder E. Stone, in 1843 ; 
Elder S. M. Bainbridge, March 1, 1844; Elder 
Win. Curtis, in 1848; S. F. Campbell, Nov. 9, 
1852. From 1852 till May 1S56, the church was 
supplied by students from the Rochester Theologi- 
cal Seminary. 

May 31, 1855, E. Nisbet commenced a pastor- 
ate that lasted three years. During 1859, Thomas 
Kmlgers supplied the pulpit and was followed in 
i860 by H. G. Nott, who left in August, 1864. 

Oct. 9, 1864, S. J. Lusk, accepted a call and was 
ordained in March, 1865, but remained only one year. 
Rev. B. F. Mace began Feb. 4, 1866, but remained 
only eight months. The pulpit since then has been 
supplied with students from the Rochester Theo- 
logical Seminary. One hundred and seventeen 
persons have been baptized within the last thirty 
years. 

July 18, 1827, the name was again changed to 
the First Baptist Church of Avon. In 1828 ar- 
rangements were made to build a new church at 
East Avon. The church was not dedicated till 
1830. In 1832 the Livingston County Baptist As- 
sociation was formed and held their first meetings 
in this church.* 

• The above is compiled from the Livingston County Herald of Oct. 7, 
1880. 



East Avon Presbyterian Church. — The follow- 
ing is an extract from the discourse delivered by 
Rev. F. DeW. Ward, D. 1)., of Geneseo, in the 
East Avon Presbyterian church, Thursday, Sept. 
1 6, 1880, upon the occasion of the dedication 
of a new chapel connected with the church. It 
will be found interesting as giving the history of 
one of the oldest churches in Avon. We are able 
to give it by courtesy of the Livingston Republican. 

From 1790 to 1810 (a period of 20 years) no 
worship under a congregational minister of the 
Gospel, was held in the town of Avon. On the 9th 
of Nov., 18 10, there was a gathering at the brick 
school-house in South Avon, of a few religious 
people, having for its object the organization of a 
Christian church. There were present Rev. Mr. 
Parmelee, of Bloomfield, Rev. E. J. Chapman, of 
Lima, Rev. A. Hollister, of Riga, and J. F. Bliss. 
A series of Articles of Faith were drawn up, which, 
with an appended Covenant, were signed by the 
following twenty persons :— Samuel Federal, Phebe 
Blakeslee, Asa and Jemima Clark, Herman and 
Mary Ladd, George Crouse, Martha and Lucy C. 
Tilden, Elizabeth Strunck, Maria and Catherine 
Berry, Thankful Bancroft, Lucinda Burfee, Chris- 
tiana Bishop, Rebecca Scott, Mary Brown and 
Catherine Miller. Thus was constituted the first 
congregational organization in the town of Avon. 
The first deacons were Samuel Blakeslee and 
Asa C. Clark. 

John F. Bliss, a Licentiate, was after ordination 
installed as the first pastor. After a faithful and 
fruitful ministry of seven years and a half (18 12 to 
1819) he resigned. Then followed, as stated sup- 
plies, Rev. Chauncey Cook, Rev. Mr. Hyde, Rev. 
Mr. Knapan, Rev. Mr. Robins and Rev. Mr. Bird. 
On the 15th of January, 1822, the Avon church, 
thus far Congregational, by their own request, be- 
came a constituent part of the Presbytery of On- 
tario. Rev. John Whittlesey was installed as pas- 
tor, June 16, 1822. Rev. Jacob Hart was stated 
supply from May 1, 1831, to May 1, 1S34. Rev. 
William C. Wisner, D. D., of the Third Presby- 
terian church in Rochester, was next in charge for 
the period of 18 months. Rev. Alfred White took 
charge of the parish on or about October 27, 
1838, and remained one year. Rev. Edward 
Marsh between March, 1839, and July, 1840. — 
Rev. J. Hubbard during one year. Rev. P. C. 
Hastings about as long. Rev. E. W. Kellogg the 
same. Rev. Samuel Miles Hopkins, D. D., came 
in September, 1844, and left in the spring of 1846. 
Rev. Edward B. Wadsworth, D. D., was pastor 




i?2R2s©23j&ac2& @» ipisjasori. 



LITTLEVILLE — SOUTH AVON — FREDERICK B. PIERSON. 



445 



from 1846 to 1852. Rev. Charles W. Higgins 
succeeded Dr. Wadsworth in the spring of 1853 
and left in 1855. Rev. J. W. Ray began his min- 
istry in August, 1855, and closed March 1, 1857. 
Rev. Nathaniel Elmer, now at Middletown, Conn.. 
was in charge from the spring of 1858 to the 
spring of 1862. Rev. Archibald M. Shaw, now at 
Clifton, N. Y., was in charge for one year from 
January, 1864. Rev. Edwin R. Davis, now at 
Chicago, 111., came and remained until the end 
of 1865. 

Rev. Joseph R. Page, D. D., for many years 
pastor of the Presbyterian church of Perry, N. Y., 
commenced his ministry at the East Avon church 
May 1, 1868, and removed to Rochester in Novem- 
ber, 1872. Dr. Page was stated supply for four 
months in 1873 and four months in 1874. 
Rev. H. P. V. Bogue took charge of the 
parish August 16, 1874, holding the same 
till the first Sabbath in June, 1876, when he re- 
signed. Rev. W. L. Parsons, D. D., since de- 
ceased, member of the Ingham Institute, LeRoy, 
supplied the pulpit during a summer. Rev. F. 
DeW. Ward, D. D., an ex-foreign missionary, and 
for many years pastor at Geneseo, took charge as 
stated supply October, 1876, and continued till 
February 8, 1880. Following Dr. Ward was Rev. 
James F. Calkins. 

We find that between 1812 and 1880 the East 
Avon church has been in charge of 21 ministers, 
with interims of assistance rendered by at least ten 
neighboring pastors. 

With a church edifice central to the parish, 
ample in size and commodious in all its arrange- 
ments; with a chapel just completed, and all that 
is required in such a room ; with a Sabbath school 
containing youth from all the families in the con- 
gregation, and teachers from among the best 
qualified for this post in the parish, and an ever 
renewed library of instructing and interesting 
books ; with an eldership of hearty devotion to the 
cause of Christ and souls, there is no reason why 
this church should not take its place in the fore- 
most ranks of religion. 

LlTTLEVILLE. 

Littleville is a small hamlet situated upon the 
Conesus outlet a short distance south of Avon. At 
an early day it was quite prominent, its business 
interests rivaling those of Avon. It derives its 
name from Norman Little, a son of Dr. Little of 
East Avon, who settled here as early as 1830. 
The place contains a flouring-mill, a blacksmith 



shop, a saw mill and a population of about two 
hundred. 

The present flouring mill (custom,) was built in 
the fall of 1879 upon the site of one burned in 
1878. E. Light is the proprietor. It contains 
two runs of stones. A former mill on this site was 
erected about 18 10. The saw mill is owned by W. 
P. Haskins. The stone bridge across the outlet 
was built in 1850. 

Paul Knowles, a clothier by trade, came from 
Berkshire county, Mass., and settled in Lima in 
1808, and in 18 10 removed to Littleville, where he 
erected a carding and fulling mill on Conesus out- 
let between the flouring mill and the bridge. He 
continued to operate this mill till 1834. He 
died in 1845. He had a family of eight children 
viz : — William, Ann Eliza, Caroline, Betsey, Paul, 
Calvin, George and James, all of whom are living 
except Paul and Betsey. 

At this point on the Conesus, there was erected 
by Jeremiah Riggs previous to 1810, a distillery 
which was in operation for several years. The last 
proprietor was Norman Little. 

South Avon. 

South Avon is a postoffice situated three miles 
south of Avon. H. W. Chadwick is the post- 
master, which position he has held for six years. 
Josiah Chadwick was postmaster previous to him, 
and held the office a great many years. He also 
kept the hotel here as early as 1830. There used 
to be a store at this place, but both store and ho- 
tel are closed. A blacksmith shop is located here. 

Near South Avon, on the Conesus, is located a 
strawboard mill, owned by Josiah Curtis of Gen- 
eseo, and leased by S. L. Harned, who has opera- 
ted it since May, 1879. The capacity of the mill 
is four hundred tons per annum. It gives employ- 
ment to eight men. The building was built about 
fifteen years ago by Josiah Curtis, on the site of 
the Wadsworth flouring mills, which were totally 
destroyed by fire, Saturday night, Oct. 1, 1864. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



FREDERICK BUSHNELL PIERSON. 

F. B. Pierson is the second son of Joseph Pier- 
son, who was born in Ellington, Conn., April 15, 
1767, and who, when about twenty-one years of 
age emigrated to Schenectady county, where he 



446 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



married Sarah Watrous. July, 1797, he removed 
with liis family to Avon (then Hartford.) They had 
nine children, only four of whom are now living, 
as follows:— Catherine, Wealthy, Frederick B., 
and Bradley M. The names of those who died 
were Clarcnda. Mary, Nancy, Maria, and George. 
On settling in Avon, Mr. Pierson purchased lands 
and became extensively engaged in agriculture, 
and also kept a hotel at Fast Avon for ten or 
twelve years. He died December 10, 1843, and 
his wife September 17, 18 10. 

Frederick Bushnell Pierson was born on the old 
homestead in Avon, November 22, 1806, and was 
brought up on the farm, receiving his education at 
the district school and at the academy at East 
Henrietta. He has continued to follow the avoca- 
tion of farming, and his farm is considered one of 
the model farms of Livingston county. On May 
8, 1828, he was married to Frances Janette, the 
daughter of Kasson and Sabrina (Redington) Gib- 
son, of East Avon, who was born on the 9th ot 
July, 1S10, in Cobleskill. They have had four 
children, viz: — Sarah A., married to Rev. Dr. E. 
15. Walsworth, and residing at Albion, Orleans 
county, Joseph Kasson (deceased), Frances Janette, 
married to Jacob H. Brumagim, and residing on 
Staten Island, and Sabrina Eliza (deceased). Mr. 
Pierson has formerly taken a great interest in mili- 
tary affairs, and was Captain of the Independent 
Ride Company of Avon. He is a strong Demo- 
crat, and has been several times elected Assessor 
of his town. In religious sentiment he is a Pres- 
byterian, and is a plain, unassuming man of ster- 
ling integrity. He justly deserves the esteem and 
respect in which he is held by all who know him. 
To him largely the county is indebted for the in- 
troduction of the best blooded stock of various 
kinds into the Livingston County Agricultural So- 
ciety's Fairs. He was one of the first to introduce 
the Spanish Merino sheep into Western New York, 
about the year 1835, and sheep from his flocks 
have been sought for and are found in many parts 
of the Union. Horses reared upon his farm have 
not been regarded unfit gifts for two Presidents of 
the United States. He has taken premiums on 
his farm, cattle, horses and sheep several times. 

It seems not too much to say that as a farmer he 
is justly entitled to credit for having done his share 
in elevating the standard of agriculture in Livings- 
ton county. He has been a man of deeds, not 
words, and has been, like the man of whom one of 
the world's greatest living historians speaks, — " Too 
busy to write history, but himself busied in mak- 
ing it." 



DONALD McPHERSON. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of James 
and Margaret (Kennedy) McPherson, who came 
from Culloden, Scotland, in iSor, and first settled 
near 1 >elhi, 1 Delaware county, N. Y., where in 1803, 
Donald was born. In July, 1816, the family, com- 
prising his father and mother, brother James, now at 



Lyons, Iowa, and Henrietta, who afterwards was 
married to Duncan Stuart, of York, moved up to 
the Genesee Valley. This was on the 3d of July, 
1816, and they encountered a furious snow storm 
while crossing the Chenango river. The family 
settled upon the homestead about three miles 
southwest of Canawaugus, and the Indians living 
at that place were constant visitors at the house, 
and Donald spent many days in their company 
hunting, and often remaining nights with them at 
their village of Canawaugus. His educational 
advantages were only those of the common district 
schools. In 1828 he was married to Jean Calder, 
by whom he has had five children, as follows : — 
James, John, Daniel, Joseph and Jennie. Mr. 
McPherson has always followed the occupation of 
farming, has served his town acceptably many 
terms as Supervisor, and eight years as a com- 
missioned officer in the State Militia. He was 
formerly a Whig, but of late years has affiliated 
with the Democratic party. In religious belief he 
is a Presbyterian. 

Nearly five years ago he moved to Avon Springs, 
where with his wife and son, Col. James A. 
McPherson, he now resides. His father and 
mother died in 1828, the former aged 62 years 
and the latter 60 years. 

Mrs. Jean (Calder) McPherson is a daughter of 
James and Elizabeth Calder, of Sterlingshire, 
Scotland, and was born at Greenfield, Conn., in 
1806. Her parents came from Scotland about 
the year 1800, and after a residence of a few 
years in Massachusetts and Connecticut moved to 
the "Genesee country," where, in 1808 they 
settled on what is known as the Casey farm, near 
Fowlerville. The creek passing through the place 
is known as " Calder Creek," from the family 
name. All this part of the town was then Cale- 
donia, and when the Calder's moved here there was 
only one white settler — Ralph Brown — between 
their home and the Indian settlement at " Genesee 
Castle " or " Big Tree." Mrs. McPherson is, we 
think, the oldest living pioneer of this section, and 
she remembers well when the first tree was cut 
and the first house erected in the place now known 
as Fowlerville. 

The Indians were not at all backward in making 
known their wants. One time several squaws 
came to the house and demanded "quisquis" 
(pork). On being told there was " none to spare," 
one of them went to the pork barrel and taking 
out a piece held it up exclaiming " Bad Yankee ! " 
Mrs. McPherson is the only survivor of a large 
family. Her father died in 1817, aged 55 years, 
and her mother in 182 1, aged 56 years. 

Col. James A. McPherson, the eldest son of 
Donald, was born in 1830, and spent much of his 
early life in manufacturing interests in the South, 
until the breaking out of the Civil war in which he 
early enlisted. He was Second and First Lieutenant 
in the 26th New York Independent Battery, and 
accompanied it to New Orleans, taking part 
in the occupation of the city, acting as Assistant 
Quartermaster in the " Department of the 




! 



; 




Photo, bj Merrill, Geneseo. 



y 



EICESTER 



John 



SON, 




Photo- by Merrell, Geneseo. 



Julia A. M. Johnson. 



1 







by Merrell, Geneseo. 



Seymour Johnson. 



DONALD McPHERSON — LEICESTER JOHNSON — CALEDONIA. 



447 



Gulf" until after the occupation of Port Hudson 
by the United States forces. Desiring a more 
active service he left New Orleans, and entering 
the 1 6th New York Cavalry, shared in the brilliant 
achievement of that arm of the service in the 
valley of Virginia, during the closing scenes of the 
war. He now resides at Avon Springs with his 
aged parents. He is by profession a mechanical 
engineer, and in politics is a Democrat. 

Hon. John R. McPherson the second son of 
Donald was born on the old homestead in the town 
of York, in May, 1832. He was graduated at 
Temple Hill academy in Geneseo, and on leaving 
school gave his attention to farming and stock 
raising until 1859, when he moved to Hudson city, 
N. J., where he engaged in dealing in live stock. 
He was the projector, architect, and superinten- 
dent of the construction of the stock-yard and 
abattoir in Jersey city, and is now president of the 
Central Stock-yard and Transit Co., and lessee of 
the National stock-yards on the Erie R. R. at Buf- 
falo, Deposit, Oak Cliff and New York. He is 
also one of the principal proprietors at West Phila- 
delphia, of the abattoir and stock yard. He was 
one of the originators, and the first president of the 
People's Gas-light company of Hudson city, and 
for six consecutive years was a member of the 
Board of Aldermen, three years acting as president 
of that body. In 187 1 he was elected State Sena- 
tor and served one term. He took a decided 
stand against the Camden and Amboy R. R. 
m jnopolies and it was mainly owing to his efforts 
that the present liberal railway law was passed and 
placed among the statutes of N. J. On the 24th 
of January, 1877, he was elected United States 
Senator for the long term to succeed Mr. Freling- 
huysen. He is a model business man, prompt, 
energetic and trustworthy. In 1868 he was mar- 
ried to Edla J. Gregory of Buffalo, by whom he 
has two children, Gregory and Edla. 

Daniel McPherson, the third son of Donald, was 
born in 1834, and until after the close of the late 
war had never left home, except when attend- 
ing school. He was graduated at Fairfield acade- 
my, Herkimer county, and in 1865 took up his resi- 
dence in the State of New Jersey, where in 1870, 
he married Miss Wood, of Woodville. They have 
one child — Anna Wood, and their present residence 
is in New York city. In politics Mr. McPherson 
is a Republican, and though a fine business man, he 
prefers to be known simply, as a plain unassuming 
farmer. 

Joseph H. McPherson. was born on the home- 
stead in 1839. Early in the civil war he joined 
the 8th N. Y. Cavalry, Company H, shared in all 
its hard fought battles, and was in sixteen engage- 
ments. On the 1 2th of October, while his regi- 
ment was engaged with the enemy at Stevensburgh, 
Va., he was severely wounded, and was removed to 
the hospital in Washington, where he survived but 
a few hours. A fine monument marks his grave in 
the cemetery at Avon, and that of his twin sister 
Jennie beside him, who died in Avon, October 3, 
1S77. 



LEICESTER JOHNSON. 

Leicester Johnson was the second son of David 
Johnson, who came from Hartford, Conn., some- 
where about the year 1808, and purchased a small 
tract of land in the town of Avon, then Hartford, 
where he followed the occupation of farming, which 
was attended with more or less trials and hardships 
incident to pioneer life in the Genesee Valley. 
During the year known as the "cold season" he 
would walk seven miles and put in a full day's work 
for a peck of corn, which he would carry home up- 
on his back at night for the use of his family. He 
was the youngest of seven sons. The other six all 
served their country in the Revolutionary war. 
One of the brothers, Ebenezer, was about the first 
Mayor of the city of Buffalo. 

David Johnson married Rachel Chappel, of Con- 
necticut, by whom he had nine children, four sons 
and five daughters. By his honesty and persever- 
ing industry and economy he acquired a competen- 
cy. He died in 1814. 

Leicester Johnson, whose name heads this brief 
memoir, was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1805, and 
came with his father to Livingston county, then 
Ontario. He was brought up on his father's farm, 
receiving such an education as could be acquired 
at the common district schools. After attaining to 
the age of 18 years, he taught school winters and 
worked upon the farm during the summer. In 
183 1 he married Julia A. M., daughter of Calvin 
Bicknell, Esq., of Geneseo, who bore him six chil- 
dren, four of whom are now living, namely: Sey- 
mour, Leicester, Julia A. M., and Julius. The 
latter is living in Geneseo. The others died in in- 
fancy. Mr. Johnson was an "old-line Whig," but 
became identified with the Republican party. In 
his younger days he took an active interest in the 
political affairs of the country, though never seek- 
ing office. He was for many years Town Superin- 
tendent of Schools, and filled many other local of- 
fices at different times. Upon his beautiful farm, 
where at an earlier period he had seen the wild deer 
and the bear roam in apparent security, he has for 
years heard the shrill whistle of the locomotive and 
seen the trains of heavily freighted cars passing and 
re-passing at almost all hours. He died in 1875, 
honored and lamented by all who knew him. 

Seymour is the eldest of the family, and is living 
upon the old homestead of his father, now con- 
sisting of 350 acres of as good land as there is in 
the Genesee Valley, a finely improved farm 3^ 
miles south of the village of Avon. 



CHAPTER XXX. 
History of the Town of Caledonia. 

THE town of Caledonia lies on the extreme 
north-western border of the county. It con- 
tains an area of 26,199 acres ; anc ' ' s bounded on 
the north by Wheatland, (Monroe county) ; on 



448 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



the south by York and Avon ; on the east by 
Rush (Monroe county,) and Avon; and on the 
west by LeRoy and I'avillion, (Genesee county). 
The Genesee river forms the eastern boundary 
between Rush and Avon. 

The Erie railroad passes through the town 
from north-west to south-east, and the Canan- 
daigua and Niagara railroad crosses from east to 
west through the northern part. The only im- 
portant streams are White creek, which rises in 
the northern part and Hows south-easterly into the 
Genesee river, and the Caledonia Springs, in the 
northern part, which cover an area of some six 
acres, the outlet of which forms an excellent water 
power for milling and manufacturing purposes. 
The soil is a clay loam with a sub-stratum of lime- 
stone. 

The town has been, and is now to some extent, 
noted for its extensive and valuable quarries of 
building stone and gypsum. Great quantities of 
lime were manufactured in the western part of the 
town, and "Caledonia plaster" for years bore an 
excellent reputation. 

Caledonia and Canavvaugus are the only settle- 
ments in the town. The former, a quite populous 
and enterprising village, lies in the northwestern 
part. Canawaugus, a small hamlet, lies in the 
south-eastern part of the town, on the line of the 
Erie railroad. This, at an early day, was an In- 
dian village of some prominence, and is supposed 
to have been the birthplace of the famous chief, 
Red Jacket. It was here that he and such other 
chieftains as Capt. Hot Bread, Capt. Jack, Henry 
O'Beal and Blue Sky, ruled supreme. When 
the persons who were the original owners of 
Avon came to settle and to make improvements, 
among the preliminary steps taken for the purpose 
of getting the good will of the Indians they made 
a feast and invited the Indians to partake. This 
feast was held at Canawaugus. 

In the days of the Genesee Valley Canal a con- 
siderable shipping business was done here, and 
large lumber yards were owned by Mr. Hamilton 
and others. A grocery store was kept here by a 
Mr. Penigree for the custom afforded by the canal. 

The place contains now but a few scattering 
houses, and one store kept by John Hollenbeck, 
who has also been postmaster there about seven 
years. 

In 1797 all the territory west of the Genesee 
river, included in the State of New York, was con- 
stituted a town of Ontario county and named 
Northampton. By the pioneers it was familiarly 



called " The Town of Two Rivers," from the fact 
of its being bounded on the east by the Genesee, 
and on the west by Niagara river. Its northern 
boundary was Lake Ontario, and its southern, the 
Pennsylvania line. The first town meeting of this 
extensive territory was held at the " Big Springs," 
now Caledonia, and was presided over by Gad 
Wadsworth, Esq., of Avon. 

In 1802 the county of Genesee was set off from 
Ontario county, and comprised within its limits all 
of the Sate of New York west of Genesee river. 

On the 30th of March of that year the towns of 
Leicester, Batavia and Southampton were erected 
from Northampton. Caledonia, which then com- 
prised the towns of Wheatland, LeRoy, and a portion 
of York was included in the town of Southampton, 
which name it bore until changed to Caledonia. 
April 4th, 1806. In 1812 a new town was erected 
from Caledonia and named Bellona, and in the 
following year took its present name of LeRoy. 
In 18 19 that portion of York, then known as 
Medford, belonging to Caledonia, was set off, and 
with some of the territory of Leicester, wasetected 
into a separate township, and in 1821 Wheatland, 
then known as Inverness, was set off into the new 
county of Monroe. 

In 1795 there was built at the "Big Springs," 
now Caledonia, a house " by two Englishmen of 
the name of Kane and Moffatt."* This was the 
first house built here, and those squatters were 
probably the first to locate within the present limits 
of the town. In this house Kane and Moffatt 
kept tavern for some time, but being suspected of 
robbery and murder they were driven away by the 
settlers at Avon. They were succeeded by two 
men named L. Petersonf and David Fuller, about 
1798, who in this house, and in log-houses built by 
themselves, entertained travelers, and afforded a 
temporary shelter to the Scotch emigrants who 
soon after came as the pioneer settlers of the town. 

In the year 17984 a number of families and 
young persons emigrated from Broadalbin, Perth- 
shire, Scotland, to America, to seek a home where 
they could be free from the exactions of land 

* For much of the early history of this town we are indebted to the 
writings of Donald McKenzie, of Caledonia and Donald I ». McKenzie, 
of York, who have devoted much time in collecting data relating to the 
early years of this section of country. The facts relating to Kane and 
Moffatt appeared in the LeRoy Gazelle of June 9, 1858, and, with other 
matter, were gleaned from the notes of Donald McKenzie, of Cale- 

t Peterson's successor was a man of the name of Brooks: he was suc- 
ceeded by Job Pierce, who sold to John Cameron and moved to Avon in 
1806, where for many years he was a successful merchant 

t From notes of Donald D. McKenzie, changed only somewhat in 
language. 



CALEDONIA — EARLY SETTLERS. 



449 



owners and the danger of impressment in the army 
of the British government, then waging war against 
France. In the beginning of March, they took 
shipping at Greenock, and arrived in New York 
before the first of May, and from thence proceeded 
without delay to Johnstown, Montgomery (now 
Fulton) county, N. Y., where a number of their 
friends and acquaintances had been settled for 
many years. 

Here they remained for nearly a year, undeter- 
mined as to their future location. Vague reports 
came to them of lands open for settlement in the 
Genesee country, but no one could give them au- 
thentic information concerning that then far away 
region. 

Col. Williamson, agent for the Pultney estate, 
hearing of their arrival in Johnstown, and being de- 
sirous of securing Scottish emigration to this portion 
of the Genesee country, journeyed there to see 
them, and held out tempting inducements for them 
to settle on his company's land near the "Big 
Springs." He offered them land at three dollars 
per acre, payable in wheat at six shillings per bushel, 
and agreed to provide them with necessary pro- 
visions until they were able to provide for them- 
selves. As they had expended all their money for 
the passage to America, and were consequently too 
poor to purchase land in Johnstown, Col. William- 
son's alluring offers were deemed worthy of accept- 
ance. But with the habitual shrewdness of their 
race, before they gave him a decided answer they 
resolved to send five of their number to explore 
the Genesee country and report the result of 
their investigations. The names of the persons 
selected to visit that then distant region were 
Donald McPherson, Malcolm McLaren, Hugh 
McDermid, James McLaren, and John D. Mc- 
Vean. 

These young men traveled on foot the distance of 
two hundred miles, and arrived at a place called 
the " Big Springs," so named " on account of large 
springs of water that rise from the ground there."* 
The investigation was quite satisfactory to the ex- 
plorers, and they started on their return journey to 
Johnstown to entreat their companions to prepare 
immediately for settlement in this new and prom- 
ising country. 

On the return journey they met Col. Williamson 
on the road between Geneva and Canandaigua, and 
there on the highway the writings were drawn and 
the bargain closed that secured to them the occu- 
pancy of this fertile region. " On our return to 

* These springs are now in the village of Caledonia. 



Geneva,* Col. Williamson treated us to peaches and 
other new fruit of the Genesee country. He 
showed us his English stock cattle which we all 
admired, but much more so the man, Col. Wil- 
liamson. After we arrived in Caledonia again, 
with our families, we must all acknowledge that we 
found Col. Williamson more noble and generous 
than he agreed or promised." 

Upon receiving the report of the five explorers, 
emigrants in Johnstown made immediate prepara- 
tion for their journey to the Genesee country. The 
number of men, women, and children did not 
exceed twenty persons — as some of the company 
remained in Johnstown until the next spring — and 
included Peter Campbell and wife, Malcolm Mc- 
Laren and wife, John McNaughton and wife, Don- 
ald McVean, Hugh McDermid, John McPherson, 
and, in the succeeding fall, Donald McPherson, 
Donald Anderson, and Alexander Thompson. 
These are the settlers who found temporary relief 
and shelter beneath the thatched roofs of Peterson 
and Fuller, and who constituted the pioneer set- 
tlers of the town of Caledonia. 

Arriving here in March of the year 1799, and 
being satisfied with the appearance of the soil, they 
agreed to purchase three thousand acres on the 
previously arranged plan of three dollars per acre, 
to be paid in wheat at six shillings per bushel. 
On account of so extensive a purchase Charles 
Williamson agreed to grant to them two hundred 
acres as a donation for the support of a minister, 
together with two acres on the State road on which 
to build a church and school house.t The 
pioneers then began in earnest to build houses and 
to cultivate the ground. Accessions were made 
yearly to this small colony by their countrymen from 
Scotland and Johnstown. Those who came soon 
after were John and Daniel Anderson, John Christie 
and family, John McLaren, Major Isaac Smith, 
Finley McKercher and his sons, Peter and John, 
who came in September, 1800; John McKay, his 
mother and sister, Jeannette, Alexander McDonald 
and his wife and son Donald and two daughters, 
Jeannette and Catharine, Robert Whaley, Wil- 
liam Armstrong, all of whom came previous to 
1804 ; and Angus Cameron and three sons — Dun- 
can A., Donald and John, who came about the 
year 1804. These settlers were reduced to nearly 

* From notes of Donald McPherson included in the writings of Donald 
McKenzie. 

t In l8oz at the formation of the "Caledonia Presbyterian Keligious 
Society,* 1 William Pultney, through his agent, Charles Williamson, 
made over a deed of 150 acres of land for church lands, 1 acres on which 
to build a manse, and 50 acres for school purposes, which was duly re- 
corded in the County Clerk's office of Ontario in 1802. 



45° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



the conditions and surroundings of the most primi- 
tive age. To those who had been born and bred 
in Scotland, and whose ancestors had for genera- 
tions inhabited the highlands and lowlands of that 
staid and long settled country, everything in this 
region was both new and strange. They found 
themselves at once introduced to a new world and 
a new government, to new scenes, new manners 
and customs. The system of government even, at 
that early period, was yet both new and problem- 
atical. 

The sudden transition from a monarchial to a 
republican government was attended by no little 
mental embarrassment, but they soon became im- 
bued with the spirit of republican principles, and 
clung with the true Scottish love to the land of 
their adoption. 

Coming here poor and with scarcely the means 
for subsistence, Col. Williamson furnished them 
with provisions and the necessary facilities for the 
cultivation of the soil. Wheat was obtained at 
Dansville, and for some time was ground at the 
Wadsworth mills in Conesus. In the summer of 
1801 Mr. Williamson began the erection of the 
first grist mill on the outlet of the Springs,* which 
was completed in 1802. The work was superin- 
tended by Jonathan Baker. 

Finley McPherson was employed by Mr. Baker 
to dig for the foundation at six shillings per day 
and board himself, and was obliged to go for his 
pay to the Pultney Company's store in Hermit- 
age,! some twenty miles distant. This was a small 
mill, having but one run of stones, and was the first 
mill, except Allen's, west of the Genesee river. 

In 1803, this mill and two hundred acres of 
land, which included the Springs, the outlet, and 
the site of Mumford, were purchased for two 
thousand dollars by an enterprising pioneer, John 
McKay. Mr. McKay came to the Genesee coun- 
try in 1793, when but sixteen years of age, and 
worked for several years as carpenter and joiner, 
coming to Caledonia in 1803. In 1804 he erected 
there a saw mill, in the construction of which he 
was assisted by William % Whaley, who soon after- 
wards married his sister Jeannette. John McKay 
died in 1850, aged seventy-three years. The next 
grist mill erected in Caledonia was built in 1814 
by Moses Gibson and Col. Robert McKay,? on a 

• Turner says this mill was begun in 1799, but the notes of I lonald 
McKenzie and others of the fit place the date al i 

Williamsburgh. Alexander McDonald was the company's sub- 
agent and clerk at that place. 

t In another place this name is given -i' A' : * ' Whaley. 

§ Brother to John McKay, and an early school teacher in tin < - ni I 
country. 



stream near the line of York. With the erection 
of these convenient mills the progress in farming 
and building was more rapid, and the settlers were 
soon making considerable headway, though still in 
straitened circumstances and struggling against 
the numerous adversities and privations of pioneer 
life. 

In the fall and winter of 1803 and 1804, a large 
number of Scotch people came in from Inverness- 
shire and Argyleshire, and other places in Scot- 
land, and at that time came also some of those 
who had remained in Johnstown since 1798. 

Among these settlers may be mentioned the 
names of Duncan McColl and his son, Donald, 
Lachlan, Daniel, James and Niel McLean, 
brothers, Archibald Gillis, Archibald McLachlin, 
William Orr, Angus Haggart, and Niel, his brother, 
Collin Gillis and John McKenzie, the most of 
whom brought families with them. 

Among the many intelligent and prominent 
early settlers was Donald McKenzie,* who came 
to America in 1805. He arrived in New York in 
July, where he remained two months working as a 
clerk in a store. From there he went to Con- 
necticut, where he stayed until fall, when he came 
to Caledonia. He worked for a short time in a 
cloth dressing and carding shop on Honeoye 
creek in Lima, and in the fall of 1S06 he built on 
the present site of Mumford a small log building, 
in which he began the business of cloth dressing, 
becoming in that business the pioneer in all the 
Genesee country west of the river. He had for 
his early customers all the people of a territory 
now included in the ten counties. In 1S09 he 
added to his business a carding machine, which 
was the second in all the territory west of the 
Genesee river, the first having been erected by 
William H. Bush, near Batavia. Not long after 
this small beginning he built a large framed shop, 
in which for some time he did a profitable business 
until it was destroyed by fire. During this time 
he had purchased of the English Company in 
Geneva some three or four hundred acres of land, 
on a part of which he soon built a large stone 
factory and commenced again not only the former 
business, but the additional branches of spinning 
and manufacturing of all kinds of cloth. He also 
built a large grist-mill on Allen's creek, a short 
distance east of Mumford, from which for some 
years he derived considerable profit, but which 
he lost through some business misfortune. He 

# To \\i as before mentioned, we are indebted tor many 

..i the 







Mr, & Mrs. John Cameron. 



JOHN CAMERON. 



John Cameron was a native of Inverness, Scot- 
land. His father, Angus Cameron, was also a na- 
tive of the same place. In 1804, he was married 
to Catharine, daughter of Alexander Cameron, of 
Argyleshire, Scotland, and soon after, in com- 
pany with his wife, came to America, landing in 
the city of New York, and proceeded from there 
to Geneva, where he engaged in the mercantile 
business in company with Colonel Grieves. 

After remaining there nearly a year he sold out 
his interest to his partner, and through the solici- 
tations of the Scotch settlers in Caledonia, or 
" Big Springs," as it was then called, came here 
in 1805 and opened a store containing general 
merchandise. 



He was the first merchant who engaged in busi- 
ness in this town, and continued in it till about 
1815 or '16, soon after the close of the war of 
181 2. He died August 7th, 1820, and his wife 
June S, :S49. They left eight children as fol- 
lows: — Angus, born July 10, 1805 ; Margaret, born 
March 4, 1S08; Mary Ann, born March 21, 18 10; 
Alexander, born December 10, 1811; John Greig, 
born July 31, 18 13; Caroline, born May 13, 1815; 
Jean, born March 25, 1817; and Charles, born 
August 5, 1820. Only three of the family are now 
living, viz: — Margaret, Mary Ann. who married 
Peter Forbes and resides in Burlington, Racine 
county, Michigan, and Jean, who married Robert 
Brown, of Mumford, Monroe county, N. V. 



CALEDONIA— EARLY SETTLERS. 



45i 



also lost a large section of his land, and the stone 
factory had not been many years in operation 
when that, too, was burned down, incurring a loss 
of many thousand dollars in buildings and ma- 
chinery. He then built on the Spring creek, near 
his house, a large saw-mill, in which for a number 
of years he did a paying business. He married in 
t8oo a daughter of William Hencher, the "prince 
of pioneers," who settled near the mouth of the 
Genesee river in 1792. She had been inured to the 
hardships and discomforts incident to pioneer 
life, and it is not known that in all the reverses of 
fortune which came upon the family that she ever 
gave utterance to one perverse murmur. She died 
Sept. 14, 1877, aged 92. Donald McKenzie died 
Sept. 13, 1861, aged 77. 

His children were Janet McNaughton, of Mum- 
ford, N. Y. ; William W. McKenzie, of Oakland, 
Cal. ; Daniel R. McKenzie, of Liberty, Ind. ; 
Mary McLean, of Rochester, N. Y. ; and Elizabeth, 
now on the homestead, — all living ; and Mehitable 
Lusk died July 15, 1S43; Sarah died in 1832; 
Joseph died in Kansas, September 25, 1857 ; John 
J. died July 3, 1878; and Simon D. died June 
10, 1879. 

Alexander McDonald, Col. Williamson's clerk 
and sub-agent, was another prominent early settler. 
He sailed from Scotland in July, 1775, in the ship 
" Glasgow," Captain Townsend, with five hun- 
dred passengers. On arriving in New York they 
were all taken as prisoners by the British ship of 
war, Asia, and sent to Boston, and then to Hali- 
fax. Alexander was then enlisted in the 84th 
Regiment, in which he served five years. He af- 
terward owned half of the schooner "Mary," 105 
f "<! burden, which was lost on the first voyage to 
luaueria. He then went to the Bahama Islands, 
arriving at Nassau in 1790, and was there over- 
seer of Lord Dunmore's estates. On his return 
from there to New York he engaged with Charles 
Williamson, agent for the Pultney Estate, and 
sailed from New York, April 9, 1793, arriving at 
Williamsburgh about the beginning of June. Here 
he remained in the employ of Colonel Williamson 
until the latter left the agency, when he removed 
to Caledonia about the year 1802. He was the 
first postmaster here, the first captain of militia,* 
and for a number of years kept tavern in a build- 
ing which stood just beyond the Presbyterian First 
Church. He died in February, 1826. 

John Cameron came to Caledonia in 1806, lo- 

* Of him it is related that in drilling an *' awkward squad " who did 
understand the meaning of the order about face, he cried out, l 'Turn 
your face to the captain's hoose, an' your bocks to John McKay's mull !" 



eating at what is now Caledonia village. He pur- 
chased the old log cabin tavern stand and a large 
farm adjoining, on which he built a commodious 
framed house and a store. He was the first mer- 
chant in Caledonia. He had married the daugh- 
ter of a wealthy lease-holder in Scotland — a wo- 
man of great beauty. The union was opposed by 
her father, and America became their "Gretna 
Green," and the Genesee country their final desti- 
nation. He engaged at first in the mercantile 
business with Walter Grieves in Geneva, but as 
early as 1806 removed to Caledonia. During the 
years embracing the war of 181 2 he relinquished 
the management of the tavern, but his hospitable 
private house was often the stopping place of Gen- 
erals Gains, Brown, Ripley and Scott, and other 
leaders, when public houses had not the capacity 
to accommodate all who were on their way to and 
from the frontier. Mr. Cameron died in 1820. 
leaving his wife with eight children, and with his 
business affairs much embarrassed. She assumed, 
with her son Angus, the management of the tavern, 
store, and farm. They retrieved the estate, main- 
tained and educated the family, and accumulated 
for them a considerable inheritance of property, 
and a far richer one — the noble example of a pio- 
neer mother. She died in 1849. 

Finley McLaren was the first to die in this 
town, and he was buried where the Presbyterian 
First Church now stands. He died about the year 
1800. The first marriage was that of Hinds 
Chamberlin and the Widow McLaren. The first 
school was built in about 1802, and Jeannette 
McDonald was the first school teacher. The first 
settled preacher was Rev. Alexander Denoon. 
Another early minister was Rev. Donald Mann, 
of the Baptist denomination, who came to Cale- 
donia in 1809, from Invernesshire, Scotland. The 
first church was built in about 1806, and was located 
on the ground now occupied by the house of 
Charles Blackman. 

In 1807 occurred here a horrible murder which 
was the first startling crime ever committed in this 
region. In the laying out of a road near the land 
of Duncan McColl, James McLean and William 
Orr engaged in some ill-tempered dispute, and 
McLean, who was quite violent when enraged, 
struck Orr on the head with an ax, killing him 
instantly. Being reproached by Archibald Mc- 
Laughlin, one of the working party, who came up 
at that moment and bent over the murdered man, 
McLean at once struck him a heavy blow witli the 
ax, cutting to his heart, and killing him as sud- 



4S 2 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



denly as he had killed Orr. McLean then made 
his escape and tied to Canandaigua, where he was 
discovered and arrested and taken to Batavia, 
where he was afterward convicted and executed. 

James McLean had three brothers, Lachlin, 
Donald, and Niel. The first brother has three 
sons now living — Hector, in Rochester, Lachlin, 
in Wisconsin, and Alexander McLean, the chief 
of police in Rochester, N. Y. 

Peter and John, sons to Donald McLean, live 
in Michigan, the latter being a doctor in the city 
of Jackson. A daughter, Mary, lives in Rochester. 

The children of Niel McLean are Alexander, 
Betsey, (Mrs. William McPherson,) and Mrs. 
Duncan Shepard. all of whom live in Michigan. 

Among the descendants of other settlers are 
Peter Campbell, who lives on the farm on which 
his father, Peter Campbell, settled in 1799. John 
Campbell, another son, lives in Fowlerville, York. 
Angus Cameron, who came here in 1804, has none 
but grandchildren living : — Hugh Cameron, a law- 
yer, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Mary, Catherine, 
Duncan, now in Wisconsin, Mrs. Margaret Wil- 
son, and U. S. Senator Angus Cameron, of La 
Crosse, Wisconsin. Other grandchildren were 
Daniel, Dugald, and Alexander. Daniel died in 
June, 1856 ; Dugald died in LaCrosse, Wis., in 
1867 ; and Alexander died in April of 1864, from 
disease contracted in the late war. All of these 
were children of Duncan A. Cameron, son to 
Angus. 

Rev. Alexander Denoon has two sons now living 
in Caledonia, James and Alexander; Simon, an- 
other son, died in California some three or four 
years ago, and two daughters died in 18 13 or 
1814. 

Among these noble pioneer men and women 
there existed a moral principle that was above 
suspicion, and a strict regard for their pledged 
word was manifest in all their dealings. They 
have passed to their final rest, and with them the 
peerless Scotch pioneer mothers, who forsook 
paternal roofs and youthful associations and fol- 
lowed the husbands of their choice over a wide 
ocean, and with them entered the forests of the 
Genesee country, willing helpers in all that had to 
lie done and endured. 

The pioneers of Caledonia brought with them 
Scotland's vigor, Scotland's customs, and Scot- 
land's names. This region in early days was called 
New Inverness, for the Inverness left behind in 
fatherland, and when that name became obsolete the 
more national name of Caledonia clung to it like 



the mists which cling to the highland crags. 
Those hardy sons of Scotia plied the ax, and, as if 
caused by the whistle of Roderic Dhu, from matted 
forests sprang forth fields of grain, and the wilder- 
ness gave place to the broad and cultivated farms 
that grace that town to-day. And the Scottish 
vigor has not been purely physical. There has 
been a wealth of mental vigor. From this town 
have gone forth artists, poets, and statesmen. 
" Happy as a Queen," which at the Centennial 
Exposition received honorable mention as an 
artistic production, was painted by Kate E. Cam- 
eron,* of this town. She went to Paris, France, 
in 1867, to perfect her studies, and died there 
June 22, 1878. 

The celebrated Chester Harding, one of the best 
portrait painters America ever produced, lived in 
Caledonia village in 1814 and '15. Few men in 
any country have risen from obscurity to fame so 
well deserved, and few have crowned their honors 
by the grace of so noble a life. He was born in 
the town of Conway, Mass., September 1st, 1792 
and came to Caledonia about the close of the war 
of 1812. Here he engaged in cabinet making in 
company with a man named Osgood, the latter 
doing the wood work and Harding the painting. 
A house which he built is now standing, the prop- 
erty of Miss Mallock. 

Money being scarce, he took from customers 
their notes for furniture, and having difficulty in 
negotiating them he became involved in debt to the 
extent of some five hundred dollars. The law im- 
prisoning for debt was then in force, with whose 
dire vengeance Harding was threatened. Judge 
Willard H. Smith, afterwards one of the ablest of 
the Judiciary of Livingston county, 
cause, and secreted him in a building n m 
by Miller & Son as a plow manufacto 
cellar of this building he remain 
from Friday until Sunday, Judge Smith conveying 
to him food and drink. As he could not on the 
Sabbath day be arrested on a civil process, the 
Judge opened the door of his temporary prison and, 
pointing to the woods beyond the village, said — 
" There are the woods ; now make for them I" 
And he did. From there he went to Le Roy 
from there to Batavia, losing no tinn 
outside the jurisdiction of his former < . 
the vicinity of Batavia he remained a : 
and then worked his way to Pittsburg, 
engaged in house and sign painting. Afterwards 
becoming acquainted with a sign and portrait 

* Sister to Dugald E. Cameron, merchant in Caledonia. 



I 




n 'no . fyyvaj^ 



CALEDONIA— EARLY SETTLERS. 



453 



painter named Nelson, he became convinced that 
he, too, could paint portraits, and he at once en- 
tered upon the career which made him famous both 
in this country and in Europe. He died in Boston 
in April, 1866. 

John H. McNaughton, the popular song writer 
and poet, lives three miles southeast from the vil- 
lage of Caledonia. His residence is a comfortable 
farm house whose interior bears evidence of the 
poetical nature of the man. Mr. McNaughton 
was born in Caledonia in 1829. He received his 
education in the common schools of that town, 
and early evinced a decided aptitude for music and 
musical studies, which later developed into the 
phase of song writing that has made him so popu- 
lar both in this country and in Europe. His 
songs have a peculiar sweetness and an individual 
charm, due, undoubtedly, to the inspiration which 
prompts both the words and the music. He has 
written the words and the music of over one hun- 
dred songs which were issued simultaneously in 
New York and London. Among those melodies 
are the exceptionally popular ones of "Bell Ma- 
hone," "Jamie True," "Mary Aileen," "As we 
went a-Haying," "Sweet Night, be Calm," "Faded 
coat of Blue," the latter being a popular song dur- 
ing the war of the Rebellion. Mr. McNaughton 
is also the author of a volume of poems entitled 
" Babble Brook Songs," and a theoretical work on 
Bands and Orchestras, besides being a prolific con- 
tributor to various musical journals and reviews on 
Harmony, Acoustics, and other technics relating to 
the science of music. 

Caledonia was also the home of that eminent 
jurist, Judge Willard H. Smith,* who came to this 
town in 181 3. He was a native of Chesterfield. 
Mass., where he was born in 1785^ He gradua- 
ted from Williams College in that State, September 
10, 1810, and soon after studied law with Bleeker 
& Sedgwick in Albany, N. Y., and afterwards 
with Samuel Huntington, of Waterford. In Octo- 
ber, 18 13, he was admitted to practice in the Su- 
preme Courts of this State. He was appointed 
First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Liv- 
ingston county March 24, 1832, the duties of 
which office he continued to discharge for sixteen 
years — or until that office became an elective one.f 
His dignified and impartial manner in dispensing 
justice, his extensive learning and eminent talent 

* See Biography and Portrait upon another page. 

t The notes of Donald McKenzie give his place of birth as Cheshire 
county, New Hampshire, September 30, 1785, and also state that in I79X 
he removed with his father to Hampshire county, Mass., where he re- 
mained till he completed his education. 

% In 1847- 



as a counsellor and jurist, qualified him, above 
many of his contemporaries, for the duties of this 
important and arduous office. Willard H. Smith 
was the first, and for a long time the only, lawyer 
in a large section of country west of the Genesee 
river. 

It was in rather an unpropitious period that the 
then young lawyer chose as his residence and the 
theatre of his professional career, a village west of 
that river. It was in the darkest days of the war 
of 18] 2, — a time of alarm, dismay, and flight. Judge 
Smith arrived at his new home in the evening of 
the day on which Buffalo was burned, and here for 
over fifty years he lived an honorable and useful 
life, highly esteemed by the legal fraternity, and 
respected by all with whom he came in contact. 
He died December 25, 1865. His only living de- 
scendants are Mrs. Frances C, widow of Hon. 
Harlow W. Wells, who now resides in the village of 
Caledonia, and Mrs. Thomas Frothingham, Mrs. 
Hon. William N. Emerson, and Loyd K. Smith, 
who reside in Rochester, N. Y. 

Among the citizens of this town who have graced 
the legislative halls of this State and nation, we 
may mention the names of Hon. Angus Cameron, 
now Senator from Wisconsin, Hon. Norman Mel- 
drum, who was born here, and who is now Secre- 
tary of the State of Colorado, of which State he has 
also been a Senator, and Hon. Harlow W. Wells, 
M. D., above mentioned in connection with the 
family of Judge Willard H. Smith, and whose biog- 
raphy and portrait appear in another part of this 
work. Mr. Wells was born in Leyden, Franklin 
county, Mass., in 1809. He graduated from Fair- 
field Medical College in January, 1834, and in April 
of that year came to Caledonia to begin the prac- 
tice of his profession. He had for forty years an 
extensive practice, and for nearly twenty-five years 
was, with the exception of brief periods, the sole 
physician of this town. In 1837 he was married 
to Frances C, eldest daughter of Judge Willard H. 
Smith. He was Supervisor of the town from i85r 
to 1853. In 1845 he was elected Member of As- 
sembly, and in 1865 and '66 was again honored 
with a seat in the Legislature. Mr. Wells died 
October 13, 1877, aged 68 years. 

Town Officers. — The first town meeting, when 
the town was in Genesee county, and was known 
as Southampton, was held in the house of Jotham 
Curtis, on Tuesday, March 1, 1803. "Present, 
Ezra Piatt, Richard M. Stoddard, and Phineas 
Bates, Justices of Peace." The officers elected 
were: — Christopher Laybourn, -Supervisor; Job 



454 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Pierce, Town Clerk ; Peter Shatter, Ebenezer 
Green, Peter Anderson, Assessors; James Ganson, 

Collector; Hinds Chamberlain, Peter Shaffer, Over- 
seers of Poor ; Thomas Irvine, Andrew Wortman, 
Asher Bates, Commissioners of Highways ; James 
Ganson, Cyrus Douglass, Daniel Buell, Constables ; 
John Ganson, Jr., Isaac Smith, John Christie. 
Peter Shaffer, James Wood, Andrew Wortman, 
Henry Mullein, Fence Viewers and Overseers of 
Highways; James McLaren, John Ganson, Jr., 
Charles Duggan, Pound Keepers. 

In 1804 the town meeting was held at the house 
of Austin Brooks, on the 7th day of March, and 
Christopher Laybourn ami Hugh McDermid were 
chosen respectively Supervisor and Town Clerk, 
which offices they held until the name of the town 
was changed April 4, 1806. 

The first town meeting when the town assumed 
the name of Caledonia was held at "the late house 
of Shepperd Pierce, (now John Cameron,)" April i, 
1807, at which meeting Christopher Laybourn was 
elected Supervisor, and Asher Bates, Town Clerk. 
In 1808, James Ganson was elected Supervisor and 
Alexander McDonald, Town Clerk, and they held 
those offices until the close of the year 181 1. 

From 1812 to 1881 the Supervisors and Town 
Clerks of Caledonia, have been as follows: — 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1812. John Finch. Thomas Tufts. 

1813. Robert McKay. John Garbutt. 

1814. Powel Carpenter. do do 

1815. Robert W. McKay. Donald McDonald. 

1 81 6. do do ' Willard H. Smith. 
1817-19. do do Donald McDonald. 
1820. John Garbutt. do do 
1821.* Robert McKay. Federal Blakeslee. 
1822-23. do do Duncan Campbell. 
1824. do do John Butterfield. 
1825-26. do do Federal Blakeslee. 
1827-2S. federal Blakeslee. Gad Blakeslee. 
1829. Robert McKay. Angus Cameron. 
« 8 3°-3'- Federal Blakeslee. James Hill. 

1832. Robert McKay. Angus Cameron. 

l8 33"37- Donald McDonald. James Hill. 

1838-41. Alex. Simpson. f do do 

1842-43. William Barron. do do 

1844-50. do ,1,, Gad Blakeslee. 

1851-52. HarK.w W. Wells, do do 

l8 53-55- Archibald Renwick. do do 

,8 5 6 -5'> Henry G.J Rochester.do co 

i860. Hugh D. McColl. John M. Dean. 
1861-62 do do Stephen Loucks. 

1863-64. David Walker. do do 



1865. 



do 



• In this year Inverness- Wheatland— was set off into the new county 
ol Monroe, 
t Mr. Simpson cam :„ 1816, and followed the business 

of brewing beer and farming. He died in 1852. 
J Or Henry K. ? 



William S. Curtis ) do 
and 

Win. Hamilton. ) do do 

1866-67. Alex. Ferguson. do do 

1868-70. do do John McNaughton. 

1 87 1. do do Charles U. Ferrin. 

1872. Hugh D. McColl. William H. Walker. 

1873. Alex. Furguson. Robert Wilson. 

1874. do do James Beattie. 
1875-80. William Hamilton. William H. Walker. 

The following officers were elected April 5, 
1881 : — Supervisor, James Fraser; Town Clerk. 
William H. Walker; Justices of Peace, William S. 
McKenzie, (long term,) James J. Guthrie, (short 
term ;) Highway Commissioners, Donald McKenzie, 
James A. Maxwell ; Assessor, Peter W. McNaugh- 
ton ; Overseer of Poor, Peter P. Campbell ; Col- 
lector, James Beattie ; Constables, Thomas H. 
Bundy, Peter P. Campbell, Jr., William H. Ryan, 
Nathaniel Mosier ; Game Constable, George Mc- 
Kay ; Fxcise Commissioners, Charles W. Black- 
man, James R. Espie; Inspectors of Election, 
Duncan D. McColl, Arch. K. Fowler. 

Population. — In 1870 the population of Cale- 
donia was 1,813, of which number 1,294 were na- 
tive, and 519 foreign, 1,811 white, and 2 colored. 
In 1875 the total population of the town was 
1,975; native, 1,483, foreign, 492; white, 1,959, 
colored, 16 ; an increase of 189 in the native, and 
a decrease of 27 in the foreign population. 

At the last census returns of 1880 the total pop- 
ulation was 2,068, an increase in the ten years of 
255 in the total population. 

School Statistics. — The town contains ten 
school districts, in which, during the past year, 
(1880) school was taught 241 3-5 weeks, employ- 
ing nine teachers at a total amount in wages of 
$2,781.77, and with an average attendance of 205 
pupils. 

The number of children in these districts over 
five and under twenty-one years of age is 617. 
The number attending school some portion of the 
past year was 425. The district libraries are valued 
at $95, on which was expended during the year 
the sum of $10.37. The amount paid out for 
school houses, sites, fences, furniture and repairs 
was $492.51. Total incidental expenses for the 
year, $304.51. Total valuation of school houses 
and sites, $142.25. Total valuation of districts, 

$i,749.9 1 9- 

Caledonia. 

The village of Caledonia is beautifully situated 
in the north-western part of the town, on the lines 

* This was a tie vote, and the Justices appointed Alexander Ferguson 
Supervisor for that year. 



CALEDONIA — EARLY SETTLERS. 



455 



of the Erie and Canandaigua & Niagara railroads. 
This is the village known in early days as " Big 
Springs," on the old State road from Albany to 
Buffalo. 

The Springs from which this place derived its 
primitive name are now devoted to the breeding 
of fish, the waters of these ponds being the finest 
in America for the propagation of trout. Here 
are located the "State Hatching Grounds," under 
the supervision of the eminent pisciculturist, Seth 
Green, who established the hatchery here as a 
private enterprise in June, 1864. Mr. Green con- 
ducted the business four years, and then sold to 
Alfred S. Collins for the sum of $14,000, under 
whose management it remained seven years, when 
he, for a similar consideration, sold it to the State 
of New York in 1875. Seth Green was chosen as 
Superintendent of the Hatchery ; and an appro- 
priation of $1,000 was made in the interest of the 
enterprise, which in 1880 was increased to 
$15,000. 

The trout propagated here are sent to stock the 
public waters of the State, over a million of eggs 
being annually shipped from these grounds. 

An extensive business in fish culture is also 
being carried on here by James Annin, Jr., pro- 
prietor of the Caledonia Trout Ponds, whose 
waters adjoin those of the State Hatchery. Mr. 
Annin engaged in this business in 1872, succeed- 
ing Annin & Campbell, and J. Annin & Co. A 
specialty is made of Brook Trout, although other 
species are propagated, and from these ponds 
yearly are sent to different parts of this country 
and to Europe extensive shipments of eggs, frys, 
and yearlings. 

Mr. Annin also engages to some considerable 
extent in the manufacture and sale of fishing 
tackle, supplying to the disciples of Izaak Walton 
rods, leaders, flys, spoons, and other accoutrements 
of the piscatory science. The scenery about these 
ponds is remarkably fine and picturesque. Con- 
nected with the grounds is a beautiful grove, a 
quite celebrated resort in summer for pleasure 
parties from various parts of the State. 

The present postmaster in Caledonia is James 
Beattie, who was appointed in 1873. Previously 
for some years, the officials had been Robert Wil- 
son, and then Miss E. A. Blakeslee, whom Mr. 
Beattie succeeded. 

The village has but one newspaper, the Cale- 
donia Advertiser, a weekly, which was established 
in May, 1878, by James Beattie and Alfred H. 
Collins. The present editor and proprietor is 



Alfred H. Collins, who purchased Mr. Beattie's in- 
terest in 1880. 

Among the early inn-keepers here was Major 
Isaac Smith, a widely known landlord west of the 
river, who began here in that capacity as early as 
1800. Others who kept tavern here at different 
times were John Cameron in 1 808, Alexander Mc- 
Donald in and before 1809, Orange Dean, who 
came here in 181 1, and occupied for some years 
the McDonald stand, and Peter Bowen, who was 
the first proprietor of the hotel now known as the 
Moss House. This hotel was built in 181 6 by 
Robert McKay. Other proprietors after Peter 
Bowen were Augustus Hotchkiss, who kept it a 
number of years, P. P. Foote, the present pro- 
prietor of the Caledonia House, who was landlord 
of the Moss House some eight years, and J. W. 
Moss, of whom the present proprietor, P. Coffee, 
purchased five years ago. 

The erection of the Caledonia House was begun 
in 1 83 1, by James Shaw, and was by him com- 
pleted in 1833. The first proprietor was Mar- 
cenus Haxton, who kept it a year or two, and 
afterward went to Ohio, where he died. James 
Shaw was the next proprietor, and was succeeded 
by his son, John Shaw. Wells Hosmer was the 
landlord in 1844. Other landlords were J. W. 
Moss, from 1866 to 1867 ; Algeroy Smith, one 
year ; and Theodore F. Wilkinson one year. The 
present proprietor, P. P. Foote, purchased the 
property in 1873. 

The village contains an excellent public library, 
which is under the management of the Caledonia 
Library Association. This Association was or- 
ganized March n, 1873, through the influence 
and exertions of the following ladies : — Mrs. G. P. 
Grant, Mrs. John McNab, Mrs. D. F. Bonner, 
Mrs. John H. McNaughton, Mrs. Daniel Mc- 
Naughton, Mrs. Donald McPherson, Mrs. Thomas 
Brodie, Mrs. Dugald E. Cameron, Mrs. William 
Hamilton, Mrs. W. Walker, Mrs. David Menzie, 
Mrs. R. J. Menzie, Misses Helen Hosmer, Libbie 
McKenzie, Kittie Walker, Ella McVean, Christine 
Cameron, and Mrs. E. Burgess. 

Each of these ladies contributed the sum of five 
dollars, and pledged her interest and labor for the 
establishment and maintenance of a public library. 
The officers appointed at this meeting were : — 
Mrs. Thomas Brodie, President; Miss Helen Hos- 
mer, Vice-President ; Mrs. Elwood Burgess, 
Treasurer; Mrs. R. J. Menzie, Secretary; and 
Miss Christine Cameron, Librarian. 

The Library was opened to the public May 17, 



45 6 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



1873. Tne nrst vear closed with 163 volumes 
purchased by the Association. December 31, 
1877, the library contained 471 volumes. In that 
year the Society procured a charter, which placed 
it on a legal and business foundation. In 1880 
the library contained 655 volumes. The books, 
for the most part, are the productions of standard 
authors, comprising the works of Herbert Spencer, 
Taine, James Anthony Froude, and others as 
noted philosophical and historical writers. 

In February, 1881, the Association had in the 
bank $180.00, and about $100.00 in the hands of 
the treasurer. The present officers are : — Mrs. 
Daniel McPherson, President; W. H. Walker, 
Vice-President; Mrs. Dr. Borden, Secretary ; Miss 
Mary McCall Simpson, Treasurer ; James Beattie, 
Librarian ; Mrs. Dr. Wells, Mrs. John McNab 
and Mrs. Sarah Clark, Trustees. 

The A. O. U. IV., the early secret society here, 
was organized May 27, 1880. The officers then 
elected, and who are now the presiding officers in 
the Order, were David Menzie, P. YV.;A. K. Fowler, 
M. W.; D. W. Chamberlain, G. F.; F. P. Brownell, 
O.; Daniel F. Burgess, Recorder; R. J. Menzie, 
F. S.; George Outterson, R. S.; George McKay, 
Guide; George Barron, J. W.; Jno. Monroe, O.W. 

Merchants. — The first merchant here was John 
Cameron, who came to Caledonia in the fall of 
1805. The next was Robert McKay, who came 
to the Genesee country in 1797, locating at Wil- 
liamsburgh, where, and in the surrounding section, 
he taught school for a number of years. In 1803 
he entered the employment of Miner & Hall, early 
merchants in (Geneseo,) and on the death of 
both members of the firm he closed up their busi- 
ness affairs and in 1808 moved to Caledonia where 
he began the mercantile business. Other early 
merchants were Alexander McDonald, Sylvester 
Brown,* 1813, John McKenley, about 1817, and 
Thomas and Robert Brown, who came here in 
1827, purchased McKenley's store and carried on 
business together until about 1851, when they sold 
to Klwood Burgess, who still continues in the busi- 
ness here. Mr. Burgess was born near Philadel- 
phia, Pa., in 1824, and came to Caledonia in 1847. 

The other merchants here are: — William H. 
Walker, who came to Caledonia in 1848. — After 
receiving his education he taught school a number 
of years, and engaged in his present business as 
general merchant ten years ago. He was born in 
Naperville, DuPage county, 111., in 1839; — Robert 

* County Clerk of Livingston county in l8xj, and the second to fill 
that office. 



M. Place, dealer in drugs and fancy goods, who 
came to Caledonia in 1837, and began his present 
business nine years ago ; Alexander Watson, mer- 
chant tailor, who began business here eight years 
ago; Cameron & Fraser (Dugald F. Cameron, 
Andrew Fraser,) hardware merchants, who have 
been in business as a firm nearly two years, suc- 
ceeding Cameron & Menzie — Mr. Cameron was 
born in Caledonia, March 19, 1831 ; — Mr. Fraser, 
in the town of York, in 1850 ; — Archibald K. Fow- 
ler, druggist, who has been in that business here 
four years, and who was born in York in 1852 ; 
Robert Wilson, general merchant, who came from 
Scotland in 1835, where he was born May 30, 1817, 
and who began his present business in May, 1879; 
Peter Gallagher, grocer, who has been in business 
one year ; James Callan, a native of Mumford, gen- 
eral merchant, who has been in business fouryears; 
James Smith, grocer, in business four years; Wil- 
liam Hamilton, produce merchant, who was born 
in LeRoy, in 1852, and who came to Caledonia in 
January, 1859. Mr. Hamilton is one of the most 
prominent citizens of the town. Besides dealing 
in grain and produce he is also a large owner of 
farming lands, and is extensively engaged in malt- 
ing, which business he began here in 1S67. He 
has held the office of Supervisor six years, from 
1875 to 1880.* 

Physicians. — -The first physicians to locate in 
Caledonia, were Drs. Peter McPherson and Wil- 
liam H. Terry, who were here as early as 181 2. 
They were succeeded by Dr. Stockton in about 
1S12, and Dr. William A. Townsend, from Con- 
necticut, in about 181 5, who built a house where 
the residence of Mrs. Dr. Wells now stands. Dr. 
Campbell was a physician here about 1853. Dr. 
Harlow Wells, of whom previous mention has been 
made, was a successful physician here for forty 
years, f 

The present physicians are : — Dr. Robert J. 
Menzie, who was born in Riga, May 21, 1833, 
graduated at Buffalo Medical University in 1866, 
and practiced a short time in Bergen, Genesee Co., 
then came to Caledonia in the fall of 1866, where 
he has since resided. 

Dr. George T. Borden, was .born in Mattapoiset, 
Mass., October 1st, 1833. He graduated from 
Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1876, 
and at once came to Caledonia, to begin his prac- 
tice. 

Lawyers. — The sole lawyer of the town is Wil- 

• See Biography on another page. 
t See close of chapter. 



CALEDONIA VILLAGE — MANUFACTURERS, CHURCHES. 



457 



liam Jesse Byam, son of Rev. George T. Byam, of 
Melville, Ont, Canada, in which place he was born 
Jan. 21, 1847. At the age of fifteen he was em- 
ployed as assistant Master of Mathematics in the 
Pictou High School, of which institution he became 
the Principal at the age of nineteen, having in the 
meantime taken a two years' course of instruction 
at Upper Canada College. At the age of twenty- 
one he graduated from the University of Toronto, 
receiving first class honors in Mathematics, and at 
the age of twenty-three graduated from the Cana- 
dian Military Academy at Toronto, taking a first 
place in the Artillery and Cavalry Departments, 
and a second place in the Department of Infantry. 
In 1872 he began the study of law with Charles 
Francis of Trenton, Ont., with whom he remained 
some four months, and then entered the office of 
Hon. John Hilliard Cameron, of Toronto, where 
he studied a little more than a year. In June, 
1874, he entered the office of William F. Cogs- 
well, in Rochester, N. Y., and was admitted to 
practice in October, 1877. He came to Caledonia 
in 1878, where he has since practiced law with 
much success. 

Manufacturers. — The parties engaged in manu- 
facturing in Caledonia are: — Miller & Son, (Alex- 
ander and Fred,) manufacturers of agricultural im- 
plements, who have been in business a year, suc- 
ceeding A. D. & D. H. McColl, who had con- 
ducted the business some twelve years. 

Charles W. Blackmail, manufacturer of grain 
cradles, has been engaged in that business here 
since 1867, in which year he became the partnerof 
Henry G. Hatch, who for thirty years had con- 
ducted the business. In 1876 Mr. Blackman suc- 
ceeded Mr. Hatch, and has since been the sole 
proprietor of the manufactory. 

The Caledonia Manufacturing Company (VV. S., 
Nelson C. and C. H. Redfield,) manufacturers of 
hand rakes, broom and hoe-handles, barrel-head- 
ing, etc. In business here two years. 

Charles F. Curtiss, manufacturer of the "Wild- 
er" plow, began that business here in 1881. 

Archibald McLaughlin, a native of Caledonia, 
manufacturer of grass seed sowers, began here in 
1855 the manufacture of agricultural implements. 

George W. McKay, proprietor of a saw and grist 
mill, was born in Caledonia in 1859. He is grand- 
son to John McKay, who purchased near the site 
of these mills in 1803 the old grist mill built by 
Colonel Williamson for the Pultney Land Com- 
pany. 

Churches. — The early settlers of Caledonia 



were Christian people, and among the first objects 
of their care was the provision for religious services. 
In consequence of their poverty they were unable 
at first to secure the labors of an ordained minister, 
but religious observances were not neglected. So- 
cial religious worship was held every Sabbath, but 
accustomed as they had been to regular adminis- 
tration of the Word and ordinances, they were not 
satisfied with this. Accordingly a meeting was held 
at the house of Peter Campbell, November 10, 
1802, for the purpose of organizing a religious so- 
ciety, to be incorporated under the laws of the 
State. At this meeting they selected for their 
name "The Presbyterian Religious Society of 
Caledonia." They chose as trustees Thomas Irv- 
ine, Duncan McPherson, Peter Campbell, John 
Christie, and Peter Anderson. The next year a 
log school house was erected on the creek road, 
about a quarter of a mile west of what is now 
known as Mission Corners, in Wheatland. Here, 
every Sabbath, the pioneers met for religious wor- 
ship, and in the absence of ministers the services 
were conducted by themselves. This state of 
things continued until 1805. Having had up to 
this time but a civil religious organization, and 
being now strengthened by accessions of settlers 
from Invernesshire, Scotland, who had come in 
1804, they determined to form an ecclesiastical 
organization. Accordingly at a meeting held in 
the school house, March 3, 1805, an organization 
was effected by Rev. Jedediah Chapman, of the 
Presbytery of Geneva. Donald McKenzie, Dun- 
can McPherson, and Donald Anderson were elect- 
ed Elders. Soon after a log church, 30 by 40 feet 
in size, was erected in the western part of the pres- 
ent village of Caledonia, on the two acres granted 
by Col. Williamson. This church stood on the 
site now occupied by the residence of Peter 
McNaughton. 

In February, 1806, there came into the colony 
from Scotland a young man of the name of Alex- 
ander Denoon, who had been in the old country a 
tutor to gentlemen's sons. He was licensed by 
the Presbytery of Geneva, June 26, 1806, and 
was appointed as the supply of this congrega- 
tion, in which capacity he continued to act until 
August 17, 1808, when he was ordained and form- 
ally installed pastor of the church. To this step 
there was very considerable opposition, on the part 
chiefly of the first settlers, which led soon to the 
disruption of the congregation, and to a final sep- 
aration. Both congregations reorganized, that of 
Mr. Denoon's in September, 1808, and the Asso- 



45« 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



ciate Reformed Church in November, 1810. The 
church edifice was the joint property of both par- 
ties and was used by both, but in a few years after 
the church property was equally divided between 
them. On the organization of the Presbytery of 
Ontario Mr. Denoon's church, known as the First 
Presbyterian Church of Caledonia, was assigned 
to that body, and from that transferred to the 
Presbytery of Genesee when that was instituted. 

After the exscinding act of 1837, and the divis- 
ion of the Presbyterian Church, this society and its 
pastor connected themselves with the Presbytery 
of Susquehanna, of which they gave notice to the 
Presbytery of Genesee, and the connection was 
severed February 15, 1838. The church was af- 
terward received under the care of the Presbytery 
of Wyoming. The first edifice erected by this 
church was built in the year 1814, on land owned 
by Deacon Archibald Gillis. It was abandoned in 
a few years and was pulled down in 1850. In 1827 
a stone church was erected at a cost of over $2,000, 
and was built on an acre of land which Alexander 
McDonald donated to the society for that purpose. 
This gave way in 1855 to the present fine edifice. 
Among the early members were : — Duncan McPher- 
son, Donald McKenzie, Simon Fraser, Archibald 
(lillis, Catherine Gillis, Peter and Catherine Camp- 
bell, John McPherson, Kitty (McBean) McKenzie, 
John Campbell, Margaret Campbell, Mary (Mc- 
Laughlin) Orr, Donald Anderson, John McKenzie, 
and Mary (McArthur) McKenzie. Rev. Alex- 
ander Denoon continued as pastor of this 
church until his death June 16, 1850 — 
a pastorate of over forty-four years. He 
was a man of eminent piety, exerted a marked 
influence for good in the town, and is spoken of 
reverently by the descendants of his parishoners. 
The succeeding pastors have been : — 
Rev. John W. Major, 1854, dismissed 1856 
Rev. Wm. Evan Jones, 1857, " 1859 

Rev. Malcolm N. McLaren, 1859, " 1871 

Rev. John Kennedy Fowler, 1874, " 1877 

Rev. Thomas Stephenson, 1878, who is the pres- 
ent pastor. 

The membership is 200. The church property 
is valued at $6,000, and the parsonage at $3,000. 

Those who withdrew from this church were 
chiefly people from Perthshire, Scotland, re- 
solved to look to the Associate Reformed 
Presbyterians for preaching. They according- 
ly applied to the Presbytery of Saratoga, and, 
after various delays, were by it organized into 
a congregation, Nov. 3, 18 10, John McVean, Wm. 
Armstrong, and Peter Farquherson being elected 



elders. The number of members was about 25. 
They were variously supplied until the fall of 1812, 
when they extended a call to Rev. John Campbell. 
In this call they were joined by a number of per- 
sons living on the Forty Thousand Acre Tract, 
now York, who had there a log church in what is 
now York Centre. 

Mr. Campbell was to receive a salary of $500 
per annum, of which the people in York were to 
pay one-fifth, and receive one-fourth of the pas- 
tor's time. 

In November, 1813, Mr. Campbell entered upon 
his labors, which he continued successfully until 
his death, May 1, 1 S 1 7. During his ministry 109 
persons were added to the church. With his 
death the connection with York was severed, and 
that people were organized into a separate congre- 
gation in 1818. His successor was the Rev. Wm. 
Boyce. Concerning this pastor there are very 
meager records. He was called in 1820 and was 
released at the request of the congregation, about 
1824. In the interval between these pastorates 
the congregation erected a house of worship at a 
cost of $6,000. It was finished in the spring of 
18 19. The next pastor was Rev. Donald C. Mc- 
Laren, at the time pastor of the Associate Re- 
formed Church of Cambridge, Washington county, 
N. Y. The congregation had now become quite 
strong. It embraced 117 families. In these there 
were 142 children over, and 310 under sixteen 
years of age. 

The number of communicants was 174. The 
relations between the two congregations were also 
more amicable than they had ever been since the 
disruption. Besides the opposition to the settle- 
ment of Mr. Denoon, differences had arisen 
between the two parties respecting the property 
donated by Col. Williamson, and which, ever since 
the disruption in 1808, had continued to be a bone 
of contention. In 1823, however, the matter was 
settled by the equitable division of the property. 
The Associate Reformed congregation received 
the east half of each tract, and the Presbyterians 
the west half of each; together with the log church 
on the village lot. In December, 1824, the con- 
gregation made a settlement of the business of 
their church building, when it was found that they 
were indebted to Robert McKay in the sum of 
$2,227.69. In order to indemnify him for this 
sum, which he had advanced to complete the 
church, the Society agreed to lease to him all the 
land falling to its share, on the condition that the 
lease was to be of a durable nature, and that the 



CALEDONIA — WAR RECORD. 



459 



lease-holder was to pay a rental of one barley corn 
yearly on the call of the trustees. The lease thus 
ordered was duly executed Feb. 23, 1826, and the 
lands virtually passed out of the hands of the 
Society. The pastorate of Mr. McLaren was a 
very successful one, lasting until July 14, 1852. 
On the evening of Sunday, Feb. 24, 1833, the 
church building was destroyed by fire. The con- 
gregation immediately began the erection of an- 
other, which was completed on the 30th of the 
following November, and is the fine stone church 
which now stands in the village. Its cost was 
about $4,000. At the sale of seats on the third of 
December, this amount was more than realized, 
and the congregation entered the new house free 
from debt. 

Near the close of Mr. McLaren's pastorate a 
new organization was formed in the northwest 
part of the congregation. Into this society 27 
persons were received. The organization was 
effected Feb. 24, 1852; and the circumstances 
attending it being so favorable — the society start- 
ing with a good building free from debt — it was 
christened Beulah. After a brief vacancy the con- 
gregation called the Rev. William S. McLaren, 
the eldest son of the former pastor. He began 
his labors Dec. 19, 1852, and was installed April 
19, 1853. He resigned on account of ill health 
and was released Sept. 8, 1869, and removed to 
Santa Barbara, Cal., where he died July 12, 1874. 
During his pastorate a parsonage was erected at a 
cost of about $3,300. 

A change also occurred in the congregation's 
ecclesiastical relationship in 1858. In that year a 
union was effected between the Associate and As- 
sociate Reformed Presbyterian churches in this 
country, resulting in the formation of what is now 
known as the United Presbyterian Church of 
North America, into which union this congregation 
entered.* On the the 13th of May, 1869, a new 
congregation was formed in the village of Mum- 
ford, about one mile north of Caledonia, and into 
that organization went from this church 27 mem- 
bers. In December, 1870, the congregation in 
Caledonia called the present pastor, Rev. D. F. 
Bonner, f He began his labors the first Sabbath 
in January, 1871, and was formally installed Feb. 
28, 1 87 1. Various changes have taken place 
during his pastorate, among which was the re- 
modeling of the church building in 1875. This 

* The title of the church is now the United Presbyterian Church of 
Caledonia. 

tTo this kind pastor we are indebted for the most of this church his- 
tory, having drawn for some facts on the writings of Donald McKenzie. 



was effected at an expense, including furnishing, 
of $5,225. The congregation is in a flourishing 
condition and numbers to-day 160 communicants. 
War Record OF1812 andof the Rebellion. — 
When the war of 1812 broke out, the Scotch set- 
tlers in Caledonia had for the first time an oppor- 
tunity to show how strong was their love for the 
land of their adoption. Malicious reports were in 
circulation soon after the beginning of the war to 
the effect that the Scotch residents would prove 
treacherous, and lend their assistance to the British 
invaders. Little did the calumniators know of 
Scottish character who could thus charge them with 
treachery. Treason finds no lodgment in the 
head or heart of a Scotchman. Such of those resi- 
dents as had not yet become naturalized, on hear- 
ing this report, at once made application for citi- 
zenship, and so gave ample proof of their loyalty 
and honesty of purpose. They did more. A com- 
pany was formed among them, with Robert McKay 
as Captain, and Thomas Duer as Lieutenant. These 
Scotch Highlanders marched at once to Lewiston, 
where they remained until relieved by the regular 
troops. Capt. McKay was promoted to the rank 
of Colonel in 18 13, and in 1814 he and others of 
this company marched to defend Buffalo from the 
British who had crossed the Niagara, had taken the 
fort of that name, and burned Youngstown and 
Lewiston. On arriving in Buffalo they were en- 
rolled under the command of Major General Amos 
Hall and Col. Blakeslee, and at the battle of Black 
Rock, Col. McKay and several others were taken 
prisoners and carried to Montreal where they were 
confined until regularly exchanged the next year. 

In the war of the Rebellion, Caledonia sent to 
the defense of the Union two hundred and seven 
men,* besides contributing liberally in other ways 
to the Federal cause. 

The town furnished in August, 1862, 62 men, 
with a bounty of $100 each; in July, 1863, 22 
commuted; in October, 1863, 28 men, with a 
bounty of $423 each; in February, 1864, 9 men, 
three at $300 each, and six at $320 each ; in July, 
1864, 33 men at about $900 each; in December, 
1864, 25 men at $600 each, and $100 hand money; 
also 28 men who enlisted at various times from 
this town, without bounty and with bounty to the 
credit of other towns. 

The War record of the town was quite carefully 
kept, and from it is given here the names of those 
who enlisted from the town of Caledonia. 

* This number includes those who enlisted from other places to fill the 
quota of Caledonia. 



4<jo 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



8f/t N. V. Cavalry. Enlistments of 1862.— 
William W. McNaughton, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 
27; born in Caledonia, Sq>t. 4, 1836. Served on 
picket duty only, was taken sick about April 20, 
1863, and died at Carver Hospital, Washington, 
I). C, May 2, 1863. His body was brought home 
to Caledonia for interment. 

John William McNaughton, Sergeant, Co. K, 
enlisted Aug. 14; born in Caledonia, March 23, 
1S40. Was in engagements at Beverly Ford, Mid- 
dleburgh, and Gettysburg, and was stationed at 
Alexandria, Ya., at the date of the surrender of 
General Lee, was discharged about June 16, 1865. 
Now living in Caledonia, N. Y. 

Enos Sullivan, Corporal, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 
21, was slightly wounded at the battle of Gettys- 
burg. Now in Flint, Mich. 

Thomas Bradburn, Co. B, enlisted in August, 
was killed in a skirmish at Shepardstown, August 
25, 1S64. 

William Tygart, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 19. Now 
in Caledonia, N. Y. 

John Bradburn, Co. H, enlisted Aug. 28. Pro- 
moted to Corporal in May, 1865, was captured by 
the Rebels at Lacy Springs in Jan., 1865, but 
escaped in a few hours. Was wounded on the 
shoulder by a sabre cut from which he recovered. 
Now in Caledonia, N. Y. 

Thomas Tygart, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 28, was 
wounded in the right knee, at Gettysburg. Now 
in the west. 

David R. Stewart, Co. M, enlisted Aug. 18. 
Promoted to Corporal Jan. 1, 1865. Now in 
Caledonia, N. Y. 

Jeremiah Casey, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 21. Pro- 
moted to Corporal in Jan., 1864; was taken pris- 
oner about June, 1864. and confined the most of 
the time in Andersonville prison, where he died 
Nov. 26, 1864. 

Almond Duane Robinson, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 
18, was disabled by the fall of his horse at the bat- 
tle of the Wilderness, and discharged May 18, 1865. 
Died in 1880. 

Daniel Donohue, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 20. Pro- 
moted to rank of Sergeant, Jan. 6, 1S64. Was in 
sixty-two engagements up to June 24, 1864, at 
which time he was taken prisoner and was confined 
the most of the time in Andersonville prison ; died 
at Florana, S. C, Nov. 1, 1864. 

William Ball, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 19; was taken 
prisoner March 4, 1863, and confined for sixteen 
days in Libby prison, was then exchanged, rejoined 
his regiment, and was at the surrender of General 



Lee. He returned in Co. F, of the same regi- 
ment. Now living in Caledonia, N. Y. 

William A. Lynn, Corporal, Co. K, enlisted 
Aug. 20, was wounded in the head at Gettysburg, 
nearly recovered, and was taken prisoner March 9, 
1863, and confined in Libby prison twenty-three 
days. 

James K. Polk Walker, Co. K, enlisted in Aug.; 
born in Caledonia, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1845, was in the 
several battles of the regiment, and was taken pris- 
oner at the battle of the Wilderness and confined 
the most of the time in Andersonville prison, where 
he died Oct 3, 1864. 

Wilson Caruthers, Co. M, enlisted in August ; 
wounded at Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863, and was 
discharged Jan. 21, 1864. Now in Caledonia, N.Y. 
Robert Robertson Orr, Co. K, enlisted August 
14; born in Caledonia, March 10, 184 1 . Pro- 
moted to Q. M. Sergeant Jan. 1, 1875. Was in 
thirty-five engagements, including the battles of 
Upperville, Gettysburg, Boonsboro, Brandy Plains, 
and Stephensburg, at which place he was wounded 
in the right side, and confined to the hospital some 
three months. Was taken prisoner March 5, 
1S63. Fxchanged in June, 1863, rejoined his 
regiment, and was discharged in June, 1S65. Now 
in Indiana. 

Robert M. Place, was discharged before expira- 
tion of his time. Now a druggist in Caledonia, 
N. Y. 

William Bradbury, Jr., Co. K, supposed to have 
deserted some time in September, 1862, frem the 
encampment in Rochester, N. Y. 

Alexander M. Caruthers, Corporal, Co. M, en- 
listed August 25. Died in rebel prison. 

Samuel Burgett, Co. K, enlisted in August, sup- 
posed to have deserted in September, from the en- 
campment in Rochester, N. Y. 

George A. Hickey, enlisted in this regiment and 
was afterwards transferred to the Second Battalion 
Veteran Reserve Corps ; was discharged about 
June, 1865. Now somewhere in Southern New 
York. 

Daniel J. McVean, died in the service. 
Andrew McKeiizie, Co. K, enlisted in August. 
Shot dead on picket duty near Dumfries, Va., 
March 5, 1863. Body brought home and buried 
in Caledonia, N. Y. 

John Caragher, Co. L, enlisted Aug. 30. Taken 
prisoner May 5, 1S64, and died in Andersonville 
prison in October, 1864. 

Andrew Kennedy, enlisted in August. Killed in 
the service. 






CALEDONIA — WAR RECORD. 



461 



Daniel Calder, died in the service. Body brought 
home for burial. 

Daniel McMartin, Jr., Co. I. Discharged in 
June, 1865. 

William Brown, Co. K, enlisted Aug. 14, was 
in service until June, 1865. Now in Scottsville, 
N. V. 

Lewis Yorks, enlisted in August. Deserted 
from encampment in Rochester, N. Y. 

C. C. Rockafellovv, Co. K, enlisted in August. 
Died in rebel prison. 

Lewis J. Cox, enlisted in August. Died in rebel 
prison. 

William Solomon, Co. K, enlisted in August. 
Died in Union Hospital. 

Harvey Murell, enlisted in August. Deserted 
from Camp in Rochester, N. Y.. in Sept. 1862. 

Jacob Hemluk, enlisted in August. Deserted 
from camp in Rochester, N. Y., in Sept. 1862. 

Frederick Simmimur, Peter Farley, Jeremiah 
Kelley, Benjamin Aldridge, Co. K, Jacob Guen- 
ter, Co. M, George W. Moore. 

Enlistments in other Companies and Regiments. 
— John D. Campbell, enlisted August 29, 1862, in 
a company of sharp-shooters. At the battle of the 
Wilderness he was wounded in the thigh. Died 
since close of the war. 

Peter William McNaughton, N. Y. Sharp-shoot- 
ers, enlisted August 27, 1862. Born in Caledo- 
nia, N. Y., October 14, 1834. Promoted to Cor- 
poral March 4, 1864. Was in the siege of Suffolk, 
Baltimore Cross Roads, Rappahannock Station, 
and Weldon R. R. Now in Caledonia, N. Y. 

Duncan D. Cameron, Co. K, 9th U. S. Colored 
Troops. Enlisted August 26, 1862. Born in Cale- 
donia, N. Y., January 18, 1839. Promoted to 
Lieutenant, November 29, 1863. Was in the siege 
of Suffolk, Deep Bottom, at John's Island, S. C, 
and in front of Petersburgh. After being in ser- 
vice thirty-one months he resigned March 9, 1865, 
and his resignation was accepted. Now in Cale- 
donia, N. Y. 

Andrew Beattie, Corporal, Co. C, 4th N. Y. 
Heavy Art. Enlisted August 5, 1862. Promoted 
to Corporal August 25, 1864. Now in LeRoy, 
N. Y. 

Archibald Walker, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy 
Art. Enlisted as private, October r, 1862. Born 
in Broadalbin, N. Y., May 31, 1833. Was pro- 
moted October 1, 1863, to Captain of Co. I, 7th 
U. S. Colored Troops. Killed before Petersburg, 
September 6th, 1864. Body was brought home 
and buried in Caledonia, N. Y. 



Newton Thompson, Co. E, 27th N. Y. Infantry. 
Enlisted in April, 1861. Promoted to Sergeant in 
June, 1862. Now in Caledonia, N. Y. 

Sylvester Clark, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. 
Enlisted August 5, 1862. Was taken prisoner 
August 25, 1864, at Ream's Station and sent to 
Libby Prison, then to Belle Isle, and from there to 
Salisbury, N. C, where he was exchanged in Feb- 
ruary, 1865. Now in La Crosse, Wis. 

Gaylord Henry Hatch, 6th Ind. Co. N. Y. S. 
Sharp-shooters. Enlisted September 30, 1862. 
Promoted to Corporal in February, 1863. Was 
wounded in the left side at Gravel Run, March 30, 
1865. Now living in Rochester, N. Y. 

Alexander Robert Fraser, Co. B, 1st District of 
Columbia Cavalry. Born in York, Livingston 
county, January 5, 1842. Enlisted July 27, 1863. 
Promoted in May or June, 1864, to Corporal. 
Was company clerk from time of enlistment to the 
time of his death. Was wounded at Ream's Sta- 
tion on the Weldon R. R., August 23, 1864, and 
died from the effects of his wounds in the field hos- 
pital, August 24, 1864, and was buried on the Je- 
rusalem Plank Road about four miles north of 
Petersburg. 

John Elliboat, Co. B, 15th N. Y. Cavalry. 
Promoted to Corporal July 1st, 1865. Now in 
Rochester, N. Y. 

Edward McEnrae, Co. G, 136th N. Y. Infant- 
ry. Went from Caledonia to the credit of the town 
of Leicester. Now in Caledonia, N. Y. 

Alexander W. Carmichael, 6th Ind. Co. N. Y. 
S. Sharp-shooters. Was discharged about June 1, 
1865. Now in the West. 

John Campbell, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. 
Enlisted August 5, 1862. Was wounded in right 
arm. Discharged in June, 1865. Now in the 
West. 

Albert Crawford, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Art. 
Enlisted August 5, 1862. Promoted to Sergeant 
July, 1864. Commissioned Second Lieutenant in 
April, 1865, and was promoted to First Lieuten- 
ant in May of that year. Died in 1866. 

James Walker, First Lieut. Co. C, 4th N. Y. 
Heavy Art. Born in York, Livingston county, 
July 18, 1835. Enlisted November 15, 1861. 
Was shot dead at the Battle of the Wilderness, 
May 6, 1864. His body was left on the field and 
was probably buried with the army's dead. 

Hugh Brady, Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 
Enlisted Aug. 4, 1862. Was discharged from the 
service in January, 1863. Now in Caledonia, N. Y. 

Alexander William Ross, 6th Ind. Co., N. Y. S. 



462 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Sharp-shooters. Enlisted in September, 1S62. 
Was in the service three or four months and was 
discharged, on account of disability. Now in 
Dansville, N. Y. 

James E. Cameron, enlisted in 1S62 in 26th N. 
Y. Battery. Was discharged about August, 1865. 
Now in Caledonia, N. Y. 

William Moreland, enlisted in August, 1862, in 
6th Ind. Co., N. Y. S. Sharp-shooters. Present 
whereabouts unknown. 

James Ryan, enlisted in August, 1862, in First 
N. Y. Light Artillery ; whereabouts unknown. 

Samuel Whitmore, enlisted in August, 1862, in 
146th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. Present location un- 
known. 

William G. Coon, enlisted in August, 1862, in 
4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Dead. 

Sylvester Coon, enlisted in August, 1862, in 4th 
N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Present location not 
known. 

John Whitmore, enlisted in August, 1862, in 
146th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. Whereabouts un- 
known. 

Oscar Smith, enlisted in 1864, in 14th N. Y. 
Heavy Artillery. Whereabouts unknown. 

Francis Loving, enlisted in January, 1864, in 
14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. Was taken prisoner 
June 1, 1864, and died in Andersonville prison 
Nov. 2, 1864. 

John Buncombe, enlisted January 4, 1864, in 
Co. C, 4th N. V. Vol. Artillery. Whereabouts 
not known. 

Lemen B. Granger, enlisted Jan. 4, 1S64, in 
Co. C, 4th N. Y. Vol. Artillery. Whereabouts 
unknown. 

William Henry Gibbs, Co. L, First N. Y. Light 
Artillery. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1861. 

Amos Gibbs, Co. L, First N. Y. Light Artillery. 
Enlisted Sept. 27, 1S61. Was wounded in the 
wrist at Chancellorsvilie, Va., May 2, 1863, and 
in the shoulder at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863; was 
in the hospital about six months ; was discharged 
at expiration term of service, Oct. 24, 1864. 

John McPhail, Co. B, 100th N. Y. Infantry. 
Enlisted Sept. 20, 1861. Was discharged from 
the service Jan. 30, 1865. Now in Riga, N. Y. 

John M. Campbell, enlisted in 1S61, in 100th 
N. Y. Infantry. Dead. 

Lyman Taylor, enlisted in 1S61, in 100th N. Y. 
Infantry. Dead. 

John Davis, enlisted in 1861, in 100th N. Y. 
Infantry. Whereabouts unknown. 

Donald Mclntyre, Co. B, 100th N. Y. Infantry. 



William Reed, Sergeant, Co. G, 6th U. S. Reg. 
Enlisted Aug. 10. 1861. Was six months in 
prison on Belle Isle. Was exchanged and re- 
joined his regiment about August 1, 1864, and was 
discharged Aug. 10, 1864. Now in Texas. 

Alfred Melancton Hotchkin, enlisted in 1S61, 
in 13th N. Y. Infantry. Now in Meadville, I'a. 

John J. McColl, enlisted in 1861, in 100th N. 
Y. Infantry. Dead. 

Albert Augustus Hotchkin, enlisted in 1861, in 
13th N. Y. Infantry. Now in Rochester, N. Y. 

Joseph E. Stewart, Co. L, 4th Michigan Caval- 
ry. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862. Now in Caledonia. 
N. Y. 

Norman Meldrum, enlisted in 1861, in rooth 
N. V Yolunteer Infantry. Now Secretary of the 
State of Colorado, of which State he was also a 
Senator since the war. 

Charles Englart, Co. B, mth N. Y. Infantry. 
Enlisted Aug. 15, 1864. Was discharged in 
June, 1865. 

W. S. Bogart, Lieutenant in 100th N. Y. In- 
fantry. Enlisted in 1861. 

John Adams, Co. D, First N. Y. Veteran Cav- 
alry. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862. Was taken 
prisoner at Newmarket, Va., June 15, 1864, ex- 
changed Feb. 18, 1865, and was discharged Aug. 
20, 1865. 

David F. Sinclair, Co. G, 136th N. Y. Infantry. 
Enlisted Sept. 7, 1864. Born in Caledonia, N. Y., 
May 24, 1839. Was discharged June 22, 1865. 
Now in Wisconsin. 

John Council, 136th N. Y. Infantry. Enlisted 
Sept. 7, 1864, to the credit of Leicester, N. Y. 

James Sullivan, 11 6th N. Y. Infantry. Enlisted 
April 13, 1864. Was in 12th I". S. Regulars three 
months ; was also in Co, F, 26th N. V. Infantry. 
Was shot dead before Petersburg, July 1, 1864. 

George Wright, enlisted in 6th U. S. Regiment. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 



WILLIAM HAMILTON. 

William Hamilton is the eldest son of James 
Hamilton, who was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, 
June, 1808, and who was son of William Hamil- 
ton, a farmer of the same place. James remained 
upon the homestead with his parents till twenty- 
three years of age, when, in March, 1S32, he mar- 
ried ('.race Naron, and soon after immigrated. to 
America. In 1833 he settled in Livingston coun- 




fete. 



Ill 




Lst/U^z^L^ 



WILLIAM HAMILTON — ANGUS CAMERON. 



463 



ty, where he followed the occupation of farming, 
and died in February, 1878. His wite died in De- 
cember, 1873. They had eight children, as fol- 
lows : William, James who died in infancy, James 
2d, now residing in Ohio, Jeannette, Alexander, 
who died in Nevada from injuries received in the 
mines, John B., Grace Ann, and Margaret. 

William Hamilton was born in LeRoy, Genesee 
county, December 25, 1832. His early life was 
spent on a farm, and his education was such as the 
common schools afforded. In 1853 he taught 
school in Michigan, and in 1856 went to Minne- 
sota, returning in 1857. 
In 1859 he was mar- 
ried to Jane, daughter 
of Robert Vallance, 
Esq., of York, and 
settled in Caledonia, 
where he now resides, 
and is one of the lead- 
ing business men of 
the place. It is to his 
invincible energy and 
active business ability 
thai Caledonia is in- 
debted for many im- 
provements. Mr. Ham- 
ilton is a fanner, grain 
dealer and maltster. In 
politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and although al- 
ways taking a lively in- 
terest in important puh- 
lic questions, has never 
aspired to political posi- 
tion. He has been 
Highway Commissioner 
for nine years, and town 
Supervisor six years, 
holding the latter office 
at the present time. In 
religious sentiment he 
is a Presbyterian, and is 
now acting as Secretary and Treasurer of the 
First Presbyterian church of Caledonia. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have had five children, 
four of whom are now living, viz. : William Val- 
lance, who is now at Cornell University, Nellie Jane, 
Mary Elizabeth, and James Alexander. 

Mr. Hamilton has ever been ready, not only to 
lend a helping hand and render assistance to all 
feasible movements towards furthering the indus- 
trial interests, growth and public improvements of 
his town, but has always taken a great interest in 
the agricultural pursuits of the county, and has 
given the most hearty support to all efforts and 
measures tending to the advancement of the agri- 
cultural interests of Western New York. Mr. 
Hamilton is a man of unusual enterprise and ac- 
tivity. He early learned to rely upon self-efforts 
for advancement in the world, and by business 
habits, persevering industry, integrity of purpose, 
and honorable dealing, has won a deserved 
success. 



He is eminently a self-made man and one 
of the representative business men of Livingston 
county. 




(ANGUS CAMERON.) 



ANGUS CAMERON. 

Angus Cameron was of Scotch descent, his 
parents John and Catharine Cameron, having emi- 
grated to this country in 1804, the former from 
Inverness, and the latter from Argyleshire, Scotland. 
He was born at Geneva, N. Y., July 10, 1805, 
and the following Oc- 
tober removed with his 
father to Caledonia, 
where, after attaining a 
suitable age, he attend- 
ed the district school 
of the town, and the 
select school at LeRoy, 
N. Y. 

When about twenty- 
one years old he en- 
gaged himself as a clerk 
in the general store of 
Mr. Butterfield, of Cal- 
edonia, and after re- 
maining there several 
years he accepted a 
similar position with 
Donald McDonald of 
the same village. He 
was also, for a short 
time, salesman in a 
store in Canandaigua, 
whence he removed to 
Caledonia and opened 
a general store for him- 
self. This he conducted 
for five or six months 
only, when he sold out 
to Mr. Collen Mc- 
Vean. 

He then purchased several farms, in the 
town of Caledonia, which he rented, and the 
residue of his life spent the most of his time in 
speculating in real estate, collecting his rents, and 
loaning money. 

He was a man possessing unusual shrewdness, 
business tact and ability, having in an eminent 
degree those sterling Scottish characteristics, thrift 
and industry. 

In politics he was a strong and true Democrat, 
and his first ballot cast was for General Andrew 
Jackson. He died at Caledonia on the 20th of 
October, 1866, at the age of sixty-one years, and 
though never having married, he was a man, who 
through his geniality and kindness to others made 
many and lasting friends and at his death it was 
felt by all that though absent he would not be for- 
gotten. 

Having left no will, the large fortune which he 
had amassed was inherited by his brothers and 
sisters. 



464 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



GILES PHELPS GRANT. 

Giles Phelps Grant, the subject of this memoir, 
was born in Norfolk, Litchfield county, Conn., 
May 26, 1801. His father was a farmer and until 
Giles became of age his history was similar to that 
of other New England farmer's sons — working on 
the farm and attending the district schools. 

This occupation not suiting the inclinations and 
temperament of young Grant, he decided to strike 
out for himself, and in 1822, at the age of twenty- 
one, he left home and went to Hartford, where he 
leased a store and immediately entered into the 
mercantile business. Having but little money, his 
beginning was necessarily small, though in self- 
reliance, enterprise, and energy he possessed an 
ample fortune, and his sagacious business tact soon 
developed a large and rapidly increasing trade. 

In 1825 he was married to Laura Crittenden, of 
Hartford, where he remained till about 1835, and 
then removed to the " Empire State," locating at 
Rochester, where he at first opened a retail boot 
and shoe store on the corner of Main and St. Paul 
streets. This proved to be the most successful 
establishment of the kind in Rochester, and gradu- 
ally developed into a wholesale trade. 

His first wife having died, Mr. Grant was again 
married, Sept. 8, 1863, to Margaret, daughter of 
Hector McLean, Esq., of Caledonia. 

In 1865 he opened an exclusively wholesale busi- 
ness on Exchange street, which he conducted till 
about 1874, when he retired from active business, 
having amassed a large fortune. His trade had 
increased from $1,000 the first year, to $500,000, 
the last year. He was the founder of the house 
now known as L. P. Ross' — the largest in Roches- 
ter. 

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle of Jan. 
22, 1877, says of Mr. Grant: — 

"The death of such a man as G. P. Grant 
deserves more than a passing notice in our columns, 
as he was in many respects a remarkable man. 

" Through his long course of over fifty years as 
a merchant inactive business, he maintained an un- 
blemished reputation and credit, conducting his 
business through the two greatest commercial panics 
ever known in this country — -in [837 and 1857 — 
always paying every debt in full that he contracted, 
and never even asking an extension. * * * 
Mr. Grant was the first person in Rochester to in- 
troduce the practice of selling goods on the road 
by samples, which is now so generally adopted by 
all kinds of trade. 

" He was a man of remarkable memory, retain- 
ing his recollection of events which transpired dur- 
ing his business life with remarkable accuracy. 

" His genial and pleasant manner of relating his 
reminiscences, made him a very agreeable and en- 
tertaining companion. He leaves many friends 
who will sincerely mourn his loss, and wish the 
country had more such upright, active business 
men as was G. P. Grant." 

Mr. Grant was eminently a self-made man, the 
sole architect of his own fortune. He was method- 



ic, prompt and reliable in all his transactions. 
As an example of his promptness, the following is 
stated : — 

" 1 luring the last fourteen years of his life he 
resided in Caledonia, going by rail to his business 
in Rochester every morning, and returning to his 
home in the evening, and during the whole of 
which time he was never known to miss his train." 

He was a liberal, benevolent, and unostenta- 
tious man, ever ready to lend a helping hand to 
those who in his opinion, were deserving of his as- 
sistance. 

In politics he was a strong Republican, and 
though seeking no political preferment, he quietly 
wielded a very strong influence. 

During the life of Mr. Grant's first wife, they 
adopted a daughter, Mary A. Grant, whom they 
loved as dearly as though she were their own. She 
was married to Charles, son of Nathan Wild, Esq., 
of Valatie, Columbia county, N. Y., where they 
now reside. They have six children, of whom the 
sons, in connection with their father, are extensive- 
ly engaged in the manufacture of cotton. 

Mr. Grant died at Caledonia, Jan. 18, 1877, at 
the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Grant is left 
with an ample competence and still resides in 
Caledonia, the pleasant village of her nativity, with 
her sister, Miss Catherine McLean. Col. A. H. 
McLean, Mrs. Grant's brother, and their much 
loved aunt, Mrs. John McLean, comprise at 
present (1881) the entire family. In 1838 she 
became a member of the United Presbyterian 
church of Caledonia, and has ever remained an ac- 
tive and devoted member of that congregation. 



COL. ARCHIBALD HECTOR McLEAN. 

Col. Archibald Hector McLean is the only son 
of Hector McLean, and was born in Caledonia, 
July 20, 1820. He was brought upon a farm, and 
received his education at the district schools, with 
the exception of two terms — in 1839 and '40 — spent 
at the " Wesleyan Genesee" academy at Lima. 

In 1843 he engaged in wool trading, at the same 
time carrying on business on his father's farm in 
Caledonia. About 1853 he purchased a farm of 
two hundred and eighty acres adjoining that of his 
father's, comprising with the first about six hun- 
dred acres, which he continued to manage, in con- 
nection with his wool business, till the breaking 
out of the war of the Rebellion, when he expe- 
rienced a reverse of fortune, having on hand at the 
time a large quantity of wool, which suddenly de- 
clined in value and had to be disposed of at a sac- 
rifice. 

Having previously invested in real estate in De- 
troit, he removed there in 1861 and became a real 
estate agent. Desiring a larger field of operation 
he removed to Chicago, immediately after the large 
fire there, and opened a real estate office, in which 
he continued till the great crash or panic of 1873. 
All movement in real estate being then blocked, he 



COL. A. H. McLEAN — DUNCAN A. CAMERON — WILL ARD H. SMITH. 4 6 S 



commenced operating in grain, still attending to 
whatever business was offered in the office. He 
remained in Chicago till 1877, when he was called 
to Caledonia to assist his sister, Mrs. Grant, in the 
settlement of her deceased husband's estate. 

Colonel McLean has ever taken a great interest 
in military affairs. When only fifteen years of age, 
he accepted a position on Col. Gordon's staff, and 
passed through the different gradations, from Lieu- 
tenant to Colonel, in the 77th Regiment of the N. 
Y. State militia, of which he had command for six 
years. 

On the breaking out 
of the war of the Re- 
bellion, Jas. S. Wads- 
worth offered him any 
position on his staff he 
might choose, but the 
Colonel's financial mat- 
ters were such as to re- 
quire his personal at- 
tention, and he could 
not accept. 

In 1 848 Colonel Mc- 
Lean was elected to 
the New York State 
Assembly of 1848 and 
'49, and being reelect- 
ed served in the ses- 
sions of 1849 and '50. 
In the latter year he 
had charge of the bill 
for the establishment of 
the Genesee college in 
connection with the 
seminary at Lima, 
which is conducted 
under the patronage 
of the Methodists. '1 he 
Colonel who, ten years 
previously was a stu- 
dent at the old sem- 
inary, took a deep in- 
terest in its success, 
and it was doubtless 
mainly due to his in- 
fluence, that the bill 
was passed. 

In 1852 the Colonel assisted in organizing and 
constructing the Canandaigua & Niagara Falls 
Rail Road and was for six years an active director 
in that company. 

In politics Colonel McLean is a Republican, 
and has always taken an active part in the interests 
of that party. 

In religious sentiment he is a United Presby- 
terian, and is a genial and social gentleman. 




DUNCAN A. CAMERON. 

Duncan A. Cameron was born in Invernesshire, 
Scotland, on Christmas day, 1783. He was the 
third son of Angus and Catherine (McPherson) 



Cameron. They first located at Johnstown, Mont- 
gomery county, N. Y., and after remaining there 
about a year, removed to Caledonia, where, in 1805, 
Mr. Cameron purchased a tract of land which he 
cleared and afterward cultivated till near the time 
of his death, which occurred in 1823. His widow 
survived him till 1839. 

Duncan A. spent the early years of his life on his 
father's farm, and on the 23d of March, 1813, he 
was married to Sarah McColl, of Argyleshire, Scot- 
land, by whom he had eleven children, as follows: 
Angus (died in infancy) ; Hugh, an attorney, in 

LaCrosse, Wis. ; Dun- 
can, a farmer, residing 
in Wisconsin ; Mary 
and Catherine, resid- 
ing on the old home- 
stead ; Margaret E. 
Wilson, residing in Cal- 
edonia; Daniel (dead); 
Angus, U. S. Senator 
from Wisconsin, resid- 
ing at LaCrosse ; Du- 
gald (dead) ; Charles, a 
farmer, now living in 
York ; and Alexander 
(dead). 

In politics Mr. Cam- 
eron was a Whig till 
the organization of the 
Republican party, when 
he joined that party, 
and took an active in- 
terest in all political 
matters. In religion he 
was a strict Presbyteri- 
an, and rigidly opposed 
to any innovations of 
the tenets of that sect. 
The happiness of Mr. 
Cameron's married life 
was suddenly changed 
to sadness, when Jan. 
14, 1863, the loving 
wife who had passed 
with him through many 
years of trials, was 
called away from his 
side and the society of many dear friends. He was 
not, however, left many years to walk the paths of 
life alone, but Dec. 3, 1868, quietly passed away to 
the other world. He was one of the leading repre- 
sentative farmers of the county, and at the time of 
his death, his farm, which is situated about three 
and a half miles southwest of the village of Cale- 
donia, fully illustrated that labor and perseverance 
will accomplish much if only properly applied. 



WILLARD HUNTINGTON SMITH. 

Willard Huntington Smith was born in Chester- 
field, Mass., Sept. 30, 1785, and died Dec. 25, 
1856. He was the fourth son of Joseph and Ann 
(Stuart) Smith. At the age of six years his parents 



4 66 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



removed to Bernardston, Mass., where he remained 
engaged in agricultural pursuits until eighteen 
\ c.irs of age when, feeling that this mode of life 
was entirely unsuited to his tastes or inclinations, 
he resolved to adopt a different one. Having a 
good common school education, and unaided by 
his father who had a large family of children, he left 
home and entered the academy at Salem, Mass. 
Upon leaving that institution, he placed himself 
under the tutorship of Rev. Orville Dewey. By 
teaching at intervals he earned sufficient to enable 
him to finish his preparatory course, and entered 
the junior class of 1808 in Williams College, from 
which, he was graduated in the class of 18 10. 

From thence he went to Albany, where he com- 
menced the study of law in the office of Bleeker & 
Sedgwick. He read during the day, and devoted 
his evenings to the instruction of a class of young 
gentlemen who were fitting themselves for college, 
and was thus enabled to pay his board and other 
expenses. He remained in Albany till after his 
marriage on Nov. 24th, 181 1, to Mary, youngest 
daughter of Col. Caleb Johnson, of Hampstead, 
N. H. 

In August, 1812, he went to Waterford, N. Y.. 
and entered the office of Samuel M. Huntington, 
where he completed his law studies. October 17, 
1813, he was admitted to the bar by Hon. James 
Kent, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the 
State of New York, and in December of the same 
year came to Caledonia (then Genesee county). 
It being impossible for him to obtain a boarding 
place lor himself and wife, he rented the rear part 
of the "red store" owned by Col. Robert McKay. 
at the west end of the village, where they com- 
menced housekeeping and remained two years. 

In the meantime he had purchased a village lot, 
consisting of half an acre of land, of McKay L. 
Mumford — that being all any one individual could, 
at that time, obtain for building purposes — and 
succeeded in procuring from another party a deed 
of a half-acre lot adjoining his, upon which he built 
the house in which he resided till his death. For 
about two years he used a portion of this house for 
an office, and then built one upon the same lot 
near his home. 

March 2, 1814, he received the appointment of 
Master in Chancery, under Daniel D. Tompkins, 
Governor, "to have and to hold said office during 
our good pleasure." In 1823 he was reappointed 
to the same office under Gov. Joseph C. Yates, 
and was again appointed under Gov. Wm. L. Mar- 
cy, holding that office till the Court of Chancery 
was abolished. 

March 1 7, 1826, he was appointed County Judge, 
under Governor DeWitt Clinton, and March 4, 
183 1, was reappointed to the same office. March 
24, 1832, he received the appointment of First 
Judge of Livingston county, under Gov. Fnos T. 
Throop, which office he continued to hold till June, 
t8 47 . 

His wile died March 26, 1844, aged filty-nine 
years, and on May 1, 1845, he married for his 
second wife Charlotte, widow of Colonel Thomas 



Johnson of Syracuse, N. Y., youngest daughter of 
Moses Johnson, a former merchant of Canandaigua. 
She survived him three years, and is buried by the 
side of his first wife in the cemetery at Mumford, 
where also his mortal remains repose. 

He had seven children, four of whom are now 
living as follows: — Lloyd K. in Rochester; Fran- 
ces Connor, widow of the late Dr. Harlow YV. 
Wells, now residing in Caledonia ; Mary Ann Stew- 
art, wife of Thomas Frothingham of Rochester. N. 
Y. ; and Sarah Lovejoy, wife of Hon. Wm. N. Em- 
erson, also of Rochester. 

The legal attainments of Judge Smith, were of a 
high order. He was a man of sterling integrity, 
irreproachable moral character, and ever a genial 
and instructive companion. These characteristics 
combined with fine literary tastes, and a highly 
cultivated intellect, endeared him to a large circle 
of friends. When upon the Bench, his clear and 
comprehensive mind enabled him to dispatch busi- 
ness with great rapidity. 

His is a fragrant memory and no eulogium can 
add to it one jot or iota in the estimation of those 
who remember him. His was a progressive mind, 
and to the latest moment of his life, his intellect 
remained perfectly clear, and his last hours were 
peaceful and serene. Perfectly resigned to the 
will of his Father, and with an unfaltering trust in his 
Redeemer, he passed away, cheered by the hope 
of a blessed immortality beyond the grave. 



DR. HARLOW WILLARD WELLS. 

Dr. Harlow Willard Wells was born in Leyden, 
Mass., April 15, 1809, and died Oct. 13, 1877, 
aged fifty-eight years. 

He was the fifth in descent from Thomas Wells, 
who in company with his two brothers, emigrated 
from Colchester, England, in 1636, to Hartford, 
Conn., and from there to Hadley, Mass., in 1639. 

Simeon Wells, father of Dr. H. W., removed 
from Leyden to New Haven, Oswego county, N. 
Y., in 1816. In 1826, at the opening of the Van 
Rensselaer Academy in the adjoining town of 
Mexico, Dr. Wells was enrolled as a student of 
that institution. After completing his course of 
studies there, he entered the office of Dr. Patrick 
G. Hard, as a student of medicine, and after 
taking three courses of lectures in the "Fairfield 
Medical College," of Fairfield, Herkimer county, 
N. Y., was in 1834 graduated as doctor of medi- 
cine. 

Among his classmates were Drs. Jewett and 
Simmons, of Canandaigua; Dr. McCollum, of 
Lockport ; Prof. James P. White, of Buffalo ; and 
the late Dr. John B. Witbeck, cf Rochester, N. Y. 

In April, 1834, he came to Caledonia, and at 
the age of twenty-five commenced the practice of 
his profession, in which he continued to labor suc- 
cessfully during forty-three years. 

In the fall of 1845, he was chosen to represent 
his county in the State Legislature, as Assembly- 



HARLOW W. WELLS, M. D.— DANIEL McPHERSON— HECTOR McLEAN. 



467 



man, but served only one term. His colleague 
was the late Gov. John Young. In 1852 he was 
elected Supervisor and held that office two years. 

During the last forty years of his life he was 
part of the time engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
He was a man of strict integrity, and untiring 
energy, and was eminently kind and generous to 
those around him. He was emphatically the poor 
man's friend, and in his professional capacity the 
needy and suffering ever found in him a kind and 
ready helper. The noble qualities of heart which he 
possessed endeared him to a large circle of friends, 
and commanded 
the confidence and 
respect of the entire 
community in which 
lie had spent the 
greater portion of his 
life. 

He was married 
June 26th. 1837, to 
Frances Connor, eld- 
est daughter of Hon. 
Willard H. Smith, of 
Caledonia, N. Y. Mrs. 
Wells has been left in 
possession of an am- 
ple competence, and 
is a lady of refinement 
and culture, possess- ' 
ing much force of 
character. She is a 
consistent member of 
the Presbyterian 
church, taking great 
interest in all benev- 
olent movements tend- 
ing toward the ameli- 
oration of society and 
advancing the cause of 
religion. 




land, April 9, 1828. He was brought up on his 
father's farm and received his education at the dis- 
trict school and the academy at Riga, Monroe 
county. At the age of twenty-one he purchased a 
farm in Wheatland, which he disposed of, after 
working it a few years, and in 1854 bought his 
present home in Caledonia. 

Jan. 14, 1857, he was united in marriage with 
Hattie M., daughter of Geo. B. Chace, Esq., of Cas- 
tile, Wyoming county, N. Y. They have one son, 
Frank Chace, who is living with them on the home- 
stead, and who married Miss Franc, daughter of 

Rev. B. R. Swick, of 
Lima. 

Mr. McPherson has 
followed the vocation 
of a farmer combined 
with that of the in- 
ventor, until within 
the last ten years, 
during which time he 
has leased his farm 
and devoted his whole 
time to invention. He 
has now seven differ- 
ent patents on grain- 
binders, and Cyrus H. 
McCormick, of Chi- 
cago is manufacturing 
them. 

At first Mr. Mc- 
Pherson met with dif- 
ficulties and reverses, 
but such has been the 
history of many of our 
principal inventors, 
and he is now begin- 
ning to reap the re- 
ward of his labor. 



(DANIEL McPHERSON.) 



DANIEL McPHERSON. 

Duncan W. McPherson, the father of Daniel, 
was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1793, and 
came with his family to this country in 1798. He 
first settled in Johnstown, Montgomery county, 
where he remained till 1801 and then removed to 
the Genesee country, and there purchased and 
cleared a tract of land upon which the residue of 
his life was spent. In 1807 he was married to 
Catharine McArthur, who was born in Perthshire, 
Scotland, in 1798, and emigrated to America in 
1801. They had ten children, five of whom are 
now living. In religious sentiment Mr. McPher- 
son was a Presbyterian. He died in 186S, and his 
wife who still survives him is a lady of superior in- 
tellect and resides in Wheatland, Monroe county 
N. Y. 

Daniel was the fourth child and second son of 
Duncan W. McPherson, and was born in Wheat- 



HECTOR McLEAN. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Argyle- 
shire, Scotland, in 1776. He was the oldest of 
seven children, and emigrated to New York city 
in 1805. 

Small events sometimes decide the fate of 
nations, as well as individuals and families, and 
the destiny of the McLean family was probably de- 
cided by a difficulty that occurred between the 
father of Hector, and the factor of the landlord on 
whose estate the family resided. They had an 
altercation at the public house in the little town 
where they lived, and the factor received a severe 
drubbing. During the absence of the landlord for 
several years on the Continent, the aggrieved fac- 
tor taking advantage of his master's absence, re- 
fused to renew the lease of the farm. 

Hector had contemplated coming to America, 
but received strong opposition from his parents 
and other members of his family. When his father 
lost the farm which had been under the control of 






468 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



his ancestry from time immemorial, he was so 
sorely grieved that he decided at once to ac- 
company his son to America, binding him under 
the solemn obligation, that whatever their destiny 
might be in the " New World " while living, in 
death their bones should repose in adjacent graves. 

By occupation, Hector was a seafaring man, 
carrying on commercial transactions between 
Greenock, Glasgow, and the numerous Islands oft" 
the coast of the West Highlands, and his father 
was a well-to-do farmer. They disposed of their 
interests in Scotland, and with all their worldly 
effects embarked from Greenock for the New 
World in October, 1805. After a tempestuous 
passage of over nine weeks, a distant view of land 
was obtained off Sandy Hook. Just then a British 
man-of-war hove in sight and fired a shot across 
their bow, as a signal for them to stop. A "press- 
gang" came on board and claimed Hector and his 
two brothers as "lawful subjects of His Majesty," 
who were endeavoring to escape from the kingdom 
of Great Britain. Resistance was worse than 
useless, for the " French war " was then raging, 
and the King wanted soldiers and sailors. 

The poor captives showed their clearance from 
the port of Greenock for America, but all in vain. 
No time was allowed for parleying, and the 
peremptory order "get ready and go aboard the 
boat," sent a thrill of horror to the hearts of the 
stricken captives. The tears of their aged parents 
were unavailing, but finally money, offered as a 
ransom, softened the obdurate heart of the British 
officer, and he consented to their release on the 
conditions that three of the vessel's crew should 
be substituted, and that they should hand over to 
him all their money and valuables. 

Through the efforts of McLean and his brothers 
working beforethe mast, the vessel was brought to 
port, but when the family landed in New York 
they had not the means to purchase a night's 
lodging, and only their sturdy hands and resolute 
hearts, to brave the terrors of a rigorous winter. 
A temporary lodging was procured, and the follow- 
ing morning Hector and his brother Charles found 
work as stevedores on the dock, and soon earned 
a sufficiency to make their parents and family 
comfortable. 

Hector subsequently obtained work in the Brook- 
lyn navy yard, where he earned the money to pur- 
chase a farm in the (lenesee valley. In the meantime 
the family removed to Stamford, Delaware county, 
N.Y., where Hector soon found his wife, in the per- 
son of Annie Mclntyre, of Harpersfield. 

In the winter of 1813, Hector and his wife 
started in a temporary sleigh drawn by one horse, 
for their new home in the west, and on the route 
received the news from an escaped soldier, of the 
burning of Buffalo, and the ravages of the Indians 
on the white settlements. 

Hector was half inclined to turn back, but his 
wife, who was a woman of great courage, combin- 
ing substantial good sense, insisted on their pro- 
ceeding on their journey, as a runaway from camp 
never brought good news. They arrived at their 



new home in mid-winter, and commenced clearing 
the forest, preparatory to making a home for 
themselves and family. They received a "High- 
land Welcome " from the Scottish settlers at Cale- 
donia, and great kindness and encouragement 
from all their neighbors. 

When Commodore Yoe came with his Meet to 
the mouth of the Genesee river, and threatened to 
destroy the village of Carthage, McLean and his 
neighbors volunteered and marched for the protec- 
tion of the town. After the close of the War of 
181 2, the early settlers experienced great difficulty 
in obtaining a market for their products, but after 
the construction of the Frie canal, remunerative 
prices were obtained, land advanced in value, and 
general prosperity prevailed. 

Although experiencing many hardships, Mr. 
McLean found himself, after a few years of indus- 
try and frugality, the possessor of a comfortable 
home. He attributed his success in life, in no small 
degree, to the sound judgment and wise counsel of 
his wife who possessed fine literary tastes ami a 
seemingly intuitive knowledge of the world which 
was truly remarkable. 

Long before leaving Scotland, Mr. McLean 
united with the Scottish Presbyterian Church, and 
finding a similar organization in Caledonia he and 
his wife united themselves with, and remained 
active and consistent members of the United Pres- 
byterian Church of that place. 

In politics, he was a Whig and Republican and 
held many important trusts in Church and State. 
His sound judgment and kind heart made him 
the trusted counselor, the valued friend, and the 
frequent peace-maker. He was generous to a fault, 
and his benign sympathy for humanity might have 
led him to give to the undeserving. He was in- 
tolerant to all that was base or false, asking noth- 
ing he considered unjust, and submitting to noth- 
ing he considered to be wrong. 

He died at Caledonia, surrounded by his family 
and numerous friends, in 1869, at the advanced 
age of ninety-three years, surviving his wife, who 
died in 1853. He was buried by the side of his 
father in the cemetery at Caledonia, thus fulfilling 
the solemn promise made to him before leaving the 
land of his birth. 

Mr. McLean was a strong, muscularly built man, 
capable of enduring great mental and physical 
labor. His children who survive him are : — Mrs. 
G. P. Grant, Miss Catherine McLean, and Col. A. 
H. McLean, all of whom now (1881) reside in 
Caledonia. 



DAVID WALKER. 

David Walker is the eldest son of William 
Walker, who was born in Broadalbin, Montgomery 
county, (now Fulton county,) in the year 1779. 
He (David) was born at Johnstown, Montgomery 
county, May 21. 1806, was brought up on the 
homestead at Broadalbin, and educated at the dis- 
trict school of the town. In 1829, at the age of 



DAVID WALKER — LIMA. 



469 



twenty-three years, he left the old home and took 
up his residence in Caledonia. He followed the 
occupation of farming till within the last twenty 
years, during which time he has retired from active 
business life. On the 18th of March, 1835, he 
was married to Isabelle Robertson of Broadalbin, 
N. Y. She was born July 8, 1806. 




Mr. Walker is a member of the United Presby- 
terian church, and has officiated as deacon of a 
church for nearly forty years. In politics he is a 
Republican, and, though never having sought of- 
fice, has been elected several times in his town. 
He was town Supervisor in 1864 and 1865, and 
has been Justice of the Peace for several years. 
Mr. and Mrs. Walker have passed the "three score 
years and ten " of their lives and still appear ex- 
ceptionally well preserved. By an upright life of 
industry and integrity they have secured a compe- 
tency for a comfortable support during their de- 
clining years, and have justly gained the respect in 
which they are held by all who know them. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 
History of the Town of Lima. 

THE town of Lima lies on the extreme north- 
eastern border of the county. It is bounded 
on the north by Mendon, (Monroe county) ; on 
the south by Livonia and Richmond, (Ontario 
county) ; on the east by West Bloomfield, (On- 
tario county) ; and on the west by Avon. 

The only stream of importance is Stony brook, 
which rises in Livonia and flows north through the 



center of the town. Honeoye creek, on the east- 
ern border, divides the town from West Bloomfield 
in Ontario county. The town has but three Mi- 
lages, Lima, the principal point, near the center of 
the town, North Bloomfield, in the extreme north- 
eastern part, and Hamilton Station, or South 
Lima, in the extreme south-western part. 

The town of Lima was originally known as 
" Mighle's Gore." The name was derived from a 
man who owned here a considerable tract of land 
so cut up by the division of towns on the north, 
east and west as to present the shape of a "gore." 
Lima was formed as Charleston, then in Ontario 
county. Jan. 27, 1789. Its name was changed 
April 6, 1808. Its surface is undulating and hilly. 
The soil is a clay and clay loam, and in the north- 
west sandy and gravelly loam. 

The first settlement of the town is accredited to 
Paul Davidson and Jonathan Gould, who it is be- 
lieved came from Pennsylvania, and who located 
here in 17S8. These pioneers are believed to be 
the first permanent settlers west of the Adams' 
Settlement in Bloomfield.* 

Soon after these pathmakers cameAbner Miles, 
from Massachusetts, in 1789; John Miner and 
Asahel Burchard, in the following year, and Steven 
Tinker and Solomon Hovey, from Massachusetts, 
in 1791. In this year came also Zebulon Moses, 
with his wife and son, Luther, settling near the 
present site of Lima village. Here he lived two 
years, and then removed about four miles south- 
east to what was then an unbroken wilderness, 
where he purchased a tract of land. Luther 
Moses, the son, was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1787. 
He died in 1876, having been a resident of Lima 
eighty-four years. 

Miles Bristol came to the town of Lima about 
1785, locating a farm near what is now Lima 
village. His son, William Bristol, now retains the 
homestead. On this farm have been found many 
interesting relics of the savage race who had been 
the primitive occupants, comprising rude axes, 
arrows of flint, pipes, tomahawks, kettles of clay, 
and skeletons of those early aborigines. In 1877, 
Mr. Bristol discovered the perfect remains of a 
human being, whose fleshless arms were decorated 
with iron armlets strung with varied colored beads. 
Among other early settlers who came here 
previous to 1795, were Reuben and Gideon 
Thayer, Col. Thomas Lee, Col. David Morgan, 
Willard and Amasa Humphrey, and Asahel, 
William and Daniel H. Warner. The famil) oi 

• Turner's Phelps and Gorham's Purchase- 



47° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Warner were among the most prominent and in- 
fluential of the pioneers in Lima.* In 1797, the 
greater part of what is now the village of Lima, was 
owned by Matthew Warner and his brother. 

The ancestor of this family, William Warner, 
came from England in 1637 and settled at Ips- 
wich, Mass. He had two sons, Daniel and John, 
who in 1672 settled in New Canaan, in this State. 
One of these brothers had a son named William, 
who married there and had a family of thirteen 
children. William Warner was the oldest of this 
family. He was born in 17 1 7. In 1740 he was 
married to a Miss Hawley, of English descent, 
by whom he had seven children, Asahel, 
Matthew, William, Daniel, Elizabeth, Hannah and 
Sally. His wife dying in 1775 or 1776, he was 
again married to Elizabeth Norton, by whom he 
also had seven children, three sons and four 
daughters. The sons were John N., Linus and 
Samuel. William Warner participated in the war 
of the Revolution, in which he ruined his health, 
and as his property was in continental money it 
became worthless, and at the close of the war he 
was imprisoned for debt in Albany jail, where, in 
poor health and despondent spirits, he remained 
some time. In 1794 two of his sons, Asahel and 
William, came to Lima, where they remained dur- 
ing one summer. Here Asahel purchased a tract 
of land on which was a log house, and then the 
brothers returned to their former home, where in 
the following winter they were married. The next 
year, 1795, they again started for Lima, arriving 
there on the 22(1 of March, after a journey 
of twenty-two days. They found the country here 
almost an unbroken wilderness, with bears, wolves, 
and deer in large numbers, and nearly the sole 
ownership of the land vested in the red men. 
William Warner, who at this time came with his 
sons, died in the following August, and was buried 
in Bloomfield. 

Asahel Warner was a man of great energy and 
perseverance, and was greatly instrumental in de- 
veloping the business interests of Lima. In 181 2- 
'13, he was elected member of Assembly. He 
died in 1847, aged 83 years. 

Matthew Warner was also quite a prominent 
man in the early history of this town. He came 
to Lima in 1797, where he soon after built a log 
house f in which he lived until his death July 9, 
1841. He was at one time Justice of the Peace, 

# It mi^ht also be said the most numerous. It is related that in those 
early days strangers were told, " I f you see a man in the street and don't 
know his name e.ill him Warner. You are Certain ti> nil it every time." 

t Near the brick house in which Ml. Tli.iui has since lived. 



and one of the Judges of the County court of On- 
tario, and in 1818-19 served his district in the As- 
sembly. 

William Warner, who came herewith his brother 
Asahel in 1795, died February 16, 1850, aged 78 
years. 

Among other early settlers were Col. George 
Smith, who came in March, 1798, and James Ster- 
ling, Nathaniel Munger, Samuel Carr, Jedediah 
Commins, Joel Roberts, Phineas Burchard, Chris- 
topher Lee, Jonah Moses, and John and David B. 
Morgan, all of whom came previous to the arrival 
of Col. Smith. 

In 1799 Adolphus Watkins came to this town 
from Ashford, Winford county, Conn. When he 
came, where Lima now stands were a few scatter- 
ing log houses, and what is now known as Roches- 
ter street, was a muddy thoroughfare, over which 
the pioneers traveled with their grist to a mill in 
Honeoye. This is now one of the finest streets in 
the town, the principal street in the village, and the 
log cabins have given place to fine residences and 
costly churches. 

The town was then known as Charleston, rough 
and unbroken, with the land heavily timbered with 
black walnut, white and black oak, elm, cherry, 
and basswood. 

The first marriage in this new country was that 
of Simeon Gray and Patty Alger, in 1793. The 
first death that of Mrs. Abbot, mother to Mrs. Paul 
Davidson, in 1791.* This was the first death in 
the Genesee country. 

The first child born was a daughter to Mrs. Paul 
Davidson. The first school was taught in 1792-3, 
by John Sabin. Reuben Thayer kept the first 
tavern in 1793, and in the year following Tryon 
& Adams opened the first store. 

Reuben Thayer built the first saw mill in 1796, 
and Zebulon Norton the first grist mill in 1794. 

The growth of the town, and the development of 
its business interests, was gradual and attended by 
many hardships. As late as 1820, some of the best 
land between here and Avon lay to commons, and 
was offered for sale at ten dollars per acre. 

Lima then comprised all the territory west of 
Honeoye creek, — including what was then known 
as Abram's Plains — to the town line of Rush, nearly 
to Hallock's Corners, on the East Rush road. 

There was then no building north of the Pres- 
byterian Church in Lima Village for nearly a mile. 

At that time the village had but a few stores, the 
principal one being that of Atwell & Grout. 

* Doty says 1790. 




David Cuf^tis Paf^k 



er, 



David Curtis Parker was a son of William and Sarah 
(Curtis) Parker, the latter of whose father, Mr. Curtis, of 
Connecticut, was a surveyor and one of a company sent 
by the government to survey the lands of the Holland 
Purchase. William Parker was born iu Connecticut in 
17H7. He moved to Lima at a very early day and settled 
on the farm now occupied by his son Charles L. He died 
in 1842, his wife in 18">3. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker were 
born the following children: — Khoda, born in 1800; Bet- 
sy, in 180.". ; William B., about 1807 ; David Curtis, May 
2, 1810, died May 14, 1870: Edmund J., born iu 1812; 
Sarah Ann, in 1817 ; and Charles L., in 1819; of whom 
Charles L., and William B. are the only ones living, 
and both reside in Lima. 

David C. remained at home till twenty-three years of 
age, being most of the time engaged in working the home 
farm, and assisting his father whenever an occasiou 
offered itself. His education was necessarily limited as 
he could only attend the common school of the town in 
which he resided. 

February 15, 1833, he was married to Eliza, daughter 
of George and Eliza Wiggins. She was born in New Jer- 
sey December 1, 1810, and moved with her parents to 
West Bloomlield, where her mother died iu 1816, leaving 
four children. Her father married for his second wife 
Polly Fay, a sister of his deceased wife. By her hi bad 
ten children. Those left him by his first wife were: 
Jonathan, bom in New Jersey in 1808, (deceased); Eliza, 
as already mentioned; David Sargeaut, born in 1812, died 
in 1867; and James Baldwin, now living at Wesl Avon 



After his marriage, David C. lived one year with his 
parents and then purchased the farm on which he resided 
till his death. Here the best years of his life and most 
noble efforts were devoted to improving and developing 
his property, and he ranked among the best and most 
scientific agriculturists in the county. 

He was never an office-seeker, but was a plain unpre- 
tentious man, whose reputation was without a stain. 
His character was never questioned and he was highly 
respected for that fact. Iu politics he was a Republican, 
and took a lively interest in the success of his party, al- 
ways sustaining its measures consistently. He attended 
the Universalist church at North Bloomfield, but was 
never a member of any congregation. 

Having no children of his own, he adopted his wife's 
nephew, Curtis P. Wiggins, when he was eight years old. 
and lavished upon him the tenderest care of a kind parent, 
which the young man fully appreciated, and he inserts 
this portrait and sketch from pure affection and iu rever- 
ence for his memory. 

Curtis Parker Wiggins was born August 26, 1838, and 
was married to Phebe A., daughter of Robert and Fanny 
Huntington, of West Bloomfield, Ontario county, X. Y. 
She was born August 21. 1839. Two children have been 
born to them ; Fannie E., and Ida M, 

Mr. Wiggins lives on lln' farm It II him by bis adopted 
father, which is beautifully located about three miles 
northeast of Lima. The plan is kept in the hi 
state of cultivation and Mr. Wiggins is surrounded with 
all the comforts of a happy borne and Sreside. 



LIMA — EARLY SETTLERS. 



47i 



Wheat sold then for 37 £ cts. per bushel. Goods 
were paid for in wheat, which was ground into flour, 
drawn to the mouth of the Genesee river, and from 
there was taken by sloops to Ogdensburgh and 
down the St. Lawrence on rafts to Montreal. Be- 
tween the Honeoye creek and the Avon line there 
were then seven taverns, which, nearly every night, 
were full of teamsters and travelers. One of these 
taverns, a little west of the village of Lima, was 
kept by John Morgan. The order of things has 
been somewhat reversed since that time. Then 
there were seven taverns and one church ; now 
over that same line are five churches and but one 
tavern. 

Of those pioneers who laid the foundations for 
the future growth and prosperity of Lima, none are 
living, and but few have descendants in the town. 
Asahel Warner has none in Lima. Judge Mat- 
thew Warner has one son, Andrew J. Warner, now 
living near Lima village, a farmer, and a music 
teacher of some celebrity. Mrs. C. J. Ingersoll, 
also living near the village, is a daughter of Mat- 
thew Warner. A son, Spencer, lives in Michigan, 
and another daughter, Huldah, (Mrs. Clement 
Turner,) lives in Iowa. 

William Warner has no immediate descendants. 
A grandson, Charles H. Warner, a farmer, whose 
father was Henry Warner, now lives here. 

Daniel Warner has one son, Edwin Warner, a 
farmer, living here. 

Asahel Burchard, who died in 1853, aged 91, 
has no descendants in the town. 

Stephen Arthur, has none in the town. His 
children married and settled in the West. 

Thomas Peck, has one son, Richard, a farmer, 
now living here. He was Supervisor a number of 
years, and is quite a prominent man. A daughter, 
Mrs. Dann, also resides in the town. 

Another family quite prominent in the history 
of this town was that of the Leech brothers, Man- 
asseh, who came here in 1797, and died in March, 
1828, and Clement, Ebenezer and Paine, who 
probably came here at about the same time. 

Josiah G. Leech, a son to Manasseh, was born 
April 22, 1803, and in his day was one of the lead- 
ing men of Lima. He held town offices seventeen 
consecutive years, ending in 1847 with three suc- 
cessive terms as Supervisor. He died in 1872. 

A daughter to Manasseh Leech, Mrs. Nelson 
Lloyd, who lives in Lima village, is the only direct 
descendant in the town now living. A grandson, 
Manasseh Cummings, lives here. 

Clement Leech has no descendants here. A 



son, Robert T., lives in West Bloomfield, and a 
daughter, Mrs. Parmilee, also in West Bloomfield. 
A son, Clement, moved to the West and died. 

Ebenezer Leech has no descendants here. All 
are dead. 

Solomon Hovey has one son, Guernsey, now in 
the town. 

Adolphus Watkins, who died in 1876, has one 
daughter, Mrs. Roxie Gordon, living here, and a 
son, Solon Watkins, who was President of Lima 
village in 1877-78. 

Town Officers. — From some stray records, of 
whose authenticity nothing is positively known, it 
is learned that the first town meeting was held in 
1793, when what is now Lima was known as 
"Mighle's Gore,"* and that at this meeting Amos 
Hall was chosen Supervisor, and that during this 
year most of the roads were laid out. 

The only records known to be authentic, place 
the first meeting on April 4th, 1797. This was held 
at the Inn of Reuben Thayer, and the officers then 
elected were as follows : — Supervisor, Solomon 
Hovey ; Town Clerk, James Davis ; Assessors, 
Joseph Arthur, Willard Humphrey, Justus Miner ; 
Commissioners of Highways, Elijah Morgan, Na- 
thaniel Munger, Jonathan Gould ; Poormasters, 
Joseph Arthur, William Williams ; Constable and 
Collector, John Miner; School Commissioners, 
Joel Roberts, William Williams, Col. David Mor- 
gan ; Path-Masters, Jonathan Gould, Phillip Sparl- 
ing, Joseph Arthur, Willard Humphrey ; Fence 
Viewers, William Webber, William Williams, James 
Davis; Pound Keeper, Reuben Thayer. 

The town was then known as Charleston, and 
that name was changed to Lima in 1808 or 1 809.1 

The first town meeting held in the town of 
Lima, so named, was in the "Brick School House" 
in what is now Lima village, on the 4th day of 
April, 1809. 

The town was still in Ontario county. At this 
meeting the following officers were elected : — 

Supervisor, Abel Bristol ; Town Clerk, Manas- 
seh Leech; Assessors, Justin Smith, William 
Bacon, William Williams ; Constable and Collector, 
John Morgan ; Commissioners of Highways, 
Jacob Stevens, Gurdon W. Cook; Overseers of 
the Poor, Ezra Norton, Jedediah Commins ; 
Sealer of Weights and Measures, Gurdon W. 

•This name is variously spelled Mighle's, Mile's, Migell's ; the former 
is said hy Franklin Carter, Esq., to be the correct form. 

t Both French and Doty state that the name was changed in 1808, the 
former placing the date at April '\ but the town meeting whit b wa 
in April of that year is dated Charleston, and no records show that tin- 
change was made at that date. The name of Lima first appears "11 the 
records January 1 1, iSc*;. 



472 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Cook ; Fence Viewers, Asa Porter, Clement 
Leech, Enos Frost ; Pound-keeper, Asa Porter. 

Asum of $25 was voted to build thepound, which 
was to be located on the northwest corner of the 
Porter farm. 

From that date the Supervisors and Town 
Clerks have been as here appended :— 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. 

1810 Asahel Warner. Matthew Warner. 
i8ii William Williams. " " 

181 2 Matthew Warner. James K. Guernsey. 

1813-14 Jacob Stevens. " " 

1 81 5 " " Matthew Warner. 

1816 Matthew Warner. Manasseh Leech. 

18 1 7 Asahel Warner. " il 
1818-19 Manasseh Leech. Matthew Warner. 
1820-22 " " (leorge W. Atwell. 

1823 Asahel Warner. Edmund Root. 

1824 I.eviHovey. M.W.Brown. 

1825 Manasseh Leech. " " 
1826-27 " " George W. Little. 
1828-31 Smith Parmelee. 

1832 H. Hutchinson. " " 

1833 John Cutler. Erastus Clark. 
1834-35 " " Charles Ingersoll. 

1836 Alexander Martin. " " 

1837 " " J. Franklin Peck. 

1838 John Cutler. " " 
1839-41 " " Franklin Carter. 

1842 Jarvis Raymond. " " 

1843 Alexander Martin. " " 

1844 Israel Nicklesson. " " 
1845-46 Josiah G. Leech. " " 
1847 " " J. Franklin Peck. 
[848 Alexander Martin. Franklin Carter. 

1849 Alvin Chamberlin. Jarvis Raymond. 

1850 " " Albert L. Stevens. 

1 85 1 " " Henry M. Barnard. 

1852 Daniel Day. " 

1853 Ezekiel Hyde. " 

1854 Henry Warner. " " 

1855 Samuel T. Vary. Edward Salmon. 

1856 Lyman Hawes. " " 
1857-58 Daniel Day. " " 
1859-60 David H. Alberston. " " 
1861-66 Shepard P. Morgan. " 
1867-69 Richard Peck. " 
1870-72 Win. R. McNair. 

1873—77 Anson L. Angle. Patrick Guinan. 
1878 Albert Heath. " " 

1879-80 James T. Gordon. 

The following officers were elected April 5, 
1 88 1 : — Supervisor, James T. Gordon; Town 
Clerk, Patrick Guinan ; Justice of Peace, Fgerton 
Watts ; Highway Commissioner, David B. Mor- 
gan ; Assessor, Lewis Moses ; Overseer of Poor, 
David H. King; Collector, James E. Eockington ; 
Constables, James E. Lockington, James Van Val- 
kenbergh, Henry F. Stevens, James Egan, George 
Ford ; Game Constable, Charles D. Goodrich. 



Population. — In 1870, the town of Lima had a 
population of 2,912, of whom 2,355 were native, 
557 foreign; 2,896 white, 16 colored. In 1845 the 
total population was 2,915, of which number 2,346 
were native, 569 foreign; 2,895 white, 20 colored. 
At the census of 1880, the total population was 
2.700, a decrease of 212 in the ten years. 

School Statistics. — The town of Lima has 
nine school districts, in which, during the past year 
(1880,) school was taught 303 weeks, employing 13 
teachers, and with a total amount in wages of 
$3,238.75. Number of children in districts over five 
and under twenty-one years of age, 895 ; average 
attendance during the year, 312; the number attend- 
ing some portion of the year, 614. Total value of 
district libraries, $190.00, the amount expended on 
libraries during the year, $12.14. 

Total value of school houses and sites, $8,200. 
Total amount expended for school houses, sites, 
fences, furniture and repairs during the year, $3,- 
700.20; for school apparatus, $21.44; total inciden- 
tal expenses for the year, $339.85. 

Lima. 

The village of Lima is situated near the center 
of the town, and is one of the oldest and most 
beautiful villages in the county. 

In its early days this place was known as the 
" Brick School house Corner." It was situated on 
the State road, which now forms its main street, 
over which flowed the pioneer traffic and emigra- 
tion, and was looked upon as likely to become the 
most populous village in the Genesee country. 
But the development and growth of railroad inter- 
ests in other directions put an end to such antici- 
pations, and Lima was left an inland village, charm- 
ing even in its isolation ; and, as if in remunera- 
tion for its loss of railroad facilities, Lima became 
noted as the seat of learning for Livingston county. 

The village contains four fine churches, one 
hotel, post-office, twelve or thirteen stores, the 
noble buildings of the Seminary and College, and 
a population of 1,125.* Lima was incorporated 
by legislative enactment April 25, 1867. The first 
election for village officers was held in the stage 
office of Joel Dailey on the second Tuesday in 
May, 1867. The officers elected at that meeting 
were : — President, Joel Dailey ; Trustees, First 
Class, Alexander McCune, Daniel Stanley, Timo- 
thy Holden ; Trustees, Second Class, John R. 
French, Alfred Kendall, Samuel G. Ellis ; Asses- 

* Lima had in 1870 a population of 1,157, which shows a decrease of 
13Z in those Ic j 




RESIDENCE OF ft. fl . ,M.A^TIN, J-IMA, J^IVINGSTON PoUNTY, JY. y. 




Residence of ft. p. Martin, Pima, Pivingston Pounty, ff. y. 



LIMA VILLAGE, OFFICERS — GENESEE WESLEYAN SEMINARY. 



473 



sor, James W. Chappell; Treasurer, William D. 
Mitchell. 

On the 1 6th of May, 1867, pursuant to a call 
issued by the president of the village, the officers 
elect met at the office of Henry Decker, Jr., where 
the act of incorporation was read by Prof. French, 
and the oath of office was administered to them by 
William Arnold, Justice of the Peace. 

On the 17th of May, the board met and elected 
James W. Chappell as Clerk of the village, and 
William Whittlesey as Street Commissioner. 

On the iSth of May, the board elected William 
Excell, as Police Constable. 

The village ordinances were adopted May 24, 

1867. taking effect twenty days thereafter. The 
following has been the succession of presidents and 
clerks of the village from 1868 to 1881 : — 

Presidents. Clerks. 

1868. Joseph Chambers. Jas. W. Chappell. 

1869. Alfred Kendall. Franklin Carter. 

1870. Samuel G. Ellis. Elmer Houser. 

187 1. William Vary. do do 

1872. William Arnold. John Dennis, Jr. 
1873-74. Hiram Gilbert. Win. A. Sutherland. 

1875. Joel Dailey. do do* 

1876. John Watkins. Charles A. Goheen. 

1877. Solon Watkins. do do 

1878. do do H. H. Thompson. 

1879. Samuel G. Ellis. do do 
1S80. James T. Gordon. do do 

The present officers of Lima are: — President, 
Levi P. Grover ; Trustees, Benjamin Ollerenshaw, 
John Hogan, William Excell, James T. Gordon, A. 
Tiffany Norton, James E. Lockington ; Assessor, 
Jacob S. Galentine ; Treasurer, Patrick Guinan ; 
Collector, E. J. Hewitt ; Street Commissioner, 
Ambrose Hyde ; Clerk, Hosmer H. Thompson. 

Genesee Wesleyan Seminary.! — In 1823, the 
Genesee Conference of the M. E. Church estab- 
lished the first literary institution ever under its 
patronage and control, at Cazenovia, N. Y. In 
July, 1828, at its session in Ithaca, it divided its 
territory on a line running from north to south 
across the State, on the same parallel with Cayuga 
Lake. Out of the portion thus separated, and 
lying east of this line, it constituted what was 
known for many years as the Oneida Conference. 
By this act it surrendered, geographically, this in- 
stitution, known as the Seminary of the Genesee 
Conference, to this new Conference, and the 
Legislature was memorialized to change its name 
to the Seminary of the Genesee and Oneida Con- 
ferences. The first session of the Genesee Con- 



* To Jan. 3, 1876, when he was succeeded by George W. Atwell. 
t The facts relating to this Seminary are gathered, in part, from the 
proceedings of the Semi-Centennial Auniversary of June, 1880. 



ference after this division, was held in Perry, N. Y., 
in July, 1829. 

At that conference, Glezen Fillmore and Loring 
Grant moved a resolution that a committee be 
appointed to obtain information and report to the 
conference at its next session, preparatory 
measures for the erection of a Seminary within 
the bounds and under the direction of this confer- 
ence. The proposition was adopted, and a com- 
mittee of five, consisting of Glezen Fillmore, 
Abner Chase, Loring Grant, Asa Abel and John 
Copeland were elected for this important work. 
The committee at once canvassed the entire ter- 
ritory, and received propositions from towns and 
villages solicitous of securing the local advantages 
of such an institution. At the next conference, 
held in Rochester in the summer of 1830, the 
committee made its report, and presented the 
names of the several places competing for the 
possession of the proposed institution. These 
were five in number, and they severally presented 
the following inducements : — Perry offered a sub- 
scription list of 380 names, aggregating in amount 
$10,463, besides giving an eligible site of 25 
acres of land ; Henrietta, a bond to deliver the 
Monroe Academy, with all its appurtenances, the 
same that remains standing in that village to-day, 
and $3,600 ; Le Roy, a subscription of $8,500 ; 
Brockport, the sum of $16,820, also stone at the 
quarry for the construction of buildings ; and 
Lima, a subscription list of 170 names, the sub- 
scriptions amounting to $10,808, with the privilege 
of buying the present site, including ten acres, at 
$50 per acre, and the whole farm at $30 per acre. 
The ballot showed a vote of 4 for Henrietta, 4 for 
Le Roy, 15 for Perry, and 26 for Lima. Lima 
having received a majority of the votes was 
declared to be the choice of the conference. 
Revs. Abner Chase, Glezen Fillmore, Richard 
Wright, Loring Grant, Micah Seager, Francis 
Smith, and Messrs. Augustus A. Bennett, Erastus 
Clark and Ruel Blake, were elected the first board 
of trustees ; and thus, by these successive acts and 
appointments, was founded, in the summer of 
1830, "The Genesee Wesleyan Seminary." 

The first building was erected in 1832, at a cost 
of about $17,000. No record remains of the lay- 
ing of the corner stone or the completion of this 
building. It was opened for pupils the first 
Wednesday in May, 1832. The first faculty of 
the institution was: — Rev. Samuel Luckey, Prin- 
cipal; Thomas J. Rugar, A. B., Professor of 
Mathematics; John Hutton. A. I:.. Professor of 



474 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Languages ; D. B. Wakefield, English Teacher ; 
Lord Sterling, Assistant English Teacher ; Miss 
Eliza Rogers, Teacher in Female Department. 
The salaries of these teachers ranged from $120 
to $700. The attendance the first year was 341 — 
230 gentlemen and in ladies. 

This first building was destroyed by fire May 
26, 1842. The teachers and students escaped un- 
harmed, and some of the furnishing of the building 
and nearly all of the apparatus and library was 
saved. The loss was estimated at $25,000, on 
which there was an insurance of $12,000. The 
Town Hall was at once secured for recitations, 
the boarders in the institution transferred their 
quarters to the homes of the citizens, and the 
school continued without interruption. In sixty 
days from the conflagration, the corner stone of 
the new building was laid. To the erection of 
this building the citizens of Lima subscribed 
$5,000. January 12th, 1843, the new building 
was opened, the school was transferred from its 
temporary surroundings and accommodations to 
these new and permanent ones, where it has since 
dwelt in prosperity and safety. 

The building is of brick, four stories in height, 
with a front of 136 feet to the south, with wings 
east and west, giving a frontage of 96 feet. The 
cost of erection was $24,000. 

In 1849 Genesee College was founded, and the 
large building of College Hall was built. This for 
some years was a flourishing college, but after a 
time was abandoned, and the Syracuse University 
was founded. An effort was at that time made to 
remove the Genesee College, but an injunction 
was granted by Judge Johnson, of the Supreme 
Court, restraining such removal; that injunction 
was never dissolved. The college lapsed, its func- 
tions ceased, and the Legislature enacted a law 
by which all the material possessions of that cor- 
poration were conveyed to the Genesee Wesleyan 
Seminary, that institution assuming the obligations 
and responsibilities of Genesee College. The 
college property, consisting of buildings, a farm of 
nearly seventy acres, a cash endowment of 
$54,000, together with the libraries and philo- 
sophical apparatus, was thus transferred to the 
Seminary, placing it on a sound financial basis. 

From this Seminary, founded in days of com- 
parative poverty, when the inhabitants of the town 
had not yet fully emerged from the stern realities of 
the settler's life, have gone forth more than twenty 
thousand students to impress their influence and 
power upon the civilization of the nineteenth cen- 



tury. They have filled prominent positions in 
every profession and honorable avocation in life, — - 
in the ministry, in the professions of law, of medi- 
cine, in journalism, in State legislatures, in the 
Executive chair, in Congress, and in the Senate of 
the United States. Through their reputation and 
influence, the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary is 
known and honored in every land of Christian 
civilization. 

The buildings, with all their furnishings, are val- 
ued at seventy thousand dollars, and are in excel- 
lent condition. 

The farm has sixty-seven acres, and for state of 
cultivation and productiveness it is not excelled by 
any other in this section of the country. 

The present number of students is 225. 

The Department of Instruction is provided with 
every facility for thorough and successful work. It 
is organized with the following able and experienced 
officers and teachers : — Rev. George H. Bridg- 
man, A. M., D. D., Principal. Anna E. Rice, Pre- 
ceptress ; Adam C. Works, A. M., Natural Scien- 
ces and Mathematics ; William E. Thompson, A. 
M., Ancient Languages and French ; Emma C. 
Terry, Higher English; Abby Barry, Principal of 
Grammar School ; Samuel C. Moore, Director of 
Musical Institute; Ida Yorks, Piano and Organ ; 
Maria C. Wales, Drawing and Painting ; Albert 
C. Aldridge, Principal of Business College ; Adam 
C. Works, A. M., Librarian; Rev. J. O. Wilsea, 
Steward. 

Among the prominent men who received instruc- 
tion in this Seminary was Henry J. Raymond, the 
founder of the New York Times, who was born in 
Lima about 1820. He went from here to Middle- 
bury College, Vt., where he graduated in 1840, re- 
turning to his father's (Jarvis Raymond) home in 
Lima that same year. He began immediately to 
take a prominent part in politics, and in the winter 
of 1840-41, having attracted the attention of Hor- 
ace Greeley, became attached to the Tribune staff, 
afterward establishing the Times. He was Lieut. - 
Governor of New York State, with Governor 
Myron H. Clark, in 1855. 

Postmasters. — The present postmaster at Lima 
is O. S. Gilbert, who was appointed under Presi- 
dent Grant in 1874. 

Banks. — The Bank of Lima was established in 
1876, under the control of George and George W. 
Thayer, who succeeded the banking firm of Cham- 
bers & Watkins. 

Hotels. — Lima has but one hotel, the Ameri- 
can Hotel, which was built in 1861-2 by John 



LIMA VILLAGE— SOCIETIES, MERCHANTS. 



475 



Mosher. This occupies the site of the old Ameri- 
can Hotel, which was burned in 1855. S. Farns- 
worth was proprietor here a number of years, when 
he was succeeded by his son, L. J. Farnsworth, 
who has conducted it some six years. The first 
hotel on this site was in a wooden building, built 
by Jedediah Commins about sixty-five years ago, 
and which was burned about a year previous 
to the erection of the old American Hotel. Pre- 
vious to that the site was occupied by a black- 
smith shop, the proprietor of which, at one time, 
was a man named Abel Parkhurst. 

Societies. — The Union Lodge, F. and A. M., 
was organized as No. 261 in December, 181 6, 
Governor DeWitt Clinton, signing the charter as 
Grand Master. The present number of the lodge 
is 45, which was changed in 1848, during the Mor- 
gan anti-mason excitement.* The present officers 
are:— J. T. Gordon, W. M.; W. D. Heath, S. W.; 
Benjamin Ollerenshaw, J. W.; James Heath, S. D.; 
E. R. Bronson, J. D.; J. S. Galentine, Sec; Am- 
brose Hyde, Treas.; G. S. Bauter, S. M. C.j E. A. 
Boehme, J. M. C; Samuel Mitchell, Tiler. 

A. O. U. W. — This lodge was organized in 
March, 1879, under the ministrations of U. L. Up- 
son, of Buffalo, D. D. G. M. W. The charter offi- 
cers were : — A. T. Norton, M. W.; George W. Syl- 
vester, P. M. W.; E. R. Bronson, G. R; William 
A. Ferris, Overseer ; C. J. Mills, Recorder ; Geo. 
H. Bennett, Financier ; Stanley Coventry, Re- 
ceiver ; C. B. Bristol, Guide ; Charles L. Sterling, 
I. W.j W. H. Beale, O. W.; Medical Examiner, 
George H. Bennett, M. D. 

The present officers are : — George VV. Sylvester, 
P. M. W.j A. Tiffany Norton, M. W.; H. A. Met- 
calf, G. F.j J. T. Gordon, Overseer ; Frank W. 
Scott, Financier; Stanley Coventry, Receiver; 
Edgar Bronson, Recorder ; L. B. Holmes, Guide ; 
Henry Beale, I. W.; L. J. Farnsworth, O. W.; 
Medical Examiner, G. H. Bennett, M. D. 

Fire Department. — The first meeting to or- 
ganize the Lima Fire Department was held on Sat- 
urday, January 29, 1876. At that meeting it was 
resolved to raise for such purpose from the taxable 
property of the village the sum of $2,000, which 
was finally placed at $1,600. The organization 
was named The Centennial Fire Company. The 
constituent officers and members were: — J. S. 
Galentine, President ; A. T. Norton, V. P.; G. V. 
Hanna, Sec'y and Treas.; J. T. Gordon, Chief 

* Two miles east from the village is situated the house— where now 
resides Richard Peck— in which was written by William Morgan the 
famous u Expose " of Masonry. 



Engineer; Charles Goheen, Foreman H. and L.; 
Henry Markham, Assistant ; William Excell, Fore- 
man Babcock Extinguisher; Thomas Martin, Assis- 
tant; John Harvey, Foreman Village Engine; Lloyd 
Crandall, Assistant ; L. B. Tinkham, U. A. Yorks, 
George W. Challis, Henry Beale, A. E. Beale, R. 
P. Dartt, Frank Olmsted,* B. C. Yorks, Patrick 
Guinan, Edgar Bronson, J. E. Lockington, L. J. 
Farnsworth, C. B. Bristol, H. H. Thompson, 
Frank Carter. The house now occupied by the de- 
partment was purchased of E. A. Boehme two 
years ago, and remodeled into a large and commo- 
dious building. The Babcock Extinguisher cost 
$800. The truck, made by J. T. Gordon, of 
Lima, cost $2,250. 

The officers for 1880 are :— President, J. S. Gal- 
entine; Vice-President, J. T. Gordon; Sec, L. P. 
Grover ; Treas., Patrick Guinan ; Chaplain, Rev. 
James Robertson ; Janitor, Albert Parker ; Fore- 
man Babcock Ex., H. G. Gilbert; Assistant, Wil- 
liam Excell ; Foreman of Engine, C. J. Mills ; As- 
sistant, R. P. Dartt. Fire Police, James VanVal- 
kenbergh, H. F. Stevens, Henry Markham, J. T. 
Gordon, A. T. Norton. 

Merchants. — One of the earliest merchants in 
Lima was James Guernsey, who kept in 1808, a 
large general store. In 1817 or 1818, the firm was 
known as Guernsey & Clark. Waite Martin was 
an early merchant here in 1809-10. 

Guernsey & Clark carried on business here until 
about 1823, when Guernsey removed to Pittsford, 
N. Y. 

Erastus Clark then associated with him his brother- 
in-law, William Dean, which connection existed 
until Clark retired from the business in 1830. In 
1836 Mr. Dean sold to Godfrey and Cargill who con- 
tinued the business until Cargill removed to the 
west in about 1850. The business was then con- 
ducted by Godfrey until about i860 when he 
failed. From 1861 to 1874 he was postmaster 
here, with the exception of one year during John- 
son's administration. He died about 1878. 

Atwell & Root began business here as general 
merchants in 1817, being succeeded in 1S18 by 
Atwell & Grout.f This firm continued in busi- 
ness until 1827, when Atwell retired to a farm, 
and Grout took as partner his brother-in-law, E. A. 
Sumjier. This partnership existed until 1834, 
when Sumner retired from the firm and Grout 
conducted the business alone until 1836. In that 
year he associated witli him in the business his 

* Dead. 

I' George W. Atwell and Henry Grout, 



476 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



former clerk, Franklin Carter, who had come to 
Lima in 1820. In the spring of 1847, Franklin 
Carter and N. C. Parmelee purchased the store 
and continued in partnership until 1853 when Par- 
melee retired to his farm and Carter con- 
tinued the business until the spring of 186S, 
when he sold to George V. Hanna. Mr. 
Carter was born in November, 1795, in Peter- 
borough, N. H. He served Lima as town clerk a 
number of years ; was postmaster here four years 
under Taylor's administration, and one year under 
that of Andrew Johnson. In 1820 he was chosen 
secretary in Union Lodge, No. 45, F. and A. M., 
which office he held forty years. He is still living 
in Lima, in his 86th year. Henry Grout, his 
former partner, died in 1849. George W. Atwell 
died in 1852. N. C. Parmelee died in 1856. 

Another merchant here was J. Franklin Peck, 
who began business about 1833. He was burned 
out in 1835, rebuilt and continued his business 
until about 1840, when he sold to H. D. Clark 
and John Draper, and in a few years moved to 
Springfield, Mass., where he is now engaged in 
banking. Clark and Draper continued as partners 
a number of years, when Clark bought Draper's 
interest and conducted the business until his death 
in i860. 

The merchants now in business are: — S. H. 
Olmsted, who began business here as clothier in 
1856; Hendrick & Guinan, general merchants, 
who have been engaged in that business here ten 
years; A. L. Stevens, grocer, in business here since 
1845 ; J. P. Thompson, flour and feed, who came 
from West Bloomfield in 1872, and began business in 
1874; James R. Wilson, hardware, in business 
since November, 1880, succeeding G. S. Banter 
who had conducted the business some six years ; 
Walter W. Scott, general merchant, in business 
two years, succeeding W. D. Mitchell; N. A. 
Soggs, jeweller, who began that business here Nov. 
20, 1880; Beadle Brothers, (Thomas T., William 
W., and George B.,) dry and fancy goods, who be- 
gan business in 1879; Edward Salmon, drugs and 
medicines, who came here in 185 1 from Livonia, 
and engaged with Dr. D. D. Dayton in the drug 
business. Three years later he bought out Dayton 
and has since conducted the business alone; W.B. 
Baker, jeweler, in business eight years, succeeding 
S. Coventry ; Joanna Dalton, millinery and fancy 
goods, in business two years, succeeding Miss Ella 
Egan, who had conducted the business some ten 
years ; Stanley Coventry, drugs and groceries, in 
business four years, succeeding John G. Scott, 



and Henry Livingston, harnesses and horse fur- 
nishing goods, who began business in Watts' block 
in 1877. 

Manufacturers. — Andrew Hart, manufacturer 
of monuments and head-stones, established that 
business here twenty-five years ago, commencing 
on the corner of Main and Rochester streets, 
where the Presbyterian church now stands. 

L. D. Clark, furniture and manufacturing un- 
dertaker, began business in June, 1865. 

Benjamin Ollerenshaw, monuments and head- 
stones, began business in 1871, succeeding Hart 
& Ollerenshaw. He is a native of England, com- 
ing to America in May, 1858. 

Hugh Regan, also manufacturer of monuments 
and tomb-stones, has been in that business here 
three years. 

John Murphy, furniture and undertaking, came 
from Ireland in 1849, and in 1877 engaged for 
himself in the above named business. 

Physicians. — Dr. Justin Smith was one of the 
earliest physicians in Lima. He came here from 
Vermont previous to 1805, and practiced until he 
became insane and died in about 1838. Another 
early physician was Dr. Stevens. 

The physicians practicing here now are: — Dr. 
S. G. Ellis, who came to Lima in 1856, having 
previously graduated from the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons. He was born in Fairfield, Her- 
kimer county, N. Y. 

Dr. George Hosmer Bennett graduated from 
the Buffalo Medical College in 1848, and came at 
once to the town of Lima, where he has since had 
an extensive practice. 

Dr. H. K. Brasted, a graduate in 1880, of the 
University of Michigan, came here in that year 
from Canisteo, N. Y., and began the practice of 
his profession. 

Lawyers — The present lawyers here are Hosmer 
H. Thompson, John Horr, Geo. Atwell and Nelson 
W. Clark. 

Churches. — The Presbyterian Chureh of Lima 
was organized by Rev. Daniel Thatcher, October 
1st, 1795. Among the early members were Wil- 
liam Williams and wife, Miles Bristol and wife, 
Joseph M. Gilbert and wife, Huldah, wife of Judge 
Warner, Mary, wife of Abel Bristol, Elijah Gilford 
and wife, Charles Rice, Mrs. Daniel Warner, 
Mrs. Clark Brockway and Guernsey W. Cook and 
wife. The organization of the society is of later 
date than that of the church. The meeting for 
organization was held at the house of Asahel 
Warner, Jan. 5, 1802. The Society in November 



LIMA VILLAGE — CHURCHES. 



477 



of that year, elected as trustees, Abel Bristol, 
Asahel Warner, William Williams, Willard Humph- 
rey, Manasseh Leech, and David Morgan. At a 
meeting of the society held March 29, 1803, Asahel 
Warner and Willard Humphrey were appointed 
trustees to build a school-house. The site selected 
was that on which the school-house now stands, 
but the old building was nearer Main street. At 
a meeting of the society held in the brick school- 
house the first Monday in November, 1804, it was 
voted to engage the Rev. Ezekiel I. Chapman for 
six months. The society agreed to pay to Mr. 
Chapman a salary of two hundred and sixty dollars, 
one hundred dollars in cash, and the remainder 
in produce. The salary was raised by tax based 
upon the grand list. 

In 1806, Mr. Chapman having left, the salary 
was fixed at $200 ; one-half in cash, and the other 
half in wheat, rye, or pork. During this year the 
Rev. Mr. Leavenworth was engaged for six months, 
receiving for his services five dollars a Sabbath. 
The society again engaged the services of Rev. 
Ezekiel Chapman, and he was installed the first 
pastor of this church, and continued in that rela- 
tion until 1 814. He was succeeded in that year 
by Rev. John Brown who remained a short time, 
and in the following year Rev. Mr. Cook was in- 
vited to preach. The contract for the erection of 
the first church was made in 1815, and the build- 
ing was completed in 1816, at a cost of $7,000. 

On December 28, 1818, the society extended a 
call to Rev. John Barnard to become their pastor, 
at a salary of $700 a year. Mr. Barnard accepted 
this call, and was installed pastor Feb. 3, 1819, 
sustaining that relation to July, 1856. 

The name of the church was changed in 1851 
from " The Charleston Congregational" to " The 
Lima Presbyterian Society." In 1853 the church 
edifice was enlarged at a cost of about $2,000. 
Feb. 24, 1857, the society called the Rev. Robert 
R. Kellogg to be their pastor. He was installed 
by the Presbytery of Ontario, June 22, 1857. In 
two years this relation was dissolved. 

In i860, Rev. A. L. Benton accepted a call to 
the pastorate of this church, and was installed by 
the Presbytery of Ontario, March 6, 186 1. During 
his pastorate the church edifice was re-roofed and 
remodeled. In September, 1870, Mr. Benton 
retired from the pastorate, and in October of that 
year the society called Rev. A. H. Corliss from the 
Presbytery of Utica, which call he accepted, and 
was installed as pastor Dec. 27, 1879. During his 
pastorate occurred the erection of thepresent beau- 



tiful church edifice, the corner stone of which was 
laid with impressive ceremonies, Tuesday, Aug. 
12. 1873. Rev. Albert H. Corliss continued 
as pastor until 1875, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. Henry Payne, who remained till 1878. 
He was followed by the present pastor, Rev. 
James Robertson. The present membership in 
this church is 213. 

Mehodist Episcopal Church of Lima* — Method- 
ism was introduced into this town about eighty 
years ago. In the year 1800 a member of the 
M. E. Church, Jonah Davis, came from Delaware 
and settled on a farm three miles south of the 
present site of Lima village. He was a licensed 
exhorter, and began at once to hold religious 
meetings as opportunity offered. His house soon 
became the home and preaching place of the 
pioneer itinerants who first preached the gospel 
and proclaimed the peculiar doctrines of Method- 
ism in this then wilderness. Davis was a man 
of marked character, a representative of the moral 
heroism of early Methodism. He filled the office 
of exhorter and class-leader for many years. 
Preaching was continued in his house and in a 
school-house near by, for more than twenty-five 
years. Many of the prominent pioneers of Method- 
ism preached here, among whom was Father Howe, 
who was an earnest and devoted itinerant for more 
than half a century. He preached in Davis' house 
as early as 1801. George Densmore, Gideon 
Draper, and other worthy compeers, officiated in 
the same place in the early days. 

During the year 1827, Rev. Micah Seager, then 
preacher in charge on the Bloomfield circuit, 
preached here occasionally, for at that time 
Methodism had not assumed organized form in 
this locality. In the autumn of 1827, Rev. John 
Parker, then stationed at Norton's Mills, (now 
Honeoye Falls,) was invited to hold regular 
services on Sunday evenings in the Town Hall at 
Lima. Under his ministry a powerful revival was 
enjoyed, the influence of which thoroughly per- 
meated the community and resulted in the organ- 
ization of the Methodist church at " Lima 
Corners." The society was organized by Rev. 
John Parker in March, 1828, and the class south 
of the village was transferred to the new organiza- 
tion. Among the original members of the society 
were : — Jonah and Phebe Davis, William Corey, 
Jane Corey, Joel Ross, Frederick House, Betsey 
Fowler. Mary Gager, Jane Porter, Eunice Humph- 
rey, and others. The membership rapidly in- 
hered from the Ctaurd i 






478 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



creased, the town-house soon became too small to 
accommodate the congregation, and the erection 
of a church edifice was soon begun and completed 
in a few months. This humble edifice was long 
the crowning glory of the hill-side, on the street 
leading west toward Avon. At the session of the 
Genesee Conference in the summer of 1828, the 
society in Lima was included in the Bloomfield 
circuit, and Revs. Goodwin Stoddard and Samuel 
Parker were appointed to that charge, remaining 
but one year. In June, 1829, Revs. Benajah 
Williams and Asahel Hayward were appointed, 
and in 1830 were succeeded by Revs. Gideon 
Lanning, Wilbur Hoag and Philo E. Brown. In 
1 83 1 Lima was detached from the Bloomfield 
circuit and constituted an independent station, and 
Rev. Richard Wright was appointed to the pas- 
toral charge. This arrangement proved unsatis- 
factory, and at the conference session of 1S32 an- 
other change was made in the organic form of this 
charge, and Lima was connected with Livonia, 
and Revs. Jonathan Benson and Jacob Scott were 
appointed to the united charge. 

One remarkable feature in the early history of 
Methodism in Lima was the frequent changes 
which occurred in the form of the charge. In 
1833 Lima was detached from Livonia, and or- 
ganized into a separate and independent charge, 
and Rev. Seth Matthison, then one of the strongest 
men of the old Genesee Conference, was appointed 
to the pastoral charge. He remained but one 
year, and in 1834 was succeeded by Rev. John 
Copeland. Soon after, the large M. E. church in 
Rochester was burned, and Mr. Copeland was re- 
moved from this pastorate to the work of collect- 
ing funds with which to rebuild it. In the middle 
of the year, Dr. Bartlett, formerly from Nan- 
tucket, Mass., was appointed to the vacant pas- 
torate. This temporary supply was acceptable to 
the society, and was peculiarly fortunate in its 
ultimate results, in that it secured the permanent 
membership of Dr. Bartlett and his devoted wife 
with the society in Lima until their death many 
years after. 

In 1835 Lima was united with West Mendon, 
Rush, Livonia and Geneseo, and Revs. Micah 
Seager, Levi B. Castile, and Samuel Parker were 
appointed to the charge. At the end of one year 
this union was dissolved, and Lima was again con- 
signed to its "lone star" destiny. 

Rev. Allen Steele, one of the most eloquent men 
of his time, was appointed pastor over the charge. 
He remained but one year, and was succeeded in 



1837 by Rev. Benj. Shipman, who, in turn, at the 
end of his first year, gave place to Rev. Gideon D. 
Perry. In 1839 Rev. Philo Woodworth was ap- 
pointed to the pastoral charge of Lima, and was re- 
appointed in 1840, the first instance in the history of 
the church in 1 ,iina of the appointment of any minis- 
ter to the pastoral charge for two consecutive years. 
In 1843, under the supervision of Rev. Thomas 
Carlton, the old church edifice was removed from 
its former site and reconstructed upon the lot now 
occupied by the present house of worship. At the 
session of the Conference in Geneva in 1847, a 
resolution was passed requesting the General Con- 
ference to divide the former body. This request 
was complied with, and the division was consum- 
mated at the session of the General Conference 
held in Pittsburgh in 1848. An arrangement was 
mutually entered into before the division that the 
Lima charge should alternate between the two con- 
ferences, four years in the one, and four years in 
the other in succession. This arrangement was 
never satisfactory to the church or citizens of 
Lima, and was extremely difficult to adjust, and 
was ultimately abandoned by mutual consent of 
the Conference. The charge then remained per- 
manently in the East Genesee Conference. The 
enterprise which resulted in the erection of the 
present church edifice was inaugurated in 1855, 
and was designed to accommodate the College and 
Seminary as well as the village congregation. 
Consequently provision was made to appropriate a 
sufficient number of pews for the free occupancy 
of the students of these institutions, and, as a con- 
sideration for such privilege, the Conference pro- 
posed to raise $300 to aid in building the church. 
The building committee was composed of the fol- 
lowing persons : — Rev. Joseph Cummings, D. D., 
Rev. Woodruff Post, James L. Alverson, LL.D., 
Ira Godfrey, Esq., and William L. Gaylord. The 
corner stone of the church edifice was laid with in- 
teresting ceremonies in the autumn of 1855. The 
building was completed early in the following sum- 
mer, and was dedicated June 22, 1856. The dedi- 
catory sermon was preached by Rev. Allen Steele. 
The entire cost of this building, including the fur- 
nishing, was less than $16,000. In i860 the Lima 
charge again passed into the Genesee Conference, 
and in 1864 was again transferred to the East Gen- 
esee Conference, from which it was never again re- 
moved until the annihilation of that body by the 
General Conference in 1872. The following has 
been the further succession of pastors in this 
church since 1842. 



LIMA VILLAGE — NORTH BLOOMFIELD. 



479 



Revs. Thomas Carlton, from 1842 to 1844 ; F. G. 
Hibbard, from 1844 to 1845 ; Moses Crow, from 
1845101846; D. D. Bush, from 1846101847; F. G. 
Hibbard, from 1847 to 1848; Wesley Cochrane, from 
1848 to 1849; John Copeland, from 1849 to 1850; 
John Raines, from 1850 to 1852 ; William C. Fuller,* 
from 1852 to 1853; R. L. Waite, in 1853; 
Charles Adams, from 1853101854; Philo Wood- 
worth, from 1854 to 1856; Jonas Dodge.f from 
185610 1857 ; John Dennis, from 1858 to i860; 
Joseph H. Knowles, from i860 to 1862; King 
David Nettleton, from 1862 to 1864 ; Israel H. Kel- 
logg, from 1864 to 1865 ; A. Sutherland, from 1865 
to 1867 ; William Benham, from 1867 to 1870; I. T. 
Brownell, from 1870 to 187 1; John Dennis, from 
1 87 1 toiS74; G. W. Paddock, from 1S74 to 1875; 
L. F. Congdon, from 1875 to 187S; O. L. Gib- 
son, from 1878 to 1881. 

During the pastorate of Rev. John Dennis — 
1871-1874 — the church edifice was thoroughly re- 
paired and remodeled, and the entire indebtedness, 
amounting in all, including repairs, to the sum of 
$4,000, was provided for and paid. The church 
has now a large membership, and is in a most 
flourishing condition. 

The Lima Baptist Church, located on Main 
street, was organized August 26th, 1854, at the 
residence of J. H. Miller. The number of original 
members was fifteen, among whom were G. W. 
Glass, Eunice Glass, J. P. Briggs, M. J. Briggs, E. 
W. Briggs, I. Briggs. The church edifice was 
built in 1855-56, and dedicated May 1, 1856. The 
cost of building, including the lot, was $10,000. 
The first pastor was Rev. B. R. Swick, whose 
pastorate lasted nearly seven years. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. J. T. Seeley, who remained nearly 
eight years. His successor was the Rev. S. S. 
Bid well, who remained three years, and was fol- 
lowed by Rev. W. H. Shields, who also officiated 
three years. The present pastor, A. H. Emmons, 
commenced his labors September 4, 1S75. The 
present membership is 139. 

St. Rose's Church (Catholic.) — The first Catho- 
lic who settled in Lima was Thomas Martin, who 
came in the fall of 1834. Three years later came 
James Egan, and they were joined in 1839 by 
Michael Corneen and John Brennan. These four 
formed the nucleus of the present congre- 
gation of St. Rose's. These were sturdy specimens 
of the faith that dwells in the hearts of Irishmen. 

* Died Feb. II, iSsj, and Rev. R. L. Waite filled the vacancy until 
the close of the Conference year. 

t Reappointed in 1857, but was transferred to the Kansas Conference 
before the dose of the Conference year, the vacancy being supplied by 
Rev. Allen Steele until the end of the year. 



For some years they were obliged to go to Roch- 
ester to hear mass, or to baptize the children that 
were born to them, walking there, and then patient- 
ly trudging home after the services. The first 
mass ever celebrated in Lima was in 1842, in the 
house of John Brennan. The priest was Father 
Murphy. The second mass was said by Father 
Tierney. After them Father French and Father 
Carroll came occasionally to celebrate mass, and 
to give encouragement to the Catholics here. The 
first attempt at a church was made by Father 
O'Connor. A portion of the present school house 
attests the small beginning of the present large and 
prosperous parish. Other priests here were : — 
Fathers Kenny, Quigley, Walsh, McGuire, O'Brien, 
and Gregg. The first church edifice was erected 
in 1849, w hen there were but eight or nine Catho- 
lic families in the town. The burial ground was 
bought in 1857. Michael Corneen was one of the 
first buried in this cemetery. The present fine 
church edifice was begun in 1870, on land given 
by Tone Yorks, for the nominal sum of $35. The 
present number of families in the parish is about 
175, presided over by Rev. Father Edward Mc- 
Cartney. 

North Bloomfield. 

North Bloomfield is a small hamlet in the ex- 
treme north-eastern part of the town, bordering on 
the counties of Monroe and Ontario, a portion of 
the place lying in the latter county. It contains a 
grist-mill, (Lewis Johnson,) saw-mill, (James Still- 
man,) one church, and eighteen or twenty houses. 

The Universalist church was organized March 
12, 1825, under the title of "The First Univer- 
salist Society of Lima." Among the original 
members were : Ezra Davis, David Baxter, Daniel 
Buzzell, Eliphalet Huntington, John Case, Elias 
D. Wight. Daniel Day, Jr., Derick Knickerbocker, 
Seth Potter, Zebulon Townsend, Thomas Leland, 
Ezra Davis, Jr., John Seins, Benjamin Northrop, 
Benjamin Case, Jeremiah Townsend, Stewart 
Porter, Solomon Arthur. The earliest ministers 
here were Revs. John S. Thompson and Liscomb 
Knapp, who preached some time before the organ- 
ization of the Society. The first settled pastor 
was Rev. Henry Roberts,* who came in 1825 and 
remained one year. The erection of a church was 
begun in 1827, and was dedicated June 17, 1829. 
The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. 
Stephen R. Smith, of Clinton, Oneida county, 
N. Y. 

» Died in 184S. 



480 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



The present church edifice was erected in 1872 
at a cost of $5,000. It was dedicated by Rev. 
Asa Saxe, of Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 13, 1872. 
The present membership is 87, presided over by 
Rev. W. W. Hand. The following, as correctly 
as can be ascertained, has been the succession of 
pastors in this church from its organization : — 

Revs. Henry Roberts, from 1825 to 1826; Wil- 
liam I. Reese, from 1826 to 1830; Savillian Ful- 
ler,* from 1830 to 1831 ; William I. Reese,| from 
1831 to 1834; William Andrews, in 1834; Elijah 
SmithJ, in 1835 ; Jacob Chase, from 1836 to 1839 ; 
Thomas J. Smith,? from 1840 to 1844; S. W. 
Remington, half the time for two years ; Mr. 
Spaulding, half the time for one year ; Charles 
Herman Dutton, || from 1847 to 1849; Orrin 
Roberts; 0. F. Brayton, died in 1876; U. M. 
Fisk ; G. W. Gage, from 1853 to 1855; James 
W. Bailey, from 1857 to 1862; J. R. Sage, 1864 
and 1866 ; W. W. Dean ; Murray Bailey; W. B. 
Randolph; J. Arthur Dobson ; Lewis C. Browne, 
from 1871 to 1872; Hamilton Squires, from 1872 
to 1878 ; W. W. Hand, from 1879 to 1881. 

War Record. — At the breaking out of the 
Rebellion the town of Lima patriotically responded 
with money and volunteers, sending forth many 
brave men to contend for the perpetuity of the 
Union on the bloody battle-fields of the South. 

In 1S61 the following men enlisted, receiving 
little or no bounty : — 

21th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Co. G. — Gar- 
diner William Agard enlisted May 21. Now 
living in Naples, N. Y. 

Jonathan B. Atchinson enlisted May 21, as 
musician ; was afterward mustered in as private 
by Col. J. J. Bartlett. Now in town of Alabama, 
Genesee county, N. Y. 

William Newton Baker enlisted May 5 ; re- 
enlisted in August of 1 863, in First N. Y. Veteran 
Cavalry. Now in Trenton, N. J. 

Robert Brabow was with his regiment all 
through its service, and was honorably discharged. 
Reenlisted in 15th N. Y. Engineers under the call 
in 1864. His whereabouts not known. 

Alexander Boyd enlisted June 28 ; was dis- 
charged with his company, and has not been heard 
from since. 

John R. Briggs enlisted May 1 ; was Second 
Lieutenant. Now in Naples, N. Y. 

• Died in 1840. 

t Died in Buffalo, Sept. (>, 18J4, during the cholera plague. 

t Died in i8j6. 

§ Died in 1856. 

II Died in 1879. 



Elwood H. Brady, born in Ireland in 1841 , 
enlisted in May; was Second Lieutenant. Now 
in West Bloomfield, N. Y. 

Tyler J. Briggs enlisted in May ; was Corporal. 
Now in Naples, N. Y. 

Joseph B. Butler enlisted in June ; was dis- 
charged Nov. 8, 1 861, on account of wounds re- 
ceived at Bull Run on July 21, 1861. In 1865-6, 
was living in East Bloomfield, N. Y. 

Charles E. Bartlett enlisted December 17 ; 
discharged Feb. 4, 1863, on Surgeon's certificate 
for disability. In 1865 was in West Bloomfield, 
N. Y. 

Charles W. Burr enlisted May 7 ; was dis- 
charged Sept. 11, 1862, for wounds received at 
Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862. In 1865 was in 
Government employ at Norfolk, Ya. 

Edwin E. Bond, born in Farmersville, Cattar- 
augus county, N. Y., July 15, 1837 ; enlisted 
May 7 ; was discharged July 16, 1862, for 
wounds received at the battle of Bull Run, July 
21, 1 86 1. Now living near North Bloomfield, N.Y. 

George Henry Chappell, born in Avon in 1838 ; 
enlisted May 7. Served faithfully all through the 
time his regiment was in service, and was dis- 
charged with his company; returned to Avon and 
died there in 1866 or 1867. 

William Halsey Clark, born in Morristown, N. 
J., August 18, 1 84 1 ; enlisted September 21. 
Present location unknown. 

John Alden Copeland enlisted May 7, 1861 ; 
promoted to Corporal September 1st, 1862. 

Michael Cavanaugh enlisted May 7, 1861 ; 
promoted to Corporal February 18, 1863. 

Jerome H. Burlison, Corporal, enlisted May 7, 
1861 ; was killed at Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 
1862. 

William Henry Buxton enlisted July S, 1861; 
was killed at Gaines' Mills June 27, 1862. 

Frederick Bender, Corporal, enlisted May 7, 
1 86 1 ; was transferred to non-commissioned staff 
May 29, 1861. Present whereabouts unknown. 

John Hudson Carter enlisted May 7, 1861 ; 
discharged for disability January 20, 1862. Died 
in 1867. 

William Henry Coe enlisted May 7, 1861 ; 
was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disabili- 
ty November 22, 1862 ; again entered the army 
and was promoted to Assistant Surgeon. Now in 
Auburn, N. Y. 

George Cook, Musician, enlisted May 7, 1862; 
was transferred to non-commissioned staff May 
29, 1861. 



LIMA— WAR RECORD. 



481 



Benjamin Shepard Coffin, Corporal, enlisted May 
7, 1 86 1 ; promoted to non-commissioned staff as Q. 
M. Sergeant May 1st, 1862. Now in Nunda, N. Y. 
Thomas Challis enlisted August 31, 1862; 
desested from camp near White Oak Church, Va., 
January 1, 1863; returned to England. 

Rollin Page Dartt enlisted May 7, 1861; was 
wounded at the battle of Gaines' Mills, June 27, 
1862, and on that account was discharged August 
12, 1862. Now in Lima, N. Y. 

Amenzo E. Davis enlisted July 5, 1861; was 
discharged July 31, 1S61, on account of heart dis- 
ease. Now in Geneva, N. Y. 

Hiram Davis enlisted July 8, 1861; was killed 
at battle of Bull Run, Virginia, July 21, 1861, and 
was buried on the field. 

James A. Dunn enlisted December 17, 1861 ; died 
in hospital at Hagarstown, Md., December 29, 
1862, and was buried in hospital cemetery. 

John N. Dunn enlisted December 17, 1861 ; 
died in hospital at Craney Island, August 27, 1862, 
and was buried in hospital burying ground. 

Andrew Jackson Darron enlisted May 7, 1861 ; 
died of epilepsy in Brigade hospital, near Alexan- 
dria, Va., December 20, 1861 ; lies buried in hos- 
pital cemetery. 

John Dutcher enlisted May 7, 1861 ; deserted 
near Sharpsburgh, Md., September 17, 1862. 

Charles Dutcher enlisted May 7, 1861, and de- 
serted at same time and place. 

Seymour Emmons enlisted September 1, 1861 ; 
was taken prisoner at Savage Station ; dropped in 
accordance with General Order No. 162; was af- 
terward sick for some time in hospital. Now in 
Naples, N. Y. 

Robert S. Frazee enlisted May 7, 1861. Now 
in Washington, D. C. 

Charles W. Frazee enlisted May 7, 1861. Now 
in Washington, D. C. 

Benson Simon Fleming enlisted August 29, 1862. 
George Fladding enlisted August 29, 1862 ; 
whereabouts not known. 

William George enlisted May 21, 1861 ; died of 
epilepsy in Brigade hospital, near Alexandria, Va., 
December 20, 1861. 

Henry M. Gould enlisted May 21, 1861 ; killed 
at battle of Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862, and 
was buried on the field. 

H. Seymour Hall enlisted May 21. 1861 ; mus- 
tered as Second Lieutenant; was promoted to 
Captain April 24, 1862; lost right arm before 
Petersburgh ; was afterward Lieutenant-Colonel of 
colored regiment. 



Arthur Hanson Hunt enlisted May 21, 1861; 
was discharged June 4, 1862, on surgeon's certifi- 
cate of disability. 

Mills Davis Hamilton enlisted May 21, 1861 ; 
was discharged on account of disability February 
11, 1862. 

William Hall enlisted May 21, 1861 ; was dis- 
charged for disability, by order of General Wads- 
worth, May 11, 1862. 

Oscar Headley enlisted December 1st, 1862; 
died of typhoid fever in Mansion House hospital, 
Alexandria, Va., April 15, 1862, and was buried in 
hospital grounds. 

William Frederick Lindsley, born in Lima April 
14, 1840, enlisted May 7, 1861 ; died of typhoid 
fever in camp at Harrison's Landing, Va., August 
2, 1862 ; lies buried in Lima, N. Y. 

Henry Markham enlisted May 7, 1861; was 
Orderly to General Bartlett. Now in Lima, N. Y. 
William Marra enlisted May 7, 1861 ; served 
with the regiment during its term of service, and 
was discharged with his company ; reenlisted in 
1863 in First Veteran Cavalry, and served until 
the close of the war. Now in New York city. 

William Mileham enlisted May 7, 1861 ; was 
wounded in leg at first battle of Bull Run ; was 
taken prisoner and afterward exchanged ; returned 
to his regiment, served the remainder of his term, 
and was discharged with the company. 

Alexander Miles enlisted May 7, 1861 ; was 
killed at battle of Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862. 

Stephen Peak enlisted May 7, 1861; was de- 
tailed as butcher for the company, and was dis- 
charged at the expiration of his term of service ; 
supposed to be dead. 

James Perkins, Captain, enlisted May 2, 1861 ; 
was at first battle of Bull Run ; resigned Novem- 
ber 7, 1861. in consequence of failing health; died 
October 29, 1879. 

Joseph Herbert Perkins, Sergeant, enlisted Sep- 
tember 21, 1861. Now in Michigan. 

Seymour Pierce enlisted May 7, 1861 ; was en- 
rolled as First Sergeant at that date, and was pro- 
moted to First Lieutenant November 7, 1861; 
transferred by promotion to Co. K, as Captain, 
June 9,1862; was on detached service in signal 
corps, from November 7, 1861. Now in Honeoye 
Falls, N. Y. 

Van Rensselaer Pratt enlisted May 7, 1861; 
was promoted to Corporal, December 1, 1861; pro- 
moted to Sergeant November 1, 1862 ; reenlisted 
July 27, 1863 in First N. Y. Veteran Cavalry; was 
wounded at the battle of Winchester, July 24, 1 8<5 \. 



482 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and returned to his regiment in one month. Now 
in I ,ima, N. Y. 

John M. Roberts enlisted May 7, 1861 ; died at 
Point Lookout, Md., October 13, 1862, and was 
buried there. 

Eugene Peppel enlisted May 7, 1861 ; was killed 
at the battle of Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862, and 
was buried on the field. 

Silas Atwell Sylvester enlisted May 7, 1861 ; was 
promoted to Corporal November 7, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to Sergeant February 18, 1863 ; reenlisted 
April 1st, 1864, in First N. Y. Veteran Cavalry; 
was killed in a skirmish at Martinsburgh, Va., and 
was buried in a grove near the town. 

Francis M. Stone enlisted May 7, 1861; served 
two years in this regiment, and reenlisted March 
26, 1863; was in First New York Veteran Cav- 
alry. Now in Chicago. 

Henry Horace Stone enlisted May 7, 1861 ; 
reenlisted July 27, 1863, in First New York Vet- 
eran Cavalry ; was taken prisoner July 2, 1864, at 
Berryville, W. Va., and was exchanged April 6, 
1865. Now in Conesus, N. Y. 

John Barnard Smith enlisted September'8, 1862 ; 
was transferred to the 121st New York Infantry, 
Company E, May 12, 1863, and was detailed as 
clerk in the quartermaster's department. Now in 
Maine. 

James E. Sewell enlisted May 7, 1861 ; was dis- 
charged October 29, 1862, on account of wounds 
received at the battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 
1862. 

Theodore Stone enlisted May 7, 1861; was 
discharged December 2, 1862, on surgeon's cer- 
tificate of disability. 

Henry Grout Wells enlisted May 7, 1861 ; reen- 
listed August 10, 1864, in First New York Veteran 
Cavalry. 

Nicholas R. Wood enlisted December 14, 1861 ; 
died in regiment hospital near Alexandria, Va., 
February 18, 1862. 

Frederick Thurber Wright enlisted September 
21, 1 86 1 ; died in brigade hospital, near Alexan- 
dria, Va., December 27, 1861, and brought to 
Lima for burial. 

Charles Franklin Wells enlisted April 23, 1S61 ; 
was promoted to Corporal November 1, 1S62. 

Myron Cassina Watkins enlisted May 7, 1861; 
was enrolled as Corporal and promoted to Ser- 
geant April 24, 1862. Now in Avon, N. Y. 

Philo B. Woodward enlisted August 31, 1862; 
whereabouts not known. 

Perry Gardner, Charles A. Grover, Ovid G. 



Harrington, Henry Hibbard and Artemas Jenkins 
enlisted May 21, 1861 ; present whereabouts un- 
known. 

Frank Young enlisted August 31, 1862 ; present 
location not known. 

Enlistments at Other Times and in Other Regi- 
ments.- — John Henry Buxton, 136th Infantry, en- 
listed September 8, 1862. Is still living in Lima, 
but is blind from the effects of the war ; receives 
a government pension of $900 per year. 

Harvey Johnson Benson, 8th Heavy Artillery ; 
was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor June 3, 
1864, and was buried on the field. 

Martin Guinan, Second D. C. Infantry ; died in 
hospital from wounds received in the campaign of 
1864. 

Samuel G. Hamilton, 108th Infantry, born in 
Lima October 17, 1841; was wounded in hand at 
battle of Antietam, and was afterward discharged. 
Died since the war. 

Galen Sheldon Hicks enlisted in Company M, 
Sth Heavy Artillery, January 4, 1864; was pro- 
moted to Corporal June 10, 1864, and to Sergeant 
November 25, 1864; was one of the five who res- 
cued the body of Col. Peter A. Porter from under 
the guns of the enemy at Cold Harbor, for which 
act he received a gold medal from Col. Porter's 
family. 

George Washington Tabor, First New York 
Dragoons; promoted to Corporal April 17, 1863; 
was at the siege of Suffolk and in the battles of 
Chancellorsville and Spottsylvania. 

William Hooker Day, born in Lima, January 17, 
1845, enlisted January 19, 1864, in Company M, 
8th Heavy Artillery ; was severely wounded in the 
battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, and was dis- 
charged from the service November 29, 1864. 
Now in Lima. 

Henry Francis Clark, Company K, 15th Engi- 
neers, enlisted September 5, 1864; served faith- 
fully with his regiment until close of the war, and 
was discharged with the company. Now in Lima. 
Nathaniel Joel Clark, Company E, 13th Infantry, 
enlisted July 31, 1862; served in the "Old 13th" 
until the expiration of its term of service, and was 
then transferred to the 140th New York Zouaves. 
Now in Michigan. 

William Parker Wiggins, born in Lima, Novem- 
ber 4, 1842; enlisted August 12, 1862, in Com- 
pany G, First New York Dragoons ; died of typhoid 
fever in hospital at City Point, Va., August 30, 
1864, and his body was brought home and buried 
in North Bloomfield. 






LIMA — WAR RECORD. 



483 



Daniel Henry Weller, Company M, 8th Heavy 
Artillery, enlisted January 1, 1864; was killed at 
the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, and was 
subsequently buried on the battle-field. His widow 
and daughter reside in Lima. 

Phillip Jarvis Stevens, born in Lima, June 20, 
1829, enlisted in August, 1863, in Company C, 
145th Infantry ; was killed on skirmish line in front 
of Petersburgh, Va., June 20, 1864. 

Charles Henry Johnson enlisted August 3, 1863, 
in Co. D, 14th Heavy Artilery ; was Quarter- 
master's Sergeant. Is now in the regular service. 
Daniel William Shay, enlisted September 7, 
1864, in Co. C, First New York Veteran Cavalry; 
served as blacksmith to the regiment while in the 
service. Died in 1867. 

Michael O'Niel, Co. K, Second N. Y. Cavalry, 
enlisted September 4, 1864. Present Location 
not known. 

Lawrence Warren Pender. Co. G, First N. Y. 
Dragoons, enlisted in August, 1S62 ; was wounded 
in the leg at battle of Trevilian Station, Va., June 
11, 1863. Now in Lima. 

Jefferson Griffin Wiggins, Co. D, 108th Infantry, 
enlisted July 28, 1862 ; was severely wounded in 
the battle of Chancellorsville, and in consequence 
of his wounds was discharged January 15, 1864. 
Now in Auburn, N. Y. 

Harry Day Holmes, Co. K, 148th Infantry, en- 
listed in August, 1862 ; was severely wounded in 
arm at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, 
and was discharged by general order. Now in 
Honeoye Falls, N. Y. 

Lucius Benjamin Holmes enlisted August 31, 
1862, in Co. K, 148th Infantry; served until the 
close of the war. Now in Lima. 

Theodore Lorenzo Holmes enlisted September 
3, 1864, in Co. B, First N. Y. Dragoons. Now in 
the west. 

John Lockington enlisted August j6, 1863, in 
Co. L, First N. Y. Veteran Cavalry. Now in 
Lima. 

Samuel Tracy Smedley, Corporal Co. C, First 
N. Y. Sharp-shooters, enlisted September 16, 1862. 
Present location not known. 

Samuel Mitchell, Co. I, 15th Engineers, enlisted 
September 3, 1864. Now in Lima. 

John Emberry Copeland, Co. C, 108th Infantry, 
enlisted in June, 1862; was badly wounded at 
battle of Chancellorsville ; was afterward dis- 
charged in consequence; reenlistedin the Veteran 
Reserve Corps ; came home on furlough and died 
of typhoid fever, September 16, 1864. 



Michael O'Daly, Co. E, First Veteran Cavalry, 
enlisted July 31, 1863. Died about 1875. 

Martin Pierce, Lieutenant, enlisted in August, 
1862, in 126th Infantry; was wounded at the 
battle of Bristoe Station, Va., in October, 1863. 
Now in Corry, Pa. 

Francis Marion Pierce, Sergeant, 188th In- 
fantry; enlisted in September, 1864. Served 
until the close of the war as Quartermaster-Ser- 
geant. Now in Honeoye Falls, N. Y. 

George Ransom Hutchinson enlisted Nov. 4, 
1864, in Co. M, 8th Heavy Artillery. Was 
wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania C. H., Va., 
May 20, 1864; transferred to 2d Battalion Invalid 
Corps, Feb. 22, 1865. 

Marcus H. Warner enlisted Aug. n, 1862. in 
Co. G, 130th Infantry. Was transferred to the 
Veteran Reserve Corps, Aug. 3, 1863. 

Arthur Barnes Warner enlisted July 19, 1862, 
in Co. G, 130th Infantry. Died of typhoid fever 
in camp at Suffolk, Va., Nov. 22, 1862. Remains 
sent home for burial. 

William Ayling, Co. E, 136th Infantry; en- 
listed Sept. 3, 1862. Now in Lima. 

Thomas Martin enlisted in September, 1864. 
Now in Lima. 

Israel Parsons Marvin enlisted Jan. 5, 1864, in 
Co. M, 8th Heavy Artillery. Now in Lima. 

James Polk Short, Co. M, 8th Heavy Artillery; 
enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. Was severely wounded in 
the hand at the battle of Deep Bottom, Aug. 14, 
1864. Now in Kansas. 

Frederick Parker, Corporal, Co. A, 108th In- 
fantry, enlisted July 16, 1862, was taken prisoner 
at one of the battles of the Wilderness, and was 
starved to death at Andersonville prison. 

Thomas Paine Wright ; born in Lima, October 
2, 1838; enlisted July 31, 1863, in Co. H, 147th 
Infantry. Was wounded and taken prisoner at 
the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864; died 
in the hospital at Florence, S. C, Sept. 23, 1864, 
and was buried in that place. 

Charles Willard Rice, Co. G, First New York 
Dragoons, enlisted August 13, 1862. Present 
location not known. 

James William Fowler, 26th Battery, enlisted 
December 18, 1863. Present location unknown. 
James Quigley, Co. L, 15th Engineers, enlisted 
September 3, 1864. Now in Rochester, N. Y. 

Edwin Warner went out with the 130th In- 
fantry in September, 1862; was transferred to the 
First N. V. Dragoons in September, 1863. Now 
in Lima. 



4 8 4 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Edward Logan Bonner; born in Sparta, N. Y., 
October 28, 1840. Enlisted August 12, 1862, in 
Co. G, First N. Y. Dragoons. Was killed at the 
battle of Trevilian Station, Ya., June 12, 1864, 
and his body was buried about two miles from the 
held. 

William Henry Harrison Pratt, Sergeant, Co. 
E, First Veteran Cavalry ; enlisted March 26, 

1863. Was in the Shenandoah Valley campaign 
during his term of service. Dead, date not 
known. 

Benjamin Ollerenshaw Beale; born in Man- 
chester, England, September 16, 1842. Enlisted 
January 4, 1864, in Co. M, 8th Heavy Artillery. 
Killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 

1864, and was buried on the field. 

William Augustus Ferris enlisted July 19, 1862, 
in Co. G, First N. Y. Dragoons. Now living in 
Lima. 

Thomas Theodore Beadle, Co. B, First N. Y. 
Dragoons, enlisted September 13, 1864. Now in 
Lima. 

Francis Dighton Kent enlisted July 19, 1861. 
Was promoted to Captain in Co. F, Second 
Colored Cavalry, in December, 1863, being the 
first man in the United States to enlist a full 
colored company for the war. Present location 
not known. 

Lloyd Starkey Crandall, Co. K, First N. Y. 
Dragoons, enlisted Sept. 3, 1864. Now in Lima. 

John Todd McMahon, Sergeant, Co. E, 136th 
Infantry, enlisted August 11, 1862. Present loca- 
tion unknown. 

William H. McMahon, Co. K, 27th Infantry, 
enlisted April 7, 1861. Was promoted to Second 
Lieutenant Sept. 11, 1862. In 1865 was in the 
Custom-house in New York. 

David B. Page enlisted September 5, 1864, in 
Co. K, 15th Engineers. Present location unknown. 

William Whisker, Co. K, 15th Engineers, en- 
listed September 5, 1864. Died of typhoid fever 
in the hospital at City Point, Va., Nov. 7, 1864. 

George Hosmer Bennett, Surgeon, enlisted Oct. 
1, 1862, in 70th Infantry. Was at the battle of 
Fredericksburg, December 13th and 14th; was 
discharged March 4, 1863. Now in Lima. 

John Leslie Chapman enlisted in August, 1862, 
in Co. E, 136th Infantry. Died of typhoid fever 
at Fairfax Court House, Va., Dec. 14, 1862, and 
remains buried there. 

John Welda, Co. G, 130th Infantry, enlisted 
July 29, 1862 ; was transferred to First New York 
Dragoons, August 14, 1863; dead, date unknown. 



Henry Chase, 91st Infantry, enlisted August 8, 
1862; was transferred to this regiment in July, 
1865. Now in Avon, N. Y. 

Bishop Hamlin True, Lieutenant, enlisted Aug. 
n, 1862, in Co. E, 136th Infantry. Promoted to 
Sergeant, Sept. 20, 1862 ; promoted to Lieutenant 
March 1st, 1863; dead, date not known. 

Jacob Stull Galentine, enlisted August 22, 1862, 
in 136th Infantry. Was Quartermaster of the 
regiment. Now living in Lima. 

Thomas Mooney, Co. C, 136th Infantry, en- 
listed Aug. 11, 1862. Now in Lima. 

Marvin Peck, Co. B, First N. Y. Dragoons, 
enlisted March 16, 1865. Now in Lima. 

Jerome Brown enlisted in 1862 in Company C, 
New York State Sharp-shooters ; was mortally 
wounded at the battle of the Wilderness May 5, 
1864, and died May 25, and was buried in Locust 
Grove, some three miles from the field. 

James Lavery, Company E, 136th Infantry 
enlisted in July, 1862 ; was wounded at Gettysburg, 
losing the sight of his right eye; was transferred to 
Invalid Corps March 18, 1863; died about 1874. 

Ledian Brown, 26th Battery, enlisted December 
18,1863; died at Mellican's Bend, on the Mississippi 
river, August 15, 1864; remains buried there. 

Richard McMahon, Company E, 136th Infantry, 
enlisted September 20, 1862 ; died of typhoid fever 
at Fairfax Court House, Va., November 26, 1862, 
and lies buried there. 

Amos F. Blair, Corporal, Company E, 136th 
Infantry; served until the close of the war. Now 
in Townsend, Ohio. 

Thomas O'Hara, Company F, 140th Infantry, 
enlisted in 1863. Present location unknown. 

Lucien Gibbs, Company C, 147th Infantry, en- 
listed July 30, 1862 ; came home on furlough Jan- 
uary 11, 1863, and died on the 2d of the following 
month. 

Albiron More, Company E, 136th Infantry, en- 
listed July 20, 1862. Now in North Plains, Mich. 

Solomon Wood, Sergeant, enlisted in 1861 in 
the 27th Infantry and served two years; was wounded 
and taken prisoner at the first battle of Bull Run ; 
was exchanged January 3, 1862, and returned to 
the regiment; reenlisted September 5, 1864, in 
Company K, 15th Engineers. Dead, date not 
known. 

Harvey James Wood, Company K, 15th Engi- 
neers, enlisted September 5, 1864. Present loca- 
tion unknown. 

Edward Timmons, Company E, 136th Infantry, 
enlisted August 15, 1862. Now in Lima. 



LIMA — WAR RECORD. 



48S 



Patrick Welch, Company M, 8th Heavy Artil- 
lery, enlisted January 5, 1864; was transferred to 
the 10th New York Infantry in June, 1865 ; was 
wounded at the battle of Deep Bottom, August 15, 
1864. Now in Lima. 

Winslow Salter, 13th Infantry, enlisted in Aug- 
ust, 1862; was wounded at the second battle of 
Bull Run in 1862; taken prisoner and paroled, 
and was afterward discharged on account of dis- 
ability. Now in Battle Creek, Mich. 

Robert Sweaton Whisker enlisted July 27, 1861, 
in the io2d Infantry ; was badly wounded at the 
battle of Chancellorsville, and was in the hospital 
eight months ; returned to his regiment and was 
with it during its term of service ; reenlisted March 
16, 1865, in First New York Dragoons. Now in 
Lima. 

John O'Day, Corporal, Company E, 140th In- 
fantry, enlisted August 23, 1862; was slightly 
wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Decem- 
ber 13, 1862 ; remained with the regiment during 
its term of service. Now in Lima. 

Isaac White, Company A, 146th Infantry, en- 
listed July 30, 1863 ; was wounded at the battle of 
the Wilderness, absent from regiment some four 
months, returned and was taken prisoner before 
Petersburg, held three days with nothing to eat, 
and was then paroled. Now in Michigan. 

John Jefferson Hanna, Company K, 148th In- 
fantry, enlisted August 25, 1862; was taken sick 
shortly after entering the service and was in hos- 
pital nearly a year ; returned to the regiment and 
was discharged at the close of the war. Now in 
West Bloomfield, N. Y. 

Edgar Gardiner Plimpton, Company G, 104th 
Infantry, enlisted February 23, 1862; was taken 
prisoner on the Weldon railroad, confined at Salis- 
bury, N. C, seven months; was paroled and re- 
turned to Elmira, N. Y., where he died of typhoid 
fever April 2, 1864. Remains buried there. 

James Murray Bailey, Company M, 8th Heavy 
Artillery, enlisted January 3, 1864; was severely 
wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 

1864, and was afterward discharged on account of 
disability. Is now a prominent Universalist minis- 
ter in Pennsylvania. 

Henry Franklin Bushnell, Company G, First New 
York Dragoons, date of enlistment not known ; 
died in hospital at Chappel Point, Ya., May 23, 

1865, and was buried there. 

Seth Parker Buell was mustered September 5, 
1862, as Second Lieutenant in 136th Infantry; 
was promoted to Captain shortly after entering the 



service; health failed and he was obliged to resign. 
Now in Pittsburg, Pa. 

David O. Bushnell, Company G, First New 
York Dragoons, enlisted August 13, 1S62; was 
mortally wounded at the battle of Newton, Va., 
September 1, 1864, and was buried at Winchester, 
Va. 

Isaac Beebe, Corporal, Co. G, First N. Y. Dra- 
goons, enlisted July 28, 1862. Present location 
unknown. 

Florintine Brown, Co. M, 8th Heavy Artillery, 
enlisted January 19, 1864. Now in Lima. 

James Tubbs, Co. M, 8th Heavy Artillery, en- 
listed Jan. 19, 1864. Present location unknown. 

George Overt, Corporal Co. E, 136th Infantry, 
enlisted April 20, 1862. Present location not 
known. 

Caleb Clow, Co. K, iSSth Infantry, enlisted 
October 6, 1864. Now in Lima. 

Charles Edwin Hyde, Co. D, First N. Y. Dra- 
goons, enlisted July 19, 1862. 

Samuel A. Salter, Co. K, 15th Engineers, en- 
listed Sept. 4, 1864, and served until the close of 
the war. 

Franklin Levi Fifield, Co. K, 15th Engineers, 
enlisted Sept. 4, 1S64. Was with his regiment un- 
til the close of the war. Now in Honeoye Falls, 
N. Y. 

William Henry Salter, Co. K, 13th Infantry, en- 
listed in August, 1862. 

Henry Walter White, Co. B, 76th Infantry, en- 
listed July 31, 1863. Was discharged for dis- 
ability January 1st, 1864. Now in Michigan. 

Hiram Harrison Reynolds, Co. K, 148th In- 
fantry, enlisted Aug. 18th, 1862. Was detailed in 
October, 1863, as hospital steward. 

Horace Chambers, Co. K, 15th Engineers, en- 
listed Sept. 3, 1864, and served with his regiment 
until the close of the war ; dead, date unknown. 

Horatio E. Chapin, Sergeant Co. K, 15 th En- 
gineers, enlisted Sept. 3, 1864. Served with regi- 
ment until end of Rebellion. 

Henry Merritt Talman, Corporal Co. M. 2 2d 
Cavalry, enlisted March 25, 1865. Now in St. 
Louis, Mo. 

Owen Carragher, First N. Y. Dragoons, en- 
listed in August, 1862. Served faithfully during 
the war and was honorably discharged with the 
regiment. 

Martin Quigley, Corporal; date of enlistment 
unknown; was a veteran of the Crimean war; 
killed near Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1863, by 
falling from the cars as his regiment was being 



4 86 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



transferred from the army of the Potomac to the 
army of the Cumberland. 

James A. Hamilton, Quartermaster, 27th Regi- 
ment, died in Geneseo in 1877. 

Samuel Hamilton, 113th Regiment, died about 
1876. 

J. T. Baccus, died in Lima in 1879. 

Barney Kusick, died about 1874. 

Patrick Noonan, died since close of war. 

Michael Boyle, First Veteran Cavalry ; dead, 
buried in Lima. 

James O'Brian, 136th N. Y. Volunteers ; dead, 
buried in Lima. 

Marion Campbell ; dead, buried in Lima. 

Lizzie Campbell, an heroic hospital stewardess, 
died in Lima, date unknown. 

Alexander Mias, Andrew J. Darrow, left dead 
on battle field. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ALEXANDER MARTIN. 

Alexander Martin was born January 10, 1800, 
and was a son of Stephen and Bethiah Martin. 
Stephen Martin was born January 26, 1761 and 
died December 19, 1834. He was a soldier in the 
war of the Revolution, and at the time of his death 
was drawing a pension from the government for 
services rendered his country in her struggle for 
independence. His wife, Bethiah (Barrows) Mar- 
tin, was born May 4, 1764, and died March 13, 
1 841. They had eleven children, of whom Alex- 
ander was the ninth, and all are now dead. 

Alexander came to North Bloomfield over sixty 
years ago, where his father had a small foundry, 
and when he became of age, he assumed the busi- 
ness. Alexander took the care of his father and 
mother until their death, and continued the 
business for a number of years. At that time 
there was no competition in that line anywhere 
near, and his customers came from a longdistance, 
exchanging grain and barter of all kinds for his 
goods. By that means he acquired an extensive 
acquaintance and a reputation for fair dealing and 
honesty throughout the country. 

March 26, 1823, he was married to Ruth, daugh- 
ter of Simon and Ruth (Hall) Harwood. Her 
father was born August 23, 1766, and died March 
3, 1 8 16, and her mother died October 18, 1838. 

In 1826 Mr. Martin purchased and moved into 
the house in which he lived till his death. He and 
his loving wife spent over fifty years together amid 
the comforts of a pleasant home, and surrounded 
with a large family of children and grand-children. 
Their golden wedding was celebrated in 1873, 



when five of the ten children that had been born 
to them were present. In July, 1875, his wife died 
and in the same year his son, B. Franklin, also died. 
His surviving children are Amasa H. and A. 
Dwight, of Lima, Mrs. T. H. Holden, of Honeoye 
Falls, and Mrs. J. W. Davis, of Livonia Station. 

In October, 1876, Mr. Martin married the widow 
of Amos Hitchcock, and daughter of Eleazer Har- 
wood. She was a cousin of his first wife, was born 
January 29, 1814, and is still living. In 1822, 
Mr. Martin united with the Masons at Allen's 
Hill, and was one of the last two surviving mem- 
bers of Union Lodge, No. 50, of Lima, who re- 
mained true to the trusts of Free Masonry through 
the Morgan excitement. He was Masterof Union 
Lodge at one time, and also was a member of 
Morning Star Chapter of Lima. 

In politics he was a Democrat until 1848, when 
he entered into the Free Soil movement and upon 
the formation of the Republican party became one 
of its members, ever supporting its measures and 
policy with earnestness and consistency. He rep- 
resented the town of Lima in the Board of Super- 
visors several terms, and enjoyed the respect and 
confidence of a large circle of friends and acquain- 
tances in his own and neighboring counties. 

He had not been in active business for several 
years preceding his death. His was one of the 
few examples we have in these days of one who 
had accumulated a competency by close applica- 
tion to business in early life, industry and frugality, 
without deception or fraud of any kind ; one of 
whom no one could say that he had wronged them, 
and in whom the poor and needy ever found a 
friend and benefactor. He died August 8, 1877, 
from neuralgia of the heart and without a mo- 
ment's warning. His funeral services were attend- 
ed on the Friday following, from the Universalist 
church of North Bloomfield, where he had been a 
constant attendant and one of its chief and earnest 
supporters for many years. 



JAMES LAWRENCE ALVERSON, LL. D. 

James Lawrence Alverson LL. D., was born in 
the town of Seneca, Ontario county, N. Y., Oct. 
6, 1815. His father, Stephen Alverson, was the 
son of Uriah Alverson, who died in Cazenovia, N. Y., 
at the age of one hundred and two years, having 
lived an honored and useful life. 

Stephen Alverson married Amy Smith, the daugh- 
ter of David Smith, and to them were born ten 
children. After their marriage, they lived awhile 
in Utica, N. Y., where their eldest child, Richard, 
was born. They then removed to the residence of 
Mr. Smith in Seneca Falls, near Geneva, where 
their other children were born. 

In 1818, Stephen Alverson removed to Perry, 
N. Y., which was then in the midst of a dense forest, 
and connected with neighboring places only by an 
Indian trail. Mr. Alverson was a pioneer, both at 
Seneca Falls and Perry. He and his family were 





,fcy^ 



■^-a^y^y^ee^ 



-^o^j 










(^^ ■ of! &L6v-C*-> 0~**J 



JAMES LAWRENCE ALVERSON, LL. D. 



4S7 



hardy and knew how to endure privation and toil. 
He and his wife were consistent Christians. She 
was distinguished for superior natural abilities, 
great discernment and practical wisdom. 

Dr. Alverson was fortunate in having such par- 
ents, from whom he inherited a fine constitution, 
and under their training and example he was pre- 
pared for the noble and successful career he pur- 
sued. He remained with his parents on the farm 
in Perry till his eighteenth year when he became a 
student in Genesee Wesleyan Seminary. From his 
early childhood he manifested great love for study, 
and devoted all the time he could command, to 
reading. He was thoughtful and earnest in his 
inquiries, and his conduct was in every way be- 
coming and exemplary. At the early age of eleven 
he became a member of the church. This course 
was then much more unusual than now. His 
mother regarded him as a Christian from the age 
of five years. 

After completing his preparatory studies in the 
Seminary, he entered the Wesleyan University, at 
Middletown, Conn., from which he graduated with 
honor in 1S38. 

On the sixth of the following September he mar- 
ried Emily Bennett, the daughter of Jeremiah and 
Mary Bennett. She was descended from a hardy, 
pioneer family. Her grandfather, James Bennett, 
emigrated from Vermont to Genesee county when 
it was a wilderness, driving nine horses and a yoke 
of oxen the entire distance, over roads almost im- 
passable. He was a good and influential man, and 
though a layman he established and conducted 
religious services in the community where he re- 
sided till the services of a clergyman could be 
obtained willing to share their hardships. Her 
parents were worthy people, highly respected and 
esteemed. Her father lived a life of strict integ- 
rity and usefulness, and her mother gave a noble 
example of cheerfulness, equanimity and self-denial. 
After his graduation, Dr. Alverson became the 
principal of an academy in Elmira, N. Y., and in 
1 841 a teacher in the Oneida Conference Seminary, 
now the Central New York Conference Seminary, 
located in Cazenovia, N. Y. In 1844 he became 
a teacher in Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, of which 
he became principal in 1847. From 1849, till his 
death, he was the Professor of Mathematics in 
Genesee College. In i860 he received from his 
Alma Mater, Wesleyan University, the degree of 
LL. D., and at different times, from other sources, 
testimonials of the high respect in which he was held. 
He labored faithfully and earnestly in the discharge 
of his duties, and with increasing influence and 
fame. He held a high rank among the scholars 
and educators of the country. Having naturally a 
good constitution, his habits being regular, tem- 
perate and in every respect exemplary, he gave 
promise of a long life. Unfortunately he was led 
to make unusual exertions under unfavorable cir- 
cumstances, and as a consequence he was violently 
seized by disease, and after a brief but very painful 
illness, he died, Sept. 12, 1864. His premature 
death caused a profound sensation, and cast a dark 



shadow of gloom over the literary institutions of 
Lima and the whole community. A large con- 
course of people, many coming from a distance 
gathered at his funeral to show for him their 
respect and esteem. The sermon was preached 
by his intimate friend, Rev. Joseph Cummings, 
D. D., LL. D., President of the Wesleyan Univer- 
sity, who as a former President of Genesee College, 
had been associated with him in his work in that 
institution and also in other difficult and very im- 
portant works. 

He died with a full and joyful assurance of the 
favor of the Redeemer, to whose service he had 
consecrated his life. 

His Christian death was a fitting close to an 
honorable, useful, devoted life. Of him we may 
well say " Blessed are the dead who die in the 
Lord, from henceforth : Yea ! saith the Spirit, that 
they may rest from their labors ; and their works 
do follow them." 

Dr. Alverson was a man of marked and varied 
abilities. His personal appearance was fine and 
indicative of true dignity and esthetic tastes. His 
habits and demeanor, even in minute things, were 
faultless. Whoever met him recognized him as a 
gentleman of refinement and culture. He had a 
lofty scorn of all that is low, mean and degrading. 
He was usually calm and had great self-control. 
Like all men of delicate feelings, he was retiring 
and reserved to all but intimate friends, hence he 
was often misunderstood, and termed cold and 
unfeeling ; but when he was aroused by real distress 
and calamity to others, his flowing tears and strong 
emotions indicated a warm and noble heart. For 
years, with more than a woman's tenderness and 
care, he cherished one bound to him by closest 
ties, who as an invalid was often helpless and en- 
dured much suffering, striving by personal atten- 
tion to lessen her pain, disappointment and sor- 
row. He did not repine or become discouraged 
in adversity, but with cheerfulness used the good 
in the present and hoped for better fortune in the 
future. 

He was cautious in forming his opinions but 
tenacious in retaining and firm in upholding them. 
He had great power over others, and great skill 
and tact in retaining his influence. As a citizen 
he favored all measures that were calculated to 
promote good order and improve the best interests 
of society. His personal efforts were untiring to 
secure these objects. 

His life work was given to his profession as a 
teacher. For this he was well qualified by natural 
endowments and acquirements ; and considering 
his methods and the results of his work he had few 
superiors. 

His mental powers were harmoniously developed 
and their action was controlled by a sound judg- 
ment and the dictates of conscience. His life, 
passed in the quiet of scholarly and professional 
pursuits, piesents no wonderful or startling inci- 
dents. Most well ordered and useful lives are of 
this character. They may not exhibit the brillian- 
cy that attracts, but they are free from the errors 



4 88 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and indiscretions too often associated with genius. 
If there are no striking deeds that excite the ad- 
miration of friends, there are none that cause to 
them humiliation and shame while they give glad- 
ness and triumph to foes. 

Dr. Alverson was not one of the multitude 
swayed by the will of the ambitious and selfish. 
He was an independent thinker and naturally a 
leader, exerting a powerful influence over others. 

His work is not ended ; his life is renewed in 
its transforming power over the lives of others. 
Though dead, he still speaks, and when his name 
shall no more be mentioned on earth it shall be re- 
membered in Heaven. 



WILLIAM VARY. 

William Vary was born in the town of Berlin, 
Rensselaer county, N. Y., July 2, 1807. He was 
the son of Samuel and Esther (Thomas) Vary, the 
former of whom was born in Duchess county Sep- 
tember 24, 1764, and died in Columbia county, 
having settled there from Rensselaer county Octo- 
ber y, 1833. The mother was born in Providence, 
R. I., April 29, 1769. They were the parents of 
ten children, four boys and six girls, only three of 
whom are now living, namely : — Mehitable, Abial 
T., now living in Marshall, Mich., and Deborah, 
the widow of the late Daniel Smith, of Wayne 
county, N. Y. Mr. Vary was a mill-wright by 
trade, but also carried on a small farm, and reared 
his boys in the latter occupation. They received 
their education at the district schools of the town 
in which they lived. In 1836 the widow of Samuel 
Vary moved with her five children, one of the 
number being William, to Lima, where she resided 
till she was eighty-three years of age, when she 
made her home with her daughter in Wayne coun- 
ty, where she died July 12, i860. Her remains 
lie buried in Oak Ridge cemetery in Lima. 

Calvin, William and Abial carried on the farm 
they had previously purchased, and which is now 
occupied by Burton A. Vary. They all lived 
together four years, and then Calvin, Hannah, Me- 
hitable and the mother moved on to the farm now 
occupied by William L. Vary. 

After the division of the family, Calvin, William 
and Abial carried on farming together several 
years, till the latter bought a farm in Caledonia and 
moved there. In the spring of 1861 he moved to 
Michigan, where he now resides. William contin- 
ued to work his farm until December 12, 1865, 
when he moved to the village of Lima. 

October 12, 1833, he was married to Sarah A., 
daughter of Peleg and Freelove (Arnold) Thomas, 
of Greenbush, N. Y. She was born December 21, 
1810. They had two children, viz : — Mary Jane, 
born December 26, 1838, and died April it, 1867, 
and Burton A., born November 3, 1841, now re- 
siding on the old homestead. Mrs. Vary died 
January 26, 1849. 



December 20, 1849, Mr. Vary married for his 
second wife, Mary E. Thomas, a sister of his first 
wife, and she died November 28, 1854. 

November 5, 1857, Mr. Vary married Sarah A. 
Kinear, of Lima, by whom he had one son — Wil- 
liam L., born May 12, i860. Mr. Vary was the 
architect of his own fortune. Without the aid of 
inherited wealth or social prestige, he made his 
way from poverty to affluence, and to a high 
position as one of the prominent agricultuiists of 
his town. His greatest pride and enjoyment was 
in his well-ordered farm and the associations and 
comforts of his delightful home and the society of 
his many friends. He died September 14, 1873. 



GEORGE HOSMER BENNETT. 

George H. Bennett was born in Avon, June 1 9, 
1820. He is the son of Augustus A. and Maria 
(Pierson) Bennett. The father was born in Con- 
necticut, July 27, 1789, and the mother was born 
May 30, 1 799. Augustus A. was the fifth of a fami- 
ly of sixteen children. His father was a mason by 
trade, and was also a local Methodist preacher, who, 
not being blessed with an abundance of this world's 
goods, was unable to give his children anything but 
a limited education. Augustus attended school 
only about six months. He learned the mason's 
trade and worked with his father at that business 
till he was twenty-one years af age, his parents, in 
the meantime, having moved from Vermont, where 
they had lived since he was an infant. 

When Augustus became of age, he located at 
Livonia, N. Y., where he worked at his trade, em- 
ploying his leisure hours in the study of Blackstone, 
and was afterward engaged in teaching school, during 
which employment he spent every spare moment in 
perfecting himself for the pursuit of his chosen pro- 
fession — law. He studied with Judge Timothy 
Hosmer, then First Judge of Ontario county, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1816, after which time 
he formed a co-partnership with George Hosmer, 
son of the Judge already spoken of. 

March 10, 1818, he was married, and followed 
the practice of his profession in Avon the sixteen 
years following, during twelve of which he was 
alone, having, after four years' practice, dissolved 
with his partner. 

In 1833, he located in Lima, where he remained 
until 1839, when he mysteriously disappeared and 
has never been heard of since. He was a man of 
magnificent presence, of large legal attainments, 
and ranked among the foremost lawyers of Western 
New York. His wife died May 4, 1879. Six chil- 
dren were born to them, viz : — Sarah A. wife of 
Jeremiah Whitbeck, of Rochester ; George H. ; 
Mary W. wife of Leander Mix, of Batavia, now of 
Wheeling, West Virginia ; Charles J. a resident of 
Australia, for the past thirty years ; Jane E. wife 
James L. Page, of Rochester ; and James A. who 
married Rowena Warfield, of Ontario county, and 




Phot., by Metre!!. < 




^W70£44t, 







GEORGE HOSMER BENNETT — FRANKLIN B. FRANCIS. 



489 



is now residing in Prattsburgh, Steuben county, 
N. Y. 

George H. lived at home till he became seven- 
teen years of age, and attended the Genesee Wes- 
leyan Seminary at Lima. He then went west to 
Lima, Ind., where he remained one year, then 
returned to Lima, N. Y., where he worked on a 
farm during the following year. 

He again went west and located at Austinburg, 
O., where he spent two years attending the acad- 
emy, and then again returned to New York State 
and located in Avon, where he immediately com- 
menced preparing him- 
self for a physician. In 
1844, he was enrolled 
as a student with Dr. 
John F. Whitbeck, 
then of Lima, with 
whom h e remained 
four years. He then 
attended one course of 
lectures at the Geneva 
Medical College, and 
one course of lectures 
in the medical depart- 
ment of the University 
at Buffalo, whence he 
was graduated in 1 848. 
Immediately following , 
this he settled in Lima, 
where he his since fol- | 
lowed his profession | 
with great diligence. 

Oct. 25, 1848, Mr. 
Bennett was united in 
marriage with Eliza C, 
daughter of Ernest A. 
and Mary (Johnson) 
Dunlap, of Ovid, Sen- 
eca county, N. Y. She 
was born August 5 th, 
1825. Her father died 
in 1827, aged about 
thirty-seven years. He 
was a farmer and surveyor, and was clerk and sur- 
rogate of Seneca county two terms, and died 
while still in office. Her mother died in 1848 
aged forty-eight years. Three children were born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap, viz : — Mary Jane, who 
died at the age of twenty ; Eliza C, and Ernest 
Augustus, who died in infancy. 

To Dr. and Mrs. Bennett have been born eleven 
children, as follows: — Mary Jay, wife of W. W. 
Pierce, of Des Moines, Iowa; Charles A., who 
died at the age of twenty-six ; Sarah M., who died 
in infancy ; Emma M., wife of Sidney T. Palmer, 
of Wayne county, N. Y. ; George D., now a prac- 
ticing physician at Honeoye Falls, N. Y. ; John 
W., a medical student in the University of Penn- 
sylvania, at Philadelphia ; Eliza P., Helen E., 
Jason J., Ernest W., and Amanda J. 

The doctor united with the Presbyterian church 
twelve years ago, and his wife has been a member 
of the same for twenty-five years. 




In politics Dr. Bennett is a Democrat. Person- 
ally he has never indulged in any desire for politi- 
cal preferment, though at all times deeply inter- 
ested in the general welfare of his party. He has 
kept pace with the advancements of the age, pos- 
sessing strong powers of application and a well 
balanced mind. He is best known in the com- 
munity as a physician, though always looked up to 
as a man of ideas. His cheerful countenance and 
disposition make his presence in the sick room, in 
no ordinary way a source of consolation to his 
patients, and the high regard in which he is held 

by all classes, clearly 
shows that he not only 
enjoys but is eminently 
entitled to the name 
of friend. 



ii! "'"""' 'm%\w™ ■ ;: ""' 



FRANKLIN 

B. FRANCIS. 

Franklin B. Francis 
was born in Spring- 
port, Cayuga county, 
Dec. 4, 1826. He is 
a son of Sylvester and 
Love (West) Francis, 
of Cayuga county. His 
father was born July 9, 
1804, and his mother 
March 24, 1804. The 
former was a native of 
Wallingford, Ct., and 
son of Elihu and Lydia 
Francis, also natives 
of Connecticut. The 
mother of our subject, 
Love West, was a 
native of Vermont and 
a daughter of John 
and Phebe West. 
Sylvester Francis moved with his family to 
Livonia in 1831, from his former home in Cayuga 
county. He settled about two miles south of 
Livonia Centre, where he lived until he became 
incapacitated by being thrown from a mo' 
machine. About 1867 he removed to Livonia 
Station, where he still resides. 

Mrs. Love Francis, died May 7. l8 37, leaving 
the following five children :— Franklin B. ; Andrew 
J., born June 26, 1828, now residing at Austin, 
Nevada; Charles L., born May 10, 1831, died in 
Calforniain i860; John W., born Aug. 12, 1833, 
died in Minnesota in 1864; and Jay, born Nov. 
20, 1836, now residing in Portland, Oregon. 

Sylvester Francis married for his second wife, 
Eliza Coe. by whom he has had two children, 
viz. :— Lydia, now the wife of George B. Dunlap, 
of Pittsburgh, Pa. ; and Emma, who died in 1862, 
aged twenty-two years. 

Franklin B. was brought up on his father's farm. 



49° 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



and attended the common schools of his town until 
he was thirteen years of age, when he was placed 
in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, where 
he remained about five years, attending the spring, 
summer and fall terms, and teaching a district 
school during the winter months. 

In 1850, he left Lima, and from that time till 
1850 he taught school in the different towns, when 
at the latter date he was appointed professor of 
mathematics and natural science in Temple Hill 
Academy at Geneseo. His health failing, he was 
obliged to leave Geneseo, and accordingly located 
on a farm in the town of Lima, where he has lived 
since. 

April 28, 1853, he was united in marriage with 
Mariette E., only daughter of Isaiah and Delina 
(Kinney) Terry, of Lima. She was born Aug. 16, 
1834. Her father who was born in Colebrook, N. 
H., Nov. 6, 1797, has been a resident of the same 
street in Lima, since 1808. His wife was born in 
South Manchester, Conn., July 5, 1803, and mar- 
ried in 1829. Previous to her marriage, she lo- 
cated in Lima (in 1821) and was a resident of that 
place till her death April 3, 1878. She was a lady 
of unusual vigor, both mentally and physically and 
was a fitting type of that sturdy pioneer race of 
whom but here and there one remains as a re- 
minder of a past heroic age. 

Sept. 23, 1879, Mr. Terry was married to Eliza- 



beth A. Griswold. of Avon. Isaiah Terry, learned 
the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and followed 
that occupation up to the year i860, having built 
some of the most substantial and handsome resi- 
dences in the town of Lima and vicinity. He is 
still hale and hearty and in the possession of his 
faculties to a remarkable degree. 

Franklin B. our subject, has for the past thirty 
years followed engineering and surveying. In i860 
he was elected school commissioner for the north- 
ern district of the county and served three years,was 
reelected in 1866 and served another three years. 

In politics he is a staunch Republican. In 1870 
and '71, he was corresponding agent at Buffalo for 
the publishing house of Harper & Bros. In reli- 
gious sentiment he is a Presbyterian, and with his 
wife has been a member of that church in Lima 
about fifteen years. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Francis 
seven children as follows : — George C. born Feb. 
23, 1854, died Feb. 18, 1876; Frank Terry, born 
April 14, 1856, died Aug. 14, i860; Delia Delina, 
born April 10, i860, died Sept 23, 1864; Alta 
Love, born May 29, 1867, died Jan. 23, 1868; 
Etta Delina, born Aug. 11, 1869; Stella H. born 
Dec. 8, 1872; and Delbert Isaiah born Aprill 11, 
1878. By adoption May 29, 1867, they also have 
one daughter, Minnie Gage who was born Dec. 26, 
1863. 



Names of Citizens 

WHO ASSISTED AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE BISTORY OF 
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, WITH PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



AVON. 

Abbey John, p o South Avon, grain farmer and stock dealer, 140 
acres, has been highway commissioner; parents Ly- 
man and Hannah Abbey, who came from Massachu- 
setts, settled 1814. 

Arnold William N.. p o Livonia Centre, teacher, born Providence, 
R. L, August 3, 1856; parents George and Abby Arnold, 
settled 1872; wife Nellie Gilbert, born Conesus. 

Beckwith Jeremiah, p o East Avon, grain and stock farmer. 260 
acres: father Seth Beckwith, was born Connecticut, 
and an early settler, mother Thanklul Seymour. 

Bronson Emily, p o East Avon, grain and stock dealer, 157 acres, 
born Sherburne, Chenango county, settled 1858 bu 
band Philander K. Bronson, born April 27, 1825, mar- 
ried December 10, 1860. died March 18, 1868, on the 
steamer "Magnolia," Ohio river; children one, May. 

Bryan L. H , p o East Avon, grain farmer, 152 acres, born Avon 
February 17, 1840; father Amasa Bryan; wife Nora 
Anderson born Chenango county, married 1870; chil- 
dren three, Allen A., "William M., Amasa. 

Beckwith Dwight M., p o Avon, dairy farmer, 138 acres, born 
Avon 1852: father Russell Beckwith, was supervisor 
1863-4, was active in raising troops for the late war, 
died October 25. 1864: grandfather Seth Beckwith. 

Bristol Albert G., p o East Avon, grain farmer and stock dealer, 
128 acres, born Canaan. Columbia county, 1812, settled 
1836, has been assessor six rears; parenrs Elipbalet 
and Lucy Bristol; wife Miranda Lockwood, born Ca- 
naan, married 1835: children five. 

Brown Joseph, p o Avon, manufacturer and dealer in boots and 
shoes, born June 28, 1838, settled 187!»; parents William 
and Lovina Brown; wife Angeline Gallagher, married 
January 7, 1864; children two. Ellsworth. Edwin J. 

Bronson John Henry, p o Avon, proprietor railroad eating 
house, boru Livonia October \.'7, 1842, has been village 
treasurer; parents Chauncy and Permelia Bronson; 
grandfather Elnathan Bronson ; wife Margaret E Had 
ley, boru Rochester, married 1872. 

Cole George H., p o Avon, farmer and ice dealer, 30 acres, boru 
1824, settled 1856; father Timothy Cole; wife Susan 
Gillett* children three, Julius, Clara A., Kittle. 

Chapel Richard R., p o East Avon, dealer in agricultural imple- 
ments, born September 7. 1814; father Richard Chapel, 
an early settler; wife Marietta Thompson : father Da- 
vid Thompson; agent for the Syraru.sc Chilled Plow 
Company, South Bend. Indiana, Iron Works, and for 
Walter A. Wood's mower, re ape] and Belf-binder. 

Clendeuing William, p o Avon, grain and stock farmer, 452 
acres, born Canada 1835, settled 1850, is present excise 
commissioner; father .Alex. Clendening; wife Sophia 
Hall, born Bronson Hill; children two, Frank, Kugene. 

Chappell Harlow, p o East Avon, farmer and dealer in eggs and 
poultry, 12 acres, born Avon 1832, was state enumera- 
tor 1875; father Harvey Chapel of Connecticut; wife 
Harriet Mead, born Michigan; children three. 

Chappell W. T., p o South Lima, stock and grain farmer, 237 
acres, born on lot 1U8 Avon, August 32, 1810, bas been 
assessor and highway commissioner; parents Enosand 
Olive Chappell of Sangerfield, Mass.; wife Julia A, 
Ransom, born Plainville. Ohio. 

Collins Martin, p o South Lima, farmer, grain and > ■ 1- dealer, 
44 acres, born Livonia, 1855; wife Elizabeth Dalton, 
married I s !' 1 



Carter William, p oAvon, attorney and counsellor bom Eng 
laud July 28, isis, settled 1872, has been justice of the 
peace, read law with Judge Morgan of Rochester was 
r» -i admitted 1879; wife Emma Andrews; children 

Dailey Ihomas, p o Avon, farmer, 60 acres, born Rush Monroe 
county, June!*, 1806, settled 1869, has been justice of 
the peace, highway commissioner and overseer of the 
poor; parents Thomas an. I Margaret Dailey, who set- 
tled in town of Rush 1800; wife Lovina L. fthi 
children four, Euphemia, George W„ Hiram David 
Lois Adelaide. 

Dusinberre Charles B., po East Avon, saw and cider mills 16 
acres, born Ulster county 1838, settled 1837; parents 
Samuel and Elenora Dusinberre; wife Martha Gilletl 
born Lima, married May, 1868; children 1, Mary (i 

Davis James, p o Avon, farmer. 3 acres, born Otsego county 
1802, settled 18:;0; father Robert Davis, an earli 
tier; wife Sophia Herrington; children six. 

Davis E. H., p o Avon, publisher "Livingston County Herald" 
and postmaster. 

Fist Frederick B., p o Avon, cotton broker, did business in 
Memphis. Tenn . born 1819. diedOctObei 28, 1868; fath- 
er Ebenezer Fisk; wife Lory Fisk, born .Memphis 
Tenn.: children three, Frederics B Jr Walter, Sarah, 

Gray Dr. John W.. p o Avon, physician and surgeon, born New 
York 1833, settled loan", read medloine with Dr. James 
H. Wood of New York city, and A C. Campbell Of Liv- 
ingston oouuty. attended lectures and was gradu 
from the university of New York city; fii 
gusta E, Cole, born Bennington. Vt . second wlfi I 
beth W. Fowler, born Batavla, N. Y. 

Gilbert Charles 8., p o Easl Avon custom and merchant miller, 
bornEngland 1817, settled I85fi; parental 
Hannah Gilbert : wife Mary Clark; children aix. John 
Harriet, Maitha. (hiiiles. Arthur, Alfred. 

Hulbert Joel C, p o Avon, physician and surgeon, bom Fori Ann 
N. Y , Novemtiet 12, 181S If) Btudied n I 

Abner Davis, attended lectures and was graduated 
from the Eclectic Medloal College of Pennsylva 
wife Jennie Trimmer, born Ontario OOUnty. 

Henty Horace, p o Avon, earrings manufacturer, born England 
1848, settled 1871, builds carriages, 
rows, lumber wagons and cutters, all work promptly 
done: parents Horace and Karj Henty t wife Harriet 
F. Orman, born England 1850 marrit I 181 
Ave; parents William and Eliza Orti 

Harris William J., p o East Avon, far □ ■ n Duch- 

.i f O 
.<■ two terms; parents Joseph va ., and k.h be! Har- 
i is; wife Mary Wilbur childr 
C. Edward J., Eh raim Wilbur, 

Hogmire Austin, p o South Avon, fanner. 153 ai \\on 

April 1 1, 1881*, ha,-- been I Hoh 

mire; grandlatber Jonas Bogmire wbo purchase 
000 acres of land Id \\ m and sent his two so 
make the first settlements: wile .Margaret Vai 
children two. Frank A . Emrn I 

Hue&tis Frank, p o Fast Avon, fai b Avon May 

ii. 1854; parents James C., and Charlotte Huestis, 

Hauehett Erastus, p born Bone- 

t.. 8th 
New ', ! iiv Hanoh 

Kred- 
die, Daniel 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Ilovey Marvin, p o East Avon, farmer. 170 acres, born Lima Oc- 
tober 5, 1811: wife Ptaebe Brown, born New Jersey; 
children seven, Henry M . Celeetia E., Millard P., Ed- 
ward J., George R., Hah ina T Karshfleld P. 
Hillman Silas, p o East Avon, farmer, 220 acres, bom Lowville, 
Lewis county, N resettled 1838; parents David and 
Lucinda Hillman. who settled on this farm in 1883. 
Huston Alexander, p o Genesee, farm) I 390 acres, born Ireland 
1820, settled May 15, ]846; father David Huston, 
who died 186? aged 85 years; mother Jane Huston, 
who died 18 8 aged 71 years; wife Sarah Madell, max 
ricd 1870; children five", Alexander. Jane, Nancy, Jem- 
ima, Sarah. 
Hillman John Y , p oAvon, farmer. 122 a sres, born Lewis coun- 
ty November Hi, 1816, settled 1838; father David Ilill- 
man, born Martha's Vineyard; mother Lucinda Cole, 
born Vermont. 
Hillman S., p o East Avon, farmer. 

Johnson Leicester, p o Avon, farmer, 96 acres, bom on lot 203, 
Avon 1834, is present assessor; father Leicester John- 
son, who settled with Ins father David Johnson 1800; 
wife Ann Jennette Hart, born Mt Morris, married 1881. 
Jenks Dr. James E., p o East Avon, physician and surgeon, born 
East Avon August 11, 1832, settled 1856. studied medi- 
cine with G. W. Hanna of East Mendon, N. Y . attend- 
ed lectures and was graduated from New York city 
medical college 1856. 
Johnson Seymour, p o Avon, farmer, 351 acres, born on this 
farm 1832; father Leicester Johnson, who came here 
with his father 1805; mother Julia A. Blcknell; broth- 
er E. Johnson, mayor of Buffalo ; wife Anna B. W 
Jenks Mary L., p o East Avon, farmer. 120 acres, born Ogden, 
Monroe county; parents Aaron and Lois Barber; chil- 
dren two, William Aaron, Louisa Al. 
Knowles Calvin, p o Avon, lawyer, has been justice of the peace 

and town clerk. 
Knowles Paul, settled 1808; wife Betsey Knowles, settled 1806, 

married 1811, settled on present homestead 1815. 
Kellogg Francis, p o South Avon, farmer. 183 acres, born Cale- 
donia May H, 1S01, is justice of the peace, has held 
office 12 years; wife Helen M. Hogmire, married 1853; 
children five; father John Kellogg, was born at Col- 
cheater, Conn., 1792, settled 1811, came on foot and 
drove an ox team. 
Kennard W. W., p o Avon, printer, born Canada December 2. 
1856, settled 1878; wife Ida E. Brundage, born New 
York, married July 8, 1879; parent ■ Richard and Jane 
Kennard, born England, and are residents of Wayne 
county. 
Knowles Miss A E., p o Avon, farmer. 

Light E p o Avon, proprietor of Glen Avon mills, born Lower 
Canada 1K47, settled 1875, father Charles Light, cue 
torn and merchant miller, dealer in Hour, feed and 
grain; wife Adaline Caswell, born Rochester. 
Landon Cortez, p o East Avon, farmer, 180 acres, horn on this 
farm November 6, 1830, is present assessor; parents 
Egbert and Manila Dorman Landon: wife Sarah 
Warner, born Lima; children four, Louise, Mabel, 
Walter and an infant. 
Landon Egbert, po East Avon, retired fatmer, 80 acres, born 
Stockbridge. Mass.. 1810, settled 1812; parents Luther 
and Rachel Landon; 1st wife M aril la Dorman, 2d. 
Harriet Davidson; children four, Helen, Cortez, Giles, 

Low William P., p o South Avon, farmer 136 acres, born Ovid, 
Seneca county, October 15. 1823, settled 183.', hasbeen 
excise commissioner, census enumerator 1875 and is 
present assessor; father Garret. Low, born New Jer- 
sey ; wife Prudence A. Fuller, married 1815. 

Lacy Ephraim, p o Scottsville, farmer, 300 acres, born Orange 
county March 17, 1788, setted 1810, died February S3, 
1866, has been highway commissioner and assessor: 
wife Mary Dickinson, born Vermont, married I8l9; 
children four, Yolney. Mary Ann, Daniel, Charlotte, 
who died 1841. 

Lacy L. A., p o Avon, grain, hop and stock farmer, 38 acres, 
born Perry, Wyoming county, January 12, 1844, settled 
is; [ ; parents David and Lucy Lacy who settled 1834; 
wife Imogene Eggleston, married October 37, 1869; 
children three, Charles E , Willie E., George E. 

Lyth Christopher, p o Avon, brick and tile manufacturer, born 
England, settled 1862; parents Francis and Ann Lyth. 

Millimau J. N., p o East Avon, blacksmith, l'_ acres, born Ohio 
[825, settled 1833: father Hiram Milliman an early set- 
tler; first wife Adaline Case; children three; second 
wife Margaret Barlow; children one. 

McPherson Daniel, p o Avon, retired fanner, 190 acres, born 
Delhi, Delaware county August 17, 1808. settled 1815, 
has been captain of militia, supervisor, highway com 
inissioner and assessor ; wife Jane Caldor. born I Ion 
not: tic ut, settled 1810, married 1828: children four. 
James A., John R.. Daniel, Jane E , who died October 

8, i*7 ; 

McPherson Joseph lb, born York 1840, was sergeant and 2d 
Lieutenant 8th New York Cavalry, was wounded at 
Stevensburgh, Va., October 1868 and died in Washing- 
ton a few days afterwards, was in sixteen battles with 
st l j x. Y Cavalry, is buried iii the cemetery at Avon. 

McPherson J. R.. p o and residence Washington. D. C, born 
York, has been state seuator of New Jersey, and is 
now U. S. senator of New Jersey and chairman naval 
senate committee; wife Miss Gregory, born Buffalo; 
children two. 



McPherson J. A.,' p o Avon, superintendent rial ional stock yards 
at depot New York city, was in 86th New York inde- 
pendent Battery, and quartermaster at New Orleans, 
captain New York < 'avalry, was commissioned colonel, 
was assistant provost marshal of general defenses 
south of the Potomac, and was wounded in battle of 
< Farter's farm. Ya 
Newman I. R.. p Last Avon, proprietor East Avon Hotel, born 
Lima June 'J I, 1816; parents Joel and Jerusba New 
man who settled 18&0; wife Catharine Covert, born 
near Hud on, died August 23, 1878; children three, 
Smith H., W. S„ fsadore L. 
Newman W. S., p o Avon, attorney and counsellor at law. born 
Lima, was chairman of board Of supervisors, read law 
with H. J. Wood, commenced practice 1ST!. 
Nowlen G. H., p o Avon, farmer. 30 acres, born Avon 1825, has 
been assessor and village trustee; father Asa Nowlen 
who settled 1812; wife Helen Fowler, born Steuben 
county, married December 20, 1854; children two. 11. L , 
George F. 
Nott Henry A . p o East Avon, retired, born England 1816, set- 
tled 1840, has been justice of sessions and justice of 
the peace sixteen years; wife Mary Ashley, born Gen- 
esee county; children one, H W. A. 
Nash Edwin A., p o Avon, lawyer, born Lower Canada, settled 
1842, was district attorney of Livingston county ISTO 
70. and was elected county judge 1878; wife Frances 
A. Morgan, born Lima, married 1663; children one. 
Pierson F. B., p o East Avon, farmer and stock raiser. 250 acres 
born Avon Novembei 22, 1806; father Joseph Pierson. 
born Connecticut, settled 1797 on lot ti8 died Decem- 
ber H', 1843; mother Sarah Pierson. died September 
17, 1810 : wife Frances Janette Gibson, born Cobles- 
kill. N. Y.; children two, ;-arah A., Frances Janette; 
parents Kasson and Sabrina Gibson, who died, the 
former August 6, 1850, and the latter August 84, 1861, 
Pearson Hiram, p o Avon, farmer, 100 acres, born Avon Septem- 
ber 21. 1805; parents Jesse and Lydia Pearson, horn 
Vermont, settled on lot 68 and died, the former Janu- 
ary 10, 1837, and the latter January 12, 1849, in her 
eighty-eighth year; wife Lovisa Hendee, born Sud- 
bury. Yt., married October 3, 1827; children two, An- 
nette, Amaryllis; parents Ephriam and Lovisa Hendee 
who settled 1810. 
Pearson S. B., p o East Avon, farmer, 70 acres, born Avon Octo- 
ber 22, 1815, has been assessor seven years and high- 
way commissioner two years; father ira Pearson was 
born 1793, settled on lot 113, 1. '.'.'>. died February 1 *, 
1850; wife Emily Chapel, born Avon 18 5, married 1843; 
children four; rather John Chapel. 
I'.ittcr Ira B., p o Avon, engineer, born Avon 1889, father 0. D. 
Potter: wife M. Clende'-dng. married (857; children 
Emma L. 
Pat tee William E.. p o Avon, proprietor Pattee House, born 
New Hampshire 1812, settled May 1, ink), has been 
superintendent of schools and justice of the peace; 
father Savony Pattee: wife Irena L. Brown, born 
Lima; children two, Lydia Alice, Albertina Louisa. 
Palmer G. T. , p o East Avon, farmer, merchant, postmaster and 
dealer in stock, 100 acres, born Connecticut, settled 
1828; fath.-r David H. Palmer; grandfather David 
Palmer who was killed at Fort Griswold, Conn., 1782. 
Primer D. W. C, p o Avon. 

Rogers George B., p o Avon, farmer, 78 acres, born Avon 1840. 
father John Rogers, born Colchester, Conn., settled 
1828; wife Ellen E. McKenzie. born Caledonia; chil- 
dren four, Willie L.. George B., Ella E., Charles W. 
Rose H. M., p o Fowlerville, farmer born Geneseo, l&JS; parents 
Conklin and Eliza Rose, settled 1830: wife Clarissa A. 
Griswold, born Conesus, married 1809; children one, 
Frederick H. 
Ryan Michael, p o East Avon, farmer 6>J acres, born November 
11, 1S07. settled 1851; parents Michael and Catharine 
Ryan; wife Hannah Clancey; children five, Catharine, 
Mary, Michael, Jr.. Bridget, Ellen, 
Stevens Edwin I., p o Avon Springs, farmer, 225 acres, born Or- 
leans county March .">. 1834, settled 1668, is present as- 
sessor; father David Stevens, born Vermont 1798, died 
November 2, 1865: mother Maria P. Stevens, born 1802, 
dud November 13, 187H; wife Julia B. Deming, married 
1868, died June 22, 1875; children two, Andrus D., John 
D. 
Smedley Dr. L. G . p <> Avon Springs, magnetic physician, 2.'} 
acres, born West BloOmfielH, settled 1869; wife Emily 
J. Culver, married October 25, [855; children live. 
Smith Thomas, p o South Avou, farmer, 128 acres, born England 
April !i, 1806, settled 1850; parents Edward and Betsey 
Smith: wife Lucy Fridd, born England; children live, 
.Anna, Betsey, Mary, John. Geo 
Sherman Hiram S., p o East Avon, farmer, 190 acres, born 
Duchess county J8;iii, settled January 6, 1880, has been 
sor and collector in Duchess county; father 
Hiram Sherman who died 1875; greatgrandfather built 
the quaker meeting house on Quaker Hill 120 years 
ago; wife Martha E. Denton, born Duchess county, 
married 1 s">ti ; children 0. 
Sherman Howlaud. p o East Avon, farmer, 105 acres, born Paw- 
ling, Duchess county. April 17, 1822, settled 1852; fa- 
ther Henry Sherman; grandfather Abial Sherman; 
greatgrandfather Benj. Sherman who settled 1764 and 
bad three sons in the Revolutionary war; wife Mary 
Price, Lorn Monroe county, 1824, married 1847; chil- 
dren three. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



Stapley Seaman, p o Avon, farmer. 100 acres, born county of 
Kent, England, 1880, settled 1810; parents Charles and 
Jane Stapley; wife Catharine Durey: children three 
Torrance M. D., p o East Avon, farmer, 130 acres born Yates 
county 1817. settled 1837; parents Elchard and Eliza- 
beth Torrance; wife Eliza J. Bryan, born Avon- chil- 
dren three, Floyd R.. Belle A., Edith D 
Thompson L. W., p o East. Avon, farmer, 30 acres, born Cherry 
Valley 1832, settled 185S; parents Philo and Rachel 
Thompson, has been assistant revenue assessor two 
years, notary public two terms and justice of the 
peace eight years; wife Sarah E. Chappell, married 
1860; children three. 
Vaness Moses A., p o Avon, retired. » 4 acre, born Canada East 
March 3, 1811, was in the Florida war, company D 1th 
regiment of Infantry; wife Sarah Jane Darrow- chil- 
dren four. Moses A., Mary, Frederick, William. ' 
Webb James C, p c Avon, farmer, born Rochester September 
3, 1826, settled April, 1813; parents Charles and Mahala 
Webb; wife Elizabeth Mann; children one, Maud 
Wiard Henry, p o East Avon, farmer, 117 acres, born Avon 1815, 
has been commissioner of highways fifteen years; 
parents Thomas and Susan Wiard who settled 1807* 
first wife Caroline Palmer; second wife Amanda Lan- 
don; children two, Julia, Frederick. 
Wiard Hon. Mathew, p o East Avon, farmer, 65 acres, has been 
commissioner of highways, justice of the peace, mem- 
ber of Legislature two terms, 1861-63. and supervisor- 
parents Thomas and Susan Wiard who settled 1801. 
Whaley D. B., p o East Avon, farmer. 68 acres, born Avon on lot 
111, 1810; father Daniel B. Whaley; wife Louisa M 
Calvert, married 1863; children two, Catharine L 
John B. 
Wright Norman, p o Avon, farmer 64 acres, born on this farm 
1831; father Jasper Wright, settled 1887; wife Harriet 
Covert, born Lima 1836; children three. 
Wright Herman, p o East Avon, farmer. 143 acres, born on lot 
89, 1844; parents Jasper and Clarissa Wright who set- 
tled on lot 103; wife Ida M.Cook; children two. Carl 
C. and Jasper H. 
Wright Elwyn R.. p o Avon, undertaker, born Webster. Monroe 
county, settled February 1,880; father Charles S 
Wright; wife Alice Willard, born Webster, Monroe 
county; children one, Charlie. 
Whiting E. J., p o Avon, boot and sho3 dealer, is President of 
the village, born Guilford. Chenango county, Septem- 
ber 18, 1838; parents John and Roxanna Whiting; wife 
Eliza E. Mahar; children one, Charles F. 
Wadsworth Asahel W., p o Avon, farmer, 36 acres, born Avon 
1815, has been highway commissioner and overseer of 
the poor; father Ezekiel Wadsworth ; grandfather Gad 
Wadsworth who took up 500 acres of land on which 
the springs are located; wife Mary Ann Chase, born 
Avon; children four. 
Waldo Reuben G., p o Avon, manufacturer of all kinds of car- 
riages, lumber wagons, democrat wagons, etc.; father 
Reuben Waldo who settled 1815; wife Mary E. Avery, 
born Avon, married 1864; children four, Frank, Minnie, 
Mabel, Charles. 



CONESUS, 

Armstrong Francis, p o Seottsburgh, farmer, 200 acres, born 
New London county, Conn., August 39, 1793, settled 
February 17, 1817, has beeu commissioner of highways, 
is the only surviving member of a family of fifteen 
children; wife Susan Rudd, bora Ireland 1817, settled 
1831, married April 5, 1WU. 

Allen Gilbert, p o Webster's crossing, farmer, grain and stock 
dealer, 225 acres, born Washington county January 7, 
1815, settled 1818; 1st wife Angelina Allen, died 1852; 
children Electa Ann, born October 18, 1847, Mary J., 
born February 15, 1844, Sanford B., born July 30, 1849, 
Jannette, born March 33, 1854; 3d wife Laura W. Tall- 
man, born Cayuga county, married April 4, 1854; chil- 
dren one. Winter O., born November 9, 1861. 

Clark Jotham, p o Conesus. farmer, 150 acres, born Milton, Sara- 
toga county, March 8th, 1794, settled April 13, 1817, has 
been supervisor four terms, highway commissioner 
and poor master thirteen years; wife Mary Ann Ad- 
ams, born Vermont August 22, 1794, married April '■ 
1817; children nine, Harriet, born January 3, 1818, died 
December 4, 1844. Ozra, born March S3, 1823, Wealthy, 
born February 18, 1820, died April :io, 1846, Ezra W., 
born February 20, 1824, John Adams, bum July II, 
1826, died July 28, 1858, Mnry Ann. born October 5, 
1828, DeVVitt Clinton, born May 30, 1881, Jotham. Jr., 
born September 15, 1833. Matilda W.. burn May 10, 1841. 

Clark Jotham, Jr., p o Conesus. farmer, 180 acres, born Conesua 
September 15, 1833, has been assessor three terms and 
supervisor two terms; 1st wife Celia A. Hart, married 
November 12, 1862, died September '., l s '>*; children 
one, Alice L , born September 24, 1863; 3d wife Eliza- 
beth J. Hart, born Coresus, married June .' I 

Clark Ezra W., p o Conesus Centre, farmer, 400 acres, bori 
esus February 20. 1824, has been ass 
and supervisor five terms; wife America J, Alien, born 
July 4,184", married January I. 1866; children three, 
John Adams, born January 27, 1867, tfarj A . 

born May 24, 1872, America M., born July l, 



ChapmOmlleM.i i 

Conesus 5m ra mth regiment 

years; wife Lucia M Woodruff, born Livonia July 36 

K SaE v d Sep t emb %£ ,85fl obildrentwo, \ 
bom I860, A erna, born 1870 
Coleman David, po Conesus Centre, farmer. 58 acres bom New 
• l,,r -- - 15, 1H2. settled ]v.- ( . has been high- 

W W ''';"""' ■ >ver thirty rears: 

wire Elsie Gray, born New Jersey April 3* 1816 mar' 
Safi^l^T 18 ? 5 children twelve torn rane, died 
km*. KllzabetnJ., born January 28, 1836 .M.ml.ln born 

July-. 1842 Wealthy A., born September 15, 1844 
. i.,.-i, February 8, 1847, Delighl A .bornJamia 
850, dud June ID, 1851, Adel, Lor., .March -.'. 1852 
1858. David M . born Marcb.27, 1854, Elsie L„ born An 

,-., , r 5°, ■ „ 6 ' Lew l8 P-, born January 25, 

Clark Daniel, p o Conesus Centre, (aimer, u .,, \Vr 

mom May,'. 1810, settled 1832; Isl wife Lovlno U l.v 
'"'"••• l ""' 11 "'in \ li.lv l.i. 1814 man ii d 

January 19, 1884, died No 
Charles F, born February 12, 

George H, born January 23, i- ,. James F born 
January 12, 1839, Ban V. . born March B, 1842 
November 11. 1866, Edwin A . born June 2, 1858 died 
October 14, 1857; 2d wife Alvira a born Way 

land. Steuben county, December 18 1858 married 
August 1. 1879. 

Cue George F . p o Conesus Centre, farmer and supervisor 

Cole B. F., p o Scoltsburgh. fanner. 

Durkee G. W., p o Conesus Centre, farmer, 71 acres, horn Cona- 
sus September 6, 1835, I ... 

wife Harriet E. Payne, born C sua Hay 12 l84v, 

married Decemlier 25, 1861; children ten '.Mice E 
born February 27, 1864. Seward Ii. born April 19 1886 
John E.. born January 19, 1867, Lena L.. born I Ictober 
1, i v '< s . Ham- E . born November 12, 1870. Arlington 
born February ■Ji. 1872. Charles W., born February 28, 
1674, Daisy L , born Ootober 18.1875, Frank I., born 
February as. 1877, Willard P., born September 25 1878 

Degraw T.. p o Conesus c.-ntre. farmer, 150 acres bornl 

Novenil,. r 15, 1883; wife s»rah X. Monroe, born Pen- 
field, Monroe county. March II, 1 8411, married Septem- 
ber 15, lMtiti; children two. Minnie F., Verna E, 

French Sireno, p o South Livonia, retired insurance agent and 
farmer. '.12 acres, born Onondaga county Aligns! 12 
1S10, settled IS.",; : wife Jane Eli/.abi I b Wliilin | . I , , . r i . 

Richmond. Ontario county, January 8, 1818, mai i led 
May 14, 1835; children three, Julia Amelia, born Ann! 
17. 183S, Hyron N., born October 17, 1837, .Minerva E . 
born June 2, 1842, 

Gray William T., p o Conesus Centre, farmer ?80 acres born 
New Jersey January 21, 1828. settled 1885; 1st wll 
lome Luce, born June .->, 1812. married 11. 
1851, died .May 15, I860; children tour. Helen 
March."). Is53. died August I- rles C, born 

April 14, 1855, Emma P ji. is,:. Mary s . 

born November 18, 1859: 2d wife .Mary A.Clark, born 
Octobera. 1828, married November 23, 1871. 

Gould W. T.. p o Conesus Centre, farmer 15 acres, born .Murray, 
Orleans county, August 20, 1823, Bottled April 
wife Susan Neff, born Livonia March. 27, 1829, married 
Ootober 13, 1869. 

Gilbert William H.. p o Conesus Centre, farmer. 105 acres, born 
Richmond, Ontario county, October 28, 1828, settled 
1834, wife; Julia A. Carnes, born Scotteburgb, Oc- 
tober 3, 1838, ma I 10,1855; children live. 
Estella BL, born July 9, 1856, Nettie i; . born Jsi 
28, 1864, William Sherman born August .. 1868, Henry 
Nelson, born January 17, 1871, l.uella 1 b 'in January 
27,1879. 

Gray Rancehaun, p o Conesus Centre, farmel 15' a< res, born 
Conesus May 5, 1831; wife Sarah M Bavcna 
Conesus August 10. 1883, married July 7, 1858; children 
eleven. Ida V . born Ootober It, 1854, James II . lean 
April 28, 1856, Nellie M . born Hay 21 1858, Frai 
born July 18, 1860, Mary I., born September 9, 1862, 

Susie E, born] mber 9. 1864. Nettie A.. I D 

cember -.';, 1866, Delia A . born January 27, 1869, E 

G.. born February 15, 1871, Jesse h' i "V 21. 

is;.-;. Joseph 3 boi n tfaj 1 1, 

Gilbert Nelson, p o Scol tsl iui gb, farmer 200 acres, bi 

October 21. 1S22. lias I, ecu assessor: wife Alta I 

born Sparta Api arrled March 14, 1851. 

Hitchcock Solomon, p o Conesus Centre, fanner. 100 

Amenia. IMicbess county. November 9, Isn't, settled 

i Ictober, 1831, Ins I d 

visor; wife Laura ■ Ida county. 

April 10, 1814, married NovemberSO, 1841; children one. 
S. Edward, hom December -\ 1858. 

Jones William, n o Conesus Centre, farmer, 115 acres, horn Au- 
burn. X. Y . April is. 1815, settled 1817, has been con- 
stable, town collector and highway commissfi 
wife Betsey D Webstei Engton counts 

V . i Ictober 3. 1820. married April 17, 1844; children four. 
Natalia M.. born April J i. 1st:,. Wmlield S . burn Novem 
ber 20, 1846, Luna J., born Mai Innie, born 

Oct i--':. 1859. 

Kuder Andrew, p o South Livonia, farmer, 

i, rove la ml November II, 1838; wife Marj I. Hlti ■ 

is, married 
three. Hal) D 'H. 

born November 17, 1874, Katn- .v. bora &L 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



McMillan David, farmer ami physician. 5-5 acres born Albany 
count; February 30, 1794, died August 29, 1837, settled 
1818; wife Alta Henderson, born Ontario county mar- 
ried lv: children seven, Charles, John H., B. P., K. 

F-. James, now in the regular army, Charlotte, 
Luna A. 
McMillan li. F. \ r F , p o Conesus Centre, farmers, 640 acre?, 
born Conesus October 8, 1829; B, F. has been supervis- 
or two terras. 
Morris William C. p o Scottsburgh, farmer. 1*5 acres, born 
Conesns AngUSl 28, I s .';. has been assessor three years; 
wife Sarah Washburn, born Naples, Ontario county, 
August 26, 1828, married April 28. 1853; children six. 
Heman w., born March 3, 1854, Addle, born March 12, 
1858, Jessie P., burn .June 85, 1881, Lillian G., born 
September 9, 1866, Mabel, bom May 15, 1869, Vivian, 
born December 18. 1871. 
McNinch J. C, p o Scottsburgh, farmer. 180 acres, born Cone- 
sus Nuvt'iiiluT .';i.i, 1*1'.', has been assessor nine years; 
wife Elizabeth A. Gray, born New Jersey June 25, 
1825, married June 7, 1849; children one, Floyd L., 
born April 17, 1850, Clark M. Gray was adopted in the 
family 1861. 
McNinch Mathew, born Northumberland county, Pa., 1781. set- 
tled 1808, was one of the earliest settlers, died l*<i5, 
was justice of the peace. 
Magee John, p o Conesus Centre, merchant, born Ireland No- 
vember 1, 1821, settled 1843. 
Perrin Mrs. R. M., p o Conesus Centre, farmer. 
Powell Tyler G.. p o Hemlock Lake, farmer, 200 acres, Iran Li- 
vonia October 13, 1815: 1st wife Maria Lowden. born 
Seneca county, died 1858; children three. Franklin T., 
George T., Elizabeth; 2d wife Mary C. Wallace, born 
Livingston county. 
Stiker Alfred, p o Conesus Centre, farmer $l}<. acres, born Co- 
nesus June 1. ]H;iT. is one of the present assessors; 
wife Frances Marion Nash, born Livonia May 25, 1818, 
married May 1. 1870: children seven, Gabriella May, 
Lawrence Clifford, Bart Edgar, Shelby Baker, Cora 
Victoria, Alfred Marion, John Samuel. 
Thomas I H., p o Scottsburgh, farmer, 120 acres, born Sparta 
October 2, 1822; wife Salinda G. Guldner, born Livonia 
October 17, 1884, married February 17, 1857; children 
three. Will, born June 11, 1858. Frank, born July 9, 
185U, S. Belle, born December 18, 18T1. 
Whiteman W. P., p o Conesus Centre, farmer, 70 acres, born 
Leicester, Livingston county, January 13, 18 8, has 

i ii highway commissioner; wife Nancy Mills, burn 

.January 30, 1836, married March 5, 1*57; adopted sou 
Henry M., born August 17, 1662. 
Wilhelm John, p o Webster's Crossing, farmer, 390 acres, born 
Milo, Yates county, September 14. 1818, settled 1829, 
has been assessur find highway commissioner, and 
present excise commissioner; wife Lora Humphrey, 
born Chenango county June ',', 1815. married April 28, 
1 848; children six. Emily, Sidney, Elsie. Solon H., Eu- 
gene B . Martha V. 
Wilhelm William B., p o Conesus Centre, farmer, 63 acres, born 
Milo, Yates county, October 15, 1825, settled 1829; 1st 
wife Pharazina Allen, lorn Conesus January 13, 1831, 
married 1849, died February 1">, 1870; children Rhoda 
A,, born January 5, i860, Sarah U„ born August 31 
1851, died June 22, 1856, Ella C, born October 2 
Mary A., burn February 17, 1856, died April 17. 1857, 
George W., born January 80, 1858, died April 8, i v, >>; 
2d wife Mary N Thompson, born Groveland August 
17, 1831. married April o, 1875. 
Webster L. J., p o Conesus t vntre, 



CALEDONIA. 

Ayres Mrs. Cornelia, p o Caledonia. 

Blackman C. W., p o Caledonia, manufacturer of grain cradles. 

Borden G. T., p o Caledonia, physician and surgeon. 

Browneli F. P., p Caledonia, farmer. 

Byan W. J., p o Caledonia, attorney and counselor. 

Cameron D. E., p o Caledonia, hardware dealer. 

Cameron Maigaret, p o Caledonia 

Cameron Margaret J., p o Caledonia. 

Campbell M. M., p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Campbell Peter P., p o * laledonia, farmei 

Clunas John, p o Fowlerville, farmer. 

Collins A. H., p Caledonia, publisher. 

Cox Darius, po Caledonia, farmer. 

Espie J. R., p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Fspie Robert B., p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Fellows John, p o Canawangns, farmer and justice of peace. 

Foote P. P., p o Caledonia, prop., Caledonia House. 

Fraser James, p o Caledonia, justice of peace and farmer. 

Gordon A. T.. p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Hamilton William, p o Caledonia, farmer, produce dealer and 

supervisor. 
Hollenbeck A., p o Avon, farmer. 
Hosraer John E., p o Caledonia, farmer. 
McLean A. H.. p Caledonia, grain and real estate dealer. 
McColl D. D.. p o Caledonia, produce dealer. 
McKay George, p o Caledonia, miller. 
MeKensie Miss Elizabeth, )> o Caledonia. 
McNaughton John, p o Caledonia, retired. 



McNaughton Peter W., p o Caledonia, builder and assessor. 

HcBae Duncan, p o Caledonia, farmer and butcher. 

Malloch James C, p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Maxwell J. A . p o S. ottsville, farmer. 

Maxwell William, p o Canawangus. farmer. 

Menzie R J., p o Caledonia, physician and surgeon. 

Mi Nab John, p o Caledouia. farmer. 

Menzie David, p o Caledonia, auctioneer. 

McVean W. J., p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Miller Alex. & Son, p o CaledODia, agricultural works. 

Mastorton William E.. n Caledonia, retired. 

HoLaohlen D., p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Orr Collin, i> o Caledonia, retired. 

Place R. M., p o Caledonia, druggist. 

Redtield N. C, po Caledonia, manufacturer of rakes. 

Renwick A., p o Caledonia, farmer. 

Rutherford Walter, p o Scottsville, farmer. 

Shaw Peter, p o Caledonia, farmer, justice of the peace and 

assessor. 
Sinclair Peter J., p o Caledonia, farmer and assessor. 
Swan C. H., p o Caledonia, maltster. 
Thompson It , \< o Caledonia, farmer. 

Walker W. 11.. p o Caledonia, dealer in general merchandise. 
Walker J. W.. p o Caledonia, retired and ex-judge. 
Walker David, p o Caledonia, farmer. 
Walker Foster W.. p o Caledonia, school commissioner. 
Weeks I^aac, p o Caledonia, farmer. 
Weeks James A., p o Caledonia, farmer. 
Wells Mrs. Frances C, p o Caledonia. 



DANSVILLE, 

Andrews B. P., p o Dansvillc, physician and surgeon, born Che- 
nango county 1856, settled 1877, is a member of county 
medical society. 

Allen S. C, p o Dansville. one of proprietors of Allen House. 

Brown Merrit II.. merchant and paper manufacturer, born Ver- 
mont ISO i, settled 181S, has been postmaster, died 
1864; wife Arvilla Danfoith, born Saratoga, married 
1829; children six. 

Burkhart A. Pereival, p o Dansville. dentist, born Cleveland, 
O., May 17, 1852, settled 1873; wife Kate S. Quigley, 
born Kushford, N. Y., married October 1, 1874; chil- 
dren one. 

Burns Brothers, 1) W., M. J., and J. E., p o Dansville, carriage 
making and trimming, all born New York, business 
established two years ago corner of Main and Frauk- 
lin streets. 

Brown Charles W , p o Dansville, physician and surgeon, born 
Steuben county September 5. is^s, settled 1877, was 
graduated from Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, 
III., 187:1 is member of Livingston county home medi- 
cal suciety; wife Sara S. Butler, brn Tioga county, 
Pa., married December 31, !*•:'.. 

Bradley I. W., p o Dansville, carriage manufactory, born Skan- 
eateles. N. Y., 1888, settled 1836; wife Frances Wool- 
ever, daughter of William Woolever, born Dansville, 
married 1872; children three. 

Bunnell A. O.. p o Dansville, editor of the "Dansville Express." 

Delis E. J., p o Dansville, photographer. 

Bailey, J. J., p o Dansville, hardware dealer. 

Cogswell William, p o Dansville, lumber merchant, born Dans- 
ville 1850; father David Cogswell; wife Mehitable 
Owen, born Schuyler county. 

Crisfield J. E.. p o Dansville, physician and surgeon. 

(lark David VV., p o Ossian, grocer. 

Dorr Robert G., p o Dansville, attorney and counselor, born 
18.™ ; father Robert Dorr. 

Dyer Daniel E., p o Dansville, retired, born Vermont 1817, set- 
tled 18,11; wife Cordelia H. Day, born Sullivan county. 

Davis M. L., p o Dansville. real estate dealer. 

Etidress Christian, clergyman, born Philadelphia 1775, settled 
1814, died I8t*7. 

Edwards Alex , p o Dansville, farmer, born Bath October 13, 
1828, settled September 1, 1847; wife Elizabeth Mc- 
Curdy. born Dansville. 

Earls Thomas, p o Dansville. grocer. 

Endress Sarah A., p o Dansville. 

Foley 1 irimi- i' (i Dansville, grocery 179 Main street, born Roch- 
ester 18J8, settled 18 in, has been village trustee, is a 
member of Catholic church; wife Celia Farney, born 
Livingstou county, married 1868. 

Faulkner Dr. James, p o Dansville, physician and surgeon, born 
Washington county 1790, settled 1797. studied in Bath 
and was graduated from College of Physicians and 
Surgeons 1810. is President of First National Bank of 
Dansville No. 75, organized 1863. 

Fielder Alfred W.. p o Dansville, carriage manufacturer, born 
Brighton. England. 1S.J7, emigrated 1847, settled 1868; 
wife Mary H. West, born New York. 

Faulkner K. S , p o Dansville, produce dealer, born Bath, Steu- 
ben county 1809, settled 1843; father is First Judge of 
Steuben county; wile E. S. Todd, born Schoharie 
county, married 1832. 

Fitzsimons S., p Dansville. clergyman. 

Gallagher Thomas E.. p o Dansville. groceries and crockery, 
born Dansville July 31, 1848, has been town clerk aud 
village trustee; wife Sarah A. McCurdy, born April 2 
1871; children two. 



\ 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



Gilman E. B.. p o Dansville. foundry and machine shop born 

Oneida county 1*27, settled i s ;it 
Gilman A. J. p o Dansville, n.achine shop and foundry, bom 

1850; wife Ann Purdy, born Steuben count; 
Hartman Henry, po Dansville, farmer, 160 acres born Dans- 
ville 1817, has been justice of the peace and town 
superintendent; father John Hartman; wife Eliza 
House of Otsego couuiy, N. Y.. married 1844; children 
three. 
Hartman Wm., p o Dansville. farmer. 330 acres, born Dansville 
1820; father John Hartman; wife Catharine Driesbach; 
children three. 
Banne Daniel, p o Dansville. retired farmer. 60 acn 

Pennsylvania 18*20, settled 1863; father christian 
Hanne; wife Margaret Smith, boru New Jersey. 
Hullingsworth Henry, po Dansville, California paper mills, born 
Englmd 1828, settled 1877. manufactures Nos 1 and 2 
manilla paper, first settled in Patterson 1852, was 
formerly in Livingston mills for some time; wife Eliza- 
beth Best, born Connecticut, married I8b7: children 
five. 
Hyland John, p o Dansville. postmaster. 

Hedges Seth N.po Dansville. attorney and counselor at law. 
Hubbell & Goodyear, p o Dansville, Dausville Seminary. 
Hodgmire James L., p o Dansville, druggist and telegraph oper- 
ator. 
Hartman John, p o Groveland. farmer. 

Johnson Samuel, B., p o Dansville, retail and jobbing trade. 281 
acres, settled J 84(1, is aeent for National steamship 
line company, is a member of Presbyterian church; 
wife Elizabeth A. Dake, burn Allegany county, mar- 
ried February 14, 1859; children five. 
Johnson Oliver B., p o Dansville. woolen mills, established thir- 
ty years, born Richmond, Ontario coonty. N, Y., 1812, 
settled 1836, has been constable, collector and asses- 
sor; wife Lodema Jennings, daughter of Joseph Jen- 
nings, married October 18, 18 38. 
Jackson James H , p o Dansville. proprietor of water cure. 
Kern Charles R., p o Dansville, justice of the peace, has been 
postmaster in Pennsylvania, born Pennsylvania 1805, 
settled 1839; first wife born Pennsylvania; second 
wife Maria McCartney, born Dansville. 
Knappenberser J., p o Dansville, retired. 
Kennedy John J., p o Dansville. 

Lockling Louis N., p o Dansville, agricultural works and foundry. 
LaBoyteaus A. L., p o Dansville, dentist 

McCurdy C. B., p o Dansville, grain dealer, born Dansville May 
4, 1852; father James at. McCurdy; wife Maria L. Bent- 
ley; children two. 
Morey Hon. Jonathan B., p o Dansville, farmer and nursery- 
man, 335 acres, born Dansville 1836, has been member 
of assembly four terms aud president and trustee of 
village; wife Laura J. Smelt, born Battle Creek, Mich., 
married 1861; children four. 
McCurdy Hugh F., p o Dansville, farmer. 500 acres, born 1823, 
has been assessor three terms; wife Elizabeth A. Fen- 
stermacher, born Dansville. married )854; children 
three. 
McNair David D., p o Dansville, paper manufacturer, born 

Sparta 1814. has been supervisor and town clerk. 
M cNair John. M.. p o Dansville, attorney and counselor at law. 
McCartney Hugh, p o Dansville, sheriff of county. 
McCartney H. S., p o Dansville, grain dealer. 
Newman S. H., p o Dansville. 

Pratt Edward H., p o Dansville. nurseryman, 200 acres, born 
Auburn, Mass.. 1837, settled 1859, was captain I 16th 
New York Volunteers; wife Sarah L. VanDerlin, mar- 
ried 1878 
Proctor L. B.. po Dansville, attorney and author. 
Perrine, F. M., p o Dansville, physician and surgeon. 
Readshaw B. F.. p o Dansville. proprietor of Forest mills, mer- 
chant miller, born Dansville 1846. 
Rauch N. & Sons, p o Dansville. tanners and dealers in le 
Stout M. T., p o Dansville, carriage trimming, etc . bom i I 

Seneca county, N Y . 1815, sen led 1836; wife Clara C. 
Conkling. born New York, married 1839; children four, 
one son killed in 136th regiment. 
Sturgeon Samuel, p o Dansville, farmer, born Livingston coun- 
ty 1809, has been assessor; wife Mary Ann McCurdy, 
born Dansville. married 1836; children five. 
Sweet George A., p o Dansville, nurseryman, born Dansville 
1844, has been supervisor; wife C ara Maxwell Sweet, 
born Dansville, married 1867; children I 
Stone B. S., p o Dansville, wagon manufacturer, 80 acres, com- 
menced business 1848, born Dansville 1825; wife Nancy 
Driesbach, daughter of Michael Driesbach, married 
1871; children four. 
Stevens Archelaus, publisher of Cobb's spelling book, i 

field, N. H.. 17'tO, settled i s :'>. died 1867; wife Sally 
Gage, born Enfield. N. H., died 1877; children three. 
St-\ ens Anna M . p o Dansville. 
Smith Mary Et., p o Dansville. 
Steiuhardt H . p Dansville. 

Tompkinsou Capt. S. D., p o Dansville, prop! ie»or Grove mills, 
12 acres, horn Liverpool, England, February 1 1 
settled January 15, i860; wile Sarah M. Aldridge, born 
Wayne county, married I8i5. Mr T\, was oi tl 
forty years and rhirr. a commander, was 

twenty-five years on the lakes. 
Thomas M. H . p o Dansville. livery aud sale stal 
VanNuys Peter, farmer, born V 

been magistrate, su] ' f« Harriel Kern, 

born New York City [80S bildren five. 



VanDerlip M. H., p o Dansville, attorney 

Voorhees D. B p o Dansville, pi 

Welch ."r^' V rlan church. 

J V ' ! e,StationAg 

«eicn.j. J., po Dansville 

Whiteman Franklin AL, farmei \\\ e 1810 has been 

supervisor, superintended poor and assessor wasin 
i mbly 1854; wife .Mary Stewart, marrii 

dren two. 

Whiteman Reuben p o Di Pennsyl. 

vania 1817, Bettled 1823. J 

Woodruff B. w po Uan Mil- retired print.-,, bun, Livonia 

-* ■)> 26 i-'". wife Sally A, lu.se. married .JuH 

children nine. 
Williams S. P., p o Dansville, nui eryman I s y 

1818, settled 1844; wife Sophia J. Si Dai 

ville, married s, , 
Williams 3 i & Son, p o Dansi [He milling 
Whitehead Joseph! pi Dansville bool bo furniehinra 

leather, etc born X-v. i , ,. ,, ,-|.. g£J 

been postmaster and exi i - eoromi 

Elizabeth Putnan , on< j 

Wlle 1I:M i iette ' utting; two sons, 

bank Dansville, and oi 
Wood Anthony T. p .. Dansville, coal dealer, b< 

N. \ .. 1830, s< ttled 1827, bag been su] ■ n '■ ■ 

was clerk of Court of appeals from 

lv ' ! to ! '" ■■". has been in r-antil- trad-, was admit 

ted to the bar In 1856. 
Zerfass George, p o Dansville rarmer 195 acres, born Pennsyl 

vama July 25, 180 - has been 

highway commissioner; father Abraham Zerfaas; wit.. 

Polly Kanause. born New Vurk. married 1888, died 

1 s i .' . 



GENESEO. 

Allen Samuel P.,p o Geneseo. editor and publisher, bum Smyr- 
na, Chenango county, settled 1890, was county clerk 
from 1841 to 1843 clerk of senate 1856 to I860, collector 
of internal revenue 28th districl 1863 to IE 
clerk of the assembly 1872 to 1875 and 1876 to 1879. 

Ayrault Allen, p o Geneseo, banker and merchant, bori 

sachusetts i ."■■ i1 I led 181 1 died (861, was president 
of Livingston county bank from 1830 lo 1855; wife Be- 
thiah Lyman, boru East Haddam, Conn.. 1791, married 
1822. 

Austin Charles R., p o Geneseo. farmer, 18J n Liv- 

ingston county is it; wife Frances M. Vloai 
con sin 184 T". married 186' children one, J. El. Jr., born 
1878. Father,!. R Austin, settled 18 5, died 1880, wife 
Agnes Elizabeth Wilbaskey, born Russia, married 
1839. 

Abbott A. J., p o Geneseo, attorney and com 

cow. Livingston > wile Mary 

Jane Beach, born Pompey Hill, married September 20, 
hildren one. 

Ayres A. 11.. p o lieneseo. 

Blaisdell & Jones, p o Geneseo. marble and granite works. 

Beach Charles O., r general merchandise 

Dansville 1823, settled and commenced business I860, 
wife Cornelia S. Beach, born Livingston county 1834, 
married IS D three, -Mary Ella, Nealle and 

Lulu. 

Bigelow Daniel, p o Lakeville, farmer, merchant and teacher, 
122 acres, bora Livingston county, I a town 

commissioner, superlnti 

or; wife Helen A Whitney, horn Livingston county 
1828, married 1856: children two 9a and Edward 

E. Father Epaphmditus Bigelow, born Hartford, 
Conn ,1786 etl led 1818, died i i P 

born Conned U n1 I (95 mat rled 1816, died 1878; chil- 
dren nine. 

Bosley B R., p o Lakeville 

county 1884; wifi Feni D . born Living 

county 1841, married 1868; children ird It.. 

Louis D.. Kit t [e M 

Bosley Daniel, \, Lakeville. general m-reliant. born Lll i 
i ! 

ried 1832; children six, Daniel i; . William B., Lucia M 
May, Ella, George H. 

Bosley .John, born Maryland, settled 17°2, died 1795, wasfarmer 

and miller, built first grist mill in town. 
Bosley Edmund, born Maryland 
Bixby Emery P.,po Geneseo. fan ter and joini 

s. born on h 
Rixby Ezra, burn Peons; rania 

vav AW,; furniture di 

nolsti 

May B. John soi lldren 

three, E 1 irard l. . ■ ora i .. Ha 
Bishop J. P.. l 
Crosselt John 

Father Wil Liam ! 

oral farmer and merchant, tl 

■ 






VI 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Cox A. A,, (Ayrault & < !ox, poG oe dealer, 

[Quaeres, born England 1827, settled 1870; wife Esther 
Shaw, boro Perry, Wyoming county 1838, married 1S54, 
children oni 

business in I ID, has a building In course of erection 
36 feel high and 20x50 feet, e Feet, also an- 

■ building 16x26 leet, two stories high, with office 
and storage roon hundred and 

fifty thousand i u i kin are handled yearly, 

[de plaster, ,. i vet seed. 

Dieffenbacher John, p o Lakeville, rarm< r, 325 sort s, b< rn Liv- 
ingston county I s !".'; was town •■■ mmiasioner ; wife 
-Maitha C. Knight, born Livn. by 1821, mar- 

ried 1845 : i bildi en Ave, Slay \. . Martha C. J. Prank, 
OlieA.. Edward L Father, Abraham Dieffenbacher, 
horn Pennsylvania 1770, was a mill wright, died 1840, 

Dieffenbacher Leone farmer, 46 acres, born Liv- 

ingston county 1816 ; wife Maria Darling, boi d Living- 
county 1816, married 1841 ; children four, Florus 
P., Ploretta F., (twins' born January 35, 1842, Amos D . 
born 1844, Alfred D.. born 1849. 

Kwart Samuel, p o Geneseo, farmer, 100 acres, lorn Northum- 
berland county, Pa., 1778, settled 1796, died 1848, was 
in war <»f 1812; wife Elizabeth Magee, born New Jer- 
sey L796, married 1811 ; children three. May A., who 
married Edward Patchin, Hannah, Elizabeth. 

Foster M. N.,pol 

Fridil William, p o I Jenoseo. farmer, "-.".ii 1 acres, born England 
1820, settled 1841, has b< ■ years; wife 

Sarah Bridgland, born England 1880, married 1848; 
children five, Alfred W., boro 1850. Celina, bon 
Mary A., bom 1854 Sarah A ,born 185§, lsab< I, born 1869, 

Gray Thomas, p o Lakeville, farmer. i rn Pennsylva- 

nia 17H8, settled i s <><>: wi'e Maj Wynn, born Livingston 
county 1805, married 1825; children six, Daniel H.^ 
bors I8i9, Lydia M., born 1834, Josepha, born 1836, Le 
nora E . born 1846, Edgar L . bi rn lb 19, Catharine, born 
1826, died 1866. Father. Duncan Gray, born Ireland, 
settled 1806, died in an engagement in war of 1812, un- 
drr (.ienei al Seott. 

Goode George, p a Geneseo, merchant tailor. 

Haynes J. C. G.. p o Geneseo. grocer, (iu acres, born Geneseo 
1856. 

Haynes Henry S.. p o Geneseo, farmer, 153 acres, born Living- 
ston county 1851: Wife Ella Boyd. bornl854, married 
1878. 

Haynes J. ! I , p o Geneseo, farmer, sheep and stock grower, 150 
acres* born Geneseo 1 Oil. he ieen i sor and road 
oer; 1st wife tfarj Price born 1812, married 
1834, died 1666; children three; 2d wife .Margaret Phin- 
ny, born Northumberland county, Pa., 1831, married 
January 20. 1870 

Haynes John, horn Pennsylvania 1787, < ttled 1792, di--d 1873; 
wife Elizabeth Haynes, married 1809, died September, 
1868 

Hawlcy James, p o Geneseo, farmer, born l> laware county 
1805, settled 1818, has been road commissioner and as- 
i r: 1st wife Mary Ruthven, born Scotland 1812, 
married 1834, died 1851; children nine; ad wife Maria 
Ellis, born 1826, married 1854; children one. Willard 
I)., born 1858. 

Ilawley Edward, p o Geneseo, farmei and justice of the peace. 
ted 1878, born Livingston county 1640; wifp Sara 
Mathier, born Livingston county 1846, married lbti!»; 
children one. Edward C, born 

Hersey & Co. ,p o Geneseo, drugs paints, oils and stationery. 
W. H. Hersey horn I B settled 1878; wife 

Julia Moore, married ['>>'•: children three. Willie A., 

.Mary l ' . I.oii tse. 

Jones R, n.. ji o Geneseo, general marble and granite works, 
born Vermonl 1845, sel ; teiia A. < !or- 

bett,boru 1853, married 1874; children two. Winnie 
and Nellie. 

3 ones Richard M„ p o G ier, 550 acres, born Sparta 

1886, enlisted Jnlj 3d New York 

cavalry; wife Amande pingston coun- 

ty 1888, married 1865; children two, Emily C, born 
1867, Richard M., born 1889. 

Jones Charles, p o Gem 

Knight Samuel N., p o Lakeville, bi res, horn Wyom- 

ing county 1*\M. settled , Mary B. Busbnell, 

i Livingston count] ried 1858: children 

■ Chailes B., horn 1859, George N.. born 1864, Effa 

E,bornl866; father Nor settled 1816, 

1847, was a very prominent man in the Pi 
terian church; Jonathan Bill settled 1817, died 1849, 
aged 80 yea rs, wai b fan 

Knight Jam.- C, p Lakeville, jewelet 

born Get it, born 1840, 

mar r ied January e, Willie B., 

horn 1871. 

Linsley Martin F., p o Geneseo, farmer and sheriff, 230 acres, 
horn Livingston county 1840; wife Fannie Pt 
born Cayuga county 1889, married 1866; children three. 
Blaj ' i dell. 

Lewis Joseph D., poGei commis- 

sion bu I - ' '■■ Wife Mar- 

garet Donna n. born Fork, Livingston county. 1833, 
married 1864. 

MoClintock Charles, p o Lakeville, farmer and assessor, 179 
acres. I torn Livingston count] 

HoClintock, Abraham, i settled I s "- . 

f.n iui'1 118 acre children eighl .. died i s i''- 



Millimau Norman M.. p o Lakeville. farmer, 50 acres, born Liv- 
ingston county 1834; wife Lizzie Barlow, born I 
county 1846, married 1868; children two, Jennie May. 
Roy llarlow. 

Millimnn Bryant, horn Livingston county 1806, farn 

wife Lorena < urtis, born Cortland county 1 NIS . mar- 
ried 1828, died July 12 1879. 

Milliman John, born Rhode Island 1776, settled 1802, died 1848, 

Mather John C., pot 120 acres, horn Saratoga 

county April '.'. 1807, died December 1, 1877; wife Eliza- 
beth Kellogg, born 1811, married 1831; children seven, 
Mary A., Eliza A., and Julia a., twins, Amos K.. Nor- 
man W., Sarah A ., Fannie ■). 

Milne Win. J., p o I 1 Normal School. 

Morris Garry, poGi ! mpton, Washing! on count v 

ItOi, farnu-r. 50 acres, settled 1811 : wife Dehoruh IlutT- 

man, born Pennsylvania, 1801, married 1825; children 
three. T Carlton, bora 1829, William, horn 1880, J. R., 
. S38 

Morris William, p o G | mer, 150 acres, horn 1830, wife 

■ rains, I^Pfti 1853, married !*;'.». 
i C pO Gi i tesi 0; Wife Margaret Remington, married 
1852. 

Morris K. J., p Geneseo; wife Rebecca Hardy, born England, 
married i 

Mate Fred W., p o Geneseo, general blacksmithing and carriage 
repairing, Lorn England l > ii, settled 1848, enlisted In 
Mli New York cavalry 1862 for three years; wife Uelina 
Fridd. horn Livingston county, married I860; children 
two, Hattie W.. Sutie W. 

Merrell J. C, p o Geneseo. photographer, 

NctT Abram, po Geneseo, farmer, :>-'. acres, born Pennsylva- 
nia 1805, settled 1881; wife Magdaline Martin, horn Mon- 

cuntj 1809, married 1836; children six, Theodore C. 
born 1840, Angeline M. horn 1842, Newton W., born 
1818, Catbaiine E . horn 1815, Julia E., born isi:. (has. 

D.. horn (849. 

NctT Christopher, p o Geneseo, farmer and carpenter, born 
Pennsylvania 1809. settled 1810, 80 acres, was commis- 
sioned .captain 1845-49; wile Alrnha Woodruff, born 
Livingston county 1812, married 1837J children seven, 
■a . Sarah B., Fannie J.. Henry 1 1.. Lucy A . 3&* ob, 
Ella, Henry enlisted in the 186th New York Volu i 
was taken prisoner and died 1864, his wife died 1669 
aged twenty-four years. 

Orton James S . p o Geneseo, hanker, born Woodbury. Conn.. 

Novembei 86, 1816, settled December 1844, has been 

ii i of National bank of Genesee 

Valley; wife Emily Stanley, born Bit. Morris, N. Y., 

mat ried Maj 3 l 1843 

Patterson J. B., p o Geneseo, merchant, has beeen county 
clerk. 

Riley Richard A., p Geneseo, farmer. 133 acres, horn Living- 
ston COUUtV 1848, was elected justice Of the peace 

1878 wife Liszie King bornSeneca county 1847, mar- 
ried 1869; children two, Maud E„ Theo. A. 

Riley Richard A , horn New York City, settled 1826, died \<. \\ 
Wife Anna llayn.'s. hurn Livingston county 1811, mar- 
ried 1844, died February 32, I8i 3; children two. 

Rose R. A . p o Gi neseo, general tin, hara and shelf ware and 
stoves, born Avon, Livingston county, 1840. 

Rose Conklin, born Green county 1797, settled 1832, died 1867; 
wife E. A Hyde horn' (802, married 1832, died I860; 
children live 

Stratton I. J , p a Geneseo, proprietor Globe Hotel, horn Che- 
nango .'. settled [872, enlisted 1862 company 

K. IDthNew Fork cavalry, was mustered out at close 
of war; wife Margaret Stratton. horn Chenango coun- 
ty 1837, married 1858. 

Stevens William A., p o Geneseo, hardware, stoves and . 

house furnishing goods, born Livingston county 1844; 
wife Helen A. Doty, horn Livingston county 185*, mar 
ried 1870; children three. Sophia, Florence Helen. 
Allen t 'OKI! 

Scott John L., p O Geneseo, ( ( HI more & Scottj general milling 

busim i oi in i m i d busini ss 1865, the buildings are 
40x70 and 10x60 feel containing four runs of stones and 
lias an unlimited water i- 

SleggS William J., p o Lakeville, 153 acres, horn England 1817, 

settled 1851 , died is;-,'; wife Elizabeth Wright, born 

mi 1880, married 1848; children seven. Eliza, 

Mary J . John \\\, George T., Elizabeth ll . Charles A., 

Wlnneford A. 

Southall Elward W . p o Geneseo, physician, born Staffordshire. 
England. March G 1851, settled Juiu 15, i^;'.t; wife Su- 
sannah Southall. born England, married May 7, 1878; 
children two 
Fames A., p o Geneseo, physician and surgeon, born Utica 
April 20. 1835, settled 1862; wife Fanny B. West, horn 
Ohio, married 1868 at Rochester. N. Y.: children three, 
.h QUie A . Mary L . Nannie. 
,i C . p Geneseo, county superintendent alms house, 
insane asylum, and farmer, 825 acres, horn Rutland 
county, v't . 1823, settled 1841; wife Josephine i/andeo, 
born Oxford, Conn., 1840, married 1869. 

Wicker Jona, born Massachusetts, Battled in "i. died 1874, aged 
ninety-four years. 

White John, p o G*»ni ■ cres, born Pennsylva- 

nia 1788, Bottled 1794, was elect I'd justice of the peace 
1820 and served twelve years, was assessor several 
years and held other important offices; wife Anna 
Griffith born Delaware 1786, married 1801 . died Sep- 
tember 10. 1849; children eleven. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



White Joseph E., born Livingston county 1826; wife Julia H 
Magee, born Groveland 1838, married 1861; children 
two. Hester Paret, born 1MU, John Magee born 1869 

\\ arner Lucius, p o Groveland, farm, r, 270 acres, born Genes'eo 
1810, has been assessor and commissioner; wife 
White, born Wyoming county 1816, married 1839 died 
August4,1858; second wife charlotte F, Whit., born 
1821, married February in, ls.iii. died December 20 [878- 
children two. Lucius W., Anna W. 

Warner David, born Connecticut August 17, 1774 settled isi t 
died August 10, 1818; children seven, living five 

Warner David, p o East. Groveland. farmer. 130 acres, born Liv- 
ingston county March 28, 1816, died December 27 1879' 
wife Phylancy H. Snetb.-n. burn 1*21. married l*ll : 
children Ave, Wm. W.. Marv E., Harriet & James II ' 
David S.; adopted Katy A. Hall, burn 1865 

Weller A J, p o Geneseo, 25 acres, born Mt Morris 1829; wife 
May J. McComb, born Ireland 1839. married ISO! •' chil- 
dren three. Peter Rush, born 1862, Edward, burn 1866 

Weller Peter Rush, born New Jersey 1785, settled 1820, died. 
May 18, lSrjO, was a farmer, tanner and currier. 

Willard A. J . p o Geneseo. fa.unlMfcii.nd stock grower, 135 acres 
bom Wyoming county 1623, settled 1842, was elected' 
supervisor 1*79, has a hired farm of 2,300 acres; wife 
Ophelia Bush, burn Albion 833,married 1857; children 
three. Willie, Clara, Frederick. 

Warren J., p o Geneseo, merchant tailor. 

Wattles Mason, p o Geneseo. 

Wadswurth W. A., p o GeDeseo. 

Wadsworth J. W.. p o Geneseo. 

Waterbury R. A., p o Geneseo. 

Youugs Clarence S., p o Geneseo, 



GROVELAND. 

Aten Wm., p o Groveland, farmer, 85 acres, born Groveland 
August 5th, 1832: has been constable and excise com- 
missioner; wife Elizabeth Head, born Steuben county 
May 3, 18:34. married March 11, 1856; children two, El- 
mer, born July 28, 1861, Libbie, born Feb. 7. 1869. 

Arner Enos, p o Groveland, farmer, 290 acres, born Northamp- 
ton county. Pa.. July It. 1*1 u. settle.] l*.'l. has i ,,.,.,, ,. x 
cise commissioner; wife Amanda M. Heudershott. born 
Nov. 14, 1*19, married March 4, 1841; children three, 
Charles F , born May 38, 1844. Alonzo B.. born March 3, 
1848, Mary L., born Nov. is. 1853, died June 10, 1875. 

Aitken Thomas, p o Norlh Sparta, minister. 

Barber Frank, p o East Groveland, farmer. 120 acres, born 
Groveland Jan. 8, 1838; wile Elizabeth R. Heath, born 
Liv. county reb. 18, 1836, married Dec. 13, 18li4; grand- 
father Wm. Barber was one of the first settlers. 

Boyd Andrew, p o East Groveland, farmer, 140 acres, born Ire- 
land Nov. 1. 1813, settled 1818. has been assessor 15 
years; wife Mary Park, born Geneseo April 21. 1827, 
married April 2, 1844; children five, John P., born April 
20, 1845; Andrew J , born Sept. 27. 1847; M. Kate, born 
July 2, 1851, Jennie F. E., born June 20, 1854. Leonora 
C.j born Oct. S6. 1859. 

Bigelow Oriniel. p o Groveland. farmer. 136 , acres, born Hart- 
lord county. Conn.. June 3, 1818. has been supervisor 
one term and assessor four terms; wife M. Jane Wil- 
liams, born Green county. X. Y.. June 15, 1824; married 
March 25, 1847; children two, Sarah, born Aug. 36 
Clermont, born July 1*. 1849. 

Bean H M., p o North Sparta, farmer. 

Barber Isaac, p o Groveland. farmer. 

Bigelow Clermont, po Groveland, farmer: ErmaM. Gamble, wife 
of Clermont Bigelow; Dorra 31. Bigelow, daughter of 
Clermont and Lrm Bigelow. born March '.*. 1879. 

Barber Jesse, p o Groveland, farmer. 917 acres, born in Warren 
county. N. J.. July 2. 1798, settled in county in 1811; 
wife Elizabeth BusUirk, born in Sussex county, N I . 
Feb. 2, 1800, married March 1. 1881; eight children. 

Culbertson Samuel, p o East Groveland, farmer, 135 acres, burn 
Groveland August 30, Is:;;; wile Sarah K. II Johnson, 
born Ohio March 17. 18H, married Jan. ... 1866; chil- 
dren four, Margaret Bell, born June 9. 18117, Robert M., 
born o.t. 8, 1870, died Nov. 28, 1873, Samuel Craig, born 
May 8, 1875, James J., born N..\ 29 

Carrell Mrs. Elizabeth A., p o East Groveland, fai • 

Denniston Irus, p o Groveland, farmer. IwT acres, born Living- 
ston county April li. 1840; wife Victorine Mate, born 
Oct. 15; 1846, married Dee. 6, 1870; children two 
Laverne, born Jan. 23. 1873, Stella II . born Si 
181 i. 

Davis Wm., p o Groveland. blacksmith, horn Steuben county, 
died sept. -.':. 1856; wife Rosannab ('nine born Grove- 
land Nov. 18. 1827, married June 2n. 1854; child n 
Win. J., born Aug. 3. 1855. 

Dean G. J., p o East Groveland. Farmer 

Ebenriter Geo, po Groveland. fanner born Pennsyl- 

vania Feb. 25, 1815, settled April 21 

Fox John, po Bast Groveland. farmer, born Connecticut May 
13. 1803. settled 1*54. died Jan. 11, 1870; wife ADua Hill 
man, born Lewis couutv Jan. 16, i- B, married 

children ten. Cornelia W 
Delia D., born Feb 20 1832, i I urn July 27. 

1- ,i. Cj rus i .. born S< | Wm. F . boi 

1, 1839, Sophia Z . born Sept 5, 1811, Madison v., born 
Nov I s 1843, George G., born June 23, 1846, Amy A., 
born June 23. 1*1*. otto B., bun Jan. 20 . 
ii, 1869. 



Fitzhugh Wm D.. p ., Mt Morris, farmer. 

Fitzhugh Daniel II , p ,, Mt Morris, farmer 

Gilman James S.po Ml MorriMarra born Sparta 

Nov.*. 1*21. has) ,,, the peace ten fears 

and assessor nne R i, ;ll |, ,.,,,, , ■,„,,.„ 

Sparta Dec. 13. 1822, married Jan j:: 1853; children 
seven. Frank P., burn Deo . ■ („„.„ 

May ... 1*.,.,. Elizabeth, born Jan. I, 1857, Jobn born 
Sept.i. 1859. Samuel B., born July 12, 1862, Jamee - 
born March 80, 1865, Anna G . born Aug 22 i- 

Uray Sylvester, p ., Groveland farraei . ,w Jer- 

sey Out 13, 1*11 settled 1834; wife I -in, , \ Mi. Iii, a„ 
born Lewis county Oct. 31, 1820, married Dec 1 I 1855- 
children four. Harriett, born Sept 21 1856 died Nov' 
6. 1863, Mary E . born J 

Wm. Hillman, born Dec. 13, 1859, Nel rn July 

8. 1865, died Aug. 7, 1865 

Gray W. H, p o Groveland, rarmer. 

Goodwin James, p o Sonyea, member of Society of Christian 
Believers. 

Hendershott Charles. ,, ,, Groveland, farmei i . bom 

Columbia county. Pa.. Oct 10, 1808, settled 1814; wire 
Lois P. Metcalf, horn Delaware county July 29 1820 
married Dec 21. 1*1* children four, Charles A born 
Sept. 11. 1850, Frank M., bom i 

born Jan. 5, 1854, Edward E., born Feb. 8 1859 died 
Aug. Hi, (862. 

Hartman John p o North Sparta, farmer 660 acres. l„,ru in 
Dansville Nov. 17. 1*23. has I ... en supervisor fun r terms: 

wile Mary J. Hayes, burn in Genes i, n 

1828, married Nov 1, 1859; two children, Lester II 
born Aug 12. I860, Kate, burn May i 

Johnsou Richard, p o East Groveland, farmer. 

Kelly Geo. W., p o East Groveland. farmer. Illu acres, born 
Groveland March 10, 1819, has been aupei i Isor and as- 
sessor; wife Lucetta Kimbark, burn Cayuga county 
August 24, 1827 married Feb. *. 1*1*; children three. 

George B Jr.. burn Nov. 1,1852, Flor •■• U, born 

Dec 2. 1849, died March 20, 1850, Daniel A., born March 
8. 1859. 
Kelly Cassiusjtf., p o East Groveland, farmer, born Groveland 
.March ii. isis, bas been constable; wife FranoesSax- 
ton. born Avon Jan. 4, 1851, married April 22, 1874; 
children four, George Lewis, born May 13, 1*71. Charles 
Leslie, born Sept. 25, 1875, Lucy Fern, born Sept. 10, 

1877, Mary Cornelia, born April 22, 1879 

Kelly Michael R., p o Groveland, fanner and lumberman, 146 
acres, born Groveland, May 27, 1818; wife Matilda 
Johnsun, born Groveland Aug. 2. 1812, married March 
26. 1835, children seven. .Michael .1 . born .March 30 
1836, died March 28, 1862, ttarj h . born Nov. I», 1838, 
Daniel, born March 19, 1841, Richard, born Feb. hi. 
1815, Geo. W., born Dec. 19, 1847, James C, born July 
14, 1850, Frederick, born June B 

Lake Orrin D.. p o Mt. Morris, farmer. ISO acres, born Delaware 
county Nov. 11. 1805, settled April I. 1880 has 
member of assembly twu years and supervisor Of Mt. 
Morris: first wife Sarah P. Guun. married March 3, 
1831, deceased; second wife Martha B '.mm. married 
Dec. 19, i*i'i deceased; children two. Jerome A.. i„,rn 
Oct. J. 1832, Sarah P., burn Jan. 15, 1*11. 

Logan Edward, p o East Groveland, fanner, ITS a.res. born [re 

land July 15, 1813, settled 1*1*. has been road c mis 

sioner and supervisnr; wife Adeline Laitlmore, bum 
Groveland June 18, 1824, married .March 11. 1*."iO. 

Lee David R.. p ,» East Groveland. farmer. 95 acres, burn Yates 
county Jan. 27, 1816, settled 1850; wife Elizabeth N. 
Wells, born Washington county I 1 narried 

June ii. 1849; children fm.r. Bradner Wells, born May 
i. 1850, I bar! Bedell, born Nov. 7, 1854. died Jan. II. 

1862, Franklin Scott, born Feb. 2, 1*52, .lames Avery, 
born July 31, 1860. 

Long P. H., p o Sonyea, member of Society of Christian Be- 
lievers. 

Lee Franklin S., p o East Groveland. farmer. 

M. .iris Daniel, p o East Groveland, farmer, 210aereB, bum Ire- 
land Aug 25, 1* :i, settle,! |852 

Mary Grey, bom New Jersey Jan !",. 1830, married 

Jan. 21, 1869; children two Mary Jane, born Jul 
1871. John Grey, burn Nov. 20, 1", 
Magee John, p ,, Groveland, fane -. hum Groveland 

July 1*. 1*12; wife Marietta I'at.hin. burn Sleul.cn 
county 1*27. married Jul hildren nine. Fran 

cis A., born April 29, 1849, C. Luella, I, ..in Sept 21. 
i*:,i Charles M, born D nhn C, born July 

Jam ' born March 1. 1859, died Match 26, 

1878, Walter W . burn Mav 21, 1861, Edward U 

Jan. i*. i*oi. Evangia, born Sept. 17, 1885, Mary, horn 
June 30, 1868, died 1 
Mann Wm K . p o North Sparta, fanner B40 acres, bi rn I 

land Sept. 15. 1*11. has been BOhOOl inspector several 

-: first wife Sarah McNalr. I '"ii, Sparta July 3, 1*11. 
married March 86 
Fanny M. Dodge, born 

children nine, Wm. Henry, born a 
died Maj 10. 1*1*. Francis A .burn March 2 : 
M ,born Noi . 26, 1841. ■ ■ 

Uargaretta, 
bum born 

July 20, 1852, w iih. -Mini.!, ioi : neresa 

rn June 10, 1*19. 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Mann Nathaniel B., p o North Sparta, farmer, 210 acres, born 
Groveland Feb. 89, 18*8, baa been supervisor two 
terms; wife Helen M. Ludlniig, born Monroe comity 
March 27, 1885, married June 26, 186] children four, 
Marietta B., burn May 19, 1662, Helen B„ born Oct. 1, 
1866, Marguerita B., born Hay 19, 1865, Clara G. F. G., 
born May ], 1S73 

Mann Samuel A , p o North Sparta, farmer, 200 acre?, born 
Grovelaoa Aug. is, 1807, has been school commissioner, 
school Inspector and assessor; wife Margaret A. Heyl- 
mun, born March 8, 1SI1. married Dec. IS, 1845; chil- 
dren five. Edward W., born March 2, 1848. Charles H , 
born March 2, 1S)S, died May 6, 1873 Susan B , bom 
Oct. 12, 1849, Sarah H., born Feb. 22, 1851, Margaret E.. 
born July 16, is:,:! 

Ogden Jennings, farmer, born Groveland June 19, 1811, 
died August 28, 1*77; wife Nancy Snyder, born 
Grovel and November 11. 1811, married February 
88, 1833; children four. Mary L., born March 13, 
1884, Harriet N ., born Aug. 6, 1835, Hamilton W., born 
March 4. is:is, Lucius M.. born Sept. 2, 1840. 

Ogden Hamilton W., p o East Groveland, farmer, 80 acres, born 
Groveland .March l. ls.'is, has been overseer of poor; wife 
Margaret Kelly, born Groveland Feb. 24, IMS, married 
Feb. 25, 1S71; children four, Minnie Edith, born July 
26, 1872, Alice Gertrude, born Nov. 27, 1874, died Aug. 
18, 1875. 

Ogden Lucius M., po East Groveland, farmer. 

Pray Inaae, p o Mt. Morris, farmer, lis acres, born Herkimer 
county April 22, 1S12, settled 1837; wife Jane Mills born 
Mt. Morris April 83, 1*1 1. married Feb !6, 1839; children 
two, Harriet M., born Dec. 13, 1839, Francis J , born 
April 25. 1842. 

Palmer Augustus, p o Geneseo. farmer, 21H acres, born Duch- 
ess county March 2, 1813, settled 1842, has been super- 
visor, assessor and highway commissioner; wife Anna 
S. Lathrop, born Massachusetts Oct. 22, 1811. married 
Aug. 20, 1886; children five, Charles S., born March 26, 
1843, died Nov. 12,1864, Mary L., born Nov. 10. 1845, 
Cynthia O., born Aug. 20, 1819, Fred, born April Is, 
1852. Addie. born May 5, 1854. 

Young Daniel, p o Mt. Morris, farmer, 111^ acres, born North- 
umberland county. Pa , June 4, 1803, settled in 1806, 
was assessor in 1840; wife Lucy Norton, born Susque- 
hanna county, Pa.. Aug. 3, 1806, married Dec. 7, 1826; 
children seven, Sarah Ann. born Jan 6, 1829. Isaac S., 
born May 4, 1831. died July lit, 1839, Asahel N., born 
Aug. 14, 1833, Philena P., born Dec. 16, 1837, Caroline 
A., born April 6, 1S40, died Feb. 28, 1843. Mary M , born 
Feb. 22. 1S43, Clara A., born Aug. 23. 185*. 

Sickly K. W., p o East Groveland, farmer. 

Slack John K., p o Groveland, farmer. 

Wise Wm. W. t p o Groveland, farmer, 163 acres, born Groveland 
Aug. 2, 1841, has been commissioner of highways and 
justice of the peace; wife Francis Magee, born Grove- 
land April 2'J, 1849, married Jan. 19, i860; children four, 
Blanche, born Oct. 16, 1871, Edward R., born Sept. 4, 
1873, John M., born August in, 1876, Charles W., born 
Jan. 25. 1879. 

Wambold Samuel, p o North Sparta, miller, born Chester 
county, Pa., Sept 5, 1817, settled 1S23, has been justice 
of the peace eight years and postmaster; wife Catha- 
rine Zenner, born Schuylkill county, Pa., Oct. 22. 1818, 
married Oct. 27, 1840; children five. William W., born 
Aug. 17, 1841, Maty E., born July 18, ISjri died 1864, 
Abram Z., born Oct. 4, 1845, died June 3, 1849, Francis 
Ida, born Juno 20, 1857, Edward E., born July 7, 1859. 



LIMA. 

Atwell George W, p o Lima, retired farmer, 145 acres, born 
Lima 1622, has been assessor twelve years; wife Mary 
A. Gillen, born New Jersey 1827, married 1S47. died 
1876; children two, Geo. W , born 1852, Silas John, born 
Is.Mi; second wife Maty 11. Doolittle, born 1830, mar- 
ried 1878. 

Atwell George W , born Massachusetts 1789, settled 1816. was 
one of the first merchants of Lima, retired 1827; wife 
Martha Howard, born Massachusetts, married 1818, 
died 1863; children two, G. W., and Silas C. 

Bonner Benjamin, po Lima, retired farmer, 16 acres, born 
Sparta 1807; wife Jennie Logan, born Ireland 1811, 
married 1835; children three. Samuel. Rosa J., and Ed- 
ward L.. who enlisted isti*.», company G. 130th New 
fork Volunteers, died in Virginia. 

Banter G. S.. p o Lima, dealer in hardware, stoves, tinware and 
agricultural implements, born Steuben county ISI!», 
settled 1865; father Adam Banter, born Herkimer Co., 
1816, settled 1865, retired farmer. 

Bonner Samuel, po Lima, farmer, grain and stock dealer, born 
Livingston county 1886; tlr^t wife Cornelia J. Good- 
rich, born 1845, married 1865, died 1875; children three. 
Edward L., Frank C, Willie S.; second wife M. Eliza- 
beth Peck, born 1846. 

Bond Winslow. p o North Bloomfield. retired tarmer. home- 
stead and 6 acres, born Rutland county. Vt.. 1S12, set- 
tled 1850; wife Eli/.a Mullican, born Vermont 1812, mar- 
ried 1884; children two, Edwin E . born 1888, Mary M. 
bomisin. 



Bennett G. H., p o Lima, farmer, physician and surgeon. 86 
acres, born Avon 1820, was surgeon iu 70th New York 
Regiment one year; wife Eliza Dnnlap, born Seneca 
county 1825, manied 1848: children ten, .Mary. Charles, 
Emma, George, John, Eliza, Helen. Jason. Earnest. 
Amanda. 

Briggs E. W , p o Lima, farmer and capitalist. 205 aires, born 
Bloomfield i v iv wife Sarah Bowles, born Livingston 
county 1818, married 1814. 

Briggs Humphrey, born Maasaobnsetta 1787, settled 1819. died 
1874; wife Pbebe Phillips, born Massachusetts l*i90, 
married 1809, died 1857; children four. 

Btiggs Innocent, boru Bloomfield 1814, settled 1819. 

Briggs J. P., p Lima, retired farmer. 185 acres, born Ontario 
county 1816, settled 1819, has been justice of the peace, 
town inspector, commissioner of highways and asses, 
sor; wife Mary J. Hopkins, born Ontario county 1819, 
married 1840; children four, Augusta J., born 1*42; 
Laura E , born 1817, M. H., born 1849, C. E., bom 1653; 
died 1878 

Briggs Geo. D., p o Lima, farmer. 120 acres, born Orleans coun- 
ty I860, settled 1868; wife Ella Rickey, born Huron 
county, 0., 1S52. married 1874; children one. Hoy E. 

Commins M. L., p o Lima, farmer and dealer in reapei 

140 acres, born Lima December 22. 1822; wife Lucy A. 
Commins, born 1830, married 1848; children four, Jen- 
nie. Emma L.. Mary L., Frank C. 

Crouse George G., po Lima, fanner and capitalist. 1> acres, 
born Avon October 1. isi)5: wife Mary X. Hove 7, born 
Lima 1812, married 1832, died October 16, 1869; children 
four, James H . born February 9, 1884, Sarah .1 . born 
February 8, 1886, Ann A., born June 12, 1838, Henry, 
born October 15, 1841, died 1845 

Grouse George, born 1T/19, settled 17:15, died 1853, 

Gary Wilkinson, born 1885; wife A E. Crouse. born Lima, mar- 
tied November 27, 1857; children two. 

Chappell Harvey, p o Lima, farmer and tailor by trade, born 
Massachusetts 1802, settled 1805; wife Charlotte H. 
Stillman, born Connecticut I8il, married 1825, died 
1810; children three, Robert, born 1829, Harlow, born 
1884. Martin, born 1839, 

Chappell Martin, p Lima; wife Catharine Gallagher, born 1847, 
married 1866; children three, Harvey, born 1865, Flora 
A., born 1871, Thomas, born 1879. 

Clow Caleb, p o Lima, general blacksmith, 3>; acres, shop and 
homestead, born Canada 1837. settled I860; wife Lucy 
A. Atkins, born Connecticut 1888, married 1855; chil- 
dren nine. 

Clark Wm. S., p o Lima, retired teacher and farmer, 30 acres, 
born New London, Conn., 1808. settled 1868, has been 
assistant assessor of the 25th district of the United 
States four years; wife Caroline Way. born Livingston 
county July I, ISO), married 1881; children three, Mary 
C, born 1841, Sarah A., born 1844, Thomas R., born 
1850. 

Carter Franklin, p Lima, retired merchant, born New Hamp- 
shire 1795, settled 1820, has been postmaster seven 
years, is one of the oldest masons in Western New 
York, uniting with the order in Boston 1818, has been 
secretary of lodge in Lima forty ye trs, is a man much 
respected by all who know him; wife Catharine Whit- 
beck, born Herkimer county 1814, married 1849; chil- 
dren one, Fraukliu \\\, burn 1858, 

Croft Edwin, p o North Bloomfield, farmer. 

Douglass William, p o North Bloomfield. farmer. 95 acres, born 
Livingston county 1885; wife Cordelia M. Gates, born 
Monroe county 1824, married 1849; children one, Ada 
C, born 1850 

Douglass Caleb, born Oneida county 1770, died 1839. 

Dalton John, p o Lima, farmer, 70 acres, born Ireland January 
1, 18-j7, settled June 13, 1851; wife Catharine Haurahan, 
bom Ireland 1832, married I860; children six, Eliza- 
beth, born 1861, William, born 1862. John, born 1868, 
Margaret, born 1866, Catharine, born 1868. 

Dalton Edward, p Lima, farmer and drug goods dealer, 72 
acres, born Ireland 1821, settled .847; wife Ellen Tobiti. 
born Ireland 1827, married 1850; children seven. Wil- 
liam, Eliza, Joanna. Edward, Matthew, Richard. Ellen. 

Day Levi C p Lima, retired farmer, born Otsego county 1808, 
settled 1837; wife May Hooker, born Oneida county 
1S14, married 1885. 

Day William H., p o Lima, farmer, 165 acres, enlisted company 
M. New York Volunteers 1864; wife Ella Morley, born 
Ontario county 1848, married 1871; children two, Jen- 
nie May, born 1874, Charles M., born 1876. 

Day Dan'l, born Otsego county 1805, settled 1888, dit»d 1877; wife 
Julia Day, born 1804, married 1828. 

Emmons Rev. A. H.po Lima, born Freehold, N. J.. December 
25, 1843, settled September!, 1875; wife Rosa A. Em- 
mons, born Bordentown, N. J., married April 7, I860; 
children two. 

Ford A. G., p o Lima, farmer and produce dealer. 50 acres, born 
Herkimer county 1813, settled 1868, has been excise 
commisioner; wife Angeline Benchley, born Herkimer 
county 1819, married 1840; children four, Julia C, born 
1844, George I'., boru 1 853, Roscoe. born ]S57, Frede- 
rick, born January 8. 1842, enlisted 1862 in company C, 
121st Regiment New York Volunteers, under command 
of Colonel Franchaw, and was killed in a skirmish the 
day after the battle of Chancellorsville. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



Francis F. B., p o Lima, surveyor, engineer and loan agent 80 
acres, born Cayuga county Dec-ember 4, 1826, settled 
February, 1831, bas been school commissioner and 
held other town offices; wife Marietta E. Terry born 
Lima 1834, married April, 1854; children three, Minnie 
G., Ettie D , Stella H., and Delbert I, adopted; father 
Isaiah Terry, born New Hampshire. 1797, settled 1808- 
wife Delina Kinney, born Connecticut July, 1803, mar- 
ried 1829. died 1878. 

Gilbert O. S.. p o Lima, is postmaster, appointed 1874, born Liv- 
ingston county 1826; wife Harriet H. Wes'.ern, born 
Cayuga county 1826, married 1855; children three. 

Grover Levi P., p o Lima, letired farmer, born Ontario county 
1825, settled 1838, has been superintendent of schools 
and held other town offices; wife Elvira M. Sprague 
born Ontario county 1829, married 1819; children three' 
Adele, born 1850, Minnie, born 1,863, Allie, born 1870 

Goodrich Erastus C, p o Lima, farmer, ISO acres, born Lima 
1816; wife Sarah Lord Clark, born Lima 1818, married 
1839; children four, Ann S., born 1850, MarainaS.. born 

1853, Mary C ., born 1856; Chauncy C, born I860. 
Goodrich Cbauncy. born Connecticut 17-1, settled 1793, died 

1850: father Samuel Goodrich, born Connecticut 1762 
settled 1793. died 182S. 

Goodrich J. S.. p o Lima, farmer and dealer in fine sheep. 154 
acres born Lima 1818, has been assessor fifteen years; 
Jane M. Chamberlin. born 1841, married 1*4'-'" died 
January 14, 1880; children two, Sarah E., bun 
Charles D.. born 1852. 

Gilmore James, p o Lima, farmer, 94 acres, born Washington 
county November 6, 1824, settled 1830; wite Sarah 
Rickey, born New Jersey 1833, married March 15, 1860; 
children five, Clarence A., Johnnie M., Bertha A., John 
A., George T. 

Guinan Patrick, p o Lima, (firm of Hendricks & Guinan, I gener- 
al merchant, born Ireland 1812. settled 1869; wife Mar- 
garet Guinan, born 1845, married 187S; children one, 
Martin J. 

Gilbert H. L., p o Lima, farmer. 

Hendrick Patrick, (firm of Hendrick & Guinan,! p o Lima, gen- 
eral merchant, born Ireland 1847. settled 1866; wife 
Ellen Hendrick, born 1848, married 1879. 

Hill George, born England 1798, settled 1817, died 1805; wife Su- 
san Hill, born 1798, married 1820, died 1875; children 
twenty, living four. 

Hill Levi, born England 1842, settled 1817; wife Charlotte M. 
Halsey. born Putnam county 1845, married 1867, died 
188C; children two, George, born 186- 1 , Ida May, born 
1872. 

Hart Andrew, p o Lima, dealer in monuments, marble and gran- 
ite, born Germany, January, 1826. settled 1840; wife 
Catharine Harris, born 1835, married 1855, children 
nine. 

Heath Albert, p o Lima, retired farmer, wagon maker and black- 
smith, born Livingston county 1822, bas been super- 
visor, elected 1S78; wife Roxanna Sacket, born Mon- 
roe county 1823. married 1840; children three, William 
D., born 1848, James M., born 1853, Edwin Newton, 
bom 1859. 

Heath William, bore Genesee county 1795. died 1820. 

Howard Nathaniel, p o North Bloonifield. miller, born England 
1834, settled 1875; wife F. L. Hyde, born Livingston 
county, married 1803; children two, Charles E , burn 

1854, Jessie It., born 1809. 

Hardy F. P., p o Lima, retired farmer, 50 acres, born Vermont 
1815, settled 1826. has been inspector and superintend- 
ent of schools; wile Prudence Periue. born New Jer- 
sey 1817, settled 1825, married 1843. 

Ideson John, p o North Bloonifield, Ontario county, farmer, 
painter and paper straw board mill, 55 acres, born 
Yorkshire, England, lsis, settled 1844, has been inspec 
tor of election and road commissioner: wife Sarah 
Moon, born Yorkshire, England, 1819. married 1844; 
children three. Harriet. Helen. Jennie V. 

Ideson Robert, p o Lima, assessor and decorator, 24 acres, born 
Yorkshire, England. 1626, settled 1864; wife Elizabeth 
Gilbanks. born England, married 1S47; children five, 
John J., Walter G.. Mary E.. Anna, Rooert J. 

Jackman Charles A., po Lima, farmer and sheep dealer. 185 
acres, born Monroe county 1824. settled 1827, bas been 
assessor three years; wife Mary A. Green, born Sene- 
ca county 1829, married 1852: children two, Frank L., 
Imogene J. 

Kinney C. R., p o Lima, farmer, born Livingston count] 1857; 
wife Eliza J. Clow, born Canada 1857, married 1879. 

Lougyor Solomon, p o Lima, farmer, 75 acres, born Ontario 
county 1821, settled 1871; wife Emily Jane Reed, born 
1821, married 1850; children one, Sarah E., born 1854, 
is an artist in oil colors. 

Longyor Joel S, p o Lima, farmer and stock dealer 158 acres, 
born Ontario county 1823, settled 1849; wife Mary 
Beebe. born Livingston countv 18:>4, married 1861; « - U i 1- 
dren two, Nellie D . burn 1868, Hattie B . bom 1870. 

Landon Henry, p o Lima, faimer, 242 acres, born M 

September 10, 1811, settled 1810, has been assessor and 
commissioner uf highways ten years: wife Mary A. 
child, born 1809, married January l. 1836, died 8 
her, 1865; children 3, Perry L., born 1839, tie." 
born 18)2. Sarah A., burn 18-18 died L878 

Martin A D., p o North Bloomfleld rarmei 

11, 1814; wife Harriet E. Huntington, married Oi 
29, 1864; children four, Mattie A.. Louise M., Iri 
Clarence D. 



Martin A. Sp o North Bloonifield. farmer. 135 acres, settled 
I82i : wife Julia A. Garfield, burn Warren rami' I 
ned .May 16, 1854; children three. 

Miller Willis, p o Honeoye Falls, farmer, 165 acres born Men- 

'Jon. M i,i mtj 1840, settled 181 

BioK le. born Canadice, ' Intario i i istt8; 

children one, Adam: father Solomon '.Miller with bis 
father were the first settlers in Western New Fork 
built the first saw mill and raised the Aral wheat ui 
Munrue county about 1798. 

Morgan David li.. p o Lima, farmer 190 acres, born Lima April 
1,1840 Is highway commissioner; wife tfell a Angel 
burn Monroe county 1848 married 1868; childn u four 

E . born 1868, Anson A., burn 1871, J 
1876, Melissa, born 1880 

McNairWm. ft., po Lima, larmer, grain and stock dealt 

acres, born Groveland 1823, i pervisor and 

held other town offices: wife Mary W Maun bore 
Livingston county 182."), married 1850; children four 
Henry 11. born September, 1851, Charles w . born 
1856, Anna L , burn 1858, Clara A., bum I860. 

Moses Lewis, p o Lima, farmer a of ittli* 280 

acres, born Lima 1819; Brst wife Caroline U H 
born Ontario county 1842, married 181 chil 

dren two. Lewis H , born 1816, Irving ttosi 
second wife Celia A. Green, born -Munrue count * 
dren three, Edward O.. Frank, Luther, 

Moses Luther, born Vermont 1787, settled 1791, died 1876; wife 
Sally Phillips, born 179'i. married 1811, died 1861 

Moses Lewis H.. p o Lima, farmer, 8ti acres, born Lima 1846; 
wife Alice B. Harden, born 1816, married 1869; children 
two. Cary E . Fred I. 

Norton A. Tiffany, p o Lima, publisher " Lima Iter. 

Mt. Morris. September 5, 1844; wifeTillie E. Whitbeck, 
born Groveland, married 1870. 

Nash Adolphus, p o Lima, dealer in coal and phosphate, born 
Vermont 1813. settled 1849, bas been deputy sheriff six 
years; wife Harriet s Smith, born Canada September, 
181 :. married January 1. 1836; children two. Edwin A . 
born Canada October 26, 1886, settled 1649, was elect- 
ed county judge ill 1878, Mary A., born Canada Janu- 
ary 1, 1839. 

Newman Aaron, p o Lima, fanner. 70 acres, born Delaware 
county 179S. settled 1817; father Abner Newman, was 
born Duchess county 1748, settled 1817, died 182(1 
Mercy Dodge, born Duchess county V 
1754. married 1774, died October 1," 1813; children 
twelve, living two, Aaron and Sarah. 

Newman Thomas, p o Lima, born Livingston county 1808; wife 
Abigail Hortou, burn Wayne county 1819, m 
1842; childien two, Lewis W., born 181.", Ira K. burn 
1863 

Newman Sarah, p o Lima, owner of a farm. 

Parker Charles L., p o North Bloomfield. farmer. 153 acres, burn 
Ontario county 1819, settled 182!; wife Ann L, D-'Moyne, 
born Seneca county 1816, married 1840, died is:;; chil- 
dren three, living one, Celestia, born 1845, marrit I 
win Croft, born Monroe county 1810, married 1842, 
children two. 

Peck Richard, po Lima, farmer, grain ami st.uk deal 
acres, born West Bloonifield 1*11, settled 18 
supervisor and assessor: wife Elizabeth I 
Lima 1818, married 1833, died 1845; children two. Jas. 
B., born 1836, Aeahei B.. born 1837 and married Rebec- 
ca Jeffords 1845; children one, May K. burn 1846. 

Plimpton Edwin, p i I red farmer, bum Ontario coun 

ty 1815, settled 1817; wite Maria Bliss, burn 1 

married 1858; children three. Lillie E.. Ida A.. 
George E. 

Peck Asahel B., p o Lima, farmer. 89 acres, burn Llvll 

countv 1837; wife Helen M. Steel, born 1813. married 
1875; children two, Ida M., Mertie A, 

Parker David C. farmer, born Livingston ecu 1 [879; 

wife Eliza Wiggins, born New Jersey 1810, married 

Ripley Rev. II. M . p o Lima, retired olergyman, burn Livlt 

couuty 1812, homestead and 12 acres wife Mary M. 

Reynolds born Wyoming county 1817, man 

children uuc. Ellen K 
Stanley II. Augustus, born 1848, settled 1861; wife Eli 

Valentine, burn Munrue county 18 I I s . s : 

children one. Ralph R. 
Stanley Hiram, p o Honeoye Falls, burn Ontario county 1807 

settled 1838; wlfeLuclnda Markhall. born 1817, n 

1844: children three. MaryL., Lucy K. lb - 
Smith .1. J . p I. una, carriage manufacturer, repairing and 

blacks, mil,, born Waj i untj If 

employment to seven men; wife Mary Flynu. buru 

Roche'stcr . : children three. 

Shuart Theodore 1. . po Lima, farmer, burn Monroe county 

is-.,,, settled 1867; wite Elizabeth D born 

DlBter county I82i luldren four. Frank 

ry E„ John K.. Elner D. 
Smith Mrs 111, "1 a Warner. pO Lima, representative uf the 

Warner estate. 
Terry Charles A . p " Lima, fanner. 90 aer, I 1*11: 

father Henry T.-rrv. boi 

1801 and ma Sarah Williams, I 

ton county, mai 

B ,,il ■ -,.rii w yomlng county - 

1825; chil, I, '. Alvin. Sylvester, l.uvl, 

.1,,:. I 






HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Thayer George, p o Lima, retired merchant, farmer ami banker, 
b 01 n Massachusetts 1807, settled 1844; wife Phebe L. 
Wood, born I biondaga county 18)3, married 1837. died 
\x'-i; children three, Samuel II.. horn 1 8:18, Elizabeth 
ff . born 1842, George W.. born 1818, 

Vary Wm. L., p o Lima, farmer. 160 acre?, born in Livingston 
Count; I s ''"; wife Katie L. Warner, born New Orleans 
1861, married 1880. 

Vary Win , born Rensselaer county, settled Livingston county, 
died 1873. 

Vary B. A., p o Lima, farmer. 219 acres, born Livingston county 
1841; wife Pbilinda Payne, born Livingston county 
1839; married 1861, children ton. 

Vary Wm., born Columbia county 1807, settled 1836, died 1847. 

Watts J onathan J ., p o Lima, retired clergyman and farmer, 34 
acres, born England 1816, settled 1859, wife Agnes 
McEwen, br.rn Canada 1822, married 1886, children 
two, Margaret A., Edgerton. 

Winana Seth W., p o Lima, farmer, 50 acres, born Seneca 
county 1821, settled 1883: first wife Lucretia Norton, 
born 1824, married 1850, died 1879; children two. Sarah 
N., born 1858, Jennie M ., born i860; second wife Julia 
Rathbun, born 1834, married 1880, 

Winans Elnathan, born Greene county 1790. settled 1833, died 
I860, was in rifle company in war of 1812. 

Warner Albert, p o Lima, farmer, 135 acres, born Lima 1809, 
wife Ann Harvey, born Connecticut 1810, married 1832, 
children two, Frank, George B. Father William War- 
ner, born Connecticut 1770, settled 1795, has been as- 
sessor and farmer and captain in warof 1*12. died 1855, 

Warner Wm. B , farmer, born Livingston county 1795, died 1S;0; 
wife Electa Bennett, born Massachusetts 1798. married 
1822, died 1880; adopted daughter Kboda Smith, born 
1824, Lucinda I. Stone, born Columbus county 1833, 
settled 18 16 

Wbaley Robert, p o Lima, farmer and stock dealer, 130 acres, 
born Avon 1818, father Caleb J. Whalev. born Rhode 
Island 1787, settled 1800, died 1810; wire Emily Barnum 
born Livingston county 1*21, married 1841; children 
two, Robert F., born 1842, Julia A., born 1814. 

Wiggins Curtis P. . p o Lima, born West Bloomfield, Ontario 
county 1888; wife Phebe A. Huntington, born 1839, 
married 1861; children 2, Fannie E., born 1862, Ida M., 
born 1872. 



LEICESTER. 

Alfred N. R., p o Moscow. 

Allen John, p o Cuylervillo, farmer. 

Atherton Maryette, p o Moscow. 

Bottsford Eli, p o Moscow, farmer. 140 acres, born Castile, Wy- 
oming county, in 1820, settled in county in 1851, has 
been assessor six years; wife Malvina A. Bolton, born 
Scipio. N. Y ., in 1824, married April 9, 1844; six chil- 
dren. Helen M., Ada A . Mary, Edith A. Chas. Leslie, 
and Inez V. ; father Eliakim Bottsford, settled in Wy- 
oming county in 1818. served in war of 1812. 

Barret John, p o Cuylerville, farmer. 

Beebe James E., p o Moscow, farmer 190 acres, born Leicester 
August 12, 1818, has been assessor, highway commis- 
sioner, and other minor offices; wife Caroline F. Royce, 
born Leicester March 31, 1821, married December 25, 
1839; live children. Emily M.. born August 31, 1842, 
Dora M. born October 28, 1844, Kuth A. born October 5, 
lHlfi, Sara E. born February 1, 1860, and Carrie L. born 
February 9, 1858. Father's name Russell Beebe. 

Black John, p o Cuylerville, hotel proprietor. 

Brown Frank L,, p o Mt. Morris, farmer, 175 iicres, born Leices- 
ter December 9, 1845; wife Mary J. Cornwall, born 
Perry, Wyoming county, mairied Dec. 12, 1870; three 
children, Frederick C, Franklin D,, Jessie A. 

Brown Milton, p o Mt. Morris, farmer. 

Brown Dudley, farmer, 102 acres, born North Stonington July 
19, 1802, died Sept jo. 1878; first wife Rebecca Cleve- 
land, born Somers, Conn., married February 27. 1828, 
died Juno 12, 1888; second wife Susan Blivin, born 
Westerly, It. I., married November G, 18-34, died April 
17,1877; children by first wife Charles D., George M. 
and an infant; by second wife Rebecca C, Susan E , 
William II,, Rhoda A., Lawrence F., Marion M , Frark- 
lin L., Clarissa J. and Jeremiah M. 

Bolton James H.. p o Moscow, farmer. 336 acres, born Berne, 
Albany county. November :{ii, isn v >, settled in county 
in 1824, has been assessor seven years; wife Alvirah 
Warren, born Deorflold, Mass.. Mav 10, 1*05, died Aug- 
ust 21. 1849, married February 20, 1823; ten children, 
Malvina A., Jasper N., Amanda M , Helen C. Alvira and 
Almira (twins), Adehiid E., Cornelia A., Elizabeth A. 
and Alice V. 

Bush Henry, carpenter, joiner and farmer. 600 acres, born 
Berne, Albany county, 17*7. died April 19, 1868, settled 
in county in 1828, has been ooromisslonerof highways; 
wives Amy Willis, died in 1846, Nancy Stone, died* in 
1S57 and Ellen Swan; children, Thomas, Hannah, Hen- 
ry. Sally, Ann A., John G. and, George R. 

Cone B. S., p o Moscow, farmer. 



Crosby H. D., p o Moscow, farmer. 137 acres, boru Ilartland, 
Litchfield county. Conn.. February 27, 1811, settled in 
county in fall of 1816: has been supervisor one term 
and assessor; wife Rachel Underwood, born York June 
15, 1813, married February s , }BS7: four children. Mar- 
eia F .. born November 29, 1888, Newton H . born Feb- 
ruary in. 1841, Helen E., born in 185", and Edward B.. 
bora September 5, 1~ : ; lather Jeduthan (rnsby, 
settled in Leicester in 1810, died there in 184*, aged 72 
years. 

Cooley Alonzo B.. p o Moscow, retired farmer, 100 acres, born 
Covington, Wyoming county, August 28, 1821, settled 
in county in I8l*5, has been supervisor one term and 
notary public; first wife Hannah Beebe, born Leices- 
ter married March 22, 1865, died July 13. 1871; second 
wife Emeline White, born Moscow, married August 22, 
1874; children, Helen (deceased), Russell B., William 
J. and Mabel. Father Jonathan Cooley settled in 
Greigsville in 1809, and afterwards removed to Cov- 
ington, Wyoming county. 

Don nan David, po Moscow, farmer, 0O0 acres, born Montgom- 
ery county December 3, 1809, settled April 17, 1849. 
Father Alexander Donnan, who came from Scotland 
in 1777,settled in Montgomery county, married J e net te 
DAcKerlie, died aged 85 years. Wife Jane Milroy. born 
Scotland 1816, married 1*42. died 1858; children two, 
Mary E., who married Alexander McPherson. and 
John A. 

DeForest Wm., p o Moscow. 

Elliott Wm., p o Moscow, farmer and hop grower, 126 acres, 
born Clougb. County Antrim, Ireland. August 11. 1799, 
has been highwav commissioner, came from Ireland In 
1828, settled in Geneseo. removed to Nunda in 1832, 
thence to Groveland in 1836, thence to Geneseo in 
1842, thence to Leicester in 1853 on homestead of Gov. 
George W Patterson; wife Jano McLain, born cldu^li, 
Ireland. Septmber 25. 179*. married January 28, 1822, 
died October 6, 1870; children eight. James, Thomas, 
Jane, William, John, Maria. Adam, Sarah A. 

Hull John D , p <> Gibson ville, Farmer, 158 acres, born Manches- 
ter, N. Y., March 8, 181)7. died August 59, 1858, settled 
in county in I8l8: first wife Eliza Chamberlain, born 
Cayuga county March 4, 1810, married January 88, 
1880, died July 10, 1840; second wife Sarah ( Wilson I 
Lord, born Vermont July 8, 1811, married October 26, 
1841; six children. Homer D.. Alphonso R., Mary A. 
and Jedediah by first wife. William and John K*. by 
second wife, Father Moses Hull. 

Jacobs Samuel II., p o Mt. Morris, farmer, 100 acres, born Barn- 
stead, N. H.. December 20, 1839, settled April 10, isii7. 
was in 15th New Hampshire infantry, was wounded in 
the siege before Port Hudson, was discharged at the 
expiration of his term of service; wife Sally Nichols, 
born Leicester September, 1815, married March 80, 
1871; children four, Charles H., Bert, Elmer, Ella. 

Jones James W., p o Moscow, farmer, 258 acres, born Leicester 
December 2, 1881, has been member of auditing board ; 
wi'e Elizabeth L. Jones, born Leicester May 7. 1886, 
married November 20, 1861. Father of James was 
Hiram W. Jones. Parents of Elizabeth were John H. 
and Julia .Tones, who were both born in Leicester. 

Jones G. W., p o Moscow. 

Kennedy John, p o Cuylerville, farmer. 125 acres, born Schenec- 
tady .Inly II. 1801, settled 1811, has been supervisor, 
assessor and highway commissioner. Father Archi- 
bald Kennedy, who came from county of Perth. Scot- 
land, and served in the war of 1812. "Wife Katharine 
MeKercher, born 1HIH1, married 182s, died April. 1862. 

McKercher John, farmer, 197 acres, born BroadalbiD, Ful- 
ton county, April 2. 1790, settled 1811. has been 
highway commissioner and school commissioner: wife 
Margaret McMartiti. born Qlenlyon, Scotland. July 10, 
1791. married March 21. 1811, died October 18, 1861; 
Children 10, Katharine, Daniel. Jane. Duncun. who was 
in the war of the Rebellion, was prisoner seventeen 
months, was promoted from captain to major, then to 
colonel. Anna. Tinsley. Margaret. John. Martin, 
David. 

Moyer Frank II.. p o Moscow. 

Marsh David, p o Cuylerville, miller. 

McNeilly J, S . p o Mt, Morris, livery proprietor. 

Pelton L. C., po Cuylerville, farmer. 

Parker Calvin E„ p o Gibsonville. farmer. 75 acres, born Leices- 
ter in 1*11; wife Mattie Jaynes. born in New York, 
matried in 1869: two children. Fannie and Walter. 
Father. Calvin S. Parker. 

Piffard A. M.. p o PitTard. 

Piffard S. E.. p o Piffard. 

Richardson George W.. p o Gibsonville. farmer. 180 acres, born 
Leicester November 20. 1853: wife Victoria E. Tyring- 
ham. born in Massachusetts March 32, 1857, married 
November 12, 1876; one child, Edith Belle. 

Richardson H. W.. p o Gihsonvillo. farmer. loo acres, born Lei- 
cester January 12. 1817, died May 11. 1877, was justice 
of peace ten years; wife Jane Tabor, born in Duanes- 
burg, N. V. February 19, 1624, married September 10, 
lM'i: ten children, Nancy J.. Mary A.. Win. H. (died 
May 21. 1665). Emaline, George W., Charles W .. Ida M.. 
Nafiie A. Edith M. and Fred H. Father Jedediah 
Richardson settled in Leicester in 1816, 

Reed I. N , p Cuylerville. 

Robinson Wm.. p o Moscow, farmer. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



Teumke John, p o Moscow, farmer, 12 aires, born Duchess 
county October 16. 1799, settled 1827, has been highway 

commissioner: wife HiiiiniIi t',,d\ I, inn liuehos's 

county May 1. 1779, married July 28, 1830; children Bye 

Jacob H.. born November 17. 1822. Daniel (• liorn No- 
vember 17, 1882, Mary E.. born Ootober I, 1825 Alfred 
born October'.'. 1829, Emery, born July I lt-84 
Welton Amos B . p o Mt. Morris, farmer. 220 acres born Shel- 
don, Wyoming county, Septembei is. 1832, settled 1845 
has been highway commissioner, wife Druzzella 
Stevens, born West Sparta April 20, 1840, married 
July 4. 1858; children two. Charles, bora September 23 
1860, Freddie, born January 19, 1885. 
Wheelock A. W., p o Moscow, farmer. 

Woostcr Wm. B., p o Cuylerville, farmer. 340 aires, born Sche- 
nectady county December 25, 1S2.S, settled in county 
in 1833, has been supervisor six years and sheriff one 
term; wife Margaret J Gifford, born Schenectady 
county, married in 1856; four children, J:ine A. George 
B., Wm. G , Beatty. Father. William W. Woosterset- 
tled in county in 1833 and held office of supervisor sev- 
eral vears. 
Wheelock M. S., p o Cuylerville, merchant. 
Welch Uichard, p o Cuylerville. farmer. 

Warner D. L., p o Moscow, cooper, 30 acres, born Ashfleld, 
Mass.. March 10, 1801, settled 1832, wife Betsey Wilder 
born Buck-laud, Mass.. March 9, 1804, married Febru- 
ary 26, 1826. died April 22. 187!); children three, Eliza- 
beth, born March 5, 1828, Thomas, born January ;8 
1831. Henry, born May 23, 1836 
Wheelock, I. T., p o Moscow, farmer and gardener, 120 acres, 
born Leicester September 29, 1832, has been assessor 
one term and U. S. guager; wife Marcia Crosby, born 
Leicester November 2i). 1839, married August 22, Is.Mi; 
two children, Arthur, born April B, 1866, Gertrude, 
born January 1. 1869. Father, Harry Wheelock. born 
in Massachusetts, came from West Broomfield to 
Leicester in 1822, served in war of 1812 as private. 
White. Eli. p o Mt. Morris, farmer and hop grower, 448 acres, 
born Nelson, Madison county. October 27, 1842. settled 
in county January 15, 1867; wife Eunice E. MadisoD, 
born Nelson January 26, is:;,, married December 8, 
1863; eight children, Laura E , born January 23, 1865; 
Cornelius B., born July 23. 1866. Carrie L., born March 
20, 1868, I. Newton, born February 7, 1870, Willie, born 
October 13, 1871. Francis, born July 17. 1*74. Mason F , 
born February 27, 1876, and Milton E., born October9, 
1878. 
Welton Amos, p o Mt. Morris. 
White Mrs. Jennette C, p o Moscow. 

West George W., p o Gibsonville, paper manufacturer, born 
Rickmondsworth, Eng., Sept. 19, 1822, settled in county 
November, 1871, 80 acres aud mill property, has been 
justice of the peace two years and postmaster; first 
wife Laura Smith, born Middle Haddam, Conn., mar- 
ried in 1816, died in 1817; second wife Pauline C. Baker, 
born Chesterfield, Mass., June 12, 1822, married No- 
vember, 1849. died July 3. 1876; children. Charles S . 
George E. (deceased). Hettie Paulina. Fanny Belle 
(deceased), Victoria Eliza, Jennie B.. George Thomas. 
Whitmore Emily, p o Moscow. 

Yale T. II., p o Perry, Wyoming county, farmer. 111 acres, born 
Norwich. Conn., July 30, 1821, settled in county in 
182 I; wife Helen C. Bolton, born Leicester September 
4, 1830, married December 21, 1850; one child, Eliza- 
beth. who was married to Samuel It. Sharpsteen < Icto- 
ber 23, 1872; three children. Earle J., born November 
!, lsi':J, died March 26. 1874. John M. aud Karl V. 



LIVONIA. 

Alvord L. M., p o Livonia Station, publisher. 

Adams Oscar, p o Livonia, farmer. 

AnustrougThomas. p o Lakeville, farmer. 180 aerts, born Livo- 
nia January 20, 1820; wife Eliza J. Northrop, born Li- 
vonia September IT. 1829, died September 1 1. 1873, ma i 
ried May 10. 1*60. three children living, Mary, born 
May 7. 1863. Charles, born September 18. 1866, Ida, born 
April 111, 186! 

Acnis Edgar S., po Livonia Station, farmer and stork grown. 
8 i acres, born Huneoye Falls. Monroe county, settled 
in April. 1861; wife Harriet E. Hand, born firoveland. 
married March 22. 1876; four children, .Mabel, born 
February 5, is;;. Maud, born September 1, 1878, Lulu, 
born Januarys.), lSSU ; Irving, born April 8, 1868 bj 
first wife. 

Aunis Augustus, p o Livonia Station, farmer, si aore8, l'"i C I. 
vonia June 5. 1824, died May 31, I s .:: wife M 
Pease, born Livonia June 6, 1885, married -May 13, 
1857; one child, Myron H. I'. Annis. born N 
1861. 

Armstoug John, p oLivonia station, farmer 50 acres, born Penn 
sylvania April 18, 1801, settled 1805; wifi Maran] Ud 
rich, born Livonia, is dead, married February ... 1834; 
three children, Roxaona, born February 
born July 21, 1842, Charles, born November 18, 1854; 
father, Matthew, born Bucks county, Penn., - 
this county in 1805, took up the farm John now owns, 
and lived till his death in this year, 

Barton H. A., po Livonia Station, drugg 



Oc ill;'; ,: " bornUvoBl. 

snr,"f I, , V" 1 "' 

sot \ wife Elizabeth Smith, i nelda no, He 

1824, married Februarj 26 1847; oi o i bild Jesse I '■ 

S'blrein'fsOO .' ty ' n1798 B 

Branson Chauncey, ,, ., South Lima, fanner. 100 acres, bora 
Lima February ,„„„ 

Vermont January 5, 1805 i I Deci ml , . 1876 mar- 
ried October 12, 1829; Bii children, Bradley M ' born 
September 16. |s .,, n , ,. g n 

John H , October 27, 1841, Emma E* October21 1844 

ln, ; i l " '"' seventy six wars; father Klllath' 

"" " ■ ''■"" , from Connecticul to I. una ism ,,, |8G2 
came to Uhauncey's farm and re Idi d there till his 
death in 1828, born 1767 
Barber Rev. Wm. A . p o Livonia Station, farmer and sup,,,-,,,,,,, 
"*';-y,- M - E- minister, born Kingston, Canada, October 
8.1821, settled in oountj 1851 ;, i .,, re wife 8arah A 
Welton. born Livonia July 12, i.vj ; ,|,,.,| -,. 

ber 24, 18,8, inarried August io, 1848; bild, Mary 

B.. born July 8, 1849 
Backus Andrew J., po South Livonia, farm,.,-, 190 acres, bora 
fort Ann. Washington county, Fehruarj II 
tied April, 1830; wife Ann Patterson, bora Conesus 

A l"'ii '"■ 1816, mar May 25, 1881 ; two children lit 

lng, Alexander, born s ( pt,,,,i,,i s i- m ,;,.,„„„ |„„.„ 
July 6, 1818. 
Baker S.. p o South Livonia, merchant, born Livonia November 
81, 1826, was in 136th New York Stat 
listed in company C as private lugust 1862, promoted 
to fourth sergeant September 25. 1862, Io Bergeanl \., 
gust 15, 1863. promoted to firs) lieutenant company F 
A P nl iM S.Sharp, bora Livonia, married 

January 11. 1857, he was deputy pos'masti 
Beman Edward, p o Lima, farmer I5U acrei born Berkshire 
county. Massachusetts, June], 1806, settled 1810 , in 
tain of militia; wife Abigail Phillips, bora Lima 180? 
married January 10 is;,, died June 14, 1865; Ave chil 
dren, four living. Marion,., born Dec 19 1888 Inn 
li.. January 25,1840, died, .March ll 1870 Ellen II 
June 17, 1842, Jennie A., March 9 [844 John E August 

17, 1817; Trial, father of. E . 01 In 1810, took up land 

but died in 181 1 from bite of mad dog. 
Bears A. D„ p o Hemlock Lake, farmer am] bop grower bora 

Livonia April 25, 1834, 70 acres, wife Sarah \ Jei i 

born Geneseo, married December 81 1857, died 1878 
two children, Annie L. born .bum u i |859 U 

lie. July 18, 1863, John Bears bora in Cayuga county 
1808, came heie 1815, died 1872. 
Bissell Charles A., farmer, in: , Bristol, t)i 

county, August .12. 1817. died May 7, 1877 settled 1864; 
wife Jane Salsich, born Livonia August 20,1834 mar 
ried May S3, 1869; two children, Era, . Feb- 

ruary 9, 1872. Laura G October 12. 1875. died Septem 
ber:!, is;7; Joseph, rather of -lane Salsich came from 
Cumberland county. I'a . June is.',;, settled at I.) 
Centre, died September 9 1876 
Beman Isaac N., po Lima, 1 III acres, born Berkshire • 

Mass. 1) tuber -.-;, 1797, died January 9, 1878, settled 

1797; first wife Eunice Bennett, born Bern Ingtt a V\ 

.March 13, 1800, died 1836, married lanuarv 8, Is-." 

\i,drew ,i . born February i :. I wifo 

Malinda Sbuart. bora Mendon, .Monroe county, July 
26, 1807, died July ', 1879; one child, Angie E„ bora 
October 22, 1841 

Chapin W. s.. p o Livonia Station, owns hoi . b,, r „ 

Yenice. Cayuga county. December .11. 1826, settled 
1861, enlisted in 186tfa regimen, promoted 
times to captaincy, town clerk six yeai 
master; wite Catharine E. Bart, bora fJroti n Tomp- 
kins county. February I is",; : 

three children, Fred K born December?, I860, Wii- 
lard H., September 1. 1862. Grace I i 90 

1868. 

Chapin C. C. p o Livonia Station, farm. . foiplo 

Cayug inty,June5 1811 wife Kb. ..la 

A. Lewis, born Livonia. April I, 1888, nun i 
ary 1 1. 1844; two children, Floyd A., born I i 
185 I, Lewis E . Man b I IS B 

Clark L. ,v Sons, i o Lakeville, grist lime and plaster ml 

I, Clark born Qeneseo June 14 1888: wife Mat 
garet Stewart, bora Sootland Octobers, 1884, married 
May 22, 1845: three children, living. Hiram I., born 
October 23, 1849, Alexander s Februarj II 
Frank II April 88. 1864. 

Chamberlin s. N . p o Livonia station, farmei 

of the peace twenty years, |ustli - 

term: wife i Cook, born Livonia September 

.'7. married April B, 1852; three cblldl 
\ bora April 13. 1854, Marquis n - 
i. Oct, 

Coe Horace K . p o South Livonia, fa] lather 

Lewis Coo. came from Paris, tine,.: 
took up UOacrt 

Mrs t'oe's maiden nam.. \, ,,. !. 
in, born In Connecticut . 
d sixty-six. 
orgs I. !» ■» Livonia v i at Ion, fuinitui - •! un- 

dertaker. 

Davis J. W.. p Livonia Station, farmer. 






HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Densmore Capt. r> , p o Livonia, farmer, 102 acres, born New 
Baltimore August 23, 1818, Bettled 1887, captain of old 

militia of this town ; wife Eleanor Price, horn Livonia 
January 4. 1816, married March 2. 1887; father David, 
born in Connecticut Mai ell 28, 1767, came to this coun- 
ty in 1837, died here August, 18, 1861 
Davis N. J., p o Livonia Station, farmer and milk dealer, 04 
acres, Lorn Tioga county. Pa. .lulv 4, ls-'i-l. settled 
1886; wife Cordelia Powell, horn Livonia April 21. 
1829, married February 21, 1857; four children, Estella 
Z., horn January 18, 1868, Luther M., June 15, 1859, Kl 
vin N., June 4, 1864, Grant s. December 14, 1868. 
Dihhell Charles, p o Livonia, farmer. 168 acres, born Vermont 
April 12, 1810, settled 1880: first wife Rebecca E. Young, 
born Livonia Sep* em her 7, 1815, married i s l": two chfl 
dren living, Elizabeth A. Welch and Louisa J.; second 
marriage November 28, 1853, Charles E.. horn [•ebruary 
W. 1855; Daniel Young came from New Jersey about 
1805. died February 15, 
Dibbell Danforth C. p o Livonia. 'II acres, born Randolph. Vt , 
May»l, 1807, died May 87, 1865. settled 1627. was in the 
shoe business: wife Jlaria Foot, born Washington 
county May 18. 1815, married September JrfS, 1888; three 
children. F'rank M . horn December 14, 1 S;i9, Cnicv M . 
June 16. 1843, died April 21, 1868, charlotte E., born 
March 24, 1860 
Fowler N. H , p o Livonia, farmer 
i lillett M. Mb, p o Livonia Station, farmer. 
Gove N., p Livonia Station, farmer. 

(•ray David, farmer, 150 acres, born Livonia July 22, 1812. died 
July 27, 1874, justice Of the peace for twenty year^; 
wife Chloe A. Williams, born June 19, 1820, died in Gen- 
eseo i860, married 1840. three children, Emma C, born 
April 6, 1^12. Lizzie L . born August 16, 1845, James D., 
born September 15, 1848. 
Gibbs Augustus, p o Livonia, 60 acres, born Litchfield, Conn., 
December 16, 1794, died January 2-1. 1814, settled in 
1800, small sheriff of county, member of Assembly in 
1841; wife Caroline Finley. born Geneseo August 10, 
1818, married February 13, 1851; one child, Carrie F., 
born June 24, 1856. 
Gray William, p o Lakeville, farmer, 11 acres, born Livonia 18]K, 
is dead; wife Mary llillman, born Lakeville 1821, mar- 
ried 1847; two children, Addie M., born September 11, 
1840, Emma R„ born November I. 1851. 
Gibbs Adney S., p o Livonia, farmer, born Livonia May 30, 181 1, 
be'eu txcise commissioner and poormaster; first wife 
Margaret Read, born Ontario county, died June 6, 
1851; second wife Agues Qriewold, born Geneseo April 
6, 1818, married February 12, 1852; five children. Laura 
Ann, born January 8, 1840, Ella Margaret, born May kH, 
1854, Mary Fiancis, born February 20, 1H5U, Agms, 
born June 12, 1857, Leinan, born June 28, 1859; Lemau 
Gibbs born in Litchfield, Conn.. 1788, came to Livonia 
in 1803. was elected constable, and in the Legislature, 
supervisor four years, also appointed justice of sts- 
sims of Livingston county, died 1858. 
Hamilton Augustus, p o Livonia Station, farmer. 657 acres, born 
Marion county. O., March 20. 1829: wife Caroline Van- 
Nuys, born West Sparta June 4, 1834, married Septem- 
ber I, 1868; three children, Hugh F., born April 30, 1867, 
Hattie A . born October 21, 1800, Emma M., born Octo- 
ber IS. 1872 
Hillman Geo., p o South Limn, farmer, 70 acres, born Lowville, 
Lewis county, December 81, 1828, settled October 1839, 
town assessor; wife Anita M. Squires, born Ledyard, 
Cayuga county, January 10, 1885, married December 1, 
1859: William, father of George, born Martha's Vine- 
yard July 14, 1777, came here October 1830, died Sep- 
tember 2. 1865. 
Hitchcock Charles M., p o South Livonia, farmer 180 acres, 
born Coneaus March 17, 1888, assessor; second wife 
Leonora Stedman, born Livonia, married March 21, 
1871: by first wife Belle B . born May 1, 1*00. 
Harder George W., p o Hemlock Lake, farmer. 140 acres, born 
Livonia May 25, (848, collector of school money; wife 
Mary Adeline Turner, born Livonia August 25, 1850, 
married October 25, 1871 ; children, Flora. Mabel, born 
January 5, 1872, llattio Lois, born March 10, 1875, Lulu 
Annie, born April 15, 1877; father William came from 
Saratoga county about 1830, died March 7, 1877. 
Jerome W. S., p o Livonia, farmer. 10U acres, horn Ontario 
county December 10, 1828, settled 1836; wife Alta 9. 
Patterson, born Couesus October 1, 1 *■.'■'-;, married 
March 8, 1849; children. Mary J., burn March 27, 1858, 
Clara A., born September 9, i860, Julia, born April o, 
1866, W. B. Jr., born March 21, 1868. 
Jackman Geo. W., p o Livonia Station, farmer, 150 acres, born 
Mendon, Monroe county, February 19, 1826, settled 
1828, school trustee; wife Jane E. Cowles, born Brigh- 
ton, Monroe county, July 10, 1881, married November 
25, 1S58; children, George Washington, Jr., born Sep- 
tember 21, 1863, Lizzie M., born June 26, 1866, Uillie E., 
born July 11, 1870, L. Ward B„ burn September 7, 1871. 
Jerome Myron D., p o Hemlock Lake, farmer, 98 acres, born 
Richmond, Oniario county, February 10, 1812, settled 
1886: wife Sarah Davis, born Covington, Wyoming 
county, married June 8, 1847; children, Myron Davis, 
horn April 10, l s '8, John Wiber, born October 22, 1840, 
Henry Hobert, bum April 6, 1852, Susie Louisa, born 
November 10, 1854, Sarah Jam-, born October 0, 1856, 
Edward, born December ■ ■. 1859, died December 22. 
1862, 



Jerome Henry N„ po Hemlock Lake, farmer, 100 acres, born 
Ontario county November 2, 1880, settled 1886, wile 
Anna C. Harder, born Livonia February 7. 1840, mar- 
ried March 0, 1804 : children, John F . (by first wife.) 
born February i8, 1857. Willie G., horn December 4, 
is.,;, 
Jacques K. R.. po Hemlock Lake, farmer. £60 acres, born Ver- 
mont February 11, 1807, settled 1811, has been justice 
of the peace, division judge advocate (rank as Con m< 1 1 
received commission Governor Many; wife Harriet 
Francis, born Connecticut August 10, 1810, married 
September 11,. 1834. 
Long Christopher, p o South Livonia, farmer. 96 acres, born 
Geneseo June 6, 1811, has been minister of the Mention- 
ite society; wife Catharine Bean, born Harrisburgb, 
Pa.. 1807, mairied May 7. 1845; died Novembei 28, IW I, 
three children living, Ann M., Kllen H., Elmer K.. born 
August 181H: his father. Christian Long, came from 
Centre county. Pa., 1811, 
Lindsley Freeman, p o South Livonia, farmer. 7") acres, born 
Livonia March 12, 1825: wife Sarah Bearss, born Cone- 
sus January 10. 1825: four children, Marvin W., born 
June 27. 1814, Sarah Jane, born February 27. 1846, Ida 
May. born December 25. 1*56. Ella D.. born February 
>. 18t,u. 
Lewis J. M., p o Livonia Station, liveryman. 
Long Jacob, p o Live nia Station, farmer, 45 acres, born Gene- 
seo September 10. 1813: wife Nancy S. Snyder, born 
Clinton county. Pa., June 14, 18is. married February 
4, 1H41. 
Lewis Rockwell J., p o Livonia, farmer, 124 acres, born Livonia 
February 24. 182U; wife Emily P. Cluik. born Livonia. 
died September 2, 1866, married 1848; Erastus Lewis 
father of K. J . came from Conn. 
MeClintoek Abraham, po Livonia Station, farmer, 128 acres, 
born Livonia March 3, 1825; wire Mary a. Williams, 
born Livonia December 20. 1881, married January 20. 
1852, one child. Herbert A., born November II, i8o4; 
\Vm. MeClintoek; father of Abraham, born Heading. 
Pa. February 2u. 1783, came here 1812, was in war of 
that year, died January 25, 1868. 
Millham T. W., p o Livonia, general merchant, born Charlton. 
Saratoga county, December II, 1M2. settled April 
1872, has been postmaster since 1874; wife Anna E. 
Barnard, born Saratoga county, married June 18, 1867, 
seven children. 
Nettleton K. D., p o Livonia Station, clergymen, 
Owen 1). D . p o South Lima, farmer. 07 acres, born Richmond. 
Ontario county. November 19, 1830, settled Itfltt; wife 
Lucy Clark, born Geneseo October It. 1887, married 
February 14, 1861, D. D., was in thelaterebeliiun three 
years and four months, enlisted in Ohio 7th as private, 
was promoted to first lieutenant and acted as com- 
missary till his discharge. 
Patterson. J. B., po Livonia fetation, merchant, born Cayuga 
county April 4, 1828, settled 1884, has been town clerk, 
supervisor four terms, and was elected to his present 
ofliee of county clerk in 1K77; wife Orselia M. Lewis, 
burn Orleans county November 2b. 1884, married Sep- 
tember28, 1858; children. L. J,, born September 15. 
1855. W. G.. born October 1. 1857, Carrie L . born March 
8. i860, Emma, born April 5, 1862, J. H. Jr . burn May 1, 
1864, Mary O., born May 18. 1666, Inn B., born July 28, 
1816. 
Perry E. H., p o Livonia Station, runs a grist mill, born Otsego 
county May 22, 1848, came from Ontario county Sep- 
tembers, 1879: wife Lydia J. Trembley, born Ontario 
county February 14. 1848, married September 80, 1868; 
three children, Nellie J , born October 20, 1869, Emma 
J. , born October 22, 1875, Ralph II.. born June 80, 1879. 
Price A. L., p o Livonia Station, farmer. 160 acres, born Livonia 
January 21, 1850; father Garrett S., born Northumber- 
land county. Pa., October 15, 1805, came to this coun- 
ty with bis father, Noah, in 1807, 
Pease Henry Cpo Livonia Station, born Livonia August.28. 
1828, died October 10, 1874, owned 1 Id acres: wile Han- 
nah P. Hoag. born Greene county May 26, 1886, mar- 
ried October 14, 1800; one child, Harry Pease, born 
November 18, 1871. 
Patterson Theodore, p o Livonia, farmer. 

Purdy Ebenezer. po South Livonia, farmer, W0 acres, born 
North Salem. Westchester county. August 3, 1823. set- 
tled 1835, has been highway commissioner: wife Fran- 
ces E. Harrison, born Groveland April 7, 1834, married 
December 4, 1860; one child, Wm. Harrison, born 
February 15, 1864. 
Purdy Cole, p o South Livonia, farmer. WO acres, born North 
Salem, Weschester county, November 20, is:i2. settled 
1835. 
Rider S. W., p o Livonia Station, farmer. 10 acres, born Ohio 
August 11, 1838, settled 1858; wife Achsa A. Amsden, 
born Livonia July 28, 1887, married February 15, 1879; 
one child, Lee F. Richardson, (by first husband.) born 
July 7, 1871. 
Remington Mary A., p o Lakeville. farmer. 
Ressequie Jerome, p o Livonia Station, fanner. 
Swan Albert, p o Livonia Station, dealer in produce and coal. 
born Canadice, Ontario county. July 2, 1847, settled 
April 1. 1800, has been foreman of Livonia hook and 
ladder company, town clerk and treasurer of agricul- 
tural society: wife L. Adell Hart, born Conesus July 
18, 1817. married September 0. HJT1. 
Swan George W.. p o Livonia Station, hotel proprietor. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



Short Josiah C, p o Hemlock Lake, farmer and merino sheen 
breeder, 230 acres; wife Esther E Weller born Livo- 
nia May 12, 1825, married March 11. 1852; three children 
Amelia A . born May I. 1653, Wellec .1 . born August 2; 
1854, Mary A born April 28, 1857; Henry Weller. father 
of -Mrs. S., born in Plttsfleld, Mass. 1762, came here 
1809. died September 24. 1848, his U1 i,. born Westfleld 
Mass . July 31, 1782, died January 11. 1856. 

Smith Lewis E,po Oakland street. Rochester. 

Stone Joel, p o Livonia, farmer. 

Swan E. Darwin, horn Milton. Saratoga county, March 10, 1813 
died July 10, 1*7$, settled in county 1846; wife Aman- 
da M. Hillman. born Lowville. Lewis county. August 
21, 1832, married March 30, 187U; one child, Nellie, born 
May 21, 1873. 

Thurston J. B., p o Livonia, cashier banking house of S. T. 
Woodruff, born Livonia September '-'li. 1835, owns Hi 
acres, has been supervisor two terms; wife Martha 
McPherson born York, married September 20, 1858; 
one child, Wm. B., born March 20, 1870. 

Tefft Frank E.. p o Hemlock Lake, does boating on Hemlock 
lake. 

Thurston George A., p o Hemlock Lake, fanner, 97 acres, boru 
Livonia September 4, 1838; wife Ella A. Austin, born 
Perry, Wyoming county, married May 3, 1871: four 
children. Thomas G.. bom June 17,1673, KittieS , born 
November 7, 1874, Frank A., born June 15, 1876, Bessie, 
horn February 5. 1879; father Silas It. born Otsego 
county, came here 1837, died 1872, 

Turner Sidney P.. was a farmer, born Cayuga county, 1822, set 
tied JSTIJ. died October 6, 1879; wife Amanda Weller, 
born Livonia June 33, I*'-Jt>. married February 27, 1858. 

VanZandt I. 31., p o Livonia Station, farmer, 90 acres, born 
Potter, Yates county, February 7. 1818, settled 
April 6,1870; wife Estclla A Wheeler, born Quinoy, 
Branch county. Mich., August 8, 1S.V2, married Febru- 
ary 18, 1875; one child, Ida May, born September 04, 
1878. 

VauZandt Samuel, p o Livonia Station, farmer. 127 acres, born 
Potter, Yates county. November 1. 1810, settled 1870: 
wife Charity Simmons, born Benton October 11. i*.'J, 
married November 8, 1840, one child 1. M , born Feb- 
ruary 7, 18-18. 

Woodruff S. G., p o Livonia, farmer and banker, 060 acres, born 
Livonia March 8, 1827, has been supervisor two terms, 
sou of Jeremiah, and grandson of Solomon Woodruff 
who came to this town 1790, formerly from Connecti- 
cut and first settler in town. 

Weat Lovette P.. p o Lakeville, merchant and farmer, 102 acres, 
born Livonia December 21, 1841, has been justice or 
the peace for three years, postmaster for the last ten 
years; wife Hattie M. Dimmick, born Union Pale, Pa., 
June £2, 1842. married September 30, 1869: Cour chil- 
dren, Harry F., born December 21, 187'J, Brasilia L., 
born September 19, 1875, Charles S. born Fcbiuary 5, 
1878, Florence L , born August 30, 1879. 

Wilkin David, p oLivonia Station, farmer, 56 acres, born Livo- 
nia September 23. 1825; wife Marilla O. Norton, born 
Livonia November 12. 1830. married October 17, 185U; 
one child; Charles L , born April 11. 1855; Lemuel Nor- 
ton, father of Mrs. W,. born in Saratoga county 1782, 
came to this town in 1813, died in 1846. 



MT. MORRIS. 

Anient Edward L . horn Schenectady December IS, 1795, settled 
in 1811. 135 acres of land: wife Mary Bamhart, born 
Dansville. married January 16, 1881; six children. E. 
L. Anient died November 1, I s :; 

Bills N. D., p o Jit. Morris, farmer. 1'"- acres, 1" rn Qroton, 
Tompkins county. September 39 1814, settled in 1838; 
wife Nancy M Begole, born March 83, 1818 married 
Jlay i7, 1840; five chil Iren, Charles A . born September 
11, 1848, died May 18, I s , :. Benjamin !'• born Septem- 
ber 10th, 1844. died October 85th, 184ft, Lillie, born July 
B, 1854; dii'd July I3th, 1876, Margaret E . born June 88, 
1858, Mary A . born May 18, 1851. 

Brown H. E., p o Mt. Morris, casbier Genesee Bivei Bank. 

Biughani Bros., p o Mt. Morris, bankers. 

Beuerline Barney, p o Mt. Morris, dealer in gents' furnishing 
goods. 

Barron M. M..p o Tuscarora, fan'' •es, born Mt. .Morns 

November 1st. 1858, has been justice oi the peace, 
elected 188J; wife Alida A. Hall, born .Ml Munis 

Benway Isaac, p o Brooks Grove, farm irn Rens- 

selaer county February 4. 1*17, settled 1838; wife Mary 
Bowen, born Scipio, Cayuga county, married Si 
berStt, 1818; five children. Anne A., Janette, Henry A. 
ad), Llew-llya. Sal- 
Brooks Mieah W. p o Brooks Grove, farmer, 380 acres, born 
East Bloomfield, Ontario county, March 80, 188 
tied in 1838; wife Phoebe E Van Dusen born Mt Mor- 
ris, married February s. 1866: two children, Roscoe 
W., born in March, 1868, Mary L.. born in September, 
1870. 

Barney G. W , p o .Mt. Morris, local preacher. 

Barney George W. Jr., p <> -Mt. U 

lerlin H. G., p o Mt, Morris, farmer. 

Clark Ozro, p o Mt. Morris, farmer. 



Creveling Samuel, p o Tuscarora. fan , born Mans- 

flel" inly. N. J . August Itled in 

Miller, born Mansfield N J 
married Januarj u/m 

M Francis w . Floyd J. Francis \s died April 6th 

is, 

Crevliug Edward R, p o lealer in dry goods and 

groceries, owns bouse and lot, boi 
tend, ei- :>. 1858; wife Ci 

married February 85, is; i ; thr hlldren 

born April I. 1875, Julia A., b 
ward \\ . iiiiin Di i~7s 

Coffin B. S., p <■ Nunda, farmer and mam,; i aores 

born Mt Morri - Septem | Ice ,,f 

the peace for eleven \ Kate 

Smith, born Canandaigua N. Y . n 
20, 1863; two children, sum.- Bell 1m.hi a, 
George D , born October 15, 1874 Peleg I 

of B., came from Saratoga i I860, moved I 

Morris in 1884, died in 1871. 

Case W. H., p o BrooksGrove. farmer, 158 aores, born Fleming 
uga r mnty, April S6 , - been 

school trustee thn-e years: wife I.i, l worth, 

boru Bergen, Genesee oount] lldren, 

Sylva li , Kims T., Anna B„ all living in tin, oountj 
and married. 

Covey Howdin. p o Brooks Grove, far r, 78 acres, born Parma 

N- \ . Oi i I settled in 1887; wife Laura 

Jones, born Allegany county, N Y., married June 89, 
185 ' 

Case Sterling Jr., p o Mi Morris, farmer 35 acres, born Hart- 
ford, Conn., settled in June, 1818. Sterllni i 
came from < lonnecticut in 1818 

Dowling M , p o Mr. Morris, owns 100 acres, settled In 1835, wife 
H. L. Barron, married Sept. s 181 illreu, 

Mabel H. and Cora I 

Dalrymple A. O., p o Mt. Minis, farmer, in:, acres, born Mt. 
Morris September 6, 1831, has been bighwa 
sioner, assessor six yc: i Darling. 

born in Nunda, married June 88, 1854; two children; 
father died in Mt Morris. 

Dunning W. C. p o Brooks Grove, farmi d Malta. 

Saratoga county, November 33 1805, settled In 18:7; 

wife Adelim Downs b rn Shaft v, married 

October 85, 1833; thr, hildreu, Sophia, born I ' 

berSl. 1834, Clarissa, born March 84, Is-iT. Richard W . 
bora February 8, I860. Chester Foote. born In 1790, 
moved to Mt Morris in 1817, and lived there nearly all 
the time sum B 

Downs Martin E., p o Nunda, farmer and proi er, born 

Shaftsbury, Vt . March ■-';. 1888, Bettled In county No- 
vember 1. 1837, has been trus-,-e seven years; «: 
rah Hamilton, born Mt, Morris, married November, 
1848, three children, < harles, born January 15, 1850, 
Eli. born September :;,. 1*17, Mary, born September 15, 

Dal, oil Jane, p o Mt. Morris. 

Donnelly John J , p o Mt Morris, clergyman. 

DeCamp Charles E . p o Tuscarora. farmer, I :i acres, born in 
Mt Morris July 16, 1888, has b tee ten 

years and collector: wife Kli/.a N. Nortbway, born 
Mt. Morris, married I It 

Essie I... born July 11, 1664 Frank N born October 8, 
1866, small N . i,i,ni Deoember i. i s ,.s John a . born 
January 30, 1878, William II born 3eptember36, l — 7 1 
David Howell moved here May 19, 1831, died in Saline. 
Mich . August 1- 186 !, 

DeCamp John C., born Railway. N. J . settled iu count] 

84. 1884, in,.- been school trustee: wife Sarah Miller, 
i e mi i - j uga county, married Januarj 6, 1884; 

five children, Wm. II.. Martha M . Margaret S., Charles 
E., I-ydia J. 

Frost W. A., p o Mi ioklyn, 

Windham county. Vt . settled in 1*11, has been 

wife S, A. Miller, born In New Jersey, married in 
is-:.,; one ohild Fred W k b i is 90 years old. 

Foote Giles w. p ,1 Mi , ,,,], rn Mt. 

Morris July II. 1818, has I, ecu | 

assessor Ly on, I 
icticut, mai 

tides. -n Jul] I B luly is. 1814, 

Asa E., born September 1. 1816, 1 bl born July 

:i. 1863, Fannie -I.. 

George John w p o Ml Morris, farm. 
I ta March 16, 
ter. four children. 

Green George A., p was formerly a tailor, owns 18 

inty June 1. 1809, settled h 

wit,- Julia Daboll on., married 

ber 30, 1883; three children, two 

Richard 

HuggiDG W W p o Nunda. In, in in Auburn Decern 
<i in county in Ma] 
:, Elmira It Pitts, born Paw 
let Vt . March '■ « chil 

dren, Franklin P., born ,Ii 81. 18 inuary, 

M. I. . boi i. 

Apr,, im <j , 

April 1. 1873. Mothei di< 
Harding II.. p o Mt. Morris, d( aler In book 



XIV 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Harding W .. p o Mt. Munis, editor and proprietor of paper. 

liatbuNi Brothers, p o .Mi Morris, dealers In general g< 

Hull William N.. p o Tuscarora. farmer. 120 acres, born Setu- 

Sronius (now K lies) Decembers, ItilO, settled in county 
larch. 1835; wife F.h/a B, » i nov< r, I" in July r.v 1820, 
married January I s . I s "•'• ; seven children, William, 
Harmon, I >■ i b a . n ii '.<■ as L Louisa E , Doi 
who died aged 47 years, Aaron w died aged seven 
weeks. 
Hagadorn William, p o Brooks Grove, farmer, 55 Hires, born 
Sempronlus mow Nilesj Jnlj 12, 1820, settled in the 

Winter of 18**, lias been trustee three terms: flrsl 

wife Melissa A. Allen, born Wyoming county; three 
children, Sarah N . Adelman, who died in 1868 and 

Allen: second wife Lenora Parks, born Scipio, Cayuga 
county; three children, Elizabeth a., died September 

3, 1849, Frank and Fred J. 

Johnson Andrew, po Tuscarora, farmer, 123 acres, horn Sena 
pronius (now Niles) June 28, 1814, settled in April. 1830, 
has been assessor six years and highway commis- 
sioner; wife Elizabeth Whiteneck, born Groton, Tomp- 
kins I'niiniy. married January 24, 1839, 

Johnson Hezekiah, p o Tut carora, farmer. 160 acres, born Sem- 
pronius, Cayuga county. November 1. 1825, settled in 
county April. 1830; wile Caroline M. Elwood, born 
Aurelius. Cayuga county, married September 20th, 
IM!i 

Joslyn J, W., p o Bit. Morris, physician and surgeon, president 

of village. 
Knibloe John P.. p o brooks Grove, farmer, 1-10 acres, born in 
Sharon, Conn.. January 30, 1808, settled in No- 
vember. 1345, has been highway commissioner 
three years, just Ice of t lie peace two terms; 
wife Catherine Winegsr, born Arnenia. married 
December ; , is",-; ; seven children, Elijah E . Susan L., 
Mariette E . Gilbert W . Kate L., John P . Effie A. 

LaUue Frank A., p o Brooks (hove, burner 75 acres, born Mt. 
Morris March i5, 1852; wife Annie Clarkson. born Mt. 
Morris, married April 22, JST:i. 

Mills M. lb. ii Mt. Morris. 

Miller Bartley. p o Tuscarora. miller. LOO ueres. born Mt. Mor- 
ris February 14, 1628; wife Mary H. McDuffy, born in 
Seneca county. N. V.. married November 4, 1869; three 
children, Lav erne, born April 2i, 1871, Carl, born Feb- 
ruary ;, 1879, one without a name bom May 29, 1879, 

Mosher Samuel, p o Nunda, turner. 149 acres, born Mt. Morris 
May "J. 1833: wile Caroline Seeley, bom Livonia, mar 
ried October 12, !B55; three children, Charles .1 . born 
January s. 1801. Adelbert, born April 20, lHtiti. Lilhe, 
born January 26, 1872, 

MeNeilly A: Gamble, p o Mt. Morris, livery owners. 

Miller P., p n Tuscaroia. miller 

Noonau M. J., p oMt. Morris, cigar manufacturer. 

Omans Mrs Margaret, p o Brooks Grove, farmer. 

Olp Joseph P., p o Mt. Morns, farmer, 806 aires, born Wnrren 
county. N. J . January V-K 18*5, settled in county 1828, 
has been assessor; wife Harriet M Warren, born Lei- 
cester, married March 13, 1853; two children. Henry 
W. and Flora E. Father moved here from New Jersey 
in 1827, died March, is;,:, 

Olp John, p o Mt. Morris farmer and insurance agent. 200 acres, 
born Mansfield. N J , August 2, 1823, settled in county 
April, 1831, has been highway commissioner six years. 
also school truster; Hrst wife Eliza A. Roekalellow, 
born Flemiiigron county, N. J . married November 26, 
1845; four children, Deb 1 rah s. born September 19, 
1846, died May 6, IKT8, Lambert L., bom April 15, 1848, 
Charles P . b : rn February 18, 1850, Eva J., born Nunda 
April 14, 185 : second wife born County Antrim, Ire- 
land, married November 14, 1865: two children. Frank 
J., born Mt. Morris October 10. 1871, Albert, born Aug- 
ust 31, 1 S7(>. Daniel Olp, father of John, born in War- 
ren county. N. J . May li. 1791 married Elizabeth Bow 
man December II, 1819, died in Livingston county May 
(i. 186*, also hie wife April 17, 1880. 

Phillips Mrs. J.,p Brooks Grove, farmer, 180 acres, born Haw- 
ley, Orleans county, March 3, 1824, settled in county 
is'i'; Mr. Baron died December Vi, is;s; she married 
again April 12. I860; was first married February 17. 
)M': four children. Harriet L., A. Clifton, Thornton 
M., Kate A. 

Phillips Mrs. J., p o Ridge, farmer, born Hoiewell. N. J., De- 
cember 16, ISiHl, settled in county October 27. 1824, 
Jonathan P., husband of Mrs P. bora November 2 
1810, died March 15, 1870, married April 25, 1835; three 
children. Sarah J., now deceased. Janet H. and 
Adelle Z. 

Pennington .lames W., p o Mt. Morris, manufacturer. i7'ti\, 
acres, born Newark August 19, 1838, settled in county 
1870; wife Sue A. Smith, born Mt Morris, married May 
5, 1869; one child : Susie !■',, Imtii August 11. 1*71. Mrs. 
P.'s father settled here in 1 823. 

Petrie Peter, p o Tuscarora, fanner. 916 aeres. born in Scipio 

August »i. 1819, settled in eounty 1828, has been school 
trustee, highway commissioner threeyeqrs. poor mas- 
ter five years and excise commissioner; first wife Har- 
riet Am merman, born Nile>,. married September 15, 

1842; seven children: - 1 ■ i • . ■ i n 1 wife Louisa J. Elwood, 
born Aurelius, N, V . married February 27, tb79. Jacob 
P.. father of Peter, born in Little Falls, moved to this 

county in 1823; bad Bve children, William, Peter, Jo- 
seph. Jacob, and Abigail who died in Ilion in 1878. Ja- 
cob Petrxe died in 1865. 



Perriue W. II , p o Tuscarora, fanner, 2)3 acres, born February 
19, 1886; wife Josephine Millhollen. born West Sparta, 
married January 22, 1863; eight children. 

Parsons Levi, p o Mt Moi ris, clergyman. 

Poval Henry, p o Mt Morris, eclectfc physician and surgeon. 

Phelps Qeorgu A . p o Mt. Morris, resident. 

Price .lames, p o.Nunda, tanner, 123 acres, born County "f Slit.*". 
Ire and, August 26 1^7. settled in this eounty 1840, 
has been Justice of peace foui years; wife Hannah N. 
Pli il I ips.b.un eounty Leitrim, Ireland, married Augusl 
26, I s ii ; one child living, John H. Price, born June '». 
1851. 

Sedan Daniel P . p o Tuscarora, farmer, 163 acres, born Somer- 
set county, N. J., August 22, 1798, settled in county 
May 1.. 1823; wife Cynthia Bergen, born Middlesex 
county, N. -1 . married in 1822; six children, Sallie, 
Jane, wno died May 5, 1876, Mary, Andrew. Jacob U 
and Amanda. One of the oldest inhabitants of the 
town. 

Sheldon Pomeroy. p Mt. Morris, farmer. 15 aeres. born Perry, 
Wyoming county, April lb. 1821. settled in comity 
April, 1840; first wife Sarah S. Sheldon, born in Massa- 
chusetts, died May 19. 1858, married October. 1816; four 
children. Oren Sheldon, father of Pomeroy, bom in 
New Marlboro, Mass.. 1788, moved to Wyoming county 
in 1 s ] l hail nine children, moved to Mt. Morris in I> 10. 
Second wife Mrs. Mary P. Robie. born April :(, 1827; 
children Cora E., born December 0. 1849, Orvn T.. born 
December^. 1851, Sarah A., born June 11, I s '*', Joseph 
P.. born December 22, 1857, died April 11. 1868. 

Scoville H. II.. p o Mt. Morris, proprietor of Scovllle House. 

Shu 11 George Ml, p Mt Morris, editor and publisher of paper. 

Secb Adam, p Mt Morris, proprietor of saloon. 

Shank John, p o Kidge, farmer, born February 9, 1808, owns GO 
acres, settled in county April, 1830; first wife Mary .1 ■ 
Sharp, married December 24, lffi9; second wife Free 
love Thorpe, married September lit. 1866; four ohil- 
■ J i*'ii by lirst wife, Ephraim. Henry S.. Franklin and 
l.aban who died at Andersonville. 

Tallman Jacob, p o Mt. Morris, farmer, born Skaneateles, April 
1;'. 1818, came in county with his fatherwho had seven 
children in 1889, has been assessor five years. 

Thorp Edward, p o Mt. Morris, farmer, born Mt. Morris August 
*, 1856: wife Ada Case, born Seneca county. N V., 
married November 5, 1873; one child. Mabel, born Jan- 
uary 29. 1879. 

Weeks Robert lv. p o Mt Morris, fanner. So acres, born Qene- 
seo November 9, 1816: wife Ruth G. Allen, born Che- 
nango county, married January 26 1812: two children, 
Willard A., born September 22, 1847, Fiank G., born 
March 18, 1857. 

Winters John C, p o Mt. Morris, proprietor of canning fac- 
tory 

Wigg Henry s.. p o Mt. Morris, lumber dealer. 

Woolever F. W., p o Mt. Morris, undertaker ami dealer in fur- 
niture. 

Wagner Henry, p o Mt. Morris, grocer and dealer in wines. 



NUNDA, 

Ayrault Lyman, p o Nunda Station, general merchant, hns'four 
different warehouses, born Allegany county 1829, set- 
tled lt-54; wife Miss Baldwin, born Allegany county 
1827. married is is. died 1851; children two, Allen, boru 
is III, Nellie, bom 18"»1 : second wife. Mehetabel A San 
born, born Allegany county 1837, married 1858; chil- 
dren four, Belle B., Fannie" A , .May E., Charles L. 

Atkins D. S , p o Xuuda, stock dealer and butcher, born Onon- 
daga county, wife A. E. Brooks, born Allegany 
county; children two. Katie B.. Gertrude. 

Barton Francis, p o Nunda. general custom flouring mill and 
shipping to the trade, he purchased interest in mill 
October -ill. 1879, it has three runs of stone and is fed 
from creek in north part of town, born Owego. Tioga 
county. 1842, settled !S7o: wife Maty Whitehead, born 
Livingston county 1858, married April. 1877. 

Bennett Liberty, p o Nunda. retired farmer. 30 acres, born Ver- 
mont 1818, settled 1835; wife Ann Bennett, born Alle- 
gany county 1827, married 1862; children two, Emily 
C. John L. * 

Barker Setn S, p Nunda, farmer, 106 acres, born Oneida 
county 1801, settled iR21, has been assessor 12 years 
and highway commissioner three years: wife Sarah 
Durfee, born Khode Island J 802, married 1821; chil- 
dren three, Munsou O.. born 1822, Orlando W., born 
1826, Justus L, born 1834. 

Barker Justus, born Livingston county 1834, has been assessor 
nine years; wife Olive L. Boweu, born Livingston 
county 1887, married 1857; children three. Mertie B., 
Fred L., Earnest D. 

Barker Amos, p o Nunda, farmer, carpenter and joiner. loo 
acres, born Augusta, Oneida county. August, 1801), set- 
tled 1827, was assessor 1885: wife Sophia Tracy, born 
Connecticut February 7, 1796, married 1827, died 187E; 
children seven, Gustavus. born 1828, Edwin W., born 
1829, John F„ born 1831, James S., born 1883, Man C, 
born 1885, Joseph M , born 1837, Julia S . born is ;s. ,\. 
11. Tyler, born 1835, settled 1837; wife Mary C. Barker, 
married 1878. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



Bakor Alonzo D , p o Nunda Station, farmer, drover and stock- 
dealer, 225 acres, horn Livingston county 1839: wife 
Mary E. Word, born Allegany county 1840, married 
1857; children tnree, Dorr A, born 1859, L Eai 
born in 1881, Plyn \V.. born 1875 

Brace L. H., p o Nunda; general carriage and blacksmithine 
business,born Canada 1841,settled I860; wife Mari Wa- 
ger, horn Nunda 1845, married 1865; children three 
Louie Z., Leo D. , Eva Dott. 

Barker O. W,. p o N'unda, farmer and bee dealer, lis acres born 
Livingston county 1826; wife Mary E Swan, horn Liv 
ingston county 1835, married ]8fn; children three 
Sarah I„ born 1880. Ethel May, born 1866 s c born 
1878, Willie, adopted. 

Barker Munson O.. p o Nunda. farmer and surveyor, SO acres 
born Livingston county 1821; wife Adaline B. Rawson' 
born Nunda 1828, married 1851; children four. Flora,!., 
born 1855, Lillie A , born 1858, Herbert S., born 1863, 
Lavillo S , horn 1853, died 1854. James H. Rawson was 
born in Springfield, Otsego county, 1798, settled 1819, 
was a farmer and carpenter, has been justice of peace 
and supervisor, died 1879; wife Marian Lowell, boru 
Madison county 1800, married 1819, died 1879. 

Brewer C. R., p o Nunda. boot and shoe dealer, born Wyoming 
county 1859. H W. Brewer, born 1825; wife Maria B. 
Gifford, born Saratoga county 1836, married 1851); chil- 
dren one, C. R. 

Barrett Gsorge W.. p o Nunda, farmer 205 acres, born Franklin 
county, Vt.., 1815, settled 1851; first wife Sabrah Hiker. 
born Elford, Maine. 1811. married 1st."., died 1866; chil- 
dren three, Harriet A. Willett, Sabrah J.. Georgianna, 
born Quincy, Mass , September 3, 1850; second wife 
Huldih Prime, born Mt. Moiris 1830, married Febru- 
ary 15, 1880. Ezekiel P. Greenleaf, born Boston, Mass . 
May 11. 1790, settled ISS3. 

Batty R. J., p o Nunda. banker and farmer, 50 acres, born Avon 
September 1. 1S14. 

Banker John W-, p o Nuuda. farmer aud blacksmith, tiO acres, 
born Cayuga county January 27, 1826, settled 18 
the present assessor; wife Elizabeth Horton, born * Gr- 
ange county 1831. married 1851. 

Benson William, p o Nunda, 50 acres, boru York, Livingston 
county, 1815; wife Susan Squires, born Livingston 
county 1818, married is: j ,s; children two, William M., 
born 1839, Henry F . born 1842. Stephen Benson was 
born Verjiont 1767, settled 1790. died 1843, married 
Lucia Mathews, born 178'.i, married 1800, died 1864. 

Bailey Voluey. p o Nunda, farmer, 100 acres, born Livingston 
county 1850; wife Alida Newville, born Allegany county 
1853, married 1876; children one. M. Belle. 

Beach Lauren R., p o Nunda, farmer and school teacher, 110 
acres, born Livingston county June 12, 1832; wife 

Bridget , born County Connaught, Ireland, 

183-J. married May 10, 1852; children three, Eva Maria, 
Ida May, Jessie C. Allen Beach was born in Massa- 
chusetts 1800. settled 1828, died 1851. Allen J. Beacb, 
born 1829. 

Bagley Henry, p o Nuuda, retired 1873, born Greene county 1794, 
settled 1823 and was one of the early settlers of the 
town, commenced the lumber business in 1822 and con- 
tinued it live years, then commenced to do building 
and jobbing, and has taken an active part in the build 
ing up of the town; first wife Lucy Hoadley, born 
Bradford, Conn., 1792, married 1817, died 1832; children 
four, living one, Mary, born lS-JS; second wife, Eliza A* 
Brown, boru Heath, Mass , 18(10, married 1834; children 
one, Gifford H.. bora 1-11 

Bailey William, p o Nunda, farmer, HO acres, born Allegany 
county 1821, settled 1850: wife Susan Amelia Teeple, 
born Livingston county 1824. married 1840; children 
two, Volney T , Wesley, born 1802. Alexander Bailey 
was born in Vermont 

Chambers James p o Nunda. farmer and hop grower. 52\. acres, 
born St. Lawrence county 1829. settled 1840; wife 
Amanda L. Batterson, born Livingston county 1835, 
married 1860; children seven. 

Chidsey George, p o Nunda, was retired men bant and farmer, 
71 acres, born Avon, Conn,. 1810, Bettled 1839, died Feb- 
ruary 21, 1880, was post-master at Mt. Morris six , 
wife Mary M. Woodford, born Avon. Conn . 1816, mar- 
ried 1838; children four. Lucia M , born Will. Martha, 
born 1840, Alice M.. born 1841, George S., born 1842, 
wife M. J. Brewer, born Allegany county 1- is. married 
[869, children two. Allie M , born 1870, Charles, born 

Craig John J.\ p o Nunda, farmer, 8,1 acres born Livingston 
county 1843. Father. James Craig ad 1816, 

settled is n, died 1859; mother Elizabeth Carney, born 
Livingston county 1820, married 1831 children twelve, 
William. James, Mari. John J . Robert, Elizabeth A.. 
Sarah Albert, Edward, Alfred J., Victor T., Sani- 
uelJ. 

Colton \\ II . p o N'unda Station, farmer. 60 acres, boi 
county. I'a . 1.839, settled 1855; wife Bosnia Pa 

, r S ton county 1844, man I ildren 

two, Walter boi u I874,Hattie Bi lie, bora 1878 
i ,i w.. p o Nunda fai raer, I 
county 1839, settled 1861 ; wife Abbie \ Prescott, born 

Nunda 1842, mai i i860; children six, Walti 

born I860, Blanche E . hi '* ■ born 1869, 
Ruth \ born 1873, Susan J . born " u . 

'pril a 1877. Albert II Presi i! Sew 

Hampshire 1801. settled 1835, died 1812; wife Eliza 
Brown born in New Hampshire 180S i 



H illiam, p o N'unda, fat n 

i 
meat, in 1862, served through war until 1865, In 1868 
was wounded In an engagement in Georgia under 

Hen. Sherman; wile I at liarine leo i horn I ayugn 

1 1 1 1 

Dai Id I... born 1867, Katie u . born 1872 

1 : I 

Pennsylvania 1801 -. ttled 1881 Bi I n re Bel > Vau 

Dj i.e. born Eagle, » 

i i Septal r 28 1888; children nine, Sarah a 

Mary E , Wl I i Hand. „i, 

killed in b . B L, Harriet who 

died May li. 1862, Ruby; second wife A Hynee 

Lli ingstoi inty 1812, 111,11 ried 

Closer Michael II. ,po Nunda Station, horn Allegany ntv 1828, 

settle! 1874; wife Sophia Campbell, born Hanover 

Germany 1826, married July II, 1- „ live] 

Adelia. born IS.".."., Celestia .M . horn I 

1859, John I., horn 1861, Lizzie born 1864. 
Cole James M . p o Nunda, farmer, in acres, born Livingston 
county 1828; wife Julia M DeWItt, born Wyoming 
county April 25. 1828, married 1854; children two, 
Frank M., born 1856, Mary F , born 1! I pb Cole, 

horn Saratoga county 1796, i ttled 1318, died 
15,1871; wife Rhoda Gifford Cole, born Washington 

county 1800, settled 1818, married 182 

Cooper Samuel, p o N'unda, farmer, 140 a bora Ha 

setts 1808, settled 1840; wife Hannah Coates. born .Mas- 
sachusetts 1815, married March 18, 1840; childrei 
John M., horn [842, Nancy E . horn 1845, 

Cooper John M,, p o Nunda Station, fanner, l mi Liv- 

ingston county 1842; wifeOcte orn .Massa- 

chusetts 1842, married 1866; childten two, Clayton 

horn 1867, Helen horn is; ; 

Duryee William R,, i< o Nunda, farmer. 160 acres born Schenec- 
tady 1796, set : led 1830; first wife L. Conk 1 in. horn Cay- 
uga county 1800, married 1820, died ]-; 
twelve, living Helen .\i , Jane a , Gertrudes . Delia . 
George Monroe. C. Caroline. .1. Conklin, Frances N.. 
Harriet N , second wife Melinda Rathborn, horn Sara 
toga county 1802, married 1845, children one. James 
Harvey Shears, born 1821. 

DeGraff Abraham, po Nunda, farmer, 280 acre igi Co. 

1810, settled 1830; first wife Sarah Dui ayuga 

county 1811. married 1882 died 1888; children tl 
second wife Sarah Perry, bora Schoharie counts 
married 1839, died 1879; children. Eliza A., horn is.r>. 
Marga rn 1848, Willie, Myron P.. born 1845, 

Ennia J., born 1848, Herbert L., boru 1850, Marlon w., 
born 1853 

Dickinson E, O p o Nunda. farmer and stock dealer. 286 acres, 
born Oneida county 1818, settled 1850, has been si 
visor four years from 1861 ; wife Alida starkweather, 
h.m Cayuga county 1829, married 1849; children four. 
Nellie. Allied . Mattie E , Neva. 

Douahue Martin, p o Nunda, farmer and blacksmith. II*.' i 

horn Ireland 1SI5, wifo Mrs Mart 1 horn 

Inland 1831, married July 10, 1878. John L. w. 
was born Oneida county, settled Livingston county, 
died December 18, 1869; wife Martha Miller, horn 1881, 
married November 11, 1862; children DeWitt t I 
horn 1863, Nora, born 1867, Lillie, born Novemb 
1869. 

Drew Libey, p o Nunda, farmer. 57 acres, bom Vermont 1806, 

settled 1847, wife Susan BoWell, horn New Hampshire 

married 1888; children one. Mary 1. . bora 1887. 
Dayton K i; ,p o N la, general job shop and pump manufac- 
turer, born Michigan 1881, settled 1849; wife Laura J. 

Gear, born Mon :ounti 1832, married is"*: . 

i | , , Peter, p o Nunda. cashier FlrSl National Hank. 
Eldridge Mllo.l . p o Nunda Station, general merchant. B 

i nga, medicines paints and oil! 

ing back a 

the station in the drug trade, born Ontario i 
v j , i- i l li i v; ; ' settled 1856 Brst wife Eliza Remington, 
horn is.,, married 1858 died l 52; childl n tv, i. Myrtle 
M born 1851 Elsie E 
son. horn Livingston count] D 

i i. , l 188 I children one. Warren S., 1866. 

Fuller William C . p Nunda, farmer. 54 a.,, 

setts 1819, has been postmaster nine years an 

i il from Im.I 

to 1870; wife Louisa C Guy, bora I ayuga count] 
married 1842; children Bevi a 
May I. born 1852, George C born 1855, Martha 

born ' 

i born 1865 Joshua Fuller was born Maaaachu- 

wifc Polly 
, m Massachusetts 1778, married 1799, died 

i i-.aehlisctts 

married 1801 .lied 1869 ohlldi a I 
Grimes John D..p o Nunda farmer 

horn Livingston county 1829 in A. 

. horn Br le county 1885, married 1852, • l.il- 

dr 

I |; |- i , rn Greene 1801, w 

died ' 

county 1808 i ' -'■ died 1877. 

p .Nunda .hahr 111 Wat.. lllvej 

act plated war. i " l "' 1 

i s Bennett, horn i untj 

1830 n 



XVI 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Hamsber John M . p Nunda. fanner, s .' acres, boru Livingston 
county 18*2; wife Ellen Egan, born Livingston county 
1846, married 1868; children one, Frank M., born 1871. 
John Hamsher n as born in Pennsylvania 1805, settled 
1805 died 1872; w Ife Sophia C. Hamsber, born Pennsyl- 
■■ died 1878. 
Jones J. C, p o Nunda, farmer. ] 15 acres, born Allegany county 
l- K, settled 1849, died April 8, 1875; wire Frances Hue- 
gins, born Livingston county 1836, married 1851; chil- 
dren seven, Lorette, born 1856, Barley, bore 1857, Jas. 
W . born 1860, George B., born 1865, Alice L., born 1867, 
Mattie L., born 1871, Henry H., bom 1874. Elmer E, 
Batterson, born Chenango county 1852, settled 1858; 
wife Lorette Jones, born 1876; children two. 

Kiehle C. M.. p o Nunda, farmer. 164 acres, burn Livingston 
county 1*17. Father. Ruben Kiehle, born Pennsylvania 
1808, settled 1835, farmer; wife Maria Hamsher, born 
Pennsylvania 1814, married 1835, children eight, Eliza- 
beth, Edward, Reuben, Hannah, Franklin, Charles M., 
Sarah, Daniel O. 

Lake F. D„ p o Nunda, dealer in hardware, nails, iron, tinware, 
stoves, paints, oils, rope, sash, glass, doors, blinds, 
etc., commenced business IKbtj, 185 acres, born Mt. 
Morris, Livingston county, April 3, 1832; wire Emily A. 
Pitch, born Wayne county, married January -I. 1855. 

Lemon, James, p o Nunda, retired farmer and merchant, born 
Livingston county I8l5, was captain in Company I, 1st 
N. Y. Dragoons in 1862 and served to the close of the 
war, was wounded in right hand, has been post master 
two years; first wife Janette Wood, born Ontario 
county 1816, married 1885, died IMS; second wife Mary 
A. Donelson, born lMii. married 1852, Mud 1857, third 
wifeE. H. Olney. married lHfi;}, died 1869, fourth wife, 
Laura Lovejoy. born Livingston county 1844, married 
1875; children. Catharine Jane, Margaret A., Virginia 
T., Frank J. 

Miller Jonathan, p o Nunda, farmer. 5ft acres, born Livingston 
county 1829; wife Pbcsbe K Miller, born Nunda, mar- 
ried 1853; children three. Estella E , Mary L.. Myta P. 

Mc Naif James M . p o Nunda, farmer. 50 acres, born Livingston 
county l s: *'i, enlisted 1861, was captain of company F, 
33d regiment, served two years, was quartermast. r at 
Washington six years; wire Emily Gilmore, burn Alle- 
gany county 1841, married 18(35; children four, Emma 
L., born IHtift, Charles Frauk, born 1871, May A., born 
1875, Emily, born 1878. John C. McNairwas born Penn- 
sylvania 1794, settled 1796, died 1869. Hugh McNair 
was born Pennsylvania 1765, Settled 1796, died Decem- 
ber ^7, 1845, he was a judge for many years in the court 
of common pleas, and member of legislature, was also 
county clerk. 

Myers Peter, p o Nunda, farmer, 75 acres, born Livingston coun- 
ty 18-1'J. Father Peter Myers, born New Jersey 1790, 
BOltled 1825, died 1874; mother Betsey S. Myers born 
Seneca county 1815, married 1840, 

McCullough L.K ,p o Nunda, tailor and cutter, bornMiddletown, 
t ..nil., 1818, settled I8jj9; wife Qfandana Dayton, born 
in Canada 1833, married 1854; children four, Delia A., 
Viola J., Eva L., Minnie, 

Myers Monroe, rj o Nunda, planing mill and general job work, 
born Livingston county 1833; wife Eliza Tripp, burn 
1835, married 1856; children two, Melviu M., born 1859 
Peed J., boi a 1878, 

Murray Patrick, p Nunda, farmer, 85 acres, boru Ireland 1823, 
settled 1852; wife Catharine Boylbone, boru Ireland 
1832, married 1852; children seven, Mary A., Rosa B., 
John, Daniel, Catharine, Margaret, Bridget. 

Merrick D. S,, p Nunda, farmer, lumber dealer and black- 
smith. 51 '., acres, burn Herkimer county 1*17, settled 
1818; wife Almira Chase, burn Maine 1819, married 1843; 
children 3, Julia, Clarissa, Mary. George W. Merrick 
was born Connecticut 1793, settled 1818, died 1880, was 

n pi ineiii man and held the offices Of justice of t lie 

peaee and supervisor; wife Sophia Paine, burn Herki 
jii.i- county 1796, married 1*1 ti, died March 6, 1861; chil- 
dren two. 

Norris James W., p o Nunda, farmer, B3^ acres, born Phelps, 
Ontario county 1804, settled l*t!»; first wife L. Marlett, 
born Monroe county 1810, married 1829, died 18-4fi; sec- 
ond wife Mrs Adeline Pierce Brcwnson, born Cayuga 
Co. married IN IT. died May 28, 1>7>; third wile Mrs, (lar- 
inda Batterson Hayward, born Livingston county 18^5, 
married October 1, 1876; children seven, living nve. 

Parker M. Sanford, hotel, livery and farming, the Parker House 
was erecte<l at the station 1873, and is the only hotel 
in the place, born Cayuga county 1820, settled 1825; 
wife Elizabeth Wood, bum Schoharie county 1633, 
married 1853; children two Mary Ette, Charles W. 

Page H. D.. p o Nunda. farmer, 276 acres, born Livingston 
county 1629, has been supervisor sis years from 1862 
to 1869; first wife born 1829, married 1854, died 1857; 
children one, Carrie, born 1856; second wife Mary Qc- 
tavia Warner, burn Livingston county 1838, married 
isi'.s; children three, George, Kay A..H. Albert, born 
1878. Albert Page was born Oneida county 1800, Bet 
tied 1828, died 1876, farmer, 

Paine William B , no Nunda. farmer. 120 acres, born 1650. 
Pather William D. Paine, born Herkimer oounty 1809, 
was u millwright, settled 1830; wife Semantha Bice, 
bum Massachusetts 1815, married 1885; children two 
Laura L., born 1848, William It. Elijah Rice, burn 
acbuaetts 1776, settled 1827, died 1846; wife Annie 
Bice, born Long Island 1791, died 1879, 



Paine Earl J., p o Nunda. farmer, 130 acres, born Herkimer 
county 1807, settled 1M7; wife Catharine Grimes, burn 
Qreene county November 10, 1808, married March ■-.*>>, 
1827; children two, Ann M.. born .June 80, 1828, WellB, 
born Aj.nl 15, 1880. (irst wire Emily B. Phillips, boru 
Wyoming county 1882, married 1851, died 1870; children 
two; second wife Celia M. Doolittle. born Otsego 
county 18(4, married 1871; children two. Earl D.. r red 
E., Carrie A . Mary ('. 

Petteys E. S., p o Nunda, farmer. !'l acres, bum Cayuga county 
1836, settled 1858; wife May N. Day, born Allegany 
COUnty 1888, married 1858; children two. Cora A., born 
1859, William E . burn 1862. Jacob Petteys. was born 
Cayuga county I&03, settled 1886, deceased; wife Hep 
sibah Satterlee, born I81j5, married 1821. 

Passage George E.. p o Nunda Station, carpenter and joiner and 
builder, seven seres born Livingston county 1848, was 
elected assessor 1879; wife Charlotte Lyon, born Con- 
nect nut 1841, married 1870; children threo, Louis, born 
1875, Plyn L , born 1877. Neil L., born October. 1879. 
Peter Passage, p o Nunda Station, tanner, born Her- 
kimer county 1812, settled 1841; wife Harriet Ward, 
born Herkimer county 1817, married 1842. 

Paine Carlos Grant, po Nunda. farmer and lumberman 10963 
acres, bum Herkimer county February 20, l s 1 I, Si 
1832; (irst wife Jerusba Swilt, born 18 1 1, married 1885, 
died 1853; children four. Delos S,. bum 1840, Fannie A., 
born 1838, Harriet u.. burn 1836, Nathan A., burn 1861; 
second wife Nancy Sweet Burdick, born Delaware Co. 
1S17, married IS51. Ezra Burdick. born 1*45, Mary .lane 
Burdick, born 1841, settled 1851, Abraham Burdick 
was born 180 1 and died 1850; wire Nancy Sweet, mar- 
ried 1836. 

Passage Daniel, p o Nunda, farmer and mineral springs,150 acres, 
born Herkimer county 1817, settled istiii, has been com- 
missioner of highways four years; wife Nancy White, 
born AllegaDV county ltWO, married 1840: children five. 
Charlotte, born 1842, Martha D., born 1843, Frank W . 
born 1854, Waiter s . bom 1868, Luella, bum 1862. Hi- 
ram A., born 1845, was in the late war. was taken pris- 
oner and died in Andersonville prison 1864. 

Robinson William V.. p o Nunda. druggist, born West Sparta 
1843, has oeen supervisor, wite Charity Smith, boiu 
Nunda, married 1865; children two. 

Richmond B. P., p o Nunda. retired merchant and farmer, 218 
acres, born Massachusetts 1812, settled 1886; children, 
Georgia \V.. born 1840, Anna E , born 1842, Charles D., 
born 1856 

Sanders C. K., p o Nunda, editor and publisher of Nunda News, 
paper established 1859, was appointed postmaster 186i 
by President Lincoln, and again in INtftby Hayes; wife 
Harriet E Tousey, boru Dausville. married March, 
1861 ; children one. 

Seager Jacob, p o Nunda. farmer and preacher, 88 acres, born 
Ulster county 1804, settled 1850; wife Aseuath Tobias; 
children six! Henrietta, Sally. Catherine, Asenatb, 
Susan, Ellis P. 

Swain Samuel, p o Nunda. retired merchant, farmer and rail- 
road director, 110 acres, born North wood, N. !l , 1809, 
settled 1818: first wife Cynthia Jeffries, born Cayuga 
county 1810. married 1884, dud 1850; second wife Clara 
J. Jeffries, born 1822, married 1854; children live. Sam- 
uel J., Charles J , Julius C, Emma. Katie. 

JTowne Arba, p o Nimda Station retired tamer 100 acres, be 
bought his land of Mr. Norton of the land company, 
and through fraud was compi 111 d '0 pay for it the sec- 
ond time, he was born in Massachusetts 1804, settled 
IMS; wife Mary Ecker, boru Herkimer county 1191, 
married 1825. died 1873 W. II. Pierce was bum Liv- 
ingston county 1842, and married Irena Towne, who 
was born 1841, married October 29, lt67: children two, 
Bertha, born 1872, Matilda, born 1880. 

Thompson Luther, p o Nunda Station, farmer, carpenter and 
joiner. 01 acres, boru Massachusetts is ■'.>, settled 1837, 
has been pat h master; wire Mart ha Holland, born Mas- 
sachusetts 1810, married 1837; children four, Joseph A., 
Henry A., Jonathan T., Dirext V, J. Luther Thomp 
son was born Livingston county 1888, enlisted in 1881 
in Company A, 104th Regiment, under Col. Korback. 
was taken prisoner, sent to Belle Island prison, died 
by starvation February 16, 1864. Cordino s. Thomp- 
son, born Livingston county 1811, enlisted in Company 
A, I04tb Regiment, was wounded In first battle of 
Fredericksburg 1862, taken prisoner and never after 
heard of. 

Townseml John H . p o Nunda, farmer 280 acres, born Hunter, 
Greene county 1793, settled 1822, was in war of 1812, is 
a pensioner; wife Mary Van le\ 'enter, born New Jer- 
sey 1795, married 1824; children five, living three, John 
B., Peter, Gideon. 

Tracy John, p o Nunda, farmer. 210 acres, born Ireland 1828, 
settled 1852; wife Bridget treed, burn 1883, married 
1858; children eight, Margaret. Thomas, Michael, 
Mary, Catharine, James. William, Patrick Margaret 
Donahue, born Ireland 1*01, married Michael Tracy 
1824, settled is;,7. 

Van Bnskirk John, p o Nunda Station, farmer. 92 acres, bom in 
Qreene county 1821, settled 1851; wife Eliza Gt, Willis. 
born Steuben county is.i-'i, married 1851: children, 
Charles Henry, born June •,*.">. 1853, Lydia Jane, born 
October 80, 1857, James Andie, born June 26, 1870, died 
Julj 9, 1871, Charlotte A., born is; I. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



xvii 



Warren Noah, p o Nunda, retired farmer, born New Hampshire 
1793. settled 1818; wife Ursula Cole, born Otsego coun- 
ty 1791. married 1816, died 1870; children sis living 
four. Porter, born ISIS, Esther, born 1825, Gorbam N. , 
bom 1832, Lyman, born 1835; wife Sarah Greenwood 
born England 1836, married 1860; children five, Emma 
and Eva. twins, born 1862. Jessie, born 1863, Harry L 
born 1867, Frank, born 1875. 

Willey Joseph D , p o Nunda, farmer, 9 acres and homestead, 
born Canada 1S17, settled 1839, died 1862: wife Catha- 
rine Smith, born Saratoga county 1818. married 1840; 
children six, Paul E . born 1841, Emma, horn 1843,Celia, 
born 1851, Florence, born 1853, Luuis F., born 1855, 
"Wilford E., born 1857. 

Wakeman Miles H, p o Nunda Station, born Fairfield, Conn., 
1825, settled 1850, las been ju>tice of the peace; wife 
Electa Newton, born Portage 1824, married 1852; chil- 
dren four, Willie N., Frank E., Miles E , Nellie S. 

Woodworth J. R., p o Nunda, foundry and blacksmithiug, born 
Madison county 1825. settled 1846; wife Aurelia Hay, 
bi rn Livingston county 1827, married 1848; children 
two, Mary E. Nellie I. Commenced the foundry busi- 
ness 1878, buildings, 36x60 and 42x22, employing five 
men; wagon making, repairing, and the manufacture 
of the combination (steel) field, garden and potatoe 
hoe and hook specialties. 

Willard H.. p o Nunda, born Livingston county 1855, general 
furniture dealer and undertaker; his factory was built 
in 1850 by Mr. Tuttle, later owned by Mr. Barkley and 
bought by present propiietor January, 18S0, he em- 
ploys from seven to ten men and keeps constantly on 
hand a general assortment of the best quality of fur- 
niture and carpets. 

Whitenacl: Cornelius p o Nunda. farmer, 115 acres, born Cayuga 
county 1811, settled 1836; wife Lucinda Duryee, born 
Cayuga county 1813, married 1835; children four, Bell, 
Arminda, Elizabeth, Charles. 

Whipple Jacob, p o Nunda, farmer, 100 acres, born Livingston 
county 1830; wife Joanna Faulkner, born Bath, Steu- 
ben county 1843. married 1862; children three, Carrie 
born 1866, Kate F., born 1869, Freddie R., born 1871. 
Elisha Whipple was born 1804, settled 1855, died May 
29, 1863; wife Maria Post, born Cayuga county 1803, 
died 1819; children nice. George Whipple, born Liv- 
ingston county 1829, farmer, 95 acres, wife Helen M. 
Herriek, born Castile 1834, married 1853; children two, 
William, born 1866, Charles Seldon, born 1872. 

Whipple Henry, p o Nunda, farmer. 12 acres, born Livingston 
coumy 1833; wife Elizabeth Smith, born Livingston 
county 1858, married 1876. 



OSSIAN. 

Ackley W. J-, proprietor St. Jamos Hotel. 

Bonner Samuel C, p o Ossian, farmer. 202 acres, born Ossian 
June 20, 1825; wife Mary M. Scott, horn Ossian. mar- 
ried 1857; children two, Fred C, Nellie. 

Benson Edward, p o Dansville, farmer, 50 acres, born June 4, 
1808, settled 1864; wife W. Finn, married 1863; children 
Mary, Thomas, Jane. Ellen. 
'Bush Henry, p o Ossian. farmer, 100 acres, born 1836. 

Box James L„ p o Ossian. 

Clendenin Jacob, p o Ossian. farmer, 52 acres, born Ossi 

has been justice of the peace: wife Mary Ann Kemp 
born Cayuga county, married October 20, 184 ; children 
John. A. B.. Jacob. Catharine. Joel, Charles, Rhoda. 

Canfleld Charles, p o Dansville. farmer, 380 acres, born Monroe 
county 1813, settled 1827; has been assessor: wife A. 
M. Smith, born Onondaga county, married 1837; chil- 
dren five. 

Covert F. F., p o Dansville. 

Geiger E. H., p o Dansville. 

Hol'dridge George G., p o Canaseraga. farmer, 370 ceres, horn 
Wayne county December 29, 1803, settled I 
school commissioner, captain and assessor's clerk; 
ehildr n seven, Ella, Emma, George, Nannie, Miner. 
Blanche, John. 

Heath William, p o Ossian. farmer. 118 acres, born Monroe 
county April 88. 1810, settled 1846; wife Khoda Scott, 
mairied 1850; children. John W . Ella A . Matilda J. 

Hyde Corydon, p o Dansville, farmer, 571 acres, born Livonia. 
August 26, 1814, has been town clerk and town super- 
intendent; wife Ann Lemen. married October 1 1 
children four, Henry C, William L., Charles E., Jen- 
nie L. 

lla-adoru James, p o Ossian. carriage maker, bom Ln 
county 1824; wife Esther Crumb, married 184 
dren four. 

Hampton Isaac, p o Ossian. . 

I , in. n L C. p o Dansville. farmer, lib acres, born Ossian Sep- 
tember 2, 1833, has been supervisor and juste, 
Catharine E. Boyes. born Ossian. married November 
16, 1859; children one, Virginia II. 

Linzy Daniel, p Dansville, farmer. 50 acres, born 1 

^prilii 1806, settled 1849, has been poormaeter: wire 
Edith Wells, married 1873; children nine. John Catha- 
rine Elizabeth, William, Julia, .lames. Alee. Matilda, 
R. ('. 



McCurdy A., po Dansville, farmer, ■.•in acres, born Livingston 
county January 31, 1826, has 1IM | „. 

sessor; « < : rune .'i is'.:, chll- 

„ ,.. , <}*•" ,iv *'- EI1 |f. Fred >' : M ■' Jona I. . \ 

mc\ men « iiliain. p ,, Dansville. farmei and teach 
has i 
'• '812; w-ii [,| i liirri in ingat on 

„ „ ty. married October I, i-li . children four. 

McCurdy David, p o Dansville. farmer, 'Jo.", acres, horn Sparta 
1816, lias bl 
children eleven. 

Price Israel, p o Ossian, termer and lumberman, 6 acres horn 
Pike county Pa 1809 has been ci 
sioner of highways: wife .Ian,. Covert, 
married Ocioi.er i i-iv . hildrcn. Mary Ann 
- * Israi I ir II.: i i) 

Price Lemuel rarmei an born 

berS, 182(1. has bi 
conin.. 

county, man., . I March 8, 1850 children foui i 
H . i. M . i a. u.esl \ mo,., Blanche. 

Roberts Daniel, p o Ossian, farmer and meel , Penn- 

sylvania September 15, 1800, settled 1849; wife Martha 
Roberts, married 1819; i bildren six, Khoda. I Hi n, Dan 
iei. Mary Ann, M<> 

Robinson M, p ii D ■ mberman and farm 

born IMS. settled 1846, has be 

ways and overseer of poor: wife Harriet P Knspp 

born Ossian, married May 29, 1852: children two, vli 

ginia Alice. Samuel Albert. 

Scott Samuel, p o Scottsburgh. 

White S. D., p o Dansville, farmer, born New Hampshire Ocl 

1, 1*10, settled 1814, has I n constable; wife 

Russ, born Petersburgb, M. Y., married 1830 el 
six, Martin. Solomon, Bveret, Mary, Hattie, Lot 

White Win. M . p o Canaseraga, farmi - 

u eiiiiieiii G ' • p o Da nsville. 



PORTAGE. 

THE following article, furnished by the kindness of Mr CD. 
Bennett, was received ton late for insertion 
XXI; 1. nt as it is worth} of pn we insert it in this 

connection 

Portage was in Albany county from its organization, Novem- 
ber 1. 1683, Boon after the colony of Ne* Yoik was taken by the 
English from the Duttii. It was in Tryon county from March 
I ■ .'. till that name was changed to Montgomery, April 2, 
1784. It became a part of Ontario county January :'. 1788, and 
was embraced in the town of Northampton, which included the 
Morris reserve, in K'.C. .Muni, came a pari 

cester. Gene-' and was included in the town of An- 

■■'. 1805. It went to Allegany county at its 
formation, April .. 1806, and was included in Nunda at its or 
ganization, March 11. 1808. It was erected as a town and named 
Portage, from the carrying place round the Genesee Falls 

1827. April I. 1846, ii was annexed to Livingston 
ty, about one fourth its area, lying west of the river, being with 
a part of Pike constituted the town of Genesee Falls, and set to 
Wyoming county al [me. it was a part of the Morris 

e, and is wholly within thi 
by Hubert Morris to Gerritt Cottringer, and which lies t 
the Transit and the Picket line 
Lake to Granger rent re. 
ii waa boob aitei wards bought by John Hornby, of Scotland, 
ade John Greig, of < at for its sale 

and settlement. He employed Klisha Johnson to survey and 
sub-dh Ide ii mi 1807. 
The lotsare oblong, about three-fourths of a mile long and 
da wide, containing aboul 160 acres and number from l to 
, i i . ... , wii of Pori ■ 

I i 

On every lot Mr. Johnson noted the quality of the soil, and 

the kind and quail. . cial reference to the 

amount of pine. On every pine lot hi be amount of 

pine timber as equivalent to a certain number of acres thickly 

set with good pines. 

Nearly one-fourth of the town in the northern part was main* 

tred with oak. chestnut, hickory, etc , with too little pine 

.t was estimated al ti on 
i a lot. 

! 

bile the total of to In the towi 

very m pes. 



XV111 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Probably no measurement was ever made of the quantity of 
lumber cut from a given acre of land; but. on some acres it was 
estimated as high as "5,000 feet of pine. 

Some trees were of gigantic size, measuring over 200 feet in 

height, and some over 7 feet in diameter; a log 12 feet long 
making 2,000 feet of lumber one inch thick. 

There was a large quantity of splendid oak, some that would 
saw 5,1)00 feet of lumber to the tree. 

Along the streams stood a large growth of maple, cucumber, 

etc. The timber us it stood would be worth more at present 

prices than the real estate aDd personal property now in town. 

The soil is mostly a sandy and gravel] loam, dry and warm. 

suitable for the growth of corn and winter wheat. 

Though at about the same altitude with the towns west of 
the river, the snow fall is much less than there and compara- 
tively free from drifts, while the spring comes on a week or 
more earlier. 

Though her acreage is less than half the average of the other 
towns in the county, the number of her freeholders is 130, while 
their average is little over 31 

The upper valley of the Genesee river is 1,100 feet above tide 
water, and more than 500 feet higher than the lower valley at 
Mt. Morris. The intervening distance the river runs through 
deep gorges or cations, in a direct course about 12 miles. 

The Erie railroad is about 350 feet higher than the river val- 
ley, while the surface of the south part of the town rises as 
much higher, or 1,600 feet above tide water. 

Through Portage lay the shortest and easiest route between 
the Squakie Hill and Caneadea reservations, and here the trail 
of Ihe Indian had been traveled tor centuries. Here was con- 
structed the Genesee Valley canal. The easiest grade across 
the river, till far north, is through this town, and here the Erie 
railroad was laid 

The ever-increasing stream of migration westward that gel 
iu after the Revolution and the destruction of the Indians' 
power, seemed to stop with the century, at the Genesee river. 
It followed two principal channels: one up the Susquehannah 
and iis branches into Allegany; the other over the level land 
north of the hike country. 

The new century gave vigor and volume to the west-bound 
rush. The Holland Company was laying roads to lure it on. 
Connecticut was leading it to her reserve iu Ohio. 

Southern Livingston was between the streams. The various 
1 1 acts it comprised were not in the market. It was thickly set- 
tled by squattersof that rough and restless class who like to 
live on the verge of civilization and prefer the liberty that is 
not limited by law 

In lSUi, George Williams, sent by Mr. Gre.'g to act as resident 
agent, opened a land office on Oak Hill, near the deep cut. Set- 
tlers came in rapidly, so that in a few years nearly every lot 
was sold at from $3.50 to $4.50 per acre. Though strong induce- 
ments were offered to incline some of the scores of squatters to 
buy and remain. Ephraim Kingsley. a noted hunter from Ver- 
mont, was, perhaps, the only one who bought and settled. They 
sold their "betterments" for what they could get and went 
west. 

Where the old Allegany road crosses the East Coy and West, 
Coy creeks, settlers began to stop in 18C5-6. March 11. 1808, 
tbey procured the erection of the town of Nuuda, 1*2 miles by 
•Jl now constituting the towns of Centerville, Eagle, Genesee 
Falls. Granger, Grove, llum<\ Nunda, Pike and Portage. 

For several years Mr. Ivingsley. who lived a mile below Nunda 
village, was the only town officer elected east of the river; but 
with the rapid settlement of the Cottringer trait, it was evi- 
dent that tin- center of population would soon fall east of the 
Transit line. 

The founders of Nunda, at their own request, were consti- 
tuted a new town named Pike, aftei General Albert Pike, and 
Unk Hill became the business center of Nu:: da, then twelve 
miles square. March oth. 1818. The Tuscarora tract and other 
lands comprised in the present town of Nunda soon after were 
offered for salo and settlement. The town was inconveniently 
large and several plans for its division were proposed at suc- 
cessive town meetings till March Bth, 1827. Portage was set olT 
six miles square, containing most of the population t hat had con 
stituted Nunda. On the erection of a new town ti generally takes 
the new name, as when Angelica was formed from Leicester 



and Nunda from Angelica but Smith's Mills ■ Portage- 
ville) was ambitious to become a town center, and effected a 
division of the town, by consequence taking the new name, 
while Nunda was again moved easl « aid into tin' recent wilder 
less, retaining tin- booksand Mies of papers made by the Doles, 
the Grangers. Griffiths, Newcombs, Skiffs and .Mills, common 
names iu Pike, but foreign to modern Nunda. 

The business relatione of Portage and Nunda were mostly 
with the dealers in Livingston county, and a large majority of 
the people preferred that their political connections should 
go with them. At the town meeting held in Portageville in 1846 
the voters preseut from the east side of the river almost unan- 
imously voted toil,-,! ii m Allegany county into Livingston, 
while those from the west side voted in favor of being set into 
\\\ oming county. 

Probably no other town was settled with a population so uni- 
formly of Yankee origin. The north part, called North Oak 
Hill, was settled by the hakes. Millers. Moshers, Giffords, and 
many others originally from New England. A few years later 
it was said that there were seventy tive blood relations in their 
school district. 

Messenger's Hollow, now called Oakland, was settled by the 
Fitches, Hills. UcNairs, Messengers, Swains and others, mos'ly 
related. 

On Oak Hill carno the Adamses, Frenches, Markses. Robin- 
sons. Smites. Spencers, Strangs, etc., relatives from Pawlet, 
Vt. Eastof them settled the Newtons, Pattersons, Thompsons, 
relatives, from Coleraine, Mass. 

Around Hunt's Hollow were the Aliens, Bennetts, ('larks. 
Cobbs, Hunts, Devoes. Nashes, Parmelees, Slaters, Roots, Wil- 
liamses, etc., mainly from Connecticut. 

Pennycook (so named by Mr, Rosebrook at his raising of the 
first log house there i was settled later by people from various 
places. 

The town was long distinguished for the excellence of its 
common schools and for the number of teachers it sent forth. 
It has always been a temperance town, perhaps because it has 
but little village population. 

In the Morgan excitement it was strongly Anti-Masonic. It 
became as decidedly Whig, and is now as much so Republican. 

Of the more thau twenty saw-mills built on the banks of the 
river and Cashaqua creek the last one failed nearly twenty 
years ago. The vast quantity of pine lumber cut by them was 
run iu rafts to Rochester, there assorted by the buyers into 
three qualities and sold at an average of 15, £:, and $10 per M, 
the poorer quality outmeasuring both the others. 

The risks and labor of rafting ceased when the Genesee Val- 
ley Canal was completed to Mt. Morris in 1840, for it was better 
to haul lumber the sixteen miles than to raft it, but Portage 
had sold most of her lumber before that time. or. rather, she 
had given the lumber, and got small pay for the cost and labor 
of handling it. 

One saw-mill of ■-',<>' K I I, et per day capacity succeeds the score 
of former years, lumber and shingles come to us from Michigan 
and Canada, and even climb the hills to Allegany. Nor are tho 
families of the pioneers more permanent than their works, bli- 
the descendauts of only seven of them, viz: of David Bennett, 
George Gearhart, John McFarlane, Naih. Olney, Robert W. 
Thompson, George Williams and Solomon Williams now hold 
any part of the premises originally taken by them from the land 
office. 

Thomas Tousoy Bennett was one of tbe seven brothers who 
assisted in clearing tbe wilderness and developing the water 
power at Hunt's Hollow. 

His mill for fulling, coloring and dressing the home made 
cloth of the early settlers was erected about l*.'l or 1828, and 
was for a long time a prominent feature in the business of the 
place. 

Of the twelve saw-mills on the Cashaqua creek in the town of 
Portage the one built by him and Deacon Samuel Swain was 
one of the best. 

He died in 1849, leal in; four boys and three girl;, all of whom 
settled in western states, except Sarah, the youngest daughter. 
She married William Tousey in.'1845, and. soon occupied the 
Tousey homestead. They have there reared a family of four 
children, viz: Lucy Cornelia, Emma Jane, Carrie A. and Lucius 
C. Tousey. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



\i\ 



el C , ]) o Hunts, farmer, Inn acres, born Scipio Cay- 
;a county, May 16, 1815, settled .May 16, 1821 was 
ipervisor 1868-63; wite Cornelia Botslbrd. bora Sen- 



Bennett Joel C 
uga 

supeiviBor looa-oa; who uornelia Botslord, born Sen 
nett, Cayuga county, married November 1" 1850: ohil 
dren four. Ada E . born December is, 1851 Nora M 
born August 80, 1857, C'ari D., born January 28, 1860 E' 
Warner, born April 30, 1860. 
Bennett Charles D., ]i o Hunts, farmer and surveyor, 250 acres 
born Cayugi county February 1."), 1819, settled 182l' 
lias been supervisor and highway commissioner: wite 
Huldah Olney, born Cayuga county August 88, 18ifl 
married December 15, 18'i3; children three, Carrie M. 
born Texas June 15. 1855 Ellura, born Texas. Decem- 
ber 88. 1856, Charles B , born Portage May 5, I860. 
Beardsley George B., p o Hunts, farmer. 11)1) acres, born Cay- 
uga county April 81, 1888, settled 1851; wife Catharine 
Sutherland, born Portage January 5, 1841, married 
October 17, 1861; children two, Hattie M . born Octo- 
ber 31, 1863, Willie G ., born December 7, 1867. 
Beardsley Jared, p o Hunts, farmer and stock dealer, 163 acres 
born Oakland county, Mich., May 80, 18311, settled ] sr. I ' 
has been assessot ; wife Mary T'Brauch, born Cayuga 
county, married April 8, ISHS; children four, Alice C 
born July 9, 1870. Maiy T.. born December 15, 1871, 
Lotta S., born July 5, 1814, J. Ray, born June 35, 1876. 
Bailey James H., p o Hunts, farmer, 87 acres, born Steuben 
county February 19,1830, settled 1818, hns been school 
trustee; wife Mary Hanford, born Saratoga county, 
married October 8, 1851; children four. 
Bennett Nathaniel H., poOakland. farmer, HOacres, born Port- 
age 1827, has been assessor and school trustee; wife 
Elizabeth Wright, born Saratoga county; children 
four. 
Bennett J. Yates, p o Hunts, lumbering, 30 acres, born Portage 
November 30, 1838, has been notary public, has a saw- 
mill on Spring brook— the only nue in Portage; first 
wife Mariette Galusha, married 1862; second wife 
Elizabeth Branch, married 1878; children one, Arthur 
Yates Bennett, born 1873. 
Bennett C. F., p o Portageville. 
Brogar. P. M..po Portageville. 
Brooks Laura A., p o Brooks Grove. 

Carrick Robert, p o Oakland, farmer, 650 acres, born Perthshire, 
Scotland. July 12, 179S. settled 1834, has been commis- 
sioner of highways sixteen years; wife Margaret Ann 
McKill, born Glasgow, Scotland, October 1. lsis, set- 
tled 1887, married December 3, 1838; children eight, 
Mary Jane, born March 4, 1841, Clarissa C, born Janu- 
ary 26, 1843, Robert B., born April li, 1846, John W., 
born July 31. 1850, William W., born May 25, 1853, Flor- 
ence E., born January 8, 1855, Charles 1., born March 
7, 1859. Margaret Ann, born September 6, 1849. 
Cofliu Latham, po Nunda, farmer, lilt acres, born Mt. Morris 
October:,]. 1825, has been assessor six years and jus- 
tice of the peace twelve years; wife Jennett E. Burr, 
born Haddam, Conn , married 1803; children four, 
Peleg Coffin was one of the first settlers in Mt. Mor- 
ris. 
Clarke I. B , p o Nunda. farmer, 50 acres, born Livingston coun- 
ty November::. ]S8ii; wife Elizabeth Lake, born Liv- 
ingston couuty December 88. 1827, married April 7, 
1853; children two, Ada E.. born Conesus August 28, 
1855. George B., born Conesus February 28, 1858. 
Clark Amos R., p o Hunts, farmer. 100 acres, born Allegany 
county February 20. 1831, settled in county 1S67; wife 
Mary Oleott, born Portage ls35. married August 19, 
1856; three children. Henry W.. Rosa E.. Wither T., 
born February 8. 1S63; all born in Allegany county. 
Dickens Charles H . p o Nunda Station, farmer, 35 acres, born 
Tompkins county December VS.1817, settled 1854; wife 
Sarah Ann Thompson, born Portage October 34, 1822, 
married May 25. I sit; children four. David Edgar, born 
April 9. 1816, Robert Emmet, born October 8, 1848, 
Frank Oliver, born November 13, 1851, MahlonC, born 
March SO. 1856. 
Gearhart John, p o Nunda Station, farmer, 160 acres, born Cay- 
uga couuty January 3. 1801, settled 1816; wile Eliza- 
beth C. Guthrie, born New Jersey August 13. 1SII8, mar- 
ried June 38. 1838; children ten. living seven. Charles 
H , born May 8, 1839, Hannah C, born December 39, 
1830, John, born November 14, 1838, Sarah A., born 
February 3, 1834, Mary E., bora -May 16, 1836, Martha 
A., born February 14. 1S:;9, William C , born February 
25, 1841, Nathaniel A., born September 8.'.. 1843, George 
A., born September 15, 1845. 
G6arhart George, p o Nunda Station, Farmer, 140 acres, born 
Cayuga county November 11, IS!,'., settled I-!., has 
been highway commissioner and assessor; wife Surah 
Baldwin, born Tompkins county July 3 1817; married 
culyl 1837; children nine, George M.. born June !. 
1838 died October 19, 18114, F. F., born October 33. 1889, 
Altn'elia. horn July 11. 1811. Edwin D., born January 
27 1843 died May 6, 1843, Esther A., born July 3, 1847, 
Meriitt 11 , born August '-'I, 1848, .Mary P., horn July 
-.';.. 185'. Frank A , bom September 20, 1859 Bertha I. , 
born September 16. 1857, died August 29, 1864, 
Gilpatrick t'henes c, p o Nunda stutioD, farmei acri 

born V' rk county, Maine, January 6, 1817. settled 1850; 
wife H.-stcr A Scott, born Ellsburgh. Jefferson coun 
tv N V .March 23. 18 is. married Jul] 11 • ■ Bar 
na'h Gilpatrick. born January 81. lis;, died February 
33. 1808, Children Delia V. Dean, born Bums, Allegany 
county, April 8, 1867. 



Griffith John M 



OhO M , po Oakland, millet ale! I,,,,,!,,, s „, , , ,.. , 

Steuben i mntj 1824, tattled 1844 ba i bei n hi 

' " ™i wife Caroline M vanScoter, born Sparta 

married 1849; children two II 

Hewitt Peleg W„ p o Hunts, farmer, 145 aores born 

county. N V , February 81. 1822, settled Februarj a 
18.,,, has been poormaster. highway comlsslouer and 
excise commissioner; wife Nancj Thompson born 
Franklin county Ma July 15, 18l8, married U 
her i\ |8|.,; children live. Wilson s . born Po 
October 31. 1816, Cornelia, horn February u isfd 
Alice v.. born March 17, 1850. Edwin C , born July 28' 
18.>t, Mary J., burn August 81, isili 

Hinkluy Owen E., p o Hunts, farmer, 97 aores. bom Vermont 
May 21st. 1886, settled 1888, was in the nth N.-„ York. 
Heavy artillery twentj uve months, was discharged 
by ordei ol war department as a paroled prisoner' 

wife Cornelia a. llinmaii born Greene i oty n v 

married September 24, is i, , children I hree 

Kneeland li, F. p Nun. la Station, physician and BUI 

born Onondaga county June .!, isj:, sealed 1851 has 
been supervisor tuo in,,,., wife Harriet Nil, s born 
June 1 1. 1852, 

Lockwood Thorn. is i; . p ,, Hunts, farmer, 03 acres, horn Con- 
| lieut January 17, 1810, settled 1889, has i, over 

seer Of the poor thirteen years; wile l.ucv C Smith 

born Onondaga oounty; children four, George M 

hoekw 1 was in the 83d New Fork Volunteers during 

the late war; was chief clerk of the interior under 
Schurz, 

Lyon J. S., p o Nunda Station, farmer. 

Morse Chauncey, p o Nunda Station, farmer. '.it acres, born Port- 
age May 10, 1837; wife Jane K Gilpatrick, horn Allega- 
ny inly. N v.. Ma) , isn. married December 11) 

1862; children one. Fred It., born December 88, ls,;s 

Morse Marvin, settled 1836, died Juueti, 187i; 

Morse George, p o Nunda Station, farmer. 98 aores, born Rens- 
seia r county. N. Y., December 26, 1882, settled Octo- 
ber 1835; wife Orpha L. Smith, horn Allegany county 
May I. 1838, married April 7, 1KHI ; children three', 
Charles Raymond, born April r. 1868, Frank Edwin, 
born January 2, 1873, Orpha Belle, born January 12 
1878 

Merithew Hiram, p o Nunda Station, farmer, 56 acres, born 
Washington county. N. Y., March 19. 1798, settled 1867; 
wife Laura Bailey, born Allegany county December 
25, 1819, married May 8, 1858; children two, Seneca s , 
born Nunda March 31. 1854, Willis A., born September 
1, 185.-,. 

McFarline Alexander, p o Nunda. farmer, 93 acres, horn Portage, 
has been assessor and highway commissioner; wife 
Cynthia Spencer, born Portage, married 1850; chil- 
dren one; father John McFarline, settled 182U, and 
cleared the present homestead. 

Nash Enos A., p o Hunts, farmer, 711 acres, born Wilton, I 

February 13. lsir. settled 1885, has been assessor and 
town clerk; wife Elenora B. Stockwell. born Vermont, 
married October 80. 1811; children three, living two. 
Adelbert who was in the 1th New fork Heavy artillery 
was wounded in the hand and was also in Libby Pri- 
son. 

Parmelee C. L., p o Hunts, station agent. 

Robinson E. F . p o Hunts, farmor and lumberman. SO acres, 
born Portage January 19, 1819. 

Robinson Charlotte, torn Fulton county. N. V. January 18, 
1795, settled 1818, married November28, !M7; children 
eight; she is the oldest settler now living in the town. 

Randall Charles H., poOakland. farmer, horn Whitehall. W, , 
ington county. N. Y., 1817. settled 1- iper- 

visor and justice of the peace twelve years, and 
sion justice three terms; wife I 

born Whitehall, N. Y . married July !.. 1M-: children 
eight, living four, James B., was in I69tfa regiment, and 
was killed at the battle of t 'oi, i Harbor June Itl 
David L., was a volunteer in the 180th New York lira- 
goons. 

Sexton Nelson, p o Hunts, farmer and ' sores, 

horn lister county. N. X"., October 16, I s '.';. settled 

1851 ha been : I trustee and collector: wife 1 

nab Lane, born Wyoming county, N. Y , November II, 
1827, married January 20 1858; children fou 
C, born July 18, 1 Q u., born January 18, 1861, 

Nelson Jr., horn April 28, 1863, Hattie I., bom Sep- 
tember I 1868 

Smith Lyman born Daiibury, Fairfield county. I ODD.. January 
88. 1808, settled 1882, died June 6, I8i i ■ with 

Anil Smith wife Mary Sheppard. I, "in Newtown. 

Fairfield county. Conn., November i\ 1809, married 
November 80, 1880; children three. 
Smith Amnion, p o Hunts, farmer. 260 111 airy. 

Fairfield oounty, > loon . March 20, 1810, - 

DaB he< -'l 11 ! assessor nine J 

wife .Inoa hi Nash, horn Newtown, Conn,, married 
lldren oi 
\ andaliii. po Hunts, farmer. 800 acres, horn Portage 
May 80, 1829; wife Betsej Hurry. 

Smith Hiram. p Hunts, f 

I Januarj i 1819, settled 1850, has been )u 
ei 

and II 

Com ti.ot, married May 18, 1846; children all, living 

four 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Towsey William, p o Hunts, farmer, 100 acres, born Genesee 
county, N. Y., July 16, 1816; wife Sarah Bennett, born 
Portage October 29, 1820. married October 30, 1846, 

children six, L. Cornelia, born October 3, 1*47, Emma 
J., born August 80, 1849, Carrie A , born February 17. 
1851, Cbarlea B , born June 86, 1868, died November 27, 
1857, William C. born July 22, 1866, died November 1, 
1857, Lucius C . born July 16, i860. 
Trailer Robert P.. p o Portageville. farmer. Mil acres, born Liv- 
ingston county June s - 1881; wife Delia Allen, born 
Saratoga county, married December 28, 1872; children 
one William Allen, bom Saratoga county July 13, 
1800; Clara Deuel, born in Saratoga county, July 13, 
1795. 
Thompson Kobert W., p o Oakland, farmer, 172 acres, born 
Colerain. Mass., July 26, 1822, .settled 1823, has been 
highway commissioner and assessor; first wife Sarah 
E. VanSlyke, born Wyoming county June 20, is. 1 :}, died 
June 25, 1858; children two. Klletta B., born June 27, 
1849, Annette E., born July 20, 1858; second wife Cyn- 
thia Andrus, horn Hartford county, Conn , September 
25, 1829, mairled May 23. 18 9; children live. Chester 
W.. born June 23, 1862, Sarah E., born November 22, 
1st,;, Lincoln A . born October 31. 1866, Luther R , born 
August 31, 1869, May, born May 1, 1872, died August 6, 
1872. 
Tabor Clark W., p o Nunda Station, farmer, 130 acres, born Port- 
age August 8, 1884, has been town clerk; wife Sarah A. 
Lake, born Allegany county November 20, 1839, married 
April 10, 1862; children four. Cora L.. born April 22, 
18*13, AlbertO., born September 7, 1805, May L., born 
April 26, 1868, Harry C. born December 15, 1 869. 
Townsend William, p Hunts, farmer, carpenter and joiner, 60 
aeres. born Allegany county April :;n, 1832, settled 18ti7. 
has been commissioner of highways; wife Laura 
White, born Allegany county June 18, 1830, married 
February 1, 1857; children three. Julia, born Nunda 
March 26, lr59, (J race B., born Allegany county Sep- 
tember 12, 1807, Willie R., born Portage July 22. (869. 
Wilder Nathaniel, p o Hunts, farmer. 118jtf aires, born Buck- 
land, Franklin county. Mass., December 3, 1813, set- 
tled 1820; wife Cecelia Paine, born Livingston county 
May 29, 1821, married November 30, 1848; children four; 
father Allen Paine, settled 1818, on me from Leicester 
with two yoke of oxen when this country wasa wilder- 
ness. 
Wilner Marcus W., p o Portageville, farmer, 195 acres, born 
Portage January 4, 1825, has been supervisor two 
terms and assessor two terms; wife Susan A. Adams, 
born Ohio, married 1850; children four, 
Wilner Merriman J., p o Portageville, farmer, 114 acres, born 
Portage December 12, 1828, has been supervisor two 
terms and highway commissioner] wife Sarah M. San- 
ford, born Connecticut, married December 1856; chil- 
dren two; George Wilner was in war of 1812, settled 
soon after. 
Williams George, p o Portageville, farmer, 2,000 acres, born 
Massachusetts May 20, 1798, settled 1813, was member 
of Legislature about 182)1, agent, for Cottinger's tract, 
and first postmaster: wife Alma Devoe, born Cayuga 
county, married August 18, 1815; children six, living 
three. 
Williams J. J., p o Hunts, merchant. 



SPARTA. 

Buskirk Samuel, p o Scottsburgh, retired farmer, 131 acres, born 
December 12, 1806; wife R. Allen, born Washington 
county, married 1831, 

Blakely Rev. D C, p o Scottsburgh, clergyman. 

Baisel J. E., p o Scottsburgh. 

Culbertson John A . p o Dansvillo, farmer 8.". acres, born Sparta 
June 8, 1843, settled 1843, has been assessor eight years, 
was in late war in 54th N. Y. N. G., company E, father 
was a pioneer in town ; wife Lillie D. Galbraith, born 
Groveland November 13, 1857, married Jueo Otb, 1877; 
children one, Johnie G. 

Driesbach Elias, p o Dansville, farmer, 180 acres, born Sparta 
February 17, 1822; wife Susannah Kidd, born Mauch 
Chunk, Pa., December 1 8, 1828, married January 10, 
1846; children six, Susan C., born November 2, 1845, 
Lydia A., born September 28, 1848, Mary Olivia, born 
October 7, 1851, Rosa Joan, born August 7, 1857, Joseph 
Henry, born June 3, 1859, Emma Alice, born May 10, 
1864. 

Driesbach Henry, born Mauch Chunk. Pa., April 3, 1700, settled 
1808, farmer and left 7 < M » acres to be divided between 
three heirs, died March 1, 1872: wife Lydia Hartman, 
born Mauch Chunk 1799, settled 18'.*, married 1821; 
children six, living three. 

Foster Samuel, p o Scottsburgh, farmer. 73 acres, born Pennsyl- 
vania September 17, 1840, settled 1805, lias been high- 
way commissioner; wife, Arville P. Brown, born Erie, 
Pa., married Hares 19, 1861; children six, Elliot 01., 
Lucy E., G. B., David, Henry L., Blanche E. 

Flory John, p o Scottsburgh, farmer. 27<> acres, born Franklin 
county. Pa., April 12. I8i 9, settled 1813, lias been asses- 
sor; wife Clarinda (J. Scott, born Sparta, married No- 
vember is, 1885; children live, living one, John, born 
July 11, 1847. 



Gillman Mrs. H., p o Scottsburgh, farmer, 150 acres. bornGrove- 
land March 25, 1833, married October 31, 1834; children 
three, one living Jennie Scott, born Sept. 3. 1882, 
Galbraith .Mrs. Lydia, p I'ansville. farmer, 306 acres, Oorn 
Sparta 1833, married February 9, 1854; children sir, 
Mary K . Lydia 1) . Henry I) .John, Jennie M .Anna. 
Bamsber Mrs Etebeoc », p o Dansville, farmer, loo acres, born 
Northumberland Octobers, 1803, settled 1813. married 
Januarj \ 1824; children four, Caroline E., Susan B. 
Blur tin S., Jonas S. who married Cornelia Woodruff 
and has two children, Bennard W., Sophia C. 
Hammond L. B;, p Dansville. farmer, 348 acres, born Sparta 
October 10, 1832; father Morgan Hammond, born Uans- 
ville 1794, settled 1816, died 1847, was a pioneer and 
prosperous farmer, owning several latins; wife Catb 
erine E. Driesbach, born Sparta, married October, 
ISO!); children two, Kittie. William. 
Havens Willuid (.'., p o Scottsburgh. farmer, 110 acres, born 
Groveland July 11, 1836; wife Sarah Polen, born Grove- 
laud 1815, married January 27. 1870; children two, Lil- 
lio M., Freddie Q 
Hamsher Henry, p o Dansville, farmer, 82 acres, born North- 
ampton county, Pa , February 19, 1812. settled 1823, 
has been commissioner of highways; wife Rebecca 
Artman, born Pennsylvania, married February 8, 1836; 
children six, Sarah, William, Clara. John Wesley, 
Emma. Theo. 
Hughes Martin, p o Dansville, farmer, 90 acres, born Sparta 
January 27, 1857; wiie Rosa Juan Driesbach. married 
January 37, 1880. 
Hammond John S., p o Dansville, farmer. 

Jennings John, p o Scottsburgh, merchant and farmer; 55 acres. 
born Ontario county 1812, settled 1833, has been over- 
seer of the poor; wib Mary Frost, born Washington 
county, married 18-30; children four. Amanda. Mary M . 
Emma K . Charles. 
J ohns G. H., p o Dansville. farmer, 250 acres, born in Columbia 
county, Pa.. May 23, 1818, settled 1844. has been asses- 
sor and justice of the peace; wife Susannah Rau, born 
Pennsylvania, married May S3, 1843; children four. Sa 
Lom a A,, Sabina A.. Mary A . Hemau H. 
Kuhn Ceo., p o Dansville, farmer,"02 acres, born Sparta Nov. 20. 
is;;*'; wile Clementine Artman, born Dansville, mar- 
ried December 21. 1867; children two, Blanche May. 
born October 0, 1873, Julia Bertha, born June SO, 1878, 
Kiehle Benjamin, p o Dansville, farmer. 1 63 acres, born Lehigh 
county. Pa., February 2-3, 1810, settled 1817, has been 
assessor; children three, V\ illiam H., George M., Hul 
dab V. ; wife Vienna Zerfass, born Sparta, married No- 
vember, is;;;. 
Lee E. W., p o Scottsburgh, acres, born Ontario county No- 
vember 1 :, 1817. -ettled ]S|S; wife Lucy Johnson, born 
Groveland. married 1856; children live. Charles W., 
Frank H , ira J . C. Elmer. Mattie M. 
Logan John, p o Scottsburgh, farmer, 105 acres, born Sparta 
May 35, 1838, has been supervisor, collector and inspec- 
tor of election; wife Jane McFetridge, born Sparta, 
married 1863; children seven, Archie F., J. C. Jesse C, 
Edward Bl., .Mary A , Edith B . Bessie K. 
MeBurney James, p o Dansville, farmer. 150 acres, born Osh- 
kosb. Wis., settled April 1. 187;r, wife Mary Sorton, born 
Corning. N. Y., married January 15, 1870; children two, 
Grace. Thomas. 
McFetridge Edward L.. p Scottsburgh, farmer, 210 acres, born 
Livingston county October, ism. has been snpen is< ir; 
Wife Mary M. Eieble, born Sparta, married November 
87, 1872; children two, A. C , born November 10, 1873, 
Nellie May. born May 10, 1877. 
Moose Seymour E., p Dansville, farmer, minister and advent- 
ist, 120 acres, born Sparta August 20, 1850; wife Mary- 
ett Merritte, born Pittsburgh, Steuben county, mar- 
ried September 9, 1874: children two, Sarah Helena, 
born September 1, 1876, Charles Seymour, born June 
•27, 1878. 
Magee Mrs. Km ma, p o Scottsburgh. 

Oberdorf Lester, p o Scottsburgh, farmer and stock raiser, 114 
acres, born Sparta Sept. 11, 1830; wife Mandana S Need- 
ham, born Sparta, married February 20, 1800; children 
four, Jennie N., Claude, C. Mabel, Caroline. 
Parker Augustus 1... p Dansville, farmer, 180 acres, born in 
Sparta April o. 1826; wife Elizabeth McCartney, born 
Sparta 1883, married May 20, 1865; children seven, 
Susie M., born March 27, 1850, Annie M., born Febru- 
ary 6, 1858, Elizabeth, born April 18, 1862, Alice M„ 
born May 22, 1*03, Francis M., born June ?, 1864, Sarah 
C, born June 25. 1S07, Nellie, born March 5, 1868. 
Rau Erhard, p o Dansville, farmer, 200 acres, born Northampton 
county. Pa.. September 8, 1787, settled 1820, has been 
assessor; wife Susannah Kidd horn Northampton 
county, Pa., June 27. 1798, married 1810* died March 81, 
1871 ; children sixteen, living thirteen. 
Roberts Jesse, p o Scottsburgh, farmer. 152 acres, born Sparta 
June 28, 1884, school trustee and assessor, wife Mary 
M. Wither, born Sparta 184', married January 6, 1863; 
children one. William Welton, born July 10, 1864. 
Roberts Benjamin F., p o Scottsburgh, farmer, 152 aeres, born 
Sparta February 20. 1881; wife Sarah J. Wilher, born 
Sparta February 0, 1844, married March 27. 1800; chil- 
dren two, John Bl., bom May 7, 1870, Denj. P., born 
August 0, 1874, 
Roberts S,, p o Scottsburgh, mechanic and farmer, seven acres, 
born Livingston county. 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



wi 



Ross Robert H„ p o Dansville, farmer and stock raiser, 180 
acres, born Sparta January 8, 1846, has been town 
clerk and town meeting inspector; wife Mary E. Art- 
man, born January 22, 1*1*, married December 31, 
1874; children one, Edward J., born October 89, [876. 

Slaight Jacob, p o Scottsbureh. farmer, 115 acres, born Livings- 
ton county March 8, 1820. 

Shepard John, p o Scottsburgb. merchant, born Allegany coun- 
ty Oetohei 8, 1821, settled October 10, 1835, has been 
town clerk, supervisor and county treasurer; wife Mi- 
nerva F. Shepard,born Sparta, married October 20, 
1859; children two, M. M., born October 81. 1860, John 
H., born October 27. 1870. 

Shutt William J., p o Dansville, farmer. 126 acres, born Sparta 
March 10, 1832, has been collector two terms, assessor 
two terms and justice of the peace; wife Mag-i.- \i. 
Fetridge. born Canada, married April ■';. 1863; i hildren 
five, living one, Freddie E,, born July 81, 1870. 

Smith Jesse, p o Dansville, fanner and blacksmith, 91 acres, 
born Northumberland county, Pa., December [6 
settled April, 1825, has been town clerk, is justice of 
the peace and justice of sessions; wife Catharine 
Kiehle, born Sparta April 12, 1824, married October 2, 
1856; children three, Myron, born July 32, 1857, Willie 
B . born August 23, I86U. Lizzie M., born September 15, 
1861. 

Sutton Mrs. Sarah, p o Dansville. farmer, 50 acres, born Penn- 
sylvania February 2">. 1816, settled 182."), husband .John 
Sutton, married 183d, died March 22, 1879; children 
three. Mary C, Anna L., Francis E. 

Shafer John, p o Dansville, farmer, 258 acres, has been asses- 
sor: wife Hannah Hamsher, born Sparta, married 
January 21, 1850; children three, James Alfred, Martha 
S., Franklin Muuroe. 

Shafer Andrew, p o Dansville, farmer, 73 acres, has been inspec- 
tor of election ; wile Elizabeth .1. Kubn, born Sparta, 
married December 25, 18,jii; children live. Emma R., 
Dollie E.. Hattie M., George E.. Baby. 

Sterner Samuel F.. p o Dansville, farmer. 81 acres, born Dans- 
ville April 13, 1851 ; wife Mary K. Caton, born Septem- 
tember it, 1861, married May 29, 1879 

Shafor James A., p o Dansville. farmer. 108 acres, born Sparta 
December 21, 1850; wife Rosa E. Carney, born Febru- 
ary II, 1850, married October 22, 1874, 

Tenney Silas W, p o Dansville. farmer and stock rai 

acres, born New Hampshire 1839, settled 1*74; wife Net- 
tie C. Smith, born Erie county, Pa., 1849, married June 
1. 1x7t">; children three. Emma, Elizabeth, Baby. 

Von Waldegg Augustus H., p o Scottsburgh, physician and sur- 
geon, born Germany, settled 1818; wife Armed a Rob- 
erts, born Couesus, married September 2:1, L869, 



WEST SPARTA. 

Berger Samuel, p o Tuscarora, farmer 160 acres, born Mt. Mor- 
ris .May 10, 1830; first wife Harriet J. Robinson, born 
West Sparta October '-'I. 1828, married December 'ih 
1851, died June 5. 1861; children three, Cora El., bora 
November 9, 1853. Julia D.. born April 30, 1854, died 
March 31, 1874, John R.. born August li, 185S; 
wife Marietta Bosley. born Genesee county Augustus, 
1838, married February 20, 18(52; children two. Lucia 
II.. born December 15, 1866, Minnie M., born May 28, 
1869 

Chasey John S.. p o Byersville, farmer, 300 acres, born in Mon- 
mouth county, N. J.. September 15, 1823, settled 1842; 

wife Eliza A. Bush, born Tompkins county I» imber 

24 1 sxJSS, married March 28, 1849; children eight, Chas. 
W . born March 2, 1850, LaMartine W.. born December 
\ 1851, Andrew R., born October 5. 1853, Ida M., born 
July 25, 1857, George A., born July 5, 1859, Willie A., 
born September 81, 1863. Mary F., born June 26, 1864, 
Floyd, born July 12, 1876. 

('reveling John, p o Tuscarora, farmer. 263 acres, born Warren 
county, N. J.. September 15, 1825, settled 1834. has 
been justice of peace two terms: wife Elizabeth Bit- 
tenbouse, born Cayuga county April :'.. 1847, married 
November 17, 1S5L<; children four, Edward R.. born 
September!!, 1851, Wilson M., born December 19, 1858, 
John E., born June 85, 1K68. Mary A., born May 9, 1864. 
nison Robert, p o Byersville, farmer, 130 acres, born North- 
ampton, N. Y., Jauuary 1. 1198, settled 1818; wife Har 
garel Crafford. born West Sparta May 10. 1805, married 
February 16, 18-10; children nine, Sophia A . born I '• 
toberSS, 1826, Minerva C, born December 26, 1828, dud 
October 16, 181 I. Eliza M . born July 8. 183 
born October 16, 18:j:i. Joanna, born OctO 
died December 20, 18-'I6, Annis M., born September : 
1839 John M., bom December 9, 1843, died November 
2,1864 Nicholas K., born September 7, 1846, M i 
born August 30. 1849, 

Fenstermacher John, p o Dansville, farmer, II 13 i born in 

Dansville August 8. 1813, died July 19, 1868, has been 
constable; wife Beersheba Hart, born Genesee count; 
May s, 1823, married July 19, 1843; children 1, JohnH., 
born February r.i. 1845, died September 20 1850, clar- 
ence W born May 20, 1847, He < " December 

10, 1849. died F< bruary S8, 1851, George Franklin I 

Novembei BO, 1852. 

Field L. B., p o Dansville, farmer. 



De 



Frazer James B , p o Dansville, farmer. 180 acres, born Spring- 
water February 26, 1849. has I n supervisor and col 

lector; wife Sarah M Van Middlesworth. born West 
Sparta August 17, 1848, married tugusl 30 1874 chll 
dim three, Nellie boi " So i mbi > ' ■ Uai 
iiibei i:,. is;ii. Ji.lia, born January I- 

Green Abrum s . p o Byersville, farmer I53acre bom Ubany 
county Novembei 8. 1811. settled 1868; « 
Smith, bom Greene count v Uarch 80, 1812, m 
i ictober 19, 1884; obildn rose P., bon 

(ember In 1885 died .bine I! l-i,| . |„,,- n 

May 26, 18 18 li Maj 81, 1841, Emllj I... bornJa 

27, 1846, Theo. S . born Augnsl i i 

born September 25, 1852, Egbert K , born September 

Green William A., p Byersville, farmer. 100 acres born West 

Sparta October 26, 1887; Wife Ma IV J. Vamlurcu. bom 

Nunda July 29, 1842 married October 26 1861 children 
three, William II.. born Align bom 

May 22, 1865, Hon V , born Novembi 
Green Pbiletus W . p o Byersville, farmer and thrasher on acres, 
born West Sparta January 81. 1842; wife Km 
bom Penfleld, X V . May 1, 1846, married Novembei 
21j 1866; children four, Marj I born January 16 1868, 

Kittie Rose, born July 15, 1870, Chat " Sep- 

beml Clifford J born Ma] 27, 1875. 

Green Calvin, po Tuscaroni. fanner .'Hi acres, born Montgoni 

oity March 1, 1812, settled It 

sor one term; wife Lydia M, Rob. us. born Sparta 

February IS, 1818; children six. Wilbcr W . burn March 

16, is;;. Phcebe Emaline, born December t 1879. I'hi- 
letus \\ .. born January 81, 184 

tember 28, 1844, best,',- B.,boro April 22, l-is Char- 
lotte Ella, born November 13, 1856. 
Hungerfonl CI Dansville, farmer, 70 ncres. born West 

Sparta Sept.15, 1833, has been a - — n ir,wifi Haggle Pol 
ter. born Livingston Co. April 17, 1848; children eight, 

Edna A., bum December 18, 1656, ' narlea E I i Ian 

uary 26, 1859, Lula. born April I 1866 Seba born June 

11, IS'.- Pen ie, born September 1. 1870, Hattie. born 

July ;il. 1878, Allie, born April 1. 1876, Jessie I 

tober-j. is;:i 

Hungerford Eleazer M., p o Byersville, farmer. isn acres, born 
West sparta August '.'i. 1816, has been commissioner 
of highways and assessor; wife Cassandra l 
born West Sparta February I. 1821. married N vein- 
be! 23, 1843: children t hree, Marshall, born 
1844, died .March 28, 1864, Victor i: born August 81, 
1846, Edwin, bom Februarj 28, 1849. 

Harttimn Hiram, p o Dansville. farmer, 140 acres, born West 
Sparta April II. 1814; wife Lucinda Ken 
Nunda July 25, 1825, married November ii 1844, chil- 
dren two. Abbey .lane, born (Ictober 10, 1845, I'.eb la 
Lucinda. bom July 21, 1852, 

Johnson William S . p o I i.ui-vi be. fanner, carpenter and 

80 acres born Tompkins county January I 1822 

tied November 13, 1837, has been assessor one term: 

wife Maria Johnson, born Cayugacounty I 

married Octobei li. 1848; children seven, Lewis 1'. 

born \pnl '.''.. 1845, d : ed September 28, 1846, Tn 

bi Fune 26, 1847, died September 18 1851 John lb 

December 8'.'. 1849, died September 17, 1851, 
CharlesF., born June 28, 1852, Edwin A. born August 
14, 1854, Leandei b , born August 23, 1866. Nelly A.. 
born Sep! embei I 
Kenney Jeremiah, n o Byersville, farmer, born Weal Sparta 
April is. 1843; wife Melissa Walker, born Nunda 

ber 8, 1840, married April 86, 1868; children four Nelly. 

born .lune 28 : Coin November 8 1872, 

Clifton, born Nov 8, 1872, Adda, born Aug 15, If 

Kemp Stephen A . p o Dansville, tan 50 acres, bom West 

Sparta December ■"•. 1831, has been justice or | 

wife Catharine L. Weston, tnar ric.l August I. I Si, I; chil- 
dren Stephen A., born March 8.'. ]-i.5, Herbert w. 
born Mare! irence E;, born October 14. 1868. 

Charles, born September 24, 181 kugust 

1' ;-, 1. Henrietta, born August 29, 1878, Baby, bom 

Novel I ! 

Kennedy Thomas, J> o Byersville, farmer, 211 acres, born West 

Sparta May 12, 1826; wife .Minerva Frazer, born Feb- 
ruary 15, i ' 856; children four. 
I o.i don Ilelu in, I I . 186i, died March .. 

I860 Grace/ 

November 22 1865 Willie i. . bom Deoember 11 
Kvsor B o Tuscarora, farmei 

Sparta April 17. 1-8.'. died August -. 1878; wife Julia A- 

Cbamberlln, bi rn Weal S] a iD 

ried ' ictobei 28 1846; ohlldi en twelve, H 

born lugusl I 1818 ' ' »C. born I let. 
lb, in., v . bom June 10 1853 Bele 
■_•;, [854 ii. : d September ■-'.. If 

born November 29, 1858, Herbei - 

January ", » born 

.Inn- I inklln 

V., born rn April 80, 
1870. , , 

lansvllle, fan 
■ son county, Mr b i.. ; : wlf« 

Mm v !•'. Rovvo, born Spi mar- 

I, lien four. Nora I ie 

Noven 

Sarah I. . born V 'urn Febru- 

Hiv 15, 1878. 



XXII 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Knappenberger Henry, p o Tuscarora, farmer 869 j acres, born 

Lehigh county. Pa., March 19, 1808, settled 1810, bus 
been School trustee; wife Elizabeth M. Slaigbt, born 
Groveland March -.v 1818, married Jane 11, [83s, died 
August 3, 1873 : children nine, Mary <".. boi ni 
1836 died October 21, 1864, Elizabeth, born March 38, 
is.;;, Sarah .1.. bora September IS, 1888, William S., 
born October io. 1840, served in late war, Jacob, born 
March 25, 1848, Frances (J. born June i. 1845 died 
August i, 1815, John ll . born August 22, i s it. Harriet 
burn January 17, 1852, died November 18, 1862, 

McNairHugh T.. p o Dansville, farmer, 500 acres, born West 
Sparta November 1. 18122, has been assessor several 
terms; wife P. J. Hatmaker, born fates county Oc- 
tober 12, 1824, married November 19, 1845; children 
ten, living Bve. 

Perrine .lames B . p o Tuscarora, farmer, ■-' acres, born Ca- 
yuga county January 29, 18^6, has been town auditor: 
wife Elizabeth Chapman, born West Sparta November 
i't. 1826, married .Ian nary 12, 1858; children seven, 
Cora K, burn April \!\ 1*5), Chailes H , Lorn Septem- 
ber ■-!). 1855, Mary A . horn August 5, 1857, Nettie L, 
born October 18. Ie59, .lessie P , 1> irn May a, 1862, Min- 
nie 11 , born September "JO, I8(i5, Hattie S., born De- 
cember 15, i*t>9. 

Perrino Juhn. p o Tuscarora .farmer, 150 aires, born Cayuga 
county July 14, 1820, settled 1826, has been assessor, 
justice of peace and pun- mister; wife Harriet E. 
.M<me, born Allegany county June j;. 1819, married 
March 10, 1842; children 'our. Prances Augusta, born 
October 25, 1845, Elmer Stone, born February 28 1848, 
Mary Evelyn, born January 25, 1853, Edson B., born 
December 25, 1858. 

Slaight William J.po Tuscarora, dealer in stock, 500 acres. born 
Groveland May 5, I s -"-'. settled [853, lias been super- 
visor, assessor, revenue collector, etc : father John 
Slaight, a pioneer settler who had a brother in the 
Mexican war; wife Mary Logan, born Sparta March 2, 
is.';, married May -i, iS.VI; children three. Albert J., 
born January 18, 1854, John W . born March 26, 1857, 
Edward L., born Octobei 28, 1858. 

Tunisou Abram K . p <> Byersville, farmer, ISO acres, born West 
Sparta May 9, 1882; wife Jane Green, born Nunda Feb- 
ruary 6, 1884; children seven, Leona S., born July 31, 
is .'.♦. Robert E . bom April 6, l s 'i'.'. died June 10, 1877, 
Katie 1 . born August it. 1864, Richard I... born August 
19, 1866, Jennie K , born March 8, 1871, Elmer, horn De- 
cember SB, 1875, Alice, born March 28, 1878. 

VanMiddlesworth, p o Byersville, farmer, 240 acres, born Ca- 
yuga county November 9, 181 1, settled 1828; wife Julia 
Aim Shaw. "bm-n West Sparta May 11, 1821. married 
February 5, 1846; children three, Andrew, born No- 
vember 9, 1847, dieil Septembi c 18, 1848, Sarah M , born 
August 17, 1848, Harrison C, born September . "J, 1855. 

VauDoren, William, p Byersville, farmer. 865 acres, born On- 
ondaga county '.May I. 1817, settled 1881, has been 
assessor six years; wifeJano E. Walker, horn Mt. Mor- 
ris December 9, 1817, married February 11, 1841; chil- 
dren two. Mary J., born July 29, 1842, Jennie M., born 
January-. 1850 

VanNuys Peter, p o Byersville, farmer. 500 acres, born Millstone, 
N J., February ., INiiK, settled 1828, died January 2, 
1875, has been supervisor and justice of peace; wife 
Harriet Kerr, born Cayuga county April 18, 1809, mar- 
ried November [9. IBitf; children seven, Caroline M., 
born June 1. l*!:j. Isaac N., born November 20, I 
Vinton, burn June s. 1840, Ella 1,., born November 22, 
1842, died July 22, 1843, Harriet K. born January 9, 
1814, died August. 9, l-il. Webster B., burn February 
8 1847, Herbert K . born April 22, 1852. 

Wat kins A. V.,p o Byersi tile, physician t, acres, born Allegany 
county July 8, 1844, settled .May;:. 1871; wife Fredonia 
Elenora Dake, born Allegany county April 7, 1847, mar- 
ried August -1 

Woodworth P. P ., p Dansville, farmer and lumberman, 92 
acres, born Madison oouutj February 18, 1819, settled 

1821, has been poor master and constable: wife Phila 

Hungerford, born West Sparta < ictober 26, 1827, mar- 
ried September 6, 1815; children eight, Uriuthia E., 
burn May 10, 1847, Everett M., born June 14, 1848, Frank, 
burn February I, 1850, died April 7, 1850, Agnes K , born 
March 12, 1851 Carrie A , born June 28, 1855, Grace A., 
bum August 27, 1857, Burt F., born November 16, 1865, 
Walter W., born November r.', 1868. 



SPRINGWATER. 

Curtice Ezra N.. p Springwater, school teacher and farmer, SO 
acres, burn Webster, Monroe county April 2, l*;i'i. set- 
tled 1886, is school commissioner from ]■-•;■"> to 1881; 
father Jacob Curtice, burn Berkshire, N. EL, October 
11, 1804; wife Mary James, bom Potter, Yates county, 
married June 20th, 1855; Children three. Mina G., Kit- 
tie F., Leonard E. 

Capron Wesley II.. p o Springwater, farmer, l in acres, bum 
Springwater November 5, 1847; father Sylvester Cap- 
ron: wife Mary E.Lewis, born North Cohoc ton, Steuben 
county April 1", 1851, married July I. I860; children 
three. Willie L., burn March 22, 1870, Rosa M., born 
February 7, 1873, Nellie L> . burn January I, 1B7G. 



t Slapp Henry, j' Wayland, farmer and stock grower, 900 acres. 
boru Wethersfield, Conn.. November 18th, 1817, settled 
father Norman Clapp, served in war of 1812; 
grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers; wife Han- 
nah J Herrick, born Springwater August 1 1, 1824, mar- 
ried December 24. 1878; children one, Edwin A., step- 
son Scott A. Farley. Father David Herrick. settled 
181 1 with his father and three brothers. 
Carpenter William, p o Wayland. farmer, carpenter and joiner, 
ires, born Bristol, Ontario county. April. 1821, 
led l s i'-' wife Martha Jones, born Auburn. N. Y.. 
October 12, 1817. married November 28, I s ll ; children 

six, Edward, born August 28. 1842, died In infancy. 
Mar v. born November It. 1844, died November 8K, 1844, 
Phila A., born 1846. Robert, born 1850, died 1851, Wil- 
liam a , born i s "'i. Phoebe, born 1858. Father Joshua 
Jones, with wife and nine children settled 1843. 

Dietzel Charles, farmer, 109 acres, born Germany February 6, 
1819, settled 1885, died November 8, 1874, had been 
highway commissioner and school trustee, came to 

A rica 1846, settled Ilrst In Rochester, next South 

Wayland. next Wayland and last En Springwater; wife 
Caroline Miller, born Germany 1821, married 184T; chil- 
dren four. QenrgP, Jacob, Carrie, Willie. 

Krwiu William J . po Springwater, farmer and sheep grower, 
ISO -acres, born Springwater 1845; wife Rebecca Wood, 

born Penli'ld, Monroe county, married February 22, 

1 866; children four, Eloise K.. Willie G., Hruce Roe, 
Helen O. Father Jared Erwin, settled Mt. Morris 1887, 
is a clothier and cloth dresser, removed to Spring- 
water 1842, Mother Laura Arnold, born Connecticut. 

Eugel Peter, p o Wayland. farmer and stock grower. 1 15 acres. 
bOIll Sandwendel, Germany January 7, 1819. settled 
April 1. 1868, has been school trustee and collector, 
served three years in German army, came to America 
1810, worked first near Philadelphia, moved thence to 
Steuben county 18-lK; wife Barbara Mark, born Sand- 
wendel. Germany. May 1, 1824, married January 2, 1852; 
children eight, Catharine, Mary, John P, Frank and 
Elizabeth, twins, Alexander, Barbara. Jacob. 

Ford Chris* opher, p Springwater. farmer, 105 acres, born Bos- 
ton, Washington county, October 31, 1794. settled IK."-', 
has been poor-master, kept a store for the soldiers of 
1812, attended the first museum in Albany and trav- 
eled three years with an exhibition from ihere; wife 
Laura Willis, born Northumberland county, married 
18l(i, died March 1819. aged 85; children seven, living 
six, Avery, Lucinda, Salina. Phoebe A., Eunice, John. 

Fuller Richard, p o Wayland, farmer. 188 acres, born near Bath. 
Steuben county, January '-'9. iSJu, settled 1805, served 
in Rebellion, was in 107th N, Y. Infantry, Company I, 
was discharged at close of war; wife Minerva J. Ware- 
ing, born Cohocton, Steuben county, November 28, 
1885, married October 14, 1851; children two, Sylvester, 
born November 34tb, 1855, married Cora A. Glover 
June. 1*79, Minnie E , burn January 16, 1870. 

Hudson Joel, p Springwater, farmer, 108 acres, born Chatham, 
Columbia county, October 10, 1794, settled 1820, has 
been justice of the peace 42 years, school commis- 
sioner a"d town clerk, served in war of 1812 and is 
now a pensioner, has been prominently identified with 
the Christian church of Springwater 40 years; wife 
Sarah Hover, boru Washington county, married No- 
vember hi, 1817; children three, Mrs. Lydia A. Bryant, 
Luther B , James M. 

Hunter William, p o Springwater. pastor of Presbyterian 
church. .'! aires, born County Antrim. Ireland, Febru- 
ary '-', 1818, settled 1841, From which time he has been 
pastor of said church, has been school superintendent 
three years and town collector one year; wife Mary 
E. Morris, born Auburn. N. Y., married May 18. 1842; 
children four, Charles R., Frank W., Samuel M., Hat- 
tie M. 

Howe Samuel A., p o Springwater, farmer, 140 acres, born Bos- 
ton, Mass., July 1. 1807, settled 1839; lather. Samuel 
Howe, served in war of 1 S l *J ; wife Emalino C. Nichols 
born Middlebury, Vt., April 20. 1810. married January 
•J'i, 1886; children six, living three, Mrs. Harriet E. 
Purdy, born March 2(i, 1887, Jonathan, born December 
4, 1845, Mis. Martha L. Knowles. born Nov 9. 1862. 

Lawrence Loren, p Wayland. farmer, 105 acres, born Sparta 
October .'JO, l*"-"-', li;is been sehuul trustee; lather John 
Lawrence; wife Rhodlna Kuhn. born Sparta, married 
1862; children three. Nellie. Grant, Willie; father 
Jacob Kuhn, one Of the pioneers of Sparta. 

Lawrence Ira, p <> Wayland, farmer, 150 acres, born Sparta 1827; 
father John Lawrence; wile Julia A. Lewis, boru 
Springwater, married l*'"> ; i: children six. Ida. (lata. 
Lewis, Edward, Katie, Franklin I. Father Jacob Lewis. 

Lamout William, p o Bloods Station, farmer and dealer in stock, 
75 acres, has b?en constable one year, parents Smith 
and Mary Larnont; grandfather Ashbel Lamont settled 
from Vermont 1815, on farm now owned by H. Lamont; 
had brother in 104th Regiment N. Y. Infantry; was 
killed in second Bull Run; wife Sarah A. Doty, burn 
Springwater January 9. 1841, married October 2, 1867; 
children one, Alta. born January 31. 1869. 

[ each \ ti nd. p*o Springwater, farmer, 580 acres, born Cortland 
Co Inly II, 1885, settled ]s.:;; father Alexander Leach 
settled 1887 and had two suns in Rebellion. Silas, who 
vas killed in battle, and Lark, who died in prison ; wife 
Henrictte K Wustfall, born 1841, married March 17, 
1869; children one, Myron J., bum August ■-",*. 1871, 



PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



Marvin Franklin D.. p o Spriugwater, farmer. 100 acres, burn 
Spriugwater October 20. 1836; father Curtis Warner 
Marvin who settled in 1818 and bad one son. Harvey, 
in the Rebellion, died August 26, 1810; wife Angelina 
Croswell, born Springwater November I. 1840. married 
May '4. 1857; children four, Emma, boro April 11. 1859, 
Edgar G.. born March 29, 1864, Curtis, born June 12, 
1869, died April 4, 1873, Frank, born Septeml 
1871 : father Harmon Croswell, who settled at an earlv 
day. and died November 9, J8o9. 

Mead Daniel, p o Springwater. farmer, 155 acres, born Limer- 
ick county, Ireland. 1818, settled 1846, came to Amer- 
ica in 1839, had one English shilling on lauding, and is 
now ownerof 155 acres by hard labor, has been school 
trustee; wife Catharine Horrigan, born Clare county, 
Ireland, married 1850; children four. Micbae), Johu, 
Ellen. .Mary, .Michael and Ellen are school teachers. 
Stepson Bartholomew Catou. served in Rebellion. 

Morris J. G.,p o Springwater. 

Niles James L., p o Springwater. farmer and sheep grower, 200 
acres, born Springwater November •.'■„'. 1826; faher 
Henry J. Niles. settled 1*17; wife Emaline Marvin, 
burn "Springwater. married March 10. 1852; children 
three. Harry J.. Jennie E.. Edward. 

Northrup William M.. p o Wayland. farmer. 169 acres, born 
Charlton. Saratoga county. January 11, 1800, settled 
1815; father Jabez Northrup. settled in Ontario county 
and with the help of his family cleared -liHi acres, 
grandfather Daniel Northrup was a Revolutionary 
soldier; wife Sabriua Tucker, born Livonia June '■i'.i. 
I8«i0, married June 20, 1834; children six, living two, 
William, Wealthy A. 

Norton Wni. H. H.. p o Springwater, farmer, grain speculator 
and breeder of tine sheep. 220 acres, born Springwater 
August 15, 1840; father John B. Norton, settled 1841; 
wife Alice Woodin, born Fishkill, Duchess couniy, 
married August 21. 1870; children two. Millie M., Oak- 
ley W. 

Ostrauder Evert, p o Naples, Ontario county, farmer. 176 acres, 
bora Columbia county October 17. 1834, settled 
wife Eliza Johnson, born Naples September 86, 1810, 
married September 25, 1858; children three, Wm. S., 
born April 24, 1861, died Octobers, I s '' 1 '. Helen, born 
July 2, 1805, W T m. E.. born May 7, 1871. 

Pursel William, farmer and manufacturer, 100 acres, born 
Flemington, N. J.. 1807, settled l s: ; s . has been highway 
commissioner; wife Jane Crossen, born Richmond. « >n- 
tario county, married 1832; children five; had three 
s in the Rebellion, all in First N. Y. Dragoons, De 
Witt, who married Charlotte Atwood, James 31., who 
married Eunice Grover. Benjamin F., who married 
Caroline E. Pemberton. 

Peabody Alvah. p o Springwater, farmer. 108 acres, born Mnn- 
lius. Onondaga coun ! y, Febiuary 18, led 1H1J, 

has been inspector of election; wife H. Jane Quick, 
born near West Point September 20. 1813, married Sep 
tember 15, 1834; children nine Nelson, bora 1835, who 
served in the Rebellion in the Wadsworth Guards and 
died in prison, Albert H . born 1838 and served in Re- 
bellion in Wadsworth Guards Helen, born 1840, Lu- 
cinda, born 1842, Mansou, born 1814, Maggie, born 
is to, Alfred, bom 1851, Frank, born lS5t>, George, born 
1S5S. 

Robinson Edmond A., p o Springwater. farmer, 385 acres, born 
Springwater June 21, 1831, has been supervisor one 
term, was elected by 175 majority on Democratic 
ticket; wife Mary E. Monk, born Spriugwater, mar- 
ried January 15, 1852; children five. Frank, deceased. 
Carrie E.. Estella, James M.. Minnie. Father Joseph 
Robinson, born April 10, 1803, settled 1822, died 1846; 
mother Katharine Spangler. married 1825, died 
children, twelve sons and two daughters 

Rix Sylvester, p o Springwater, farmer, 137 acres, born Verona. 
Oneida county. February 28, 1812, settled 1816; father 
Rufus Rix, who served iu the Revolutionary wbj 
tied 1810 with wife and seven children on land now 
owned by Hiram Becker; had three sons. Edmond, 
who was a captain, Samuel and James, in war of 
1812. 

Rau Benjamin, p o Dansville. carpenter and joiner and farmer, 
87 acres, born Lehigh. Pa.. February 27. 1811, settled 
1820; father Erhard Rau. a pioneer of Sparta: wife Mar- 
garet Cranmer,boru Sparta IMS. married 1834; children 
fifteen, living ten, John W., Mariette, Erhard S., who 
served through the late war. Harriet S Martha, ( oi 
delia. David J. and Elizabeth, twins. Sidney S., Carrie 
A.. Benj. F.. killed in battle before Richmond. David 
Cranmer was one of the pioneers of Sparta and served 
in war of 1812. 

Root James M., p o Springwater. farmer, 125 acres, bom - 

water May 2, 1828; father Amos Root, settled 1825; 
wife Adelaide J. Hopkins, born Springwater August 
10,1834. married December 25. 18T0: children three, 
Charles M., born February 25, 1872, Norman H., born 
December 14, 1873 Zella, born May li. 1875. 

Richards Moses, p o Wayland, farmerand blacksmith, Hi i 
born Sussex county, N. J., April 12. 1805, settl. 
with wife and three children, mare and colt, cow and 
heifer, hog, a dozen hens end ?ISU in nion 
aline Howell, born Sussex county. N. J ., July 5, [809; 
married January 28, 1830, children three, Dunning. 
Julia A., Caroline. 



shaver Stephen, p o Wayland, farmer, blacksmith and cider 
111:111111 . i.om Wayland Iprll 20 1877 

pel tied Jai u born Way- 

ber 10, 1827, marrh d March 1". 1849; chil- 
dren ten, Lorenzo, Wm, M . Enoch H I 
Martha, El i ■ ■ . , rj 

Smith David (i . p o Springwati r, 

land, Pa., August 30, 1818, Bottled 1884 
three years from 1851 to 1854; rather Jacob Smith 
tind in Groveland P i. lV ; wife BUi 

Barber, born S] i .". married 

.March :>. i*|i ; father Erastus I 

■ ttled 18J i. and bad one son, Wm. hV., In « ■ 
Rebellion. 
Snyder Nelson K . p o Springwater, mehanic and farmer, si 

untv. September 8. 1*1*'. 
settled 1817; first wife Polly C Ingle si bom Wash- 
ington COunty March 12, 1821, married January 1 

1810, died M d l wife Fani 

born Townsend. < thio, So\ eml ,i De- 

cember31st, 1857; children eight. James P. was killed 
oond battle of Bull Bun August 30, 1862, \ ibery 
A. was iu wa '' B was in n .. 

Rebellion, Charlie H . deceased, Charlie H Lima k. 
Father Benjamin Snyder. 
Snyder Alonzo, p o Springwater, carpenter and joiner 

proprietor and farmer, GO acres, born Solon. Cortland 
county, November 24, 1614, settled March 20, 1817, has 
been deputy sheriff eighteen years, collector and coo- 
stable; first wife Mary J. St rut ton. married S( ptl 

7, is-'o : second wife Minerva G. Putnam, married Jan, 
uary-20, 18*9: children ten, Susan B died January- 
1868, George L. enlisted as private In 1861, was pruV 
in Libbj . in I and i >ani Hie twenty two 

months, was promoted to captain and died June, 
from disease contracted in prison. Isabel i. Jane A . 
Prank A.. Manly s. Marj ■' • Mag 111 G., Judson P., 
Helen A. Father Benj. Snyder. 
Sharpsteen Doctor, p o Wayland, farmer ami stock buyer. 7." V. 
acres, born Richmond. Onl n i, \ 

■■ \i i led April I -■'■< , has been constal eer of 

the poor in Richmond; first wife Abigail Law > 
born October 31, I 

ond wife Maggie smith, born ■■ - n. married 

■ children, • February '. 

1852, Gilbert, born Augu Sep- 

tember 17, 1859, Bertha v., born November 8, 
Charles J . born Januai born July 7, 

1868, Jennie E., born June 2, 1870, George W .. 
June !W 181 I. 
Skeels Isaac, farmer. 100 acres, born Sand gate, Vt April ii, 
;. ttled 1828, has been highway i c and 

be peace, was in war ol 1812, di 10 
. . . wife Anne Eggleston, born Sbaneateles July 22, 
1794, in.iii; rj October 28, 1812; children eight, Spencer 
s.. Thaddeus H . Ruth, Mary A . James, Harru I 
ighl and Dorr, who was in the Rebellion. 
Schwab Charles, p o Wayland, farmei West 

9 settled 1840; wife Ella Fitz 
Water, bom Canton, Pa. married Ju chil- 

dren three Q 

April 26, 1871 Jr., born December vi. 

Father George Schwab, born B rmany. and 

came to an Hr?t -settled m Pennsylvania, 

i Ontario county, 
thence to Springwater, died Litchfield, Mich., - 
Snyder DeWitt C . p o Springwater, farmer and specula! 
wool and stork. 169 acres, I orn July •-."., 1820 
supervisor three terms: first wife Mary A. Smith, born 
Livonia, married June 19, 1847, died May 12; 1".".;. sec- 
ond wife Calista Crosv a Springwater, married 
June 5, 1859; children six, livln ott W., who 
a soldier in the Rebellion, George II.. Louise. 
ier Benj. Snyder, settled March 2ft 1817; mother 
Darnida Cole, daughter 
fame. 
Swarts Levi, p o Dansville. farmer. 179 acres, born Sparta June 
30, 1828, Betted April 12, 1858; wife B 
born span b bruary 26, Ifi i 
two, Jacob O.. born January 21, IS60, .Mary !■;. 

Father Jin Uled 

In Sj 
Smith Ebenezer. po Springwater. carpenter, farmer and saw- 
flier, 10 acn 

8, settled March 24, I81fi 
captain of State militia; father Abner Smith, ship 
penter. settled 1816; wife ! 

a . 
10, 1834; children one, 

father Harvey Moi rife and six 

children, 
Wiley John, p o Springwater, farmer and Method Is 
Tut) acres, born Daltoi 

tied 1813, served In war o( 1812, has been memberof 

Southworth, 
■-, 

1 1 

nine. Sarah. Eliza, Join - 

li . w b 

ol 104 

lllon in army of Potomac, and mustered oal 

y. ifi 



& 



XXIV 



HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 



Willis Caleb W., p o Springwater. farmer, 120 acres, born Galen. 
Cayuga county August 7, 1816, Mettled 1816, has been 
collector two years, constable eight years and high- 
way commissioner two terms; father Archibald Willis 
who settled 1816; wife Malinda Robinson, born Wol- 
cott, Wayne ounty. March 21, 1818, married June 80, 
1839; children seven. Mephen A., died November 11, 
1878. Alvn-a, died July 27, 1844, Fayette H., Frank, 
Malinda, died September 6, 1865, Ada, Storey. 

Walker Ezra, larmer, 150 acres, born Savoy, Berkshire county, 
Massachusetts. February 2, 1799, fettled 1820, died 
January 87, 1850; wife Harriet Stewart, bom Brattle- 
boro, Vt.. December 11, 1799, married February 1820; 
children nine, William P., deceased. Mary H.. Lucy 
N., Nancy J.. Charles H.. John L.. Harriet S., Lucinda 
C, Ellen A., deceased; father John Stewart, served in 
war of Revolution. 

Wiley John Southworth, p o Springwater, farmer, 7."> acres, 
born Springwater April 1st, 1825, has been collector, 
constable, supervisor and inspector of election: father 
John Wiley: wife N. J. Capron, born Springwater 
February 23. W-l, married June i, 1856; children three, 
Frank S.. horn December 24, 1H.")H. Charles C, born 
September 20, 1854, Minnie E., born September 22, 
1871. 

Wetmore Ira L.. p o Wayland, farmer and stock dealer. £00 
acres, horn Springwater February 28, 1842; father 
Elijah Wetmore. settled is-,*?; wife Lucy H. Parshall, 
born Springwater June 10. 1888, married September 
28, 1866: children four, Z P., born December 2, 1869, 
Emma B.. born July 14, 1S72, Wirt E , born August 23, 
1871, Arch G.. born Decembers, 1*7;. 

Whitlock Ira, p o Springwater. farmer and surveyor. 30 acres, 
born Granville, Washington county, 1804, settled 1H37, 
has been assessor twenty years, justice of the peace 
twelve years and highway commissioner: wife Amelia 
Shuartz, born Mendon 1818, married 1837; children 
one, Samuel L. 
X'l-Veidman John, p o Springwater, farmer and stock grower, 815 
acres, born Sparta November Ifi. 1827. settled 1S.V2, has 
been inspector of election; father Jacob Weidman, 
who was in the war of 1812, and grandfathers served 
in the Revolutionary war: wife Mary A. Hartmon, 
born Sparta February 5, 1827, married 1850; children 
six, Andrew H.. Joel H., Mary V.. John A., Jay K., 
Mark H. Father Henry Hartman settled at an early 
day. 



YORK. 

Blakeslee Senator, p o Greigsville, farmer, born in Wallingford, 
Conn., March 25, 1799, settled in county in Nov.. 1837: 
wife Lucy Hobson, horn in Washington county, N. Y., 
married in March i**»'>: seven children living, Lucy 
and Henry K. living in county. 

Bowden S., p o York, retired. 

Bow Lysander, p o York, farmer. 

Boyd M. H., p o York, farmer. 

Chinas Mary F., p o Fowlerville, farmer. 

Craig William, p o York, farmer, 112 acres, born in Scotland 
Feb. 8, 1797, settled in county in 1823, has been high- 
way commissioner and assessor; wife Jane Stewart, 
born Amsterdam; four children. 

Craig Duncan S., p o York, farmer. 86 acres, born York June 14, 
KM ; wife Elizabeth Walker, born in Canada, married 
March 17, 1857. 

Cooley Orson, p o York, farmer, 130 acres, born York May 13, 
1820; first wife Harriet Russ, born in York, married 
Dec. 26, 1844; second wife born in Paris, N. Y., mar- 
ried June 7, 1877; one child living, Hattie A. 



Dow B. P., p o Fowlervi'ie, manufacturer. 

Dike I. A. M., p o YoV ; '', physician. 

Fraser Wm., p o Fowlerville, merchant. 

Ferren M. N . p o Fowlerville. hardware dealer. 

Fraser J. A., po Fowlerville, farmer. 

Gilmore Thomas, p o York, farmer. 

Gilmore G. E.,p o Fowlerville. 

Gray F. S . . p o xork, farmer. 

Gray James M., p o Greigsville, farmer, 15 acres, born in Her- 
kimer county April 3. 1809, Bet tied in county Nov. 2(i, 
1858, has been justice of peace three terms and notary 
public, third term, and loan commissioner live years: 
wife D. C. L. Fox, born in Hartford. Conn., married 
Jan. 18, 1835; two children, James M., Jr., and Lou- 
isa A. 

Howe John W , p o Fowlerville, merchant. 

Howell William, p o Fowlerville, proprietor of hotel. 

Iunis Duncan, p o York, born in Delaware county <lau. 25, 1813, 
owns 150 acres of land, moved here with his father 
by an ox team when obliged to cut their own road. 

Kennedy Arch, p o York, farmer. 

Long Mrs A. T., p o York, resident. 

Mount Aaron, p o Fowlerville, harness maker. 

McMillin Daniel, p o York, retired. 

McDonald Mrs. David p o York, retired. 

McKean A. F. p o York, merchant. 

McVean Homer, p o Avon, farmer. 

McKeuzie Miss M. A., p o Fowlerville, farmer. 

McDonald D,, p o York, farmer. 

Reid Alex, p o York, farmer. 

Russ Delos, p o York, justice of the peace. 

Russ K W , p o York, farmer. 

Rose George B., p o Fowlerville, farmer. 

Root G. W., p o York, farmer. 

Rico Francis, p o Greigsville, farmer. 

Rice Sylvanu-*, p o Greigsville, farmer, 255 acres, born in Wal- 
lingford, Conn., Feb. 10, 181S, settled in county in 1819; 
wife Janette Smith, born York, married June 1!'. 1845; 
four children. Belle O.. Frank J., Harriet L. and Win. S. 
Father Jas. Rice, died Nov. 9, 1875. 

Randall George W., po York, farmer, 10fj acres, born in Lenox, 
Madison county Nov. 24. 1816, settled in county in 
spring of 1819, has been school trustee twenty years; 
wife Philindia M Palmer, born in Orangeville.N. Y., 
married in 1810; two children living, Ada M. and El- 
gin G. 

Smith H. E., p o Fowlerville, manufacturer. 

Stewart Niel, p o York, farmer. 

Sackett Orange, p o Avon, farmer. 

Sackett Samuel, p o Avon, farmer. 

Stiekney W. B,, p o Fowlerville, farmer. 

Stewart Wm and A. W., p o York, farmers. 

Smith A. W., p o Greigsville, farmer. 184 acres, born in York 
Dec. 19, 1821, has been supervisor and highway com- 
missioner; wife Hannah M. Homer, born ill Norwich, 
Vt., married Apr. 10, 1861; one child, Hattie L., born 
Aug. 18, 1868, living at home. 

Sisson Charles, p o Greigsville, farmer, born iu Greigsville June 
2. 1859. 

Torrey John, p oYork, farmer. 

Whitney George K., p o York, larmer. 

Wadsworth Charles F , p o York, farmer. 

Warren Harlan Page, p o York, farmer and dealer in musical 
instruments, 32 acres, born in York Oct. 18. 1841, has 
been justice of peace two terms: wife Hattie C. Wil- 
liams, born in Livonia, married May 13, I860, two chil- 
dren, Roy T. and Lena E. 

Warren Samuel, born in Herkimer county Oct. 28, 1797, settled 
in county in 1816; wife Sarah Flagg, born in Conway, 
Mass., July 27, 1801. married Nov. 30, 1826; five chil- 
dren, three now living. Josiah, Mary Jane, Harlan 
Page. Samuel Warren died Sept. 14, 186*4; made first 
wine in county iul832; Harlau now carries on the busi- 
ness. 






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